7th grade and 6th grade: Extra Credit!!!

For those of you wanting to boost your averages before the end of the marking period, here is an extra credit opportunity. 

1. Read the interview with the author of “A Series of Unfortunate Events." Here is the link: 

Daniel Handler Has Not Abandoned Lemony Snicket

2. Then, comment on the blog post in a 5 sentence by responding to anything that interested you about the article. 

3. You must use textual evidence from the article in order to receive the credit. (See my example in the comments.)

The extra credit will count as an additional homework assignment. Easy-peasy, right?

Homework for 7th grade 11/25-11/30

It's time to start thinking about the next Book Project due December 10th. Therefore this week students must focus on completing 4 of the 5 two-column note entries due this week for their independent reading book.

Monday 11/26

1. Review notes on reading skills to prepare for midterm tomorrow!
2. Find an independent reading book. Come after school to sign out one from my classroom library or go to your own library. Here is a list of books that might interest you. They are all popular books that can be found at your local library.

For the lovers of this series read- Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid,Book  2) by Jeff Kinney For the Basketball lovers read-  Hoops by Walter Dean Myers  Game by Walter Dean Myers For a modern take on Muslim traditions read-  Does My Head Look Big In This?  by Randa Abdel-fattah For a taste of what is feels like to raise yourself read-  Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson For my graphic novel fans read-  American Born Chinese  by Gene Luen Yang  For the Tupac fans out there read- After Tupac and D Foster Jacqueline Woodson

Tuesday 11/27

1. Read your independent reading book for at least 20 minutes. Complete reading entry #1 in your notebook. Focus on these reading skills: main idea, characterization and inference.

Wednesday 11/28

1. Read for at least 20 minutes. Complete reading entry #2 in your notebook. Focus on these reading skills: main idea, characterization and inference.

Thursday 11/29

1. Review the book 3 packet we did in class to prepare for midterm on extended response tomorrow.
2. Read for at least 20 minutes. Complete reading entry #3 in your notebook. Focus on these reading skills: main idea, conflict and inference.

Friday 11/30

1. Read for an hour or more this weekend. Complete reading entry #4. Focus on these reading skills: main idea, point of view and inference.

Homework for 6th grade 11/26-11/30

Note: In order to get a head start on December's independent reading book projects, HW# 2.3-2.4 will also count as three reading entries for the book project due next month. All 6th graders will be completing their project on Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Monday 11/26

1. Review notes for midterm exam tomorrow! (Reading skills include: main idea, inference, conflict, point of view, figurative language, characterization)
2. Read chapters 20-23 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moonand complete HW #2.1:
3. Make sure to finish your RAFFFT response if you didn't in class!

HW#2.1 in writing notebook
1. At the end of chapter 20, how does Ma most likely feel?
2. How does Minli infer that the beggar is the king?
3. What is the point of view of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon? First or third person?
4. In chapter 23, "...the sun seemed to disappear like a closing flower." means what?
5. On page 137, why is the magistrate "dumbfounded?"

Tuesday 11/27

1. Catch up on any missing homework or class notes.

Wednesday 11/28

1. Read chapters 25-27 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

2. Complete HW #2.2 the two-column notes entry on figurative language and inference skills.

Thursday 11/29

1. Review notes for midterm exam tomorrow! (Writing skills include: RAFFFT short responses, graphic organizers and extended response)

2. Read chapters 28-31 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and complete HW#2.3 the two-column notes entry on figurative language and inference skills.

Friday 11/30

1. Read chapters 31-37 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon  and complete HW#2.4 the two-column notes entry on figurative language and inference skills.

Student Exemplars- 6th grade ELO 2 Compare and Contrast Essay

Here is an example of great literary analysis from a student's compare and contrast essay:

"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.

Homework for 7th grade 11/19- Holiday break

Monday 11/19 (RN#2.9 and WN#2.8)

1.Finish process step 3 in ELO 3 packet (if you didn't in class today) and complete process step 4 in ELO 3 packet (thesis statement)

Tuesday 11/20 (RN#2.10 and WN#2.9)

1. Get progress report signed by your parent.
2. Finish introduction paragraph in writer's notebook
3. Complete holiday assignment and sign parent letter too.
4. Find a NEW independent reading book!

Holiday Break (Due 11/26)

You will receive a letter detailing the holiday break assignment that your student is to complete by 11/26. Please ensure that this work is completed because it will help prepare your child for the midterms on 11/17 and 11/30 the following week.

Homework for 6th grade 11/19-Holiday Break

Monday 11/19 (WN#2.10 ELO 3: Plot and Theme/RN#2.6)

1. Finish process step 4 in ELO packet (plot diagram and theme)
2. Read Ch. 18 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Tuesday 11/20 (WN#2.11 ELO 3: Outline)

1. Finish the exposition and rising action paragraphs for process step 5 in ELO 3 (outline)
2. Read Ch. 19-24 in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon 
3. Get progress report signed by your parent.

