Grammar Gorillas This site is great for practicing Parts of Speech. I recommend the Advanced Level.
Book Adventures-- This site can be used at home for all students in Block 3. This is an interactive database of books with links to lots of activities and comprehension quizzes.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Announcements:
1.There is no assigned homework tonight.
2.Please bring #2.00 for the pizza party on Friday, June 5th. This is for the 6th grade reading program's, the Hornets Nest Reading, year-end celebration.
3.Please ask your student if he/she has completed his/her final scrapbook pages. I have several students who have yet to turn theirs in...the due date was May 6th and time is running out!
Objectives: Reading comprehension, oral reading, characteristics of fiction, and test-taking strategies.
The team followed the A.C.E. Day schedule again today.
Activities: All Blocks are reading Maniac Magee and continued to do so.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
There is no assigned homework tonight.
Please bring in $2.00 for the pizza party on Friday, June 5th.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Due to illness I have had to be absent from school both yesterday and today. Therefore, the Biography Cubes for Blocks 1,2, and 4 will not be due on Tuesday. I will set a new date when I return to school on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Homework for all Blocks: Please bring $2.00 to help defray the costs of the Reading Fest Pizza Party on Friday, June 5th.
Homework for Blocks 1,2,4: Complete the Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Double Negatives worksheet packet...due tomorrow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Scholastic book orders are due on Tuesday, May 26th
2. A few Interim Reports still need to be returned.
3. I am looking for 2 or 3 parents who can donate a little bit of time after school to help assemble the scrapbooks. Past experience tells me that we can accomplish this task in about two 75 minute after-school sessions. I plan to have all of the pages graded and ready to assemble by Friday, May 29th. I will provide the easy training session on how to use the binding machine. If you are available and would like to help, please contact me. I appreciate any help I can get!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Homework for all blocks: There is no assigned homework.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Test on Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections this Friday, 5/22
2. Interim Reports are overdue.
3. Blocks 1,2,4...Biography cubes are due on Tuesday, May 26th. Bring them to school unassembled. We will assemble them in class on Tuesday.
4. Hornet's Nest Reading Program is coming to an end. There will be year-end celebration of a pizza party...stay tuned for more information.
Activities in class today...
Blocks 1, 2, 4
Daily Language Practice
Complete reading Jaguar, complete Character Profiles, begin a rough draft of Biography Cube
Block 5
Daily Language Practice
Review of prepositions, conjunctions, interjections
Begin reading Maniac Magee
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Homework for all blocks:
1. If you haven't already returned your signed interim report, please do so as soon as possible.
2. There is no assigned homework tonight.
3. Also, there will be no assigned homework on Friday, May 15th and Monday, May 18th.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Homework for all blocks:
1. Return your signed Interim Report
I know this week is difficult because of the testing schedule. But, please try to remember to bring the Interim Report to me.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Homework for all blocks:
1. Return your signed Interim Report to class tomorrow.
2. Get plenty of rest
3. Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning
Activities today:
Blocks 1,2,4 EOG preparations/continue reading Jaguar
Block 5 Preparing Poetry Book in computer lab
Monday, May 11, 2009
Homework: There will be no assigned homework during the EOGS. Please be sure to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast each morning before testing.
Objectives: EOG preparations for all blocks.
Blocks 1,2,4...continue reading Jaguar
Block 5...Team competition on Poetry.
Friday, May 8, 2009
There is no assigned homework this weekend.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Homework: Blocks 1,2,4...study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz on Jaguar 2 Vocabulary words!
Announcements:
1. Block 1---picture packages are past due!
2. May 11th--Frances O'Roark Dowell, author of Chicken Boy, Dovey Coe, The Secret Language of Girls, and others, is visiting HRMS to speak with the 6th graders!
3. ALL OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS MUST BE RETURNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The goal is to have 80% of the 800 overdue books returned this week. We still have a long way to go!
4. ALL books belonging to my classroom library need to be returned as soon as possible. I am missing approximately 100 books! Please help find them!!
Objectives: EOG Reading review
Test taking strategies
Activities: Blocks 1,2,4---EOG team competition--Poetry Quiz..."Foreign Land" and "The Village Blacksmith"
Block 5---Writing poetry/laptop computers...
Acrostic, List poem, Sense poem,Haiku, I Don't Understand poem
Block 5 will compete in the team competition for reading EOG's poetry on Monday.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Homework: Final scrapbook pages are tomorrow!
What exactly is due?.....
1. two new pages
2. Table of Contents--follow the format
I handed out in class
3. Creative, colorful, artistic,
reflective cover page--we will work on
this in class on Friday
4. All previously graded pages
5. Rubric
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. All overdue library books MUST be returned immediately. Please check at home for your overdue HRMS library books and return them to me tomorrow. Also, if you have any books at home that belong to me (the book will be marked with "PETERSEN" along the top of the pages), please return them to my classroom library immediately. Thank you.
B. There are only 5 instructional days left before the EOGs begin. The Cardinals team has been working hard to polish the skills necessary to do well! I ask of you (students/parents)the following...
1. Come to school everyday...please don't be absent unless absolutely necessary.
2. Come to class prepared to work hard and think even harder!
3. Come to class motivated to learn--either expand on what you already know or learn through mistakes. We learn best by making mistakes...Life is full of mistakes, that's why we have erasers!
4. Come to class willing to share your knowledge with others!
5. Ask questions when you don't understand...there are no silly questions only silly answers!
Objectives for today:
1. Grammar skills
2. EOG Practice sets--identifying details in a paragraph or story
Activities:
1. Daily Language Practice
2. Vocabulary chant
3. EOG Practice sets--"Silly Birds" and "Eight-Time All American"
Monday, April 6, 2009
Homework: There is no assigned homework.
Activities: Junior Scholastic...read aloud, questions
and answers, classroom discussion, and
quick quiz!
Thursday, April 2nd
Announcements: Calling all Cardinals!!! The HRMS Drama Team is busy rehearsing for their production of "Katastrophe Kate," a western comedy. It will be performed on May 1st. Thirteen talented students (1/3 of the cast)are members of the Cardinals team--go Cardinals! Please begin to make plans to show support for your fellow teammates by coming out on May 1st to watch the show. The goal is to have as many Cardinals sitting in the audience as possible. More details to follow as the date gets closer....
Homework: There is no assigned homework tonight.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Silent Reading/Finish Blue
Diamond 3rd Quarter Reading
Assessments
Poetry Reading Focus Lesson--use
of rhyme/personification and the
effects on the readers mood.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Library Day
Today was A.C.E. Day-- EOG practice with reading assessments
Homework: Scrapbooks are due tomorrow!
