Week of December 19, 2011

The students will continue to gather their research for their cultural analysis of Cinderella.  This is the last week for story reading and note taking.  Many students have used their class time wisely and are ready to begin writing the first draft.   This is not homework over the holiday break.  Students will have time for writing in January. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

     Students continued to work on their Cinderella project.  The requirements are listed below.  Most of the work for this project will be done in class.  The projects are due January 10th.  This WILL NOT be assigned as homework over the vacation.  Students will have time to work on it the first week of January. They will be required to complete the final draft of their essay outside of class. There will not be any other language arts homework during this time period (except spelling homework the week of January 2nd).

Cinderella Project

Due Date: ___________________________

Requirements:

      1.  You must review 4 different cultural versions of “Cinderella”.  Complete the story chart.  (10 pts.)

      2. Complete the Venn diagram sheet.  Make sure you label the four circles with the title, author, and country.  The details you use for comparing and contrasting should be very specific.  The country should not be used as one of the differences.  You need at least 5 similarities and 5 differences. (40 pts.)

      3. Write a compare/contrast essay using the four cultural versions that you read. (100 pts.)

1. Correct introduction with a creative opener and a purpose sentence.  There should also be information on the stories that were read, the authors, and the cultures. (25)
2. Correct paragraph structure.  Topic sentences should indicate which stories the paragraph will include.  Detail sentences should be specific examples from the stories. (25)
3. There should be paragraphs that explain how the stories are the same and paragraphs that describe how they are different. (20)
4. After you have written the first (rough) draft.  You must proof read and edit.  You must show this on the essay.  You must also have a second person proof and edit.  Their work must be shown and they must sign the essay. (20)
5. Final draft must be in ink or typed.  If typed it must be two full pages, double-spaced and size 12 font.  If it is handwritten in ink, it must be 6 full  pages, not skipping lines.  The ink must be black or blue. (6)
6. Make sure your name is on the essay and there is a title. (2)
7. This sheet must also be attached when the project is turned in. (2)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Reading: Students began work on the "Cinderella Project".
English: Verbs worksheet-homework

Monday, December 12, 2011

No spelling homework this week because of the delayed start.  There will not be another spelling homework assignment until 2012.

Writing: Students began work on cause-effect writing assignment.  Students could choose to write a narrative, an essay, or a three-verse rhyming poem.

No reading assignment today.

Friday, December 9, 2011

English- Finishing verbs unit.
Reading- Character analysis activity

Students who have everything caught up have no homework this weekend. 

Wednsday, December 7, 2011

Students worked on a graphic organizer for summarizing the plot of "Breaker's Bridge".
Writing: Students began writing a three paragraph descriptive essay.  Will continue to work on it tomorrow.

Spelling homework is due tomorrow.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Students wrote a three-paragraph essay in class to practice the use of the different verb tenses.
No homework.    

Thursday, December1, 2011

Spelling test today. 
Reading: "Dragon, Dragon" comprehension worksheet- hw.
English: Final review of subject-verb agreement.  English worksheet- hw.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Reading:  Read the story "Dragon, Dragon". Continued reviewing elements of a folk tale.

Spelling: Homework due tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Reading: Discussed story elements of "Mowgli's Brothers".  Students have a comprehension packet that is to be completed for homework.

No English homework tonite.  Continued the review of subject/verb agreement.    

Monday, November 28, 2011

Students are back on a more normal schedule in language arts.  We are actually going to have a full week this week!

Reading: Students began their study of the folk tale genre.  Students need to read "Mowgli's Brothers" in their reading text.

English: Finishing up the study of verbs.  This week we are reviewing subject-verb agreement.

Spelling:  "Verbs" spelling list.  Homework is due Thursday at the beginning of the hour.    

Tuesday/Wednesday, November 22/23, 2011

  No homework will be assigned today or tomorrow.  Students who have not turned in their personal narrative will be redlined and therefore will have homework over the holiday break.




Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 21, 2011

No Homework tonight.  Students finished watching the movie The Miracle Worker.

Friday, November 18, 2011

No homework for most students.  There are students who did not turn in their personal narrative and/or their writing folder.  These students will be redlined next week if they are not turned in.

Students have been watching The Miracle Worker, the story of Helen Keller.

Thursday, November17, 2011

Students have a personal narrative due tomorrow.

Most students turned in their signed writing folder today.  Tomorrow is the deadline.  If you have not yet read through your child's writing folder, please do so tonite.  I think that you will find it to be fun reading. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Writing: Students organized their writing folders and completed their writing logs.  Each student is bringing home their folder and completed assignments.  Parents are being asked to look over their writing, sign the writing log, and return everything to school by Friday.

