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November 29, 2006
Materials:
Write Source – pg. 294-297
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_pgrph2.html
Warm Up:
Why is the focus statement important to a response to literature essay?
Activity 1:
Have several students share their focus statement.
Activity 2:
Students will write the 1st paragraph of their rough draft using Write Source pg.295-297 andhttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_pgrph2.html (as a handout), if they did not write it on Thursday.
Activity 3:
Students will have the opportunity to read their dream series book (or another book, if they have finished reading their dream series book).
Activity 4:
Review this optional writing assignment.
Student Options:
Response to Literature could be used to generate any of the following:
PowerPoint
Web Page
iMovie
Students will have the opportunity to choose how to do their final project for the Dream Series novel and Book Chat. The final project is due December 13.
Students may work alone or work with a partner. The partner can be another student who is reading the same book, or their adult reading buddy.
Students may choose to do ONE of the following:
Write an essay (6 paragraphs, following the outline/pp template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Create a power point (using the template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Create a podcast (following each step in the template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Create an iMovie (following each step in the template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
The required criteria for this assignment is the same as the material on the PowerPoint template.
Reminder to students: The focus statement should be included on the theme slide.
Homework:
Reading:
Students will read their chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on their reading log.
Night Write:
Students need to complete the beginning paragraph of their rough draft. Be sure the 1st sentence identifies the title, author, character, background information, and ends with the focus statement.
Students will be expected to be reading the same book that appears as the last entry on their reading log (unless they show evidence of just finishing the book).
Due December 8:
The reading of your selected Dream Series book
Gathering Chart (4 key events) Write Source pg. 292
Character Chart (3-4 main characters) Write Source pg. 293
Homework:
Reading:
Read for 30 minutes each night in a challenging chapter book. Students may read the book they selected for the book chat. Complete an entry on your reading log.
Night Write:
Topic of your choice
Posted by Abrams at 08:57 AM
Materials:
Write Source – pg. 294-297
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_pgrph2.html
Warm Up:
What is a focus statement?
Activity 1:
Review using the formula on page 294 to write a focus statement.
Activity 2:
Students will write the 1st paragraph of their rough draft using Write Source pg.295-297 andhttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_pgrph2.html (as a handout).
Student Options:
Response to Literature could be used to generate any of the following:
PowerPoint
Web Page
iMovie
Students will have the opportunity to choose how to do their final project for the Dream Series novel and Book Chat. The final project is due December 13.
Students may work alone or work with a partner. The partner can be another student who is reading the same book, or their adult reading buddy.
Students may choose to do ONE of the following:
Write an essay (6 paragraphs, following the outline/pp template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Create a power point (using the template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Create a podcast (following each step in the template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Create an iMovie (following each step in the template on Mrs. Abrams' blog).
Homework:
Reading:
Students will read their chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on their reading log.
Night Write:
Students need to complete the beginning paragraph of their rough draft. Be sure the 1st sentence identifies the title, author, character, background information, and ends with the focus statement.
Students will be expected to be reading the same book that appears as the last entry on their reading log (unless they show evidence of just finishing the book).
Due December 8:
The reading of your selected Dream Series book
Gathering Chart (4 key events) Write Source pg. 292
Character Chart (3-4 main characters) Write Source pg. 293
Homework:
Reading:
Read for 30 minutes each night in a challenging chapter book. Students may read the book they selected for the book chat. Complete an entry on your reading log.
Night Write:
Topic of your choice
Posted by Abrams at 08:47 AM
November 18, 2006
Guidelines and Checklist for Response to Literature
Posted by Abrams at 05:48 PM
November 17, 2006
Materials:
Book Chat Letter and Book List
Write Source pg. 292-294
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
The Dream Series books (the choices for the book chat) are available in the school store, several in my room, and 45 are available in the media center.
Warm Up:
Appetizers- pg. 19
Activity 1:
Discuss the contents of a Character Chart (Write Source pg. 292) and a Gathering Chart (Write Source pg. 293).
Activity 2:
Using the formula on pg. 294 in Write Source, students will write a focus statement that will be used in their response to literature essay.
Activity 3:
Students will review the details in their Gathering Chart. In planning the middle paragraphs of this essay, keep the following in mind:
*Decide on the best order for your events
*Add any events you feel necessary to explain your interpretation
Using your events, write a topic sentence for each of your middle paragraphs
As students read their book chat book, they are to be creating a Character Chart including at least 3 characters (Write Source pg. 292) and a Gathering Chart (Write Source pg. 293) of at least 3 of the key events. The events included in the Gathering Chart should show the reader's interest in the character and select details that show you (the reader) care about this story. These completed charts will be due Monday, December 4.
