Language Arts/September 27-October 1,2010/LaBarbera/6-1
This list is subject to change during the week as instruction occurs.
Homework and Notes:
1.
For Monday, October 4---Select TWO reading response choices . ie.a) Draw a sketch .... b) Write a prediction; c) Compose a two verse poem or song.... etc. See the packet that was distributed.
The responses reflect separate nightly reading sessions.
2. Study for the Nouns Test--- for Tuesday, Sept. 28. Common , proper, compound nouns will be covered. Demonstrative pronouns, pronouns and their antecedents will be tested. We refer to the parts of speech in writing process sessions. Sheet 7 was assigned today, due tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 28.
3. Extra Credit Option: Students may research Swans , in conjunction with The Summer of the Swans novel. Reports, posters, or summaries are due no later than October 12, for extra credit .
4. An assignment is posted in the Pearson website. Check the site periodically and I will inform students when there is an assignment that is required.
5. A new spelling list will be studied later in the week. A pretest will be administered. As we build vocabulary using prefixes and suffixes, we are also studying vocabulary from our novels.
Word Study: bicolor; bicuspid; bicycle; biennial; bifocals; bilingual; bimonthly; biped; biplane; biweekly; unicellular; unicorn; unicycle; unidirectional; unify; unilateral; unique; unison; unit; unitard. Compose a sentence or use several words in a paragraph, indicating your understanding of the meaning of the words. DATE : To be announced.
Students are to select ten words from the list. Use the words in the correct context in your sentences. Ten sentences are due October 5. No post test.... yet... We will build on this list and have a post test with words containing different prefixes . TBA ( to be announced.)
Vocabulary for the novel, HOOT--ambush, vandalism, monetary, humidity, skeptical, doggedly, sarcasm, menace, consternation, snidely, balefully, provoke, sinewy, gored, disgruntled, dispatcher, forthrightly, civilized. ( Chapters 1-5) The students will have time in class to locate the words in the novel and use a dictionary to jot definitions. This activity is not homework at this time.
Notes: We are going to begin our Novel study/Literature text/mini skill lessons as we also proceed with writing our autobiographical narrative composition. We are busy during the 80 minute Language Arts block. If you have questions, please contact me at school.\
If you have entered the Pearson website for students, there is a prefix activity for students to try. I have reserved the Dell Laptops for students to use in my class next Thursday and Friday. We will explore the text, activities, practice tests, and essay scorer. Eventually, students will compose an essay and have it scored by ESSAY SCORER . The feedback is valuable for revisions.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Language Arts/ 6-1/September 20-24, 2010/LaBarbera
Language Arts /6-1/September 20-24,2010/LaBarbera
Homework for the week.... so far...
1. Pre- test in class this week: List #2/ prefix --"un"/not or none
Vocabulary : uncertain, uncommon, unconscious, undecided, unexpected, unmistakable, unnecessary, untidy, unwise, unworthy. Study the spelling and definitions. Write a sentence for each word that shows you understand the meaning of the word. We will use these words in class discussions, novel reviews, and written work. We will start the work in class. The due date is Friday, September 24. The post test on this list is Monday, September 27.
2. Grammar review--Nouns, common and proper; pronouns-personal pronouns. We will cover demonstrative pronouns. A test on Nouns will take place on September 28. We are creating study guides in class. They should be in the student's accordion folder and Language Arts spiral notebook. Students should be able to identify common and proper nouns, pronouns, antecedents, and demonstrative pronouns.
3. Reading work---Self selected novels for independent reading. The yellow booklet is for this week's reading responses. Four written or typed responses are due Monday, September 27. We will be covering characterization, setting, and plot. Graphic organizers will be shown to illlustrate the structure of the novels .
New posting---September 22\
In class , students are pre-writing an autobiographical narrative composition. Using a "braindrops" graphic organizer, a topic and sub-topics are written in the drops. A "plan" is prepared with complete sentences that will be elaborated in the written draft. A yellow first draft will contain five complete paragraphs after there is instruction on a) how to write an introduction; , b) discussion about complete sentences, fragments,and run-ons; c)instruction and review of paragraphing, capitalization, punctuation, and correct spelling in a written draft. Students will write the entire project in class. I will be able to assess levels of writing. After peer conferencing and revisions, the draft will be approved by the teacher. The final draft is typed. A due date will be established.
Homework for the week.... so far...