There are no reading, English, or spelling homework assignments this week.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Because of the delayed start, there is  no spelling homework this week.

Remember that there is no school tomorrow.

Writing: Personal Narrative is due Friday, November 18th.

Friday, November 11, 2010

Thanks to all the veterans who have served our country!!

No homework, but students have a personal narrative due November 18th.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Writing: Students have a long term writing project.  They must write a personal narrative.  They were given a rubric for this project and the final draft is due November 18th.

Thanks to those of you who voted to support the school millage!!

Parent/Teacher Conferences are tomorrow.  Conferences begin at 1:00.  Report cards and fundraising items will be available during conferences.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Reading:   Continued to work on the "Narratives" quiz.  Students who did not finish, need to finish it for homework.

English: Continued our review of irregular verbs.  Students have a worksheet on irregular verbs for homework.

Don't forget to vote in the millage election today!

Monday, November 7,2011

Hope to see everyone at Parent-Teacher conferences on Thursday.  Remember that in the middle school, there are no specifically scheduled times for each student.

Spelling: Homework (verbs) is due on Friday this week.

Reading: Students began their test over the narrative genre.  They will
complete test tomorrow in class.

English: Irregular verbs review.  There will be a quiz on irregular
verbs next week.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Writing: Students reviewed elements of poetry.  Began working on a three verse poem about past, present, and future.  Final copy, in ink or typed, is due on Wednesday.  Look for their creative ideas when you come for parent conferences next Thursday.  The poems will be posted on their lockers.

  Fund raiser items will be given to parents the night of conferences.

Today is the end of the marking period.  All missing assignments will become zeroes on Monday.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Reading:   Finish reading "Aaron's Gift".  Complete selection test for homework.

English:  "Verb Tense" worksheet for homework

Marking period ends tomorrow.  All missing assignments will become  zeroes in the grade book on Monday.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

   Spelling:   Homework due tomorrow.

Writing: "Most Embarrassing Moment" essay is due tomorrow.

Reading: Students began to review for the end of genre quiz about narrative text.  Quiz will be next week.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Spelling:  Homework is due Thursday at the beginning of the hour.
Writing: Students have been working on "Most Embarrassing Moment" essays in class the past few days.  There is a rubric, and the final draft is due on Thursday.

Remember that there is no school tomorrow.  It is a professional development day for teachers.

Have a happy and safe Halloween.    

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Students continued to work on their "Literary Terms Glossary".  It is due on Friday.

There is no new homework tonight, just the glossary.

Book report is due October 28th.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Continued work on the "Literary Terms" glossary project.  Due Friday.

Spelling- Because of the heavy work load this week, there will be no spelling homework this week.

The end of the marking period is quickly approaching.  All missing assignments will earn "0" points at the end of the marking period.

Book report and comprehension worksheet are due this Friday.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Students began work on the "Literary Terms Glossary" project.  They worked during class today and will work on it again all hour on Monday. The project is due October 28th.

Literary Terms Little Book Rubric

 

   Due: October 28 ^th, 2011

__________Cover [3 points]  

·         Title: Literary Terms Glossary

·         Author & Illustrator: “By: first & last name”

·         Illustration: Fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 1 [4 points]

·         Define “setting” in your own words.

·         Word should be spelled correctly.

·         Illustration: Fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 2 [10 points]     

·         Define “internal conflict” , “external conflict”, and resolution in your own words.

·         Words should be spelled accurately under  secret flaps

·         Illustration: Goes with example;  fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 3 [4 points]

·         Define “motive” in your own words.

·         Word should be spelled correctly.

·         Illustration: Goes with example;  fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 4 [4 points]

·         Define “cause/effect” in your own words.

·         Term should be done accurately under a secret flap

·         Illustration: Goes with example;  fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 5 [8 points]

·         “Main characters” and “minor characters” should be defined in your own words.

·         Terms should be defined accurately under a secret flap

·         Illustration: Goes with example;  fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 6 [4 points]

·         Define “mood/atmosphere” in your own words.

·         Illustration: Goes with the words;  fully colored (no plain paper)

__________Page 7 [4 points]      

• Define “plot summary” in your own words.
• Illustration: Goes with the words;  fully colored (no plain paper 

 __________Effort & Neatness [4 points]           

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

MEAP testing is completed.  We will start on our regular schedule again tomorrow.

Reading- Students have a comprehension packet due tomorrow.
Spelling- Spelling homework is due tomorrow.

