Monday 12/17
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"In the story Eleven, Rachel tries to cope with feeling different maturity levels. For instance, Rachel said, "Mrs. Price put the sweater on my desk, but when I opened my mouth nothing came out" (Cisneros 239). In fact, Rachel still didn't disagree with the fact that the sweater wasn't hers. Its important to cope with being mature and immature in our daily lives because there is always going to be a time and a place to have fun and joke around and there is always going to be a time to be serious... In conclusion, Rachel copes by thinking of the big party that her family is going to throw her."What I like most about this student's writing is how to she uses the quote from the story to draw a conclusion about the time and place to mature in your own life. Stories allow us to figure out the truth in our own life.
During November, sixth grade students will continue to explore the theme of courage and will read Where the Mountain Meets the Moonby Grace Lin. This novel contains many stories within the larger story. Students will write their own creative story. Students will be able to reference the short stories read in November, as well as the current class text as models for their own writing.Teachers gave each student a packet that breaks down the steps and due dates for this ELO. Please take the time to read through the packet carefully in order to familiarize yourself with what your child is learning, the process involved and the due dates that must be respected. Afterwards, kindly review the strategies below that you can use to help your child improve academically.
STRATEGIESWays You Can Help Your Child This Month:
1) Look at the calendar in the packet, copy the due dates on a calendar, and post them in your home.
2) Look at the essential questions listed on the top of the first page in the packet, and discuss them with your child. Periodically (throughout the month) revisit these questions and ask your child to explain how the class text is relevant to the questions.
3) Students will be writing their own original short story. Students have learned the parts that make-up a plot already and they will get assistance brainstorming and drafting their own stories in class. The following websites offer information related to writing short stories. Visit the websites and share the information with your child.
http://www.write101.com/shortstory.htm
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-write-a-short-story/
4) Ensure that your child is reading for at least twenty minutes each day. Remember that the next book project is due December 10th.
Your support is essential for your child’s success at the Frederick Douglass Academy. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child's English teacher if you have any questions.
Essential Questions:1. How does insight into characters’ struggles give you the courage to reflect on your own challenges?2. How do your own decisions, actions, and consequences change depending on the people who are involved?
Task: Students will write their own short story.
1. You must follow all steps as indicated on the Process Check Sheet (see other side).
2. Your story will include each of following elements of a plot diagram:
- Introduction
- characters and the setting are revealed
- Rising Action
-events in the literary work become complicated and the conflict is revealed
- Climax
-the turning point of a literary work when the reader’s interest is at its peak.
- Falling Action
- events and complications begin to resolve themselves
- Conclusion
- final outcome or resolution to the conflict
3. Your story will include each of following elements of a published piece of creative writing:
- Story must have correct grammar, organization, and spelling
- Story must use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events
- Story must use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters
- Story must be organized in a sequence of events that unfolds naturally and logically
- Story must be centered on the theme of courage and a time when a character was forced to act courageously
During November, seventh grade students will continue to explore the theme of relationships and will read House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Students will write a thematic essay using relevant supporting evidence from House on Mango Street. Teachers gave each student the ELO packet that breaks down the steps and due dates. Please take the time to read through the packet carefully in order to familiarize yourself with what your child is learning, the process involved and the due dates that must be respected. Afterwards, kindly review the strategies below that you can use to help your child improve academically.
STRATEGIESWays You Can Help Your Child This Month:1) Look at the calendar in the packet, copy the due dates on a calendar, and post them in your home.2) Look at the essential questions listed on the top of the first page in the packet, and discuss them with your child. Periodically (throughout the month) revisit these questions and ask your child to explain how the class text is relevant to the questions.3) Students will be writing a thematic essay in class and at home. While the students will learn what an essay is in class and will get assistance from their teacher, the following websites offer information related to writing essays. Visit the websites and share the information with your child. http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/tips/essay/http://www.mykidsway.com/essays/index.htmlhttp://chs.mesa.k12.co.us/departments/language%20arts/thomas/9a_thematic_essay_format.html
4) Your child will be learning that most pieces of literature can offer valuable lessons. Practice helping your child identify lessons that he/she can learn based on his/her daily experiences. This exercise both reinforces what is being taught in the classroom as well as strengthens his/her ability to apply these skills.
5) Ensure that your child is reading for at least twenty minutes each day. Remember that the next book project is due December 10th.
Your support is essential for your child’s success at the Frederick Douglass Academy. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child's English teacher if you have any questions.
Theme: This is the lesson the character or reader can learn from the book.
Essential Question:
1. How does your community define you as a person?
2. What are your responsibilities as a member of your neighborhood community?
Task: In The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros explores many themes through the experiences of the main character, Esperanza. Complete the following thematic essay using details from the text that answer an essential question above.
- You must follow all steps in the packet as indicated on the Process Check Sheet (see other side).
- Your essay must adhere to the following structure:
Introductory paragraph- introduce the essay by describing the chosen theme, and summarizing details from the text that exemplify that theme or lesson.
Body Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3- Support your thesis statement with textual evidence from your two-column notes.
Conclusion paragraph- Conclude your essay by explaining what the author (Sandra Cisneros) hoped the reader would gain from learning your chosen lesson or theme. Afterwards, explain if she is successful or unsuccessful in teaching this lesson to her reader and how the lesson or theme relates to an essential question above.
- Your final draft must be revised and edited for correct grammar and spelling.
