In Language Arts today the students presented the interactive word wall. I have attached a picture of the word wall for the students to reference to this blog post.  I have made the picture as big as I can, I recommend students study the information in class and use these pictures as a last resort for studying. The students were also introduced to story devices within a text.  We discussed examples of stories we have read where the author uses story devices to make texts more interesting for readers. Lastly, the students were introduced to All Summer in a Day.  We will continue working with this story for the remainder of the week.

The students will be having a unit test on story analysis.  This time the students will be focusing on the types of conflict, making connections, genres, mood and tone, story devices, and comprehension questions from The Jacket as well as All Summer in a Day.  This test will take place next Monday and we will review on Thursday of this week. Our vocabulary test for All Summer in a Day will be next Tuesday, November 24th.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

Dates to Note:

1. Story Devices Test 2 Monday, November 23rd
2. Last Library Day before break Tuesday, November 24th
3. “All Summer in a Day” Vocabulary Test Tuesday, November 24th

In Language Arts today the students continued to discuss the vocabulary words in “All Summer in a Day.” The students worked together to create an interactive word wall to present it to the class.  If they did not finish preparing, it is homework over the weekend. The students also spent time reviewing genres in their reading interactive notebooks. I have added the powerpoint to this blog post.

I am still in the process of grading personal narratives.  Grades are not completely up to date at this point.  My goal is to have them completely accurate by Wednesday evening.  The marking period  ends Friday, December 4th which means all late work will be due on Tuesday, November 24th. Normally, it would be due on Friday, November 20th but I am giving students two additional days since this marking period is two days longer than most.

Our “All Summer in a Day” vocabulary test is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24th. Our comprehension test on mood and tone, genres, story devices, making connections, “All Summer in a Day,” and “The Jacket” is scheduled for Monday, November 23rd. Reading interactive notebooks will be checked at this time.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes
2. Finish preparing the interactive word wall

Genres Powerpoint

Today in Language Arts the students were introduced to folktales (with subgenres), dramas, and poetry. We used a flowchart to help us determine how to identify the genre of a text. This flow chart was copied and put into the student’s reading interactive notebooks and a larger copy was added to our classroom wall.

The students also spent time reviewing quotation marks.  We will be moving on to a new grammar concept next week. Our class also reviewed box 2 of the close and critical chart. Lastly, the students spent time hovering for words they do not know in the story, “All Summer in a Day.” This is a story that we will be reading next week in class.

Personal Narrative updates: I am wrapping up the essays of one class this evening.  I will post grades to parent connect when I am done.  I am hoping to have the other two classes finished by next Wednesday.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Reading Log Due Tomorrow

In Language Arts today the students continued to learn about genres.  We focused on types of non-fiction texts while in class and added these topics to the interactive genres board we have in our classroom.  We also wrapped up our practice of quotation marks and will be starting a new grammar lesson in class soon.  Lastly, the students were introduced to box one (summary) of the close and critical chart.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

In Language Arts today the students spent time learning about the various types of non-fiction texts.  We learned that these types of texts can be classified as informational, biography, and autobiography. The class also continued to practice adding quotation marks to writing.  Lastly, the students were introduced to the close and critical chart.  We specifically focused on box four which is all about making connections.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

In Language Arts today the students were introduced to generes.  We reviewed the difference between fiction and non-fiction.  We will be digging deeper into these concepts throughout the week. The students also continued to learn about quotation marks by practicing a few sentences.  Today was our library day.  The students spent time going to the library during class. Lastly, the students turned in the final drafts of their personal narratives today.  I will have the grades for these narratives posted as soon as possible.  My goal is to have all drafts graded by Wednesday, November 18th.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

In Language Arts today the students continued to examine the story, The Jacket.  We looked at various literary components of the story in order to further understand it. Additionally, the students spent time furthering their knowledge of using quotation marks in their writing.

The students also spent time peer editing for the word choice and fluency within their personal narratives.  Final drafts for this assignment will be due on Monday.  These should be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font and double spaced.  If students do not have computer access over the weekend, it is expected that their final drafts will be completed in pen and double spaced. Any pre-writing the students did will need to be submitted with the narrative too.

Lastly, all vocabulary book money is due on Monday.  If any student would like to have their own vocabulary book to use in 6th and 7th grade Language Arts, $15 needs to be turned in inside an envelope with the student’s name on it to me by the end of the day on Monday.  Students are not required to do this but any assignments given from the vocabulary book will require a lot more writing for students who do not have their own copy because they cannot write in the school copy.

Have a great weekend!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes
2. Personal Narrative Final Drafts Due Monday

In Language Arts today, the students continued to work on revising their rough drafts.  They were given time to look at the voice and conventions of their essays with a partner.  The students then had time to go back and revise their own work. The students also continued to reflect on The Jacket.  We completed a Venn Diagram in class comparing and contrasting Gary Soto’s personal narrative to our own.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Reading Log Due Tomorrow

In Language Arts today the students were introduced to The Jacket in order to practice making a connection to a personal narrative.  The students also spent time revising their rough drafts for the ideas and organization of the essay. We will continue editing the paper throughout the remainder of the week and final drafts will be due on Monday. The students also spent time reviewing the rules of quotation marks in their writing interactive notebook.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes
2. Make any necessary changes to the ideas and organization of your rough draft

In Language Arts today the students wrote their falling action and resolution.  The students were given time in class to finish working on their rough drafts.  All rough drafts must be completed before class tomorrow. The students also spent time reviewing the rules of quotation marks in order to prepare them for adding dialogue to their stories.  Lastly, the students were introduced to a personal narrative during class time in order to gain a better understanding as to how a personal narrative should look.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes
2. Personal Narrative rough draft due tomorrow