Objectives: Grammar skills
Testing skills
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Blue Diamond Review session
Blue Diamond testing--3rd Quarter, 3rd
Reading Assessment
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Homework: Review the various adverbs worksheets for
tomorrow's test
Objectives: Grammar skills
Identifying adverbs and their comparative
forms
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Adverbs review
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Homework: Complete the Adverbs worksheet, both sides
"Adverbs 2 and Comparing with Adjectives"
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Adverbs practice and review
Today was A.C.E. Day---Reading comprehension and EOG
practice
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Homework: Complete the Types of Adverbs and Adverbs or
Adjectives worksheet...test on Friday.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Identifying Adverbs, Distinguishing
between adverbs and adjectives
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Cornell notes on adverbs
Review activities...ie. Parts of Speech
Bingo
Block 4--library visit for circulation
Monday, March 23, 2009
Homework: There is no assigned homework tonight.
Announcements: There will be a test on Adverbs on
Friday.
Activities: Daily Language Review
"Water, Wind, and Stone," "Parade," and
"Cynthia in the Snow"--reading focus
lesson identifying sound devices within
a poem
Friday, March 20, 2009
Homework: There is no assigned homework this weekend.
Announcements: The next scrapbook due date is
Wednesday, April 1st---No Fooling!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Homework: All Blocks...write one line of alliteration
for each of the following letters...
C A R D I N A L S
Today was A.C.E. Time Day! EOG Reading Practice and
Friendly Competition!
Objectives: Distinguishing between adverbs & adjective
Elements of poetry--sound devices
Activities: Adverbs & Adjectives practice
Introduction to poetry
Sound devices---Tongue Twisters
Alliterations
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Homework: All Blocks: All students have a fully
completed graphic organizer for Block 1
tomorrow.
Announcements: Blocks 1 and 4 Only...Thank you to
those parents who sent in stamps today.
We are ready to mail 32 letters...only
116 to go.....
Objectives: Recognizing Adverbs
Writing Process and Presenting an Argument
Activities: Silent reading as a warm-up
Adverbs homework review
Completing the graphic organizer in
preparation for tomorrow's mock writing
exam
Monday, March 16, 2009
Homework: All Blocks: Complete the "Adverb-Practice 2" worksheet,including the Writing Application
Announcements: Blocks 1 and 4 Only... Parents, please
send your student to school with 4 postage stamps. As you know Blocks 1 and 4 are participating in the Great American Mail Race. Each student has written to 4 middle schools across the country with the hope that others will join the race. We've had a lot of fun preparing the letters and mapping out the schools in class. We've taken pictures and are ready to wait for the responses (hopefully, they are many). We even have prizes set for the student who receives the first response and the student who receives the most responses. However, in all our (my) excitement, the cost of postage was never considered. I have approximately 240 letters to mail! Please help us make this project a success by donating stamps!
Objectives: What is an adverb?
Preparing a written argument
Activities: Discuss the differences between adjectives
and adverbs.
Complete an adverbs activity worksheet
Brainstorming review
Preparing an outline...3 solutions for
addressing the problem of being a new
student in school. What can a current
student do to make a new student feel
welcome?
Tomorrow: Complete a graphic organizer to be used
during the practice writing test on
Wednesday morning.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Homework: There is no assigned homework for the
weekend.
Announcements: 1. The students enjoyed an ice cream
treat during lunch today. Thank you
to the parents who sent in donations.
We truly appreciate it. Also, thank you
to my students for continuing to read!
Time is never wasted when you are
reading a book!
2. The 6th grade students will be
participating in a "mock" statewide
writing exam on Wednesday.
Activities: Adjectives Test
Brainstorming--group think tanks...
Problems and Solutions
If you found a tote bag in the park
and it contained $200 but had no
identification other than 3 initials
embroidered on the front, what steps
could you take to find the rightful
owner?
What can you do as a student or we do as
a school to make new students feel more
welcome?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Homework for all blocks: Study for tomorrow's test
on adjectives. Use your
notes and worksheets...read
them over several times.
Today was our team's first A.C.E.Time day! A.C.E. is an acronym for Advancing Cardinals to Excellence. With a modified schedule, the Cardinals team is able to provide additional instructional time based on your student's strengths and weaknesses for Math and Language Arts one day each week. Ask your student to share his/her modified schedule with you.
Activities: Blocks 1 and 4--prepare letters/envelopes
for the Great American Mail Race.
Blocks 2 and 5--adjectives review
ACE Time-- recognizing sentence fragments
and correcting sentence fragments
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blocks 1 and 4: Four neatly written copies of the
letter to "Sixth Grade Class" for the
Great American Mail Race are due on
Thursday.
Blocks 2 and 5: There is no assigned homework.
Activities: Adjectives review
Blue Diamond Assessments
Blocks 1 and 4- continue writing for
the Great American Mail Race
Monday, March 9, 2009
Homework for all Blocks: Due tomorrow
1. Complete front and back, including writing
applications, of the adjectives review sheet
2. Complete the nouns and adjectives "coloring"
worksheet
Homework for Blocks 1 and 4 ONLY...
At the point, all students should have...
1. Completed a final draft of the letter to Cortney.
This was due today. The letters will be mailed
on Wednesday morning. Don't miss your chance to be
officially participating in the mail race!
2. Completed a rough draft of a letter to be sent to
the 4 middle schools you randomly selected. This
was due today. However, MANY students came to
class unprepared. Again, don't miss out on your
chance to be involved with the mail race!Only
those students who are officially involved will
have a chance to win the prize.
Activities: Writing prompt--"A knight proves his
worthiness through his deeds." from
Freak the Mighty...what does it mean and
how does that statement relate to your
own life?
Adjectives Review--create a study guide
using Cornell note format
Blocks 1 and 4--continue on with
the Great American Mail Race
Friday, March 6, 2009
Homework for Blocks 1 and 4 only: Due of Monday!
1. Handwrite(using ink)a final copy of your letter to Cortney Conklin. Be careful to edit out the mistakes I noted on your rough. Be as neat as possible.
2. Write a rough draft that will eventually be sent to the 4 middle schools you randomly chose. This letter will likely be very similar to the letter you wrote to Cortney. Feel free to add details...details make your writing much more interesting. Be specific.
A few fun facts you might want to include....HRMS is the largest middle school in Wake County and continues to grow
Wake County is the 4th largest school system in the country
HRMS currently has close to 1,200 students
Holly Springs is the fastest growing community in Wake County and NC
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Announcements: Signed Interims are past due.