1. Pre- test in class this week: List #2/ prefix --"un"/not or none
Vocabulary : uncertain, uncommon, unconscious, undecided, unexpected, unmistakable, unnecessary, untidy, unwise, unworthy. Study the spelling and definitions. Write a sentence for each word that shows you understand the meaning of the word. We will use these words in class discussions, novel reviews, and written work. We will start the work in class. The due date is Friday, September 24. The post test on this list is Monday, September 27.
2. Grammar review--Nouns, common and proper; pronouns-personal pronouns. We will cover demonstrative pronouns. A test on Nouns will take place on September 28. We are creating study guides in class. They should be in the student's accordion folder and Language Arts spiral notebook. Students should be able to identify common and proper nouns, pronouns, antecedents, and demonstrative pronouns.
3. Reading work---Self selected novels for independent reading. The yellow booklet is for this week's reading responses. Four written or typed responses are due Monday, September 27. We will be covering characterization, setting, and plot. Graphic organizers will be shown to illlustrate the structure of the novels .
New posting---September 22\
In class , students are pre-writing an autobiographical narrative composition. Using a "braindrops" graphic organizer, a topic and sub-topics are written in the drops. A "plan" is prepared with complete sentences that will be elaborated in the written draft. A yellow first draft will contain five complete paragraphs after there is instruction on a) how to write an introduction; , b) discussion about complete sentences, fragments,and run-ons; c)instruction and review of paragraphing, capitalization, punctuation, and correct spelling in a written draft. Students will write the entire project in class. I will be able to assess levels of writing. After peer conferencing and revisions, the draft will be approved by the teacher. The final draft is typed. A due date will be established.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Language Arts /6-1 /September 14-September 20, 2010
Language Arts/6-1/September 14-20,2010/LaBarbera
Homework: 1. The spelling work of ten sentences was due September 14. The MAP tests for two days took over our block. We will have the post test covering correct spelling and definitions on September 15, Wednesday. Students should study the definitions carefully.
2. All Language Arts students are expected to read silently at home for a minimum of 20 minutes per night. A literature response is a minimum of a half page of detail that thoroughly answers the question . A sixth grade sentence has a minimum of seven words. A Sixth grade paragraph has seven to 10 sentences. Be descriptive. Include the title of the book! Note the reading rubric for points .
Due to MAP testing, students should read silently this week. No written responses are due September 20. We will resume literature responses next week in booklet form.
3. We are studying nouns, pronouns, compound nouns, antecedents, and demonstrative pronouns. After a thorough review , we will announce a test date on these topics. Students will have notes in their spirals and access to their text online. ( Passwords will be assigned shortly.)
4. We are reading a realistic fiction novel in the classroom. The literature text skills cover prediction and reasons. As testing concludes, our schedule will return to novel study and skill work.
Curriculum Night is 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15. Parents and Guardians are invited.
Homework: 1. The spelling work of ten sentences was due September 14. The MAP tests for two days took over our block. We will have the post test covering correct spelling and definitions on September 15, Wednesday. Students should study the definitions carefully.
2. All Language Arts students are expected to read silently at home for a minimum of 20 minutes per night. A literature response is a minimum of a half page of detail that thoroughly answers the question . A sixth grade sentence has a minimum of seven words. A Sixth grade paragraph has seven to 10 sentences. Be descriptive. Include the title of the book! Note the reading rubric for points .
Due to MAP testing, students should read silently this week. No written responses are due September 20. We will resume literature responses next week in booklet form.
3. We are studying nouns, pronouns, compound nouns, antecedents, and demonstrative pronouns. After a thorough review , we will announce a test date on these topics. Students will have notes in their spirals and access to their text online. ( Passwords will be assigned shortly.)
4. We are reading a realistic fiction novel in the classroom. The literature text skills cover prediction and reasons. As testing concludes, our schedule will return to novel study and skill work.
Curriculum Night is 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15. Parents and Guardians are invited.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Language Arts/ LaBarbera/6-1/Sept. 8-14,2010
Language Arts/LaBarbera/6-1/Sept. 8-14,2010
Homework:
1. Study vocabulary with the prefix "co-" and "com-". Study the spelling and the definition of each word. Compose a sentence using each word correctly in a sentence. This work is due next Tuesday, September 14. A POST TEST ON THIS LIST WILL TAKE PLACE after the MAP tests are completed, or Sept. 15, if necessary.
Vocab.: coexist, cohesive, coincidence, combine, commiserate, committee, communication, community, compare, compatible.