Summer of the Swans  
                 Book report and analysis worksheets due on
                     October 28th.  
                  The clock is ticking on this assignment!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Reading:   Students have a comprehension packet for "The Pigman & Me".  It is due Thursday. 


MEAP testing continues tomorrow. The testing will be complete by lunchtime.

Monday, October 17, 2011

   Spelling: Homework due Thursday.  The words and activities are a continued review of plurals.

Reading:    Students read "Names and Nombres" in class.  We will be discussing the various internal and external conflicts found in the story during class tomorrow.

English:   Continued to review plural and possessive nouns.

BOOK REPORT ON SUMMER OF THE SWANS IS DUE OCTOBER 28TH.

MEAP testing continues tomorrow.  Students are encouraged to get a good night's sleep.  Free breakfast is offered in the multi-use room before school.

Friday OCtober 14, 2011

 

No homework this weekend.  Everyone enjoy the "Big Game" !!
MEAP testing resumes on Tuesday, October 18.

Monday, October 10, 2011

   Spelling:   Because of the delayed start today, there is no spelling
            homework this week.

MEAP testing this week.
   * Students should come to school well rested.
   * Free breakfast is being served on the days of testing.
   * Please encourage your student to do their best on the MEAP tests.
   * Attendance is important to test completion.

Students- please bring a book for silent reading
 with you to your classes. 

Friday, October 7, 2011

 No homework!

Enjoy the weekend.  Please get some extra sleep so that you
are well rested for the MEAP test next week.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

No new homework for tonight.  Students have assignments that we have been working on in class over the course of the past week.  Those assignments are due tomorrow.

   Due on Thursday:
              Comprehension questions on pg. 12
              Comprehension questions on pg. 22
              3-paragraph "Shoe Story"


MEAP testing begins next Tuesday.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

  Today is "Ketchup Day".
There were a variety of assignments that we have started over the past week and never really had time to complete.  So, students used this day to work on those assignments.

   * Fix/late papers due by tomorrow
   * Spelling homework due tomorrow
   * English/Selection test that was due today
   * The "Shoe" story due be Friday
   *  ?s on pg. 12 due by Friday
   *  ?s on pg. 22 due by Friday
   *  Daily writing journals must be up to date
              by Friday

Students who had everything  completed read Summer of the Swans.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Reading: Story element ?s on pg. 22. Answer #s 2, 3, 4, &5 in complete sentences.
                HW: Selection Test # 4

English: Review of possessive nouns
                HW: Plural/possesive worksheet

Parents- Next week is MEAP week. (Oh Boy!)  Please encourage your student to get lots of sleep and to eat a good breakfast each morning.  The test will be given Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The MEAP will be completed on October 18 and 19.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Reading:   Read the story "Stray" in class.

English:  Reviewed plural noun rules.

Writing: Continued to work on our "Shoe Story".

Spelling:  Homework is being used to practice plural nouns.  Spelling homework is due Thursday at the beginning of the hour.  Spelling quiz is Thursday at the beginning of the hour.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Writing; Students began writing "A Shoe Story".  This essay will be continued in class next Monday.  It was not assigned for homework.      

Students have no homework in language arts for the weekend.  They could continue read  Summer of the Swans for their book report.


Please remember that the order forms and money for the fund raiser are due in to the office on Monday.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Reading: Homework is the Selection Test for "The Sound of Summer Running".  Students should use their book to help them with the answers.

English- Homework is the subject/predicate worksheet.  Students do not have to the enrichment activity on the back of the worksheet.

Spelling homework was due today.  Students took the quiz over the words. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Reading- Vocabulary worksheet and comprehension worksheet for homework.  Due Wednesday.

Signed redline sheets due today to avoid ZAP on Thursday.

Hope the orders for the fundraiser are going well.  Remember to collect the money when the order is placed.  Order forms are due back at school on October 3rd.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Spelling- List involves common and proper nouns.  Homework is due Thursday, at the beginning of the hour.

Reading:  Book report was assigned.  Students will be reading The Summer of the Swans.  They were given a rubric for the written report, as well as a critical thinking worksheet to be completed. They were also provided with a folder to keep everything all together.  All assignments for this novel are due on October 28th and should be turned in inside the folder.  Students may turn these assignments in early.

Friday, September 23, 2011

No homework.

Please check with your student about redline.  All missing work is expected to be turned in on Monday.  Signed redline sheets are due to me on Tuesday to avoid the ZAP program on Thursday.

Find raiser information is coming home today.  Please review the materials.  Order forms are due back at school on Monday, October 3rd.

