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April 30, 2007
Today some students worked on finishing their pre-writing activities (each student is working at a different point in completing and checking off the pre-writing steps) while others were able to begin the middle paragraphs of their rough drafts.
SKILLS:
Researching facts for introductory paragraph
Writing steps to teach process
Developing graphic organizer - web
Writing thesis statement
Writing middle paragraphs of rough draft
HOMEWORK:
Read
Write "materials and equipment" paragraph and "steps" paragraph(s) DOUBLE SPACE and use your web and sticky notes.
Posted by Beals at 05:00 PM
April 27, 2007
Today students worked on pre-writing activities (each student is working at a different point in completing and checking off the pre-writing steps):
Researching facts for introductory paragraph
Writing steps to teach process
Developing graphic organizer - web
Writing thesis statement
Monday students will begin writing their rough draft, consisting of 4 to 6 paragraphs.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 03:54 PM
April 26, 2007
All students continue to work on their planning, organizing, and research of beneficial facts for their independent "how-to" essay. Humor and descriptive word choice is encouraged. Students have been cautioned to pick a topic that can be demonstrated at school safely. Cooking essays may present some problems and need to be carefully discussed with parents as we have no way to complete the cooking at school.
SKILLS:
Writing a thesis statement
Researching facts to develop interest or a purpose for reading the essay
Outlining instructional steps for How-To writing
Developing introductory paragraph
Turning instructional steps into middle paragraphs with transition words and phrases
Developing concluding paragraph
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 01:50 PM
April 25, 2007
All students are in the planning and organizing stages of their independent "how-to" essay. Each student was encouraged to pick a favorite activity to "teach" to someone. Humor is encouraged.
SKILLS:
Recognizing types of expository writing
Outlining instructional steps for How-To writing
Developing introductory paragraph
Turning instructional steps into middle paragraphs with transition words and phrases
Developing concluding paragraph
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 02:28 PM
April 24, 2007
Second period began developing their topic for their individual How-to essays and working on their steps.
Third period presented their toothbrushing demonstrations; another day of enjoying creative, how-to essays and laughter.
Both classes participated in DEAR Gorilla time.
SKILLS:
Recognizing types of expository writing
Outlining instructional steps for How-To writing
Developing introductory paragraph
Turning instructional steps into middle paragraphs with transition words and phrases
Developing concluding paragraph
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 09:10 PM
April 23, 2007
Second period began our toothbrushing demonstrations; an enjoyable combination of expository writing, creative writing, and laughter.
Third period continued to work on their expository essays in anticipation of instructing one another in the fine art of brushing one's teeth.
SKILLS:
Recognizing types of expository writing
Outlining instructional steps for How-To writing
Developing introductory paragraph
Turning instructional steps into middle paragraphs with transition words and phrases
Developing concluding paragraph
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 10:14 PM
April 19, 2007
CRCTs in the morning.
Expository writing - Analyzing the elements of expository essays and beginning a "starter essay" on brushing teeth.
We're hoping for a little bit of humor with this as well.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Some students are completing a set of worksheet questions regarding expository writing using their Writing and Grammar textbook.
Posted by Beals at 04:23 PM
April 17, 2007
CRCTs in the morning.
Introduction to expository writing - We enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humor in the sample essays we explored today.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 04:41 PM
April 16, 2007
We have conquered the first day of CRCTs and it is all up-hill from here.
Have a wonderful week!
HOMEWORK:
Read
Posted by Beals at 08:01 PM
April 12, 2007
CRCT Review:
Analyze writing for: strong beginning, interesting and descriptive language, details, sentence structure, paragraph structure, dialogue, emotion, and memorable ending.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Complete worksheet pages 19-24
Posted by Beals at 03:52 PM
April 11, 2007
CRCT Review:
Analyze writing for: strong beginning, interesting and descriptive language, details, sentence structure, paragraph structure, dialogue, emotion, and memorable ending.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Complete worksheet pages 1-6 (the last 7 pages in the packet). Hint: Use the questions and answers for "Thunderstorms" as examples if you get stuck on a question for "Aloha".
Posted by Beals at 02:46 PM
April 10, 2007
Our CRCT review included using resource books and reference materials.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Complete worksheet pages 17, 27, 31, & 49
Posted by Beals at 04:30 PM
April 09, 2007
I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break. My family enjoyed every minute, however, it is good to be back with my fantastic students!
We are focusing class time on reading, writing, and grammar review to better prepare for the CRCTs coming up.
HOMEWORK:
Read
Some students are finishing poster on the "10 Steps of Research"
Posted by Beals at 04:43 PM