HOMEWORK: There is no assigned homework for tonight.
Activities: Continue watching "The Mighty"
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
HOMEWORK: All Blocks: Scrapbooks are due tomorrow.
Blocks 1 & 4 Only: Due on Thursday.
Handwrite a letter to Cortney Conklin using
the friendly letter format she used. Your
letter must respond to her about your
interests, your school, and your community.
Your letter MUST be neat and without
mistakes! You can do it!!!
Today's Objectives:
Grammar skills
Compare/contrast a novel to its movie
Today's Activities:
Daily Language Practice-Monday, Week 22
Begin watching "The Mighty"
TOMORROW promises to be busy....scrapbooks are due,
library visit (everyone must leave with a book!), and continue to watch the movie
Friday, February 27, 2009
HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEKEND:
1. Please have a parent sign your Interim Report and return it to school on Monday.
2. Scrapbooks are due on Wed, March 4th. All students are required to complete a page on Freak the Mighty!
3. Blocks 1 nd 4 only... any student who did not
bring in the name, street address, city, state, and zip code of 4 random US middle schools but do so for Monday. The Great American Mail Race is beginning!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Homework for Blocks 1 and 4 only....In preparation for
the Great American Mail Race, find the name and address
of 4 middle schools (6th grade)--choose 4 cities/towns at random across the U.S. Don't forget the street address and zip code! This is due tomorrow.
Announcements: 1. Your child was given some
information about the 6th grade
reading program. Please take a
minute to read it. I thank you in
advance for your support!
2. Thank you to the parents who
have donated to the Hornet's Nest
Reading Fest. We, the 6th grade LA
parents, are truly appreciative.
3. Due to scheduling conflicts, the
students will watch "The Mighty" on
Monday and Tuesday next week. There
will be a test on "Freak the Mighty"
this Friday.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Reading comprehension
Identifying themes within Freak the
Mighty
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Blocks 1 and 4--- finish up "King Arthur
Knights of the Round Table" grouping to
explore themes and to identify
examples of those themes in the book.
Partner activity--create a theme window
Blocks 2 and 5--through comprehension
questions and classroom discussion,
identify themes and examples of those
themes in the book.
Partner activity--create a theme window
Objectives: Grammar skills
Reading comprehension
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Answer reading comprehension
questions in preparation for a
test on Freak the Mighty.
Homework: Remember to bring in your signed
permission slip to watch The Mighty!
Friday, February 20, 2009
HOMEWORK: Have your movie permission slip signed
by a parent/guardian and return it to
school on Monday.
Bring an old/previously read magazine to
school.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Announcements: Keep those magazines coming! Thanks
to all those who have sent some in
already. I appreciate your support.
Heads Up: Your student will be bringing home
a permission form tomorrow to watch the
movie, "The Mighty."
The students will watch the movie
after taking a test on the book.
Also Heads Up: Your student will be bringing home
an update on the 6th grade Hornet's
Nest Reading Fest. We are nearing
our second incentive "prize" and
need help. Info is on the way!
Objectives: Identifying the 5 elements of fiction
Reading comprehension & strategies
Activities: Using a classmate's fairy tales,
identify the 5 elements of fiction
characters, conflict, plot, setting,
theme
Continue reading Freak the Mighty
Homework: There is no assigned homework tonight.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Announcements: Thank you to those of you who have
sent magazines to school. Please feel
free to continue sending them!
Activities: Book Fair Visit
Freak the Mighty comprehension
questions.
Homework: There is no assigned homework tonight.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Announcements: 1. Magazines are needed for a
class activity! See 2-16-09
2. All classes will visit the
Book Fair tomorrow. You may
bring money to make a purchase, or
make yourself a wish list and
bring money on Thursday or Friday.
Objectives: Narrative writing and mechanics
Reading comprehension--inferential
reading
Activities: Write a short fairy tale that
includes a princess, a gnome, a magic
gem, and a talking sword.
Mechanics focus--punctuation and
capitalization.
Continue reading "Freak the Mighty"
Monday, February 16, 2009
Announcements: 1. Magazines needed for class activity!
Please consider donating a
"previously enjoyed" magazine from
your collection at home to our
classroom. The students will need
them for a culminating activity
of "Freak the Mighty." You may
begin sending them in now. (Good
Housekeeping, Better Homes & Garden,
etc. are more useful than a gaming
magazine,etc.)
2. The HRMS Book Fair is being held
this week. My classes are
scheduled to visit the fair this
Wednesday during class. If your
child would like to bring money to
school to make a purchase on Wed,
that is perfectly fine. If you
would prefer your child to "window-
shop" on Wed, that is fine as well.
If during the "window-shopping" your
child decides on a book, he/she will
be allowed to visit the fair on
Thurs. or Fri. to make the purchase.
There is no obligation to make a
purchase, but all proceeds to
benefit HRMS and your student.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary chant--Freak the Mighty words
Continue reading
HOMEWORK: Study the vocabulary words for the
quiz tomorrow. You will be expected to
spell the word as I call it out to you,
match 5 definitions with the correct
vocabulary word, and fill-in-the-blanks
with the proper vocabulary word. The
format for the quiz is just as it was when
we had vocabulary quizzes earlier in the
school year. For instance, the same format
as the "Clean Your Room!" list of words!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Continue reading "Freak the Mighty:
Homework: Due tomorrow...SOLVE your classmate's
word search of the "Freak the Mighty"
vocabulary words
Monday, February 9, 2009
Announcements: Several students have yet to return
a signed copy of the report card and
the Cardinals team letter. Please
remember to get the signatures and
return the forms.
Thursday is an Early Release Day!
Objectives: Grammar Skills
Reading comprehension through
envisioning, predicting, questioning.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Comprehension questions for Freak the
Mighty.
Continue reading.
Homework: Due tomorrow. Alphabetize the
Freak the Mighty vocabulary words and
write each word ten times. Students
will be responsible for proper
spelling on Friday's vocabulary quiz!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Announcements: The 6th grade Honor Roll/Perfect
Attendance Awards Ceremony for 1st and
2nd Quarters is scheduled for
Monday, February 9, 2009. Today,
your child was given a formal
invitation to the event if he/she is
receiving an award.
We encourage all parents/guardians to
attend. Please plan to be in the
cafeteria by 7:35am. The ceremony is
expected to be no longer than 30
minutes or so.
Objectives: Writing effective responses to a prompt
Reading comprehension skills
Activities: Write a 6-8 sentence (minimum) response
to "Who is your favorite cartoon
character and why?"