State Standards for the book chat unit:
ELA7R1.b.f Literary
ELA7R2.b
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. The texts are of the quality and complexity illustrated by the Grade Seven reading list. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading.
ELA7R2.b
The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Homework:
Reading-Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete your reading log entry answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Add information to your character and gathering charts.
Posted by Abrams at 10:15 AM
Materials:
Book Chat Letter and Book List
Write Source pg. 292-293
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
The Dream Series books (the choices for the book chat) are available in the school store, several in my room, and 45 are available in the media center.
Warm Up:
Appetizers- pg. 18
Activity 1:
Discuss the contents of a gathering chart (Write Source pg. 293).
Activity 2:
Students will read their book chat book for 30 minutes and add details to the Character and Gathering Charts.
As students read their book chat book, they are to be creating a Character Chart including at least 3 characters (Write Source pg. 292) and a Gathering Chart (Write Source pg. 293) of at least 3 of the key events. The events included in the Gathering Chart should show the reader's interest in the character and select details that show you (the reader) care about this story. These completed charts will be due Monday, December 4. Students should complete the reading of their book by December 8.
State Standards for the book chat unit:
ELA7R1.b.f Literary
ELA7R2.b
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. The texts are of the quality and complexity illustrated by the Grade Seven reading list. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading.
ELA7R2.b
The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Homework:
Reading-Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete your reading log entry answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Add information to your character and gathering charts.
Posted by Abrams at 10:11 AM
Materials:
Book Chat Letter and Book List
Write Source pg. 292-293
Students received their progress report today. Parents, please sign and have your student return it to me on Tuesday.
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
The Dream Series books (the choices for the book chat) are available in the school store, several in my room, and 45 are available in the media center.
Warm Up:
Appetizers- pg. 17
Activity 1:
Collect the last page in this packet (that was to be signed) Book Chat Letter and Book List.
Activity 2:
Discuss the contents of a gathering chart (Write Source pg. 293).
Activity 3:
As a class students will complete a gathering chart for "Cinderella".
Activity 4:
In table groups students will complete a Gathering Chart using the events in "Rikki-tikki-tavi".
As students read their book chat book, they are to be creating a Character Chart including at least 3 characters (Write Source pg. 292) and a Gathering Chart (Write Source pg. 293) of at least 3 of the key events. The events included in the Gathering Chart should show the reader's interest in the character and select details that show you (the reader) care about this story. These completed charts will be due Monday, December 4.
State Standards for the book chat unit:
ELA7R1.b.f Literary
ELA7R2.b
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. The texts are of the quality and complexity illustrated by the Grade Seven reading list. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading.
ELA7R2.b
The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Homework:
Reading-Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete your reading log entry answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Add information to your character and gathering charts.
Posted by Abrams at 10:01 AM
Materials:
Book Chat Letter and Book List
Write Source pg. 287-293
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
The Dream Series books (the choices for the book chat) are available in the school store, several in my room, and 45 are available in the media center.
Warm Up:
What is the theme of a story?
The theme of a book or story tells the message about life the author gives to the reader
Activity 1:
Collect the last page in this packet (that was to be signed) Book Chat Letter and Book List.
Activity 2:
Review the contents of a Character Chart
Activity 3:
Students will read their challenging chapter book for 30 minutes focusing on the lesson each character learns.
As students read their book chat book, they are to be creating a character chart of at least 3 of the characters. These completed charts will be due December 4. Students should complete the reading of their book by December 8.
Graded Papers Returned on Monday, November 20:
Friendly Letter Rough Draft
State Standards for the book chat unit:
ELA7R1.b.f Literary
ELA7R2.b
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. The texts are of the quality and complexity illustrated by the Grade Seven reading list. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading.
ELA7R2.b
The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Homework:
Students will need to have their book chat letter signed and bring to class on Tuesday, if they did not have it signed over the weekend.
Reading-Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete your reading log entry answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Add information to your character chart.
Posted by Abrams at 09:54 AM
Materials:
Book Chat Letter and Book List
Write Source pg. 287-292
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
The Dream Series books (the choices for the book chat) are available in the school store, several in my room, and 45 are available in the media center.
Warm Up:
How can a response to literature become a social time?
Share the following with others who may want to read the book, after hearing about it from you:
*retell key events
*interpret the theme of the story
*show how the development of the main character relates to the development of the theme
Activity 1:
Collect the last page in this packet (that was to be signed) Book Chat Letter and Book List. A discussion about the nuts and bolts of this day will be shared. Students will share the title of their selection with the students at their table.
Activity 2:
Review the student model of a Response to Literature (Write Source pg. 289-290), and students will view a PowerPoint on writing a response to literature essay.
Activity 3:
As a whole class students will create a character chart using the main characters in "Cinderella."