Holiday Break Homework (Due 11/26)

Your student will receive a letter home detailing the work he/she is to complete during the holiday break. Please ensure they complete the work to the best of their ability. It is to help prepare them for the midterms the following week on 11/27 and 11/30.

Examples of Book Reviews Written by Kids (or young adults)

Many of you have been asking questions about the book review part of the Independent Book Project assignment. Here is a link to the teen literary magazine call "Teen Ink" who publish student-written book reviews.

Check it out for inspiration:Book Review Examples

If you're interested, check out the rest of the Teen Ink website. There are even writing contests you can submit too!

Homework for 6th grade 11/13-11/16

Below you will find this week's assignments. Feel free to read ahead for homework, just make sure to take detailed notes so you will be prepared for class discussions and classwork. 

Tuesday (11/13) RN#2.2

1. Sign parent letter for ELO 3
2. Cover your book for When the Mountain Meets the Moon and read pg. 1-10!
3. Complete Process Step 2: Brainstorming Ideas for Your Story

Wednesday (11/14) RN#2.3

1. Read to pg. 49 in When the Mountain Meets the Moon.  Be sure to take notes in your reader's notebook.
2. Complete Process Step 3 in ELO 3 packet. DUE FRIDAY!
2. Independent book project assignments DUE FRIDAY!

Thursday (11/15) RN# 2.4

1. Read to pg. 70 in When the Mountain Meets the Moon.  Be sure to take notes in your reader's notebook.

2. Complete Process Step 3 in ELO 3 packet. DUE FRIDAY!
3. Independent book project assignments DUE FRIDAY!

* Notebook Quiz on Friday! Make sure you have all the notes from this week!

Friday (11/16) RN#2.5

1. Read in When the Mountain Meets the Moon.  Be sure to take notes in your reader's notebook.
3. I will collect your reading notebook on Monday so make sure your notes are up to date.

Homework for 7th grade 11-13/11/16

Below is a list of this week's assignments. As far as the reading schedule goes for House on Mango Street, you must read to the page number indicated below. Be sure to take notes either in your notebook or on a separate sheet of paper.

Tuesday- (11/13) in RN#2.5

1. Sign the parent letter for ELO 3
2. Complete process step 2: Selecting a topic in ELO 3
3. Independent Book Project due Friday

Wednesday- (11/14) in RN#2.6

1. Read the House on Mango Street packet I gave you and take notes on each chapter
2. Independent Book Project due Friday

Thursday- (11/15) in RN#2.7

1.Read the second packet for House on Mango Street and take notes on each chapter that have to do with your ELO 3 topic.
2. Independent Book project due TOMORROW!!!!
3. Notebook Quiz is tomorrow too so make sure your notes are update from this week.

Friday- (11/16) in RN#2.8

1. Read packet #3 of House on Mango Street and take notes on each chapter that have to do with your ELO 3 topic.

6th grade ELO 3 Short Story and Parent Letter

The following text is taken from ELO 3 Short Story and Parent letter. The full document can be found by logging into Jupiter grades. Then, find the assignment labeled ELO 3 Short Story and ELO 3 Parent Letter. The documents are attached there.

Parent Letter 

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 10^th. 

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. 

ELO 3 Short Story 

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

7th grade ELO 3 Thematic Essay and Parent Letter

The following text is taken from ELO 3 Thematic Essay and Parent letter. The full document can be found by logging into Jupiter grades. Then, find the assignment labeled ELO 3 Thematic essay and ELO 3 Parent Letter. The documents are attached there.

Parent Letter for 7th grade:

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 10^th. 
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. 

ELO 3 Task:

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.

6th and 7th grade Independent Reading Book Project

The following text is taken from the parent letter we sent home (and had your child sign) regarding your student's book project. The full document can be found by logging into Jupiter grades. Then, find the assignment labeled Book Project Assignment. The document is attached there.

"In order to ensure that your child meets the independent reading requirements set by the city and state we are requiring monthly book projects.  Independent reading typically occurs twice a week in class.  However, this will not be enough time to read a complete book.  Thus, reading at home is fundamental for your child’s success this year.  Since ELOs are due until the end of the month, book projects will be due the second Monday of every month.  

Book Project Due Dates:  

November 16^th ,  December 10^th, January 14^th, February 11^th, March 11^th, April 8^th, May 13^th, and June 10^th 

Book Project Requirements:

 To receive complete credit, students need to complete all three parts:

1. Students must have at least five two column note entries (minimum of 2 skills each) in their reading notebook for the book.
2. Students need to write a review of the book (see attached sheet)
3. Students need to select and complete one of the listed projects (see second sheet)
1. Each month the students need to pick a different project.
2. Sixth grade responses should be a minimum of two paragraphs
3. Seventh grade responses should be a minimum of three paragraphs"