Continue reading "Freak the Mighty."
Homework: Write the Freak the Mighty vocabulary
words in Cornell note format.
Need refreshing????
1. copy the word 2.copy definition
3.use word in a
sentence
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Announcements: 1. Signed report card are overdue!
2. Signed team letters are overdue!
Friday is the deadline for both.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Continue reading "Freak the Mighty"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Announcements: 1. Signed report cards are overdue!
2. Signed team letters are overdue!
Friday is the deadline for both.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Library/media center skills
Activities: Storytelling assembly
Daily Language Practice
Scheduled library visit
Homework for all blocks--due on Monday....
Write the "Freak the Mighty"
vocabulary words in Cornell note
format.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Announcements: 1. Scrapbooks are due tomorrow.
2. Signed report cards are overdue.
3. Signed team letters are overdue.
Kudos to all students who
returned these papers on the
very first day!!!!
Objectives: Grammar skills
What is envisioning?
What are the 5 elements of fiction?
What are the 5 parts of a plot?
Compare and contrast main characters
of a novel.
Activities: Daily Language Practice--Week 20
Review of elements of fiction, parts
of a plot
Begin reading FREAK THE MIGHTY!
Homework: Scrapbooks are due tomorrow.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Announcements: Your child was given a written
notice of the policies, procedures,
and consequences as a reminder for
second semester. Please read this
over, sign, and return on Tuesday.
Signed reports cards are overdue!
Scrapbooks are due on Wednesday!
Objectives: Grammar practice
Subjects, predicates, and sentences
Grammar assessment
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Review of subjects and predicates
Blue Diamond Assessment-grammar,
Second Quarter
Homework: Due tomorrow:Signed portion of
Cardinals team letter dated 2-2-09.
Scrapbooks are due on Wednesday!
Signed report cards are due!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Report cards were issued on Friday. Please sign the white copy and have your child return it to school on Monday, February 2nd.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Announcements: Purple Passion is alive and well at
HRMS!!
Objectives: Writing effective paragraphs
Effective use of homophones (list 2)
Test-taking strategies
Activities: Writing a one-paragraph response
to "Describe your idea of a perfect
vacation. Where would you go? What
would you do?"
Homophones II Quiz
Blue Diamond--review of all correct
responses
Homework: Scrapbooks are due on Wednesday!
See note regarding scrapbooks on
1-29-09!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Announcements: Friday is Purple Passion Day! Please
wear purple to support your love of
education and good character! If you
wear purple you will receive extra
credit on tomorrow's homophones quiz.
The next scrapbook due date is
Wed, February 4th. All students are
required to complete a page on
President Barack Obama's Inaugural
Address...the genre is "speech." If a
student has already completed a speech
he/she should still complete Obama's
speech.
Objectives: Writing effective paragraphs
Reading non-fiction. What is the
main idea? The author's purpose?
What is an inference?
Activities: Writing a one-paragraph response to
"If you could invite anyone (dead or
alive) to a party, who would you choose
and why?
Blue Diamond Assessment--last reading
assessment for 2nd quarter. "Roy
Chapman and the Secret of the Gobi
Desert."
Homework: All Blocks must study for
tomorrow's quiz on
Homophones II.
Activities: Warm-Up---write a 6-8 sentence response
to "Do you think it is ever a good
idea to end a friendship? Why or why
not?"
Library Visit
Review Blue Diamond Assessment
Blocks 1 and 4--complete the
design of the "perfect" fountain
for a middle school
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Objectives: Paragraph writing
Homophones
Blue Diamond Reading Assessment
Activities: Warm-Up--write a 6-8 sentence
response to "What makes you unhappy
about school? And, how could you
change this?"
Introduction to another 18 homophones
Blue Diamond Assessment--"Bill Cosby's
Graduation Speech at Franklin and
Marshall College"
Homework: All Blocks. Due on Thursday.
Write two sentences for each of
the 18 homophones.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
In response to the two unexpected snow days coming just days before the 2nd quarter ends, all Language Arts classes focused on grades, missing assignments, and ways in which to improve unsatisfactory grades with little time. Some students have taken home missing assignments with the expectation that they be returned to me tomorrow for late credit. Other students were able to find these missing assignments in their binders and have turned those in for late grade. Still others were given the chance in class today to take last Friday's homophones quiz. I will be working on grades tonight and tomorrow. Please be patient when viewing your child's grades on SPAN. I expect there to be many changes before the end of the teacher workday on Monday. We have been working hard to "cross all the Ts and dot all the Is" so that your student earns a fair grade.
Today's Objective was of Character Education: The students will learn the valuable lessons of meeting their responsibilities along with the fact that their choices come with either a reward or a consequence.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Announcements: Students in blocks 1, 2, and 4 received
a progress report in class today.
Grades for 2nd quarter close on 1/23.
Block 5 students will receive their
reports on Tuesday.
The Cardinals team will watch a
taping (not live) of Tuesday's
Inaugural address.
All students will be required to
create a scrapbook page of Obama's
speech for the next due date. This
page will be accepted even if a student
has already completed a page for a
speech.
There is no assigned homework. Enjoy the long weekend!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Announcements: Scholastic book orders are due on
Friday, January 16th.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Blocks 1 and 4--Analyzing the unique
qualities of the novel, "Regarding the
Fountain."
What is a pun? What is an idiom? How
do they enhance the English language?
Blocks 2 and 5--How to use an outline
as an organizational tool
for writing.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Blocks 1 and 4--Identifying puns and
idioms. Continue reading
Blocks 2 and 5--Complete group
brainstorming, rank ordering criteria
for an essay, create and outline, and
write a thesis statement.
Homework: All BLocks--study homophones--quiz on
Friday
Block 5...write each homophone in a
sentence...due tomorrow.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Announcements: January Scholastic Book orders are
due this Friday, January 16th.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Block 2 and 5---the writing process
Block 1 and 4---5 elements of fiction
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Block 2 and 5--brainstorming--sharing
and listing the pros and cons of
a uniformed dress policy
Block 1 and 4--Continue to read,
discuss (and giggle a little!)
"Regarding the Fountain"
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Objectives: Grammar skills
Parts of Speech- Possessive Adjectives
The art of debate Blocks 2 and 5
Novel reading Blocks 1 and 4
Activities: Daily Language Practice-Week 17
Proper and Possessive Adjectives
Blocks 2 and 5--Debating an issue
Blocks 1 and 4 "Regarding the Fountain
Homework: All Blocks
Complete "The Possessive Adjectives- Practice 2"------
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Announcements: 1. Test on Tuck Everlasting on THURS!
