In Language Arts today the class discussed that some authors write stories in different dialects.  Jeremiah’s Song is set in Alabama and the narrator writes as he speaks; with a southern accent.  We looked at some examples of how this may sound by watching a few video clips from Forrest Gump.  I have added the clips to this blog post.

The students were given time in class to finish reading the story and work in their literature circles on their projects.  Each circle was assigned a different component of story elements to identify in Jeremiah’s Song.  The students will be putting together a presentation to teach this element to their classmates.

Have a great evening!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

2. Bring any materials needed for presentations.

3. All late work due Friday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uKqdWvZ6K8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U039-PWcE18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2-MCPa_3rU

Today in Language Arts the students read Jeremiah’s Song in small groups.  Each group was given a task to focus on while reading.  Once reading was completed, the students focused on responding to their focus.  Tomorrow we will take this information and turn it into a powerpoint.  This will be used to present to the rest of the class.

Have a great evening!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

2. All late work due Friday

In Language Arts today, the students continued to focus on vocabulary.  Yesterday we looked for words that we did not know in the story, Jeremiah’s Song.  We made predictions for their meaning based upon in-context clues, prefixes, and suffixes.  Today, we created a word wall with these words. Once the word wall was completed, the students took a quiz on the point of view of the story.

Our vocabulary books were due today as well as our compare/contrast essays.  The grades for vocabulary have been posted.  I will try to have the papers graded as soon as possible.  I will have them done before the end of the marking period in two weeks.

Have a great weekend!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

In Language Arts today, the students dug further into our new unit.  We ,made predictions about the story based upon the title and picture on the first two pages. We also hovered for words we do not know and made predictions of their meaning based upon context clues and the root word.

Have a great evening!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Reading Log Due Tomorrow

2. Vocabulary Book Due Tomorrow (pgs. 90-99)

3. Final Drafts Due Tomorrow

In Language Arts today, the students finished peer editing.  We focused on conventions and word choice during our class time today.  We discussed how our vocabulary words can be used in our writing.  We also looked at commonly misspelled words among the students. All final drafts will be due on Friday.  The rough draft and peer editing rubric should be submitted with this as well.  I have added a copy of the peer editing rubric to this blog post.

The students also continued their introduction to our newest unit today.  We have been discussing whether or not adults can have an impact on our lives.  Today we discussed people we would consider to be our heros.  We talked about superheroes and looked at a video of some of the superheros that our well known in our society.  I have added the video we watched to this blog post.

Have a wonderful Wednesday evening!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Final Draft Due Friday

2. Vocabulary Book pgs. 90-99 Due Friday

3. Read for 20 minutes

Characterization Essay Peer Editing Rubric

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZoO8QVMxkk

Today in Language Arts the students continued to peer edit.  We focused on ideas and organization. Our class is also starting a new unit focusing on those that impact our lives.  Today the students answered the big question for the unit: Do we learn from the adults in our lives?  Why or why not?

Have a great evening!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

2. Essay Final Draft due Friday

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a wonderful midwinter break full of rest, relaxation, and fun.  In Language Arts today, the students began peer editing their compare and contrast essays.  We focused on voice and fluency in class today by making sure students were confident in the wording of their papers.  We also looked carefully at the transitions from one paragraph to another. I have added the Peer Editing Rubric to this blog post.  This will be worth points when you turn in your final draft.

In addition to peer editing, the students reviewed their vocabulary assignment in their books.  This was assigned before break and will be due on Friday.

Today was also our library day.  The students spent time reviewing what it means to select a good fit book and then going to the library to make their choices. Progress Reports went home today.

If your child has a C- or lower in my class, one was sent home.  Please check Parent Connect if you have questions or you can email me.  At this point, all grades have been updated based upon what I have been given.

Have a great evening!

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

2. Make changes to Rough Drafts for Voice and Fluency

Characterization Essay Peer Editing Rubric

Today in Language Arts I spent a lot of time going over assignments with the students.  It is possible that we will have a cold day over the break and I wanted the students to be prepared.  If we do have school tomorrow, it will be a work day to complete assignments and ask questions.  We will also take our vocabulary test.

During class, the students read and discussed an article from our vocabulary books. They are expected to complete the activities that correspond to the vocabulary lesson by Friday, February 27th. We also practiced writing an introduction and conclusion for our compare and contrast essay.  The students are expected to have their rough drafts completed when they return from break.

Have a wonderful winter break!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Study for Vocabulary Test on Friday or Monday 2/23

2. Reading Log Due Tomorrow

3. Break Reading Log Due Monday 2/23

4. Rough Draft Due Monday 2/23

5. 2 Hours on Moby Max Due Monday 2/23

6. Vocabulary Book Unit 3 Lesson 9 Due Friday 2/27

In Language Arts today, the students reviewed what it means to write a contrast paragraph.  We focused most of our class time on how to compare two things in one paragraph.  The students need to finish this paragraph for homework.

Students were also given their Giver Tests back today.  I am allow retakes tomorrow after school at 3pm and Friday before school at 7:20am.  In order to qualify for a retake, your child needs to have their test signed and no missing assignments.

Have a great evening!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes

2. Study for vocab. test Friday

3. Have all body paragraphs written

Today in Language Arts the students reviewed the requirements for a compare and contrast essay.  We looked at a example of a poorly written essay and what would need to be done to improve it.  The students specifically looked at how to write the first two body paragraphs of their essay.  This focuses on two ways Jonas changes after becoming The Receiver of Memory with evidence from the text that supports their thinking.  We worked on a sample essay as a class and then the students were given time to work independently.

At this point, all grades are up to date.  I have graded everything I have been given.  If you feel something is incorrect, please email me.  I will be sending home progress reports for the fourth marking period on Friday. Remember, your child will only be bringing one home if they have a 72.9% or lower in my class.

Have a great evening! Don’t forget, tomorrow is a late start!

-Ms. Traylor

Homework:

1. Vocabulary Test Friday

2. Have your first two body paragraphs written by tomorrow

3. Read for 20 minutes