2. Literature responses: Read 20-30 minutes nightly. Select 3 different choices for your responses.( Choices: a) Explain how the main character changes from the beginning of the story to the end. How does the author let you know that the character is changing? b) How does the setting help you understand what is happening in the story? Where does the story take place? When does the story take place?
c) Identify the main problem in the story. What resources will the main character use to solve the problem? Identify the protagonist and the antagonist. d) Compare the experience(s) of the main character in this story with experiences of your own.
Note the rubric attached to the choice sheet. Three responses are due
Monday, September 13. Use dark ink or type your work. Proofread for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. The parent signs the cover sheet confirming the student is reading at least 20 minutes per night.
Rubric of 4 points:
I explain the important information the author stated and the author meant.
I connect the important ideas to my own ideas and experiences.
I include examples and important details to support my explanation.
I use the author's ideas and my own explanation in a balanced way.
When you have a long range assignment, chip away at the work in small pieces so that the entire project is completed on time.
Study over a period of days rather than "cram" for a test.
Notes: This week we are covering nouns in our Grammar and Writing text, reviewing prefixes with our new word list, reading a common novel in class so that we have a working vocabulary : prediction, characters, setting , plot, conclusion. We will begin reading our Literature text. ( I am working on entering student names in the computer for home access. )
Next week Monday and Tuesday, students will take a MAP test in Language Arts classes on computers. Reading and math will be tested.
Homework:
1. Study vocabulary with the prefix "co-" and "com-". Study the spelling and the definition of each word. Compose a sentence using each word correctly in a sentence. This work is due next Tuesday, September 14. A POST TEST ON THIS LIST WILL TAKE PLACE after the MAP tests are completed, or Sept. 15, if necessary.
Vocab.: coexist, cohesive, coincidence, combine, commiserate, committee, communication, community, compare, compatible.
2. Literature responses: Read 20-30 minutes nightly. Select 3 different choices for your responses.( Choices: a) Explain how the main character changes from the beginning of the story to the end. How does the author let you know that the character is changing? b) How does the setting help you understand what is happening in the story? Where does the story take place? When does the story take place?
c) Identify the main problem in the story. What resources will the main character use to solve the problem? Identify the protagonist and the antagonist. d) Compare the experience(s) of the main character in this story with experiences of your own.
Note the rubric attached to the choice sheet. Three responses are due
Monday, September 13. Use dark ink or type your work. Proofread for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. The parent signs the cover sheet confirming the student is reading at least 20 minutes per night.
Rubric of 4 points:
I explain the important information the author stated and the author meant.
I connect the important ideas to my own ideas and experiences.
I include examples and important details to support my explanation.
I use the author's ideas and my own explanation in a balanced way.
When you have a long range assignment, chip away at the work in small pieces so that the entire project is completed on time.
Study over a period of days rather than "cram" for a test.
Notes: This week we are covering nouns in our Grammar and Writing text, reviewing prefixes with our new word list, reading a common novel in class so that we have a working vocabulary : prediction, characters, setting , plot, conclusion. We will begin reading our Literature text. ( I am working on entering student names in the computer for home access. )
Next week Monday and Tuesday, students will take a MAP test in Language Arts classes on computers. Reading and math will be tested.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Language Arts/LaBarbera/Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2010
Language Arts/ LaBarbera/August 30-September 3,2010.
Homework for Wednesday, September 1, 2010:
-Complete your two reading responses due this Friday, September 3.
-Complete the reading survey distributed in today's class by Friday, September 3.
-Look up the word " truth" in the dictionary.
-Begin thinking about the ( pre-writing) content of an upcoming autobiographical narrative composition we will begin in Language Arts class. What are your interests and hobbies? What are your goals and dreams? Who are the friends or family that influence you ? Stay tuned.
1. Students are bringing home a letter from Ms. LaBarbera with email address, voice-mail number, and blog address. It is in the Language Arts slot of the accordion folder.
2. Homework for August 30:
a) Read and study the Rules for Spelling Sheet. Notice the exceptions to the rule.
b.) Continue reading your novel at home for 30 minutes a night. New choices were distributed for reading responses. Select two activities from the list. This work will be collected
Friday, September 3.
c.) Check the blog for a developing vocabulary/word study list and other assignments.
We are in the process of introducing the new texts and activities for Language Arts.
Other notes: We are easing our way into the new textbooks for Literature as well as the new Grammar and Writing Textbook. Students will receive access codes . The books are online. There are activities, practice quizzes, and other materials online for students to complete .