2. The Cardinals team will be watching
Tuck Everlasting on Friday after
lunch. The students will report to
Block 4 and remain in that class
until the 2:15pm bell.
3. A few students still need to return
the permission slip!
HOMEWORK: Blocks 1 and 4 only....
Due on Wednesday
1. Final copy of essay--double-spaced and
typed
2. Rough draft essay must be turned in
as well. This will be kept in your
writing folder to show editing!
3. All students are required to return
a signed interim report.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There a still a few students who have
yet to return a signed movie
permission slip. The Cardinals team
will be watching the movie during
Blocks 4 and 5 on Friday, Dec. 19th.
Any student(s) without a permission
slip will not be permitted to watch
the movie and will be given an
alternative assignment in an another
room.
HOMEWORK: 1. Blocks 2 and 5...no homework
2. Blocks 1 and 4 ONLY...typed and double-
spaced rough draft of 5-paragraph
"Uniformed Dress Policy" essay due
on Friday, Dec 12th
Objectives: Daily grammar practice/skills
While we read Tuck Everlasting the daily
objectives are as follows:
1. Review of the 5 elements of fiction
2. Tracking the 5 parts of a plot
3. Understanding the meaning behind
character names, colors, and symbols
in a novel
4. Exploring themes in a novel
5. Making inferences while reading
6. Making predictions-recognizing
foreshadowing
7. Understanding the author's tone and
the effect it has on a reader's mood
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Continuing to read Tuck Everlasting
Monday, December 1, 2008
Homework: All students must check his/her SPAN account. Second Quarter Interim Reports will be printed next week!
Blocks 1 and 4: Due tomorrow...Complete the Reading
Focus Lessons-Day 51 and 52.
Objectives: Grammar Skills
Review; 5 parts of a plot
5 elements of fiction
Reading comprehension
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Begin to read Tuck Everlasting!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I give thanks to all of the wonderful students I have this year! I also give thanks to some well-deserved rest for all of us--students, parents, and teachers!There is no assigned homework over the break. Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends, and please be safe.
Blocks 2 & 5: identifying an author's
purpose, recognizing and distinguishing
between fact and opinon
Activities: Blocks 1 & 4: a formal debate of the
controversial issue of school uniforms
Blocks 2 & 5: classroom brainstorming
session of fact vs. opinion
Reading Focus Lesson-Amanda Borden's
diary entry from Summer Olympics, 1996.
Monday, November 21, 2008
Special message for Block 1 ONLY....The following is a list of the possible questions for Monday's debate. (I apologize for not finding you during Block 5 to pass the questions out to you! Please share with a friend from Block 1.)
1. Do you feel that a uniformed dress policy violates a student's constitutional rights?
2. Who should decide school uniform policies? Why?
3. Are school uniforms effective? You will need to do some research to find facts to support your argument. Find statistics and facts based on school that have implemented a dress policy.
4. Will a uniformed dress policy reduce conflict among students based on their ability to wear the latest fashions?
5. Are the costs associated with purchasing uniforms viewed as an advantage or disadvantage?
6. How does a uniformed dress policy affect a student's sense of self expression?
7. How might a uniformed dress policy affect a student's self-estemm and motivation for learning?
8. How do you view the statement...People behave differently when they are dressed up.
9. Why might a uniformed dress policy be an effective way to deal with gang activity?
10. How might a uniformed dress policy affect at student's overall academic achievement?
hursday, November 20, 2008
HOMEWORK: All Blocks- study for the verbs test
by reviewing the study guide
Blocks 1 and 4--Surveys are due tomorrow
Objectives: Grammar Skills
Identifying verbs
Non-Fiction--the purposes of...
Verbs practice game
Blocks 1 and 4-- Mrs. Putnam presented
how to conduct a debate!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Test on Verbs this Friday!
HOMEWORK: All Blocks--Study the Verbs Review Sheet
Blocks 1 & 4--Due on Friday..Complete
the "Uniformed Dress Policy" Survey sheet.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Identifying verbs
Identifying the purpose of various forms
if literature: to entertain, to inform or
educate, to persuade
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Continue with verb practice and review
Reading Focus Lessons
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will be a test on action,
linking, and helping verbs this
Friday. All students will be given
a complete study guide in class on
Wednesday.
HOMEWORK: Blocks 1 and 4--Complete both sides
of the Reading Focus Lessons handed
out in class today. (Day 46 & 47)
Blocks 2 and 5--There is no assigned
homework.
Objectives: Improve grammar skills
Identify action, linking and helping
verbs.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Practice identifying action, linking
and helping verbs individually using
the Grammar textbook, then whole-class
review of answers.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Homework: There is no assigned homework tonight.
Objectives: Grammar Skills
How do we read non-fiction?
How do we distinguish supporting details?
How do we understand the relationship
between ideas?
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Reading Focus Lesson on POLAND.
Letter writing for National Education Week
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Announcements: Please bring a canned or non-perishable
food item to support the Wake County
Teacher Assistant's Annual Food Drive
for the NC Food Bank. I will offer
extra credit points (5 points) on
tomorrow's Suffix quiz to any
student who brings a food item to
donate.
Homework: Study for tomorrow's quiz on suffixes.
The quiz is on the suffixes of this
week ONLY. Extra credit to anyone who
brings a non-perishable food item!
Objectives: What is courage?
Grammar skills
What is non-fiction? How does it
differ from fiction in the way that
we read it, why we read it, and what
are its forms?
Activities: Courage video film clip-and responses
Daily Language Practice
Non-fiction Reading Focus Lesson--the
New York Knickerbockers Club
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Homework: Cornell notes for the suffixes are due
tomorrow.
Objectives: Expose students to the media center
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Collection of scrapbooks
Library Day!
Monday, November 10, 2008
HOMEWORK: Due Wednesday...Scrapbooks
Due Thursday...Write the suffixes
in Cornell note format.
Objectives: Sharpening grammar skills
Sharpening test taking skills and
learning from our mistakes!
Activities: Daily Language Practice
The students will receive their
Blue Diamond scores. As a class,
we will review test taking strategies
and the correct answers on the
3rd reading assessment and the
grammar assessment.
Friday, November 8, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Report cards were issued today. Please
sign the white copy and have your
student return it to his/her homeroom
teacher on Monday.
Scholastic Book Orders are due on
Monday.
Scrapbooks are due on Wednesday!
HOMEWORK: Have a parent sign the copy of your
report card.