Activity 4:
In table groups students will create a "Character Chart" (see pg. 292 in Write Source) using the main characters in "Rikki-tikki-tavi."
As students read their book chat book, they are to be creating a character chart of at least 3 of the characters. These completed charts will be due Friday, December 8.
State Standards for the book chat unit:
ELA7R1.b.f Literary
ELA7R2.b
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. The texts are of the quality and complexity illustrated by the Grade Seven reading list. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading.
ELA7R2.b
The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Homework:
Students will need to have their book chat letter signed and bring to class on Tuesday, if they did not have it signed over the weekend.
Reading-Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete your reading log entry answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Select a book (This book should be read by Friday, December 8 )and a reading buddy. Write a few sentences explaining why you selected the book that you did, if you just selected your book.
Posted by Abrams at 09:35 AM
November 12, 2006
Materials:
Book Chat Letter and Book List
Write Source pg. 287-290
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store. The Dream Series books (the choices for the book chat)are available in the school store, several in my room, and 45 are available in the media center.
Warm Up:
What is a response to literature essay?
*retell key events
*interpret the theme of the story
*show how the development of the main character relates to the development of the theme
Activity 1:
Students will receive a copy of Book Chat Letter and Book List. A discussion about the nuts and bolts of this day will be shared.
Activity 2:
Review the goals of a writing piece (pg. 288 in Write Source).
Activity 3:
Walk through the student model of a Response to Literature (Write Source pg. 289-290).
State Standards for the book chat unit:
ELA7R1.b.f Literary
ELA7R2.b
The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. The texts are of the quality and complexity illustrated by the Grade Seven reading list. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading.
ELA7R2.b
The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Homework:
Students will need to have their book chat letter signed and bring to class on Monday.
Reading-Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete your reading log entry answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Select a book (This book should be read by Friday, December 8)and a reading buddy. Write a few sentences explaining why you selected the book that you did.
Posted by Abrams at 05:41 PM
November 11, 2006
Warm Up:
Appetizers - pg. 16
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
Material:
white unlined paper
Activity 1:
Students will handwrite the final copy of their friendly letter.
State Standards for this unit on letter writing
Homework:
Reading-Students will read their challenging chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on the reading log answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-Students will finish handwriting the final copy of their friendly letter.
Posted by Abrams at 03:42 PM
Warm Up:
Appetizers - pg. 15
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
Graded Papers Returned:
Weekend Night Write
Material:
Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter
Parts of a Friendly Letter
Verbs to Use Instead of "Said"
http://www.cyberspaces.net/6traits/wsaid.html
http://www.lunarnut.com/said/
http://www.nyu.edu/classes/copyXediting/said1.html
Activity 1:
Using Part of a Friendly Letter
,Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter, The Wonders of Writing, and the thesaurus, students will begin to revise their friendly letter. Students will focus on the use of transitions, no two sentences beginning with the same word, and sensory details.
Homework:
Reading-Students will read their challenging chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on the reading log answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-work on making sure that no two sentences begin with the same word.
Posted by Abrams at 03:38 PM
Warm Up:
Appetizers - pg. 14
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
Papers Collected to bo Graded: Weekend Night Write
Material:
Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter
Parts of a Friendly Letter
Verbs to Use Instead of "Said"
http://www.cyberspaces.net/6traits/wsaid.html
http://www.lunarnut.com/said/
http://www.nyu.edu/classes/copyXediting/said1.html
Activity 1:
Students will read their challenging chapter book for 30 minutes focusing on the emotions exhibited by the main character during their classroom reading.
Activity 2:
Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter,Parts of a Friendly Letter, The Wonders of Writing, and the thesaurus, students will begin to revise their friendly letter.
Homework:
Reading-Students will read their challenging chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on the reading log answering the 5 W's.
Night Write-work on making sure that no two sentences begin with the same word.
Posted by Abrams at 03:24 PM
Warm Up:
What is the organizational structure for writing a friendly letter?
Write Source Books have arrived and are in the school store.
Material:
Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter
Parts of a Friendly Letter
Verbs to Use Instead of "Said"
http://www.cyberspaces.net/6traits/wsaid.html
http://www.lunarnut.com/said/
http://www.nyu.edu/classes/copyXediting/said1.html
Activity 1:
Using Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter and Parts of a Friendly Letter, students will write the first rough draft of their friendly letter.
State Standards for this unit on letter writing
Homework:
Reading- Read your challenging chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on your reading log answering 5W's.
Night Write-Finish writing the 1st rough draft of your friendly letter.
Posted by Abrams at 03:21 PM
November 09, 2006
http://www.cyberspaces.net/6traits/wsaid.html
http://www.lunarnut.com/said/
http://www.nyu.edu/classes/copyXediting/said1.html
Posted by Abrams at 07:58 PM
November 08, 2006
Warm Up:
What is the organizational structure for writing a friendly letter?
