Saturday, August 14, 2010

Language Arts/ LaBarbera/Grade 6/2010-2011 school year

Language Arts/ LaBarbera/Grade 6/2010-2011 school year.

Hello!! Welcome to Sixth Grade!! You are about to embark upon a learning adventure!!

Language Arts class will be an 80 minute block of time which will include literacy skills, novel study, responses to literature, writing process, expanding vocabulary, the six traits of writing, and the study of grammar. With an integrated approach and with our new Prentice Hall series your reading and writing will reach new heights.
Materials : You need to bring at least two black/blue pens , a spiral notebook, a pocket folder,and a slot in your accordion folder for Language Arts. Optional:( yellow lined writing process paper for first drafts.)
Check this blog for lesson topics, homework assignments, and general sixth grade updates.

How can a parent help the student ? Ask your child to "check the blog" , instead of asking if there is homework. Once you check the blog, you will know the homework assignment.
Encourage students to proofread their work. If you see glaring errors, say, " Check paragraph three for correct punctuation." Let your child own his/her work, but feel free to guide the student to correction.

Communication: This blog will be kept current through the school week. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the teacher. Let's work together for the progress of the child.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Literacy Skills for 6-1/Language Arts for June 1-3, 2010

Literacy Skills for 6-1/ Language Arts for June 1-3, 2010.

1. Return any remaining library books to our school media center.
Indicate if the book belongs on the AR cart or is checked out in your name.
2. Bring your own library book to school June 1 and 2. The Literature text book is available for all students.
3. Write the titles of 7 books you want to read this summer. Locate them and read!!!
4. Ideas and Suggestions: Form a book club. Read and discuss favorite books. Look into programs like these at the local library.
5. Write a book. ( Never say there's nothing to do.)
6. Balance your summer with family, friends, fun, frolic, and BOOKS!!!
Enjoy and thank you !
Ms. L.

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/June 1-3, 2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/June 1-3, 2010

1. On June 1, Tuesday, I will be attending a Language Arts Department meeting, establishing the guidelines for instruction of Language Arts for the upcoming school year. The substitute teacher has 4 pages of lesson plan instructions to follow.
a. Students must complete the writing of "Advice to Incoming Sixth Graders" in class. The written draft will be collected.
b. Upon completion of the essay, a timeline activity is assigned. Written comments may be placed on the back of the sheet. This will be yours to keep.
c. The Literature text book will be read after writing activities are completed.
d. All classroom rules and high expectations continue .

Ideas for the Summer:
Write lists to remind yourself of important tasks.
Write in a journal daily . Express your feelings and dreams.
Write letters to friends online or in penmanship. Follow the rules for writing a "friendly letter."
Write free verse poetry . Many of you explode with talent in this form~!!!!
Enjoy.
L.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/May 24-28,2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/May 24-May 28., 2010


1. May 24--Monday
Oral reports, presentations, debates, skits, and commercials will be presented in class.
Submit the typed script. All presentations must be school appropriate.

2. May 25--Tuesday
PBIS schedule is : Class periods: 1,2,3,7,8,9,4,5,6, Advisory, PBIS activity ( 2:15-3:30 p.m.)
Language Arts---Continue oral presentations. Work on essay entitled : "Advice to Incoming Sixth Graders." Final draft due June 1.

3. May 26--- Wednesday
Career Day schedule--
9:00-9:10 Advisory
9:15-9:45 Speaker#1
9:50-10:20Speaker#2
10:25-10:55-Speaker#3
11:00-11:30Speaker#4
11:33....4th Period ( 6th grade lunch)
Start regular Mon/Thur bell schedule.)

Language Arts----Writing, Oral presentations, Literature

4. May 27----Thursday
Awards Assembly Schedule
Language Arts-------Complete the essay, "Advice to Incoming Sixth Graders."

5. May 28--Friday
Boat Cruise... end of the year trip to 9th period.
Students will attend their 9th period class upon return.

We have 6 parent parent chaperones and five /6-1 teachers chaperoning 6-1 students.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/May 17-May 21, 2010

Language Arts for 6-1--LaBarbera/May 17-21, 2010

1. Final typed drafts of the science fiction or fantasy story are due May 17.
2. Oral presentations and script are due May 20-May 27. Grades are due May 27.
3. We will continue short writing projects including sky writing messages, fortune cookie fortunes, and how to write a friendly letter. Time permitting, we will write a business letter of complaint or compliment.
4. Students will take home their writing process folders on May 20. Check for an initial or signature slip to confirm your receipt of the writing folder.
5. The pilot text, Literature, will be read in class. The unit on folk tales will be covered through June 2.
6. Students will self evaluate their language arts progress.

Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/May 17-May 21, 2010

Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/May 17-May 21, 2010

1. Research file should include a summary of your findings. Be prepared to discuss futuristic findings in small group discussions.
2. Complete the work for The White Mountains no later than May 24. This includes the story triangle, the timeline, and the AR test.
3. Bring books of self selection for silent reading between May 24-June 2. Self evaluation for literacy skills will occur in class.
4. We will have a concluding activity/ futuristic clothing/ in class during the week of May 24.
5. The Book Fair is scheduled for May 18, 19, 20. Language Arts classes will have time slots to shop at the Book Fair. ( 10% sales tax.).

Friday, May 7, 2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/ May 10-May 14, 2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/May 10-May 14, 2010

1. FINAL TYPED DRAFT of the Science fiction or Fantasy story is due May 14 ( Friday), and no later than Monday, May 17. Students are encouraged to conference drafts with peers and proofread their work.

2. Oral Presentation project.
ALL students will be responsible for an oral presentation project between May 18- June 1 , in class. The list of directions has been distributed. A specific date will be assigned.
a. Select a theme or topic. b. Decide if you will present a solo, duet, or trio. c. Select an option for presentation: Examples: Select poetry, music, or an excerpt of a story with your theme. OR ...Write a poem, compose a song, create a commercial, present a serious monologue, a humorous monologue, a short skit, or conduct a short debate.
THE OBJECTIVE is to speak in front of your language arts class prepared and proud.
The rubric includes Introduction/closing ( Wait for the audience to be quiet. Introduce yourself and the presentation. Know time limits. Have a clear closing. ) Within the presentation, have even weight distribution on both feet. Lean on nothing. Use hands to gesture informally. Facial expression should be relaxed and eye contact should be made with the audience. Be composed. Use language appropriate to the subject and the audience. Presentation aids, props, and /or costumes are permitted if they enhance your presentation.
We will be covering volume, stance, speech rate , voice inflection, and note cards.
You will be assigned a time and date for your presentation. Start your plan.