Scrapbooks are due on Wednesday--NO
EXCUSES, please!
Thursday, November 7, 2008
PARENTS: If you would like to know your child's
scores on each of the 4 Blue Diamond
Assessments for 1st Quarter, please send
me an e-mail. I will be happy to share
the information.
Homework: Blocks 1 & 4--Read "The Case of the
Serial Bather." Fill in the chart and
write a short description or explanation
for each answer.
Blocks 2 & 5-- Read "A Calamitous Disaster"
and answer each question below including
the "Write" section.
Objectives: Answering EOG style questions
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Finish all Blue Diamond assessments
Play "Parts of Speech Bingo."
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Homework: Read the poem, "The Open Road" and answer
all questions on the reverse side.
Objectives: How do you answer EOG style questions?
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Blue Diamond Assessment--reading & grammar
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Homework: Study all the roots and prefixes for
tomorrow's quiz.
Objectives: Writing process
Activities: The students will publish a final, edited
copy of their fables using the computers
in the media center.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Homework: If you have not already done so, please write a rough draft of a fable, edit it, and then bring it to class tomorrow.
Objectives: Reading, Editing
Activities: We will explore the media center for great books. Then, we will sit and read. We will return to the classroom to peer edit the fables. Any student who is unprepared for class by not having a rough draft fable ready will begin planning and writing his/her rough draft.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Announcements: Tonight is McTeacher's Night from
5:00pm-8:00pm.
Homework: Complete "Helping Verbs-Practice 2"
worksheet.
Rough draft of fable is due tomorrow.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Linking Verbs and Helping Verbs
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Differentiating between linking verbs and
helping verbs
Helping Verbs Song
Monday, October 27, 2008
Announcements: See you at McTeacher Night--Tuesday,
10/28 5:00pm-8:00pm.
Literary Character Dress Up day is
Friday, October 31st. Be sure to get
permission from a parent to
participate.
Homework: Due on tomorrow...
Write the 7 new prefixes in
Cornell note format
Due on Wednesday...
Rough draft of a fable.
Objectives: Grammar practice
What is a moral? Choosing a moral.
Writing fables.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Complete the brainstorming/planning
guide to writing your own fable.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Announcements: Wear white tomorrow!
Homework: Complete side two of the Linking
Verbs worksheet. (Block 5 is exempt!)
Study for tomorrow's quiz on all of
the roots and prefixes you have been
given so far!
Objectives: Grammar skills
Linking Verbs
Myths and Fables
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Linking Verbs review and practice
Blue Diamond Reading Assessment
Introduction to "Write Your Own Fable"
(with exception of Block 5--
will be assigned tomorrow)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Announcements: Show your school/team spirit as well
as your support for National Bullying
Prevention Week and wear white on
Friday!
Homework: Complete the Linking Verbs-Practice 2
worksheet
Objectives: Grammar skills
Parts of Speech-Verbs, Action and
Linking
Characteristics of Fables
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Verbs--review and practice
Continue with Aesop's fables.
Make an outline of "The Bee and
Jupiter."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Announcements: First Quarter grades close on Friday,
October 31st. All make-up work must
be complete prior to that date.
Homework: Complete "Action Verbs-Practice 2"
Objectives: Grammar skills
Parts of speech
Characteristics of fables
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Verbs practice
Aesop's Fables....
"The Lion and the Bulls"
"The Wolf and the Crane"
"The Wolf and the Lamb"
Monday, October 20, 2008
Homework:
1. Due tomorrow--Write the new prefixes in Cornell note format. Blocks 1 and 4--you must find one word for each of the 13 prefixes.
2. Due tomorrow-- Complete "The Verb-Practice 2" worksheet, including the Writing Application.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Parts of Speech--Verbs
Activities: Daily Language Practice, Monday--Week 9
Introduction to verbs...Cornell note-takin
on Verbs--Action, Linking, Helping
Verb Practice Worksheet
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Homework: Study for tomorrow's quiz on Root words
and prefixes. Remember, each week the
quiz gets a bit longer and a bit more
difficult. Practice the words from Weeks
1 and 2 as well as the new prefixes from
this week.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Characteristics of myths
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Read "Arachne"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Announcements: At a quick glance the scrapbooks are
looking wonderful. Please keep in mind
that once I have graded the pages you
can use that grade as a tool in
determining how to improve for the
next set of pages (if you even need to
improve.)
PARENTS: Please check with your child
to confirm that he/she has turned in the
scrapbook. I heard a few excuses today!
HOMEWORK: Make a list of TWO words for EACH of the
prefixes on this week's list. Quiz on
Friday.
Objectives: Grammar Skills
Genres in literature
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Library Day-- the students will
participate in a "game" of "Pop Goes the
Book" to encourage reading across the
genres and to facilitate the scrapbook
project.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Homework: Scrapbooks are due tomorrow! No excuses, please!
Objectives: Grammar skills
Parts of Speech-Pronouns
Myths/Fables
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Pronouns Review/Q & As
Pronouns Test
Read the myth, "Arachne"
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Announcements: 1. Book orders are due tomorrow.
2. Quiz on root words tomorrow.
3. No school on Friday!
4. Scrapbooks are due on the 15th.
Homework for tonight: Study ALL root words for a quiz tomorrow. Last week the Cardinals scored an overall average of 100% (kudos!) on the roots quiz. Let's see if we can do that again!
Objectives and Activities for today: I volunteered to host Mrs. Carter, our 6th grade counselor, in my classroom today. She is conducting a Middle School Success Seminar. Please ask your child to share some thoughts about the discussion in class today in terms of study strategies, how to be a better student, how to set attainable and measurable goals, and whom to go to in a time of need.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Announcements: Mrs. Carter will be visiting my classes tomorrow to work with the students on strategies for Middle School Success.
1. Friday is a Teacher Workday!
2. Scholastic Book Orders due on Thurs
Oct 9th
3. Scrapbooks due on October 15th.
4. Test on Pronouns--October 14th
Homework: Complete both sides of Pronouns worksheet
Objectives: Grammar skills
Root words-vocabulary extension
Elements of Poetry/Prose
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Root words review
Reading Focus Lesson--p 522 in textbook--
Ogden Nash's poem, "The Adventures of
Isabel"
Monday, October 8, 2008
Homework: Due tomorrow. Write the 6 new root words in
Cornell note format
Objectives: Grammar skills
Dialects, jargon, sayings, pronunciation
Characteristics of poetry
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Homework-Cornell note in-class practice
Review dialects. How is an accent
different from a dialect?
Exploring/reviewing knowledge of poetry.