Hope everyone has a super weekend.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Reading: Students were to read the story "Becky and the Wheels-and- Brake Boys".  After reading, students needed to identify the characters, mood, setting, plot, and theme of the story.
              Homework: Selection Test for "Eleven"

English: Review worksheet for subject/predicate

All assignments are due at the beginning of the hour tomorrow.

Students will be receiving their fund raiser materials tomorrow during 8th hour.  Please examine the materials over the weekend.  Money is used for field trips, prizes, and various other middle school needs.  Thanks for your help with this.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

   Spelling:     Homework is due tomorrow.  Spelling quiz is also tomorrow.

   English: Continued with parts of a sentence.  There was a sentence identification worksheet due today.

   Reading:  Students added more "story elements" vocabulary words to their vocabulary journal.  Discussing narrative, personal narrative, and conflicts this week.  Students had a review sheet due today.

   Writing: Completed and turned in the first four-paragraph essay of the school year. 

Remember that Thursday is "Redline List Day".  Students who have missing assignments in any of their classes will be redlined at 3:00.

Monday, September 19, 2011

   Spelling:   First week for spelling homework.  Students have a list of words and three activities that need to be completed.  Spelling homework is due Thursday at the beginning of the hour.

Writing: Students have started to work on their first essay assignment.  This writing is to be done in class and they will not be bringing it home for homework.

Remember that most students will be walking to the tennis courts tomorrow.  Basketballs, footballs, and volleyballs are allowed.  Students should dress for the weather.  Students that were redlined for missing work will not be allowed to participate.

Students who were redlined must turn in their missing work and signed redline sheet by 3:00 Tuesday.  I will be calling the parents of those who have not completed their work.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Students reviewed the story elements we have been working with all this week.  They read a short excerpt from a novel and analyzed the story elements.  Students also practiced answering questions with complete answers.  All work was completed in class and there is no homework.

Have a terrific weekend!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Reading: Homework is Open Book test over "Old Ben".
English: Homework is plural nouns review worksheet.

Both of these assignments are due Friday, at the beginning of the hour. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Reading: Students read an excerpt from the book Old Ben.  We began analyzing the following story elements: characters, plot, setting, mood, and theme.
              characters: who or what of the story; animals or people who are important to the story
               plot: action in the story; the main events
               setting: time and place
               mood: the feeling/emotions created by the story
               theme: life lesson; what the author wants the reader to learn.

No homework- Wednesday is not my homework night.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Students began their vocabulary journals today after discussing story elements and nouns.
Reading- Students need to read pg. 54 in the reading text and identify characters, setting, and mood of the story.

English- Common/proper noun review worksheet.  Due tomorrow.

Monday, September. 12, 2011

  The first week of school was terrific.  This year's 6th grade is off to a tremendous start!

There is no spelling homework this week because today was a delayed start.

Otherwise, this will be a normal week in language arts with homework on Tuesday and Thursday this week.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Well- every student made it through the first week of sixth grade!!

No homework for the weekend.  Relax and rest up because next week we get down to business.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Students were given their reading and English textbooks today. 

Homework: "Scavenger Hunt" worksheet is due tomorrow.
   Students should answer the questions about their textbooks.  Top half of the worksheet has questions about the reading text and the bottom half addresses the English text.

September 7, 2011

No homework in language arts tonite!

September 6, 2011

 Welcome to the new year!  It's going to be full of learning and fun.
Language Arts homework nights are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays. 
But, students have no homework tonight.  However, parents do have a task to complete.  Each student was given the syllabi for the classes that I teach.  I have requested that students ask their parent to read through the information and then sign the parent signature sheet.  Students need to return these signature sheets to me by Friday.

Reminder: students need a one-subject spiral notebook for language arts.  It will be used as a writing and vocabulary journal and will be left in the classroom.


Please have a plan for checking agendas.  Students should bring their agenda home every evening.  Help your student organize and complete their homework by making looking at the agenda a priority.

August 31, 2011

  Hope your summer has been glorious!  It is almost time for the new school year to begin.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone on September 6th.
  Here is some important information-
         * You need to bring a one subject, spiral notebook to language arts class on the first day of school.  You will leave this in my classroom to use for your daily writing journal. It will not be used for your other language arts assignments.
         * Please have other writing paper and a pencil/pen for completing in-class assignments. 
         *  Please bring a postive attitude.  Together we can accomplish great things!

   
  Can't wait to get started!  There is a lot to be learned and a lot of adventures waiting.
See you September 6th.