Material:
Guidelines/Checklist For Rough Draft For a Friendly Letter
Graded Papers Returned:
Reading Logs
Elements of a Plot
Point of View
Verbs to Use Instead of "Said"
http://www.cyberspaces.net/6traits/wsaid.html
http://www.lunarnut.com/said/
http://www.nyu.edu/classes/copyXediting/said1.html
Activity 1:
While listening to an Andrea Bocelli song, students will make a list of all of the areas they are thankful for with regard to their parents.
Activity 2:
Students will interact with the Letter Format Flipchart.
Activity 3:
Students will write their 1st rough draft of the friendly letter.
State Standards for this unit on letter writing
Homework:
Reading- Read your challenging chapter book for 30 minutes and complete an entry on your reading log answering 5W's.
Night Write-You may select a topic of your choice.
Posted by Abrams at 08:01 PM
Letter From Prentice Hall Regarding E-rater
Papers Collected to Be Graded:
Reading Logs
Point of View
Students will go to the media center, and receive instruction on the purpose of a book chat. Students will:
hear examples of a book chat
understand the importance of 12/13
understand the purpose of a book chat
understand how a book chat is a social experience
learn about the Dream Series of books
learn about the availability of the Dream Series books
review Internet terms
Reading logs will be collected for a completion grade on 5 consecutive days of entries.
Homework:
Reading- Read your chapter book for 30 minutes and complete a reading log entry answering the 5W's.
Night Write-Take a writing vacation.
Posted by Abrams at 09:00 AM
If you have not submitted your narrative essay, please do so by class time on Friday.
http://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/authoring/login/login.jsp
Reading logs will be collected on Thursday, Nov. 9. Students will need to show 5 consecutive reading log entries between Wed., Nov. 1 and Wed., Nov. 8.
Materials:
Point of View
Warm Up:
Name the 6 elements of a plot.
This paper will be collected for a grade.
Activity 1:
What is meant by point of view? Give examples from a situation in the class. Show Point of View.
Activity 2:
Working in table groups, students will complete a point of view chart including:
*Determine the conflict of the story, and write a question that includes this conflict.
Example:
Oliver Twist: Due to the recent "crime wave," do you think kids are being unfairly blamed? Why or why not?
Rikki-tikki-tavi:
Due to the survival of the fittest, do you think inhabitants of the jungle are unfairly killed. Why or why not?
For each entry on the point of view chart you must include the following characters- Rikki, Nag, Nagaina, Teddy, Karait, Darzee, Chua, Chuchundra
You must include the following personal information for each character with each entry -
Name
Picture
Age
Job
Address
Answer to question
*Describe the issue that caused the conflict from the antagonist's point of view. Describe the issue that caused the conflict from the protagonist's point of view.
Example-
Antagonist:
Oliver Twist was accused the other day of taking Mr. Brownlow's wallet. Oliver tried to act as if he were chasing the criminal, when he really didn't take it. Artful Dodger was the real "criminalist" in the crime, not Oliver Twist.
Protagonist: Mr. Brownlow’s wallet is missing.
Homework:
Night Write-
Complete a point of view chart with the following information:
Conflict:
Due to the decline in discipline and academic performance in school, do you think students should wear school uniforms? Why or why not?
Answer the question according to how you think the following people would respond:
Dr. Tyson
Mrs Abrams
Mrs. Jackson or Ms. Haag
One of your parents
You
Reading-
Read your challenging chapter book for 30 minutes and complete a reading log entry answering the 5W's.
Posted by Abrams at 08:57 AM
November 03, 2006
Materials:
Literature text – pg. 415-422
Reading logs will be collected on Thursday, Nov. 9. Students will need to show 5 consecutive reading log entries between Wed., Nov. 1 and Wed., Nov. 8.
Once a student has submitted their narrative essay to e-rater, they must turn in all of their rough drafts to me for a grade.
Since the e-rater program is experiencing difficulties, student's final grade on this essay will not count against them. If a student received a 6 out of 6, that grade will stick
Warm Up:
Name the 5 elements of a plot.
Activity 1:
Review the beginning of “Rikki-tikki-tavi” and review the elements of plot.
Activity 2:
Following the step-by-step guide the teacher presents, students will read silently and discuss the story from the introduction of the character Nag on page. 411 to Rikki’s pride in himself on pg. 422.
Activity 3:
As a whole class discuss the literary analysis of the story on pg. 423 of the text.
Homework:
• Read for 30 minutes each night in a challenging chapter book. Complete an entry on your reading log.
You may take a writing vacation.
Posted by Abrams at 09:58 AM