How is poetry and prose different?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Announcements: 1.Interim Reports are overdue...I only
need a couple more!
2.A/G testing letters are due tomorrow
for those students who received a
letter in class yesterday.
3.The first scrapbooking due date is
coming up...Wed. October 15th. While
there is no "official" homework for
the weekend, it may be a great time
to start the project!
Homework: Study the 6 root words for tomorrow's quiz.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Exploring dialect
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Reading Focus Lesson--reading selection
from an African-American folktale with
classroom discussion and sharing of
differences in dialect/jargon/sayings
from the states we all come from and the
groups we belong to.
For Friday...
Activities: Quiz on root words
Reading Focus Lesson--reading selection
from the book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My
Cry!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Announcements: 1. Interim Reports are overdue...I only
need a few more!
2. We had a WONDERFUL day at the library
today. Kudos to my students for a
job well done!
3. The Cardinals team has set a pace for
reading...we now have two hornets on
the 6th grade reading mural. As a
team, we have read more than 100
books already! Kudos, again!
4. If your child was nominated for
A/G testing, please ask them to give
you the envelope that was given to
them in class today. Sign and
return the appropriate papers no
later than this Friday, Oct. 3rd.
Homework: There is no assigned homework tonight.
Objectives: Grammar skills
Parts of speech--Pronouns
Reading
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Pronouns quiz
Library Day!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Announcements: 1.Signed Interim Reports are overdue!
2.Tomorrow is our scheduled library day
3.Battle of the Books meets tomorrow
after school
Homework for tonight:
Study the Personal Pronouns and
Demonstrative Pronouns study guide we
made in class today. Tomorrow there will
be a quiz. You will be expected to
fill in an empty chart listing the
26 personal pronouns and the 4
demonstrative pronouns!
Objectives for today:
1. Grammar skills
2. Parts of speech-pronouns
3. Word meanings and context clues
Activities: 1. Daily Language Practice
2. Pronouns--"pop quiz" then practice
3. Reading Focus Lessons--context
clues, helpful hints, reading
test-taking strategies and short
passages from Garrison Keillor.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Announcements: 1. Signed Interim Reports are due!
2. Library Day is Wed, Oct 1st
3. Battle of the Books meets this
Wed, Oct 1st at 2:30pm in Media Ctr
4. Scrapbooks are due on Oct 15th!
Homework: Due on Tuesday...Write each "word part"
in Cornell note format.
Copy the word part, then its meaning
Find a word using that word part and
use that word in one mature, meaningful
6th grade sentence.
Objectives for today:
1. Grammar skills
2. Pronouns
3. Word meanings and context clues
Activities: 1. Daily Language Practice
2. Pronoun Review--who remembers all
26 personal pronouns???
3. Reading Focus Lessons--strategies
for determining meaning within
reading selections.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Announcements: 1. SPAN--please contact Susie Broddle at
NCWISE450@wcpss.net if you need your
account reset.
2. Tomorrow is Dress for Success day.--
Wear your best clothes and impress
your teachers and classmates!!
3.Tomorrow is also our very first
Early Release Day--check your teachers'
whiteboards for the day's schedule.
4. Ask your student to share his/her
first Blue Diamond Reading
Assessment score
Homework: 1. Complete the "Demonstrative Pronouns
Practice 2" worksheet
2. Complete the "Nouns and Pronouns"
coloring activity
For Thursday...
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Context and Meaning clues
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary chant
Roots, prefixes, and suffixes
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Announcements: SPAN--If you are having difficulty with
your login, please send a quick e-mail
to Susie Broddle at NCWISE450@wcpss.net
Ms. Broddle can provide the help
you need. The system's on-line
support is currently not working.
Thursday is Dress for Success Day!
Homework: Due on Wednesday...Complete the
"Personal Pronouns-Practice 2"
worksheet.
Also due on Wednesday..Cornell notes
for "Beg, Borrow, & Steal."
For Wednesday...
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Parts of Speech
Prefixes and Suffixes
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary chant
Personal Pronouns/Demonstrative
Pronouns
Reading Focus Lesson-Prefix, Suffix
Monday, September 22, 2008
Announcements: Tomorrow is Blue/Gold Day--wear your
school colors to show spirit!
Thursday is Dress for Success Day--
wear your finest clothes to school!
Homework: Due on Tuesday...Complete "The Pronoun-
Practice 2"
Due on Wednesday...Write the vocabulary
words, "Beg, Borrow, & Steal" in
Cornell note format
for Tuesday...
Objectives: Grammar skill and practice
Vocabulary skills
Parts of Speech--Pronouns
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Introduction to vocabulary words and
proper usage
Vocabulary chant
Introduction to Pronouns--completion
of Personal Pronouns chart and
first worksheet
Thursday, September 18, 1008
Announcements: 1. The PTA is still accepting
fundraising orders.
2. Tdap immunization forms are due on
Sept 23rd...check wcpss.net for
the latest news on the deadline.
3. We had a successful day of
Blue Diamond testing in class today.
HOMEWORK: Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz on
"Clean Your Room!" Remember, we are
challenging the class averages of last week
and looking for further improvement!
For Friday...
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Characteristics of genres in fiction
Activities: Review Daily Language Practice for
Wednesday and Thursday
Vocabulary chant
Vocabulary quiz
Complete the Focus Lesson on genres
Homework: There is no assigned homework for the
weekend. However, students in Blocks
1, 2 and 4 have been officially
assigned to the Scrapbooking Project.
Find some time to read!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Announcements: Fundraising orders and money are now
overdue!
The Cardinals team has 33 students who
still need to bring in evidence of the
Tdap immunization. The deadline is
September 23rd. After that date,
students without proper evidence of
immunization must be suspended from
school...please follow through with the
paperwork as we will miss your child
if he/she is suspended!
Homework: Please begin to study for Friday's
vocabulary quiz on "Clean Your Room!"
for Thursday...
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Parts of Speech--Pronouns
Elements and characteristics of
fiction and genres of fiction
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Pronouns
Blue Diamond Assessment in Reading
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Announcements: Fundraising orders and money are due!
Thursday is Picture Day! (smile!)
Homework: Cornell notes are due tomorrow;however,
since it is Open House tonight I will accept
them on Thursday without marking them as
late.
Wednesday:
Activities: Quick nouns test
Library Day!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Announcements: Open House is tomorrow...please come!
Fundraising money is due tomorrow!
Picture Day is Thursday!
Box Tops are collected everyday!
Homework: 1. Due on Tuesday...
Complete the "Common & Proper Nouns-
Practice 2" worksheet.
