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