The main office of the school will distribute the access code to Power School, or the electronic gradebook. You will have access to your child's grades 24/7. There is a mid-term progress report sent home during the middle of October, prior to parent-teacher conferences. Samples of your child's work are saved in a portfolio you will view during the October conference. The first trimester ends November 23. A report card will be issued December 10.
Incentives: Near the end of the school year an Honor Roll Recognition breakfast is held to acknowledge students who have been on the Brooks Honor Roll for the first and second trimesters.
Homework for Wednesday, September 1, 2010:
-Complete your two reading responses due this Friday, September 3.
-Complete the reading survey distributed in today's class by Friday, September 3.
-Look up the word " truth" in the dictionary.
-Begin thinking about the ( pre-writing) content of an upcoming autobiographical narrative composition we will begin in Language Arts class. What are your interests and hobbies? What are your goals and dreams? Who are the friends or family that influence you ? Stay tuned.
1. Students are bringing home a letter from Ms. LaBarbera with email address, voice-mail number, and blog address. It is in the Language Arts slot of the accordion folder.
2. Homework for August 30:
a) Read and study the Rules for Spelling Sheet. Notice the exceptions to the rule.
b.) Continue reading your novel at home for 30 minutes a night. New choices were distributed for reading responses. Select two activities from the list. This work will be collected
Friday, September 3.
c.) Check the blog for a developing vocabulary/word study list and other assignments.
We are in the process of introducing the new texts and activities for Language Arts.
Other notes: We are easing our way into the new textbooks for Literature as well as the new Grammar and Writing Textbook. Students will receive access codes . The books are online. There are activities, practice quizzes, and other materials online for students to complete .
The main office of the school will distribute the access code to Power School, or the electronic gradebook. You will have access to your child's grades 24/7. There is a mid-term progress report sent home during the middle of October, prior to parent-teacher conferences. Samples of your child's work are saved in a portfolio you will view during the October conference. The first trimester ends November 23. A report card will be issued December 10.
Incentives: Near the end of the school year an Honor Roll Recognition breakfast is held to acknowledge students who have been on the Brooks Honor Roll for the first and second trimesters.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
LANGUAGE ARTS-LaBarbera/Aug. 25-27,2010
Language Arts/LaBarbera/August 25-27, 2010
Reminders and homework:
1. Track down the computer and printer you will use for final typed drafts that will be completed during this trimester. You may bring your flash drive to school and use the library computers before school. The library opens at 8 a.m.
2. Renew or apply for a public library card ( Not homework.) This is recommended so that students have access to a wide choice of books for nightly reading.
3. Fill out the Parent Contact Sheet . Return it to school by Friday, Aug. 27. The sheet is kept in a file by the teacher. The information is not shared.
4. The student will select a novel to read at home. Nightly reading is required for at least 30 minutes per night. This time may be broken into two 15 minute time periods. The student will read the book and write a brief literature response.
"The title of the book I am reading is_________________________by ____author____.
I read from pages.._______ to _________. In the next section, I predict that ... ( What the characters will do...... the obstacles....... the outcome??? .....) The reason I think this is because...... ( This response may be brief. Some students may want to elaborate and that is encouraged. ) Due: Friday, August 27, 2010
This assignment will count as participation/ homework / literature response practice.
5. Parents will eventually receive a pass code to retrieve their child's grades in the electronic gradebook.
6. Please contact the teacher with any questions or concerns as we begin the academic program.
Reminders and homework:
1. Track down the computer and printer you will use for final typed drafts that will be completed during this trimester. You may bring your flash drive to school and use the library computers before school. The library opens at 8 a.m.
2. Renew or apply for a public library card ( Not homework.) This is recommended so that students have access to a wide choice of books for nightly reading.
3. Fill out the Parent Contact Sheet . Return it to school by Friday, Aug. 27. The sheet is kept in a file by the teacher. The information is not shared.
4. The student will select a novel to read at home. Nightly reading is required for at least 30 minutes per night. This time may be broken into two 15 minute time periods. The student will read the book and write a brief literature response.
"The title of the book I am reading is_________________________by ____author____.
I read from pages.._______ to _________. In the next section, I predict that ... ( What the characters will do...... the obstacles....... the outcome??? .....) The reason I think this is because...... ( This response may be brief. Some students may want to elaborate and that is encouraged. ) Due: Friday, August 27, 2010
This assignment will count as participation/ homework / literature response practice.
5. Parents will eventually receive a pass code to retrieve their child's grades in the electronic gradebook.
6. Please contact the teacher with any questions or concerns as we begin the academic program.
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.
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.
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