2. Due on Wednesday...
Write "Clean Your Room!" vocabulary
words in Cornell note format
For Tuesday...
Objectives: Grammar skills and review
Common and Proper Nouns
Vocabulary skills
Analyzing the characteristics of
genres of fiction
Activities: Daily Language Practice Week 4
Review common and proper nouns
Vocabulary chant
Evaluate the impact of genre specific
characteristics and the meaning of a
story..."The Fun They Had" and "Say
Something."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Homework: 1. Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz
2. Complete "Compound Nouns-Practice2"
worksheet, including the writing
application
3. Bio-Poems are due tomorrow
For Friday:
Objectives: Parts of Speech-Nouns
Vocabulary skills
Activities: Compound Nouns--let's make a few!
Vocabulary Quiz
Introduction to Year-Long Independent
Reading Scrapbook project
There is no assigned homework for the weekend!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Homework: Due tomorrow...Complete page 2 of the Nouns
worksheet, including the Writing Application
Due Friday...Bio-Poems!
for Thursday...
Objectives: Grammar skills--to include Nouns
Vocabulary skills
Themes in poetry
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Nouns review
Poetry readings in textbook--"The World is
Not a Place to Be" and "Abuelito Who"
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Homework: Due tomorrow...Write "How We Move"
vocabulary words in Cornell note format
Due Friday...Write a Bio-Poem. All students
were given written directions for writing
this poem.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Analyzing theme as a fictional
element in "Stray" and "Jimmy Jet
and His TV Set"
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary chant
Read and discuss "Stray" and "Jimmy Jet
and his TV Set"
The students will be required to finish
writing the poem as they have imagined
it.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Analyzing plot and setting (finish)
Analyzing and identifying points of view
in a work of fiction
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary chant--"How We Move" words
What is a goal? How do we set one and
how do we meet one? Classroom discussion.
Complete plot and setting with "Stray"
Discuss points of view
Complete an analysis of the point of
view in "Stray" and how that relates
to other stories
Homework: All Blocks
Due on Tuesday...write a friendly letter
to yourself about what your goals are
for the 6th grade. Fold it so that only
your name shows in the upper margin.
Staple or tape the sides closed. We will
place them in the "vault" until June!
Due on Wednesday...write the "How We Move"
vocabulary words in Cornell note format
just as you did for the "Places" words!
Tuesday's Plan....
Objectives: Grammar skills
Vocabulary skills
Analyzing the effects of the literary
elements of mood and tone
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary chant
Identify, discuss, and analyze key words
in "Stray" that identify the author's
attitude
Thursday, September 4, 2008
HOMEWORK for tonight....Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz on "Places." Students are responsible for spelling and definitions.
For Friday, September 5, 2008
Objectives: Vocabulary skills
Analyzing plot and setting
Activities: Vocabulary chant
Vocabulary quiz
Continue on with "Stray" and
analyzing plot and setting
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT: Your student is coming home today with information regarding our 6th grade reading incentive program called "Hornet's Reading Fest." The 6th grade LA teachers began this program last year and had much success with it. We even have a hand-painted mural dedicated to the program and to demonstrate our students' achievements. Check it out during Open House. We hope you will be as excited as we are about this year. We also look forward to your support at home. Thank you in advance for all that you do!
TODAY: All classes were introduced to our media center and had the opportunity to check out a few books! I was impressed with their level of interest and cooperation. Great job, Cardinals!!
HOMEWORK FOR TONIGHT...
Begin to study the "Places" Vocabulary words...Quiz on Friday.
THURSDAY, September 4th...
Objectives: Grammar Review
Vocabulary
Analyzing the effects of setting and plot
on literature
Activites: Daily Language Practice and Review
Vocabulary Chant
Read the short story, "Stray."
Complete the setting and plot Reading
Focus Lesson with classroom discussions.
Homework: Study for vocabulary quiz on "Places"
Helpful hints on studying...
a. practice the chant at home in your
room
b. ask someone as home to quiz you for
correct spelling
c. write each vocabulary word 10 times
d. make flashcards!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT: Your student is coming home with the HRMS PTA sponsored fundraising information for this year. This is strictly a volunteer fundraising event. However, since the PTA funds so many of our programs, we hope you will participate.
First vocabulary quiz....Friday, Sept. 5th
Today's Objectives: Characteristics of Fiction
Grammar Review
Vocabulary Skills
Today's Activities: Daily Language Practice
Vocabulary Chant
Preparations of focus on the
characteristics of setting and
and plot with the short story,
"Stray"
Today's Homework: Write the "Places" vocabulary
words in Cornell note format just
as we practiced in class on
Friday. Notes are due tomorrow!
Plan for Wednesday.. Classroom visits to the library
for a "Get to Know Your Library"
session with the librarians.
Thursday, August 28,2008
Today's Objectives: Characteristics of Fiction
Grammar Review
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Read "Feathered Friend" and complete
Focus Lesson on the characteristics of
short stories and the connections with
fiction in general.
Homework for all Blocks:
1. Complete the Language Arts Trivia
worksheet
2. Complete the Reading Survey
For Friday, August 29, 2008
Objectives: Strengthening vocabulary skills
Activities: Introduction to 6th grade vocabulary--
Lesson on study skills and how to prepare
Cornell notes using vocabulary words.
Students will learn the "vocabulary
chant!!"
Homework: I typically do not assign homework over
the weekend.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Today's Objective: Making personal connections with and through a poem.
Activities: Daily Language Practice
Read and connect with a poem, "Books Fall
Open"
Students worked in groups of two,
conducted interviews, completed a Venn
diagram illustrating their similarities
and differences.
Homework: Block 1 only---Bring $6.00 for an agenda
--if you have not already done so
ALL BLOCKS: if you have not already done
so, send a quick e-mail message to
Mrs. Petersen either through:
www.artisandevelopers.com/web/cardinals/
or http://hollyridgems.wcpss.net
or www.schoolnotes.com
Wednesday's Plan:
Objectives: Making connections through poem.
Identifying the characteristics of fiction
Activities: Finish writing the Venn diagram poem.
Read and discuss various short stories.
Homework: check back again tomorrow.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Objectives: Getting to know your new school.
Grammar review
Activities: 1. Introduction of team and classroom
procedures
2. Fire drill practice! What do we do and
where do we go to stay safe?
3. Daily Language Practice
Homework: Using the link above, send Mrs. Petersen an e-mail message, for example, "Hi, Mrs. Petersen. I enjoyed my first day of middle school. Signed ____________."
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