Words of the Wiser Signpost - 26 September and 27 September 2019

Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5

Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

The Plan:

1. Read
2. Copy and Paste today's ELA Journal Entry into your ELA Journal.
3. Learn about the Words of the Wiser Signpost using the short story, "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas.
4. Hatchet Chapter 5

Reminders/Homework:

• Read!
• Finish your classwork if incomplete
• Click here to see the scoring guide for your ELA Journal
• No Red Ink Practice #1 Due Friday, 27 September, 4pm
• You will not have access to this unless you finish the diagnostic.

Classwork in Your ELA Journal

You can copy and paste from Ms. Black's ELA Journal by CLICKING HERE.

We will be reading "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas, and Chapter 5 of Hatchet today!

Words of the Wiser Signpost
Definition: when you are reading and a character (who is probably older and a lot wiser) gives the main character some advice.

CLICK HERE for more examples! Like The Lion King! and Pocahontas!

After reading/listening to this story, you will be writing RAC sentences in your ELA Journal.

Hatchet Chapter 5 and Sticky Note Investigation

1. Prompt: What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this? 
2. Find at least ONE passage/quote in chapter 5 that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait.
3. Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
4. Celebrate your success! You're annotating!

We are also looking for TWO examples of Words of the Wiser in this chapter to put into our chart in your ELA Journal! I believe in you! You can do it!

RACE Paragraphs: What is C? - 24 September and 25 September 2019

Today's Goal:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

The Plan:

1. Read
2. Copy and paste today's ELA Journal Entry into your own ELA Journal
3. RACE - Focus on C
4. Sticky Note Investigation Paragraph in ELA Journal using RAC strategy.

Reminders/Homework:

• Read!
• Finish ELA Journal Entries (there are 6 after today)
• NoRedInk Review Skills Practice #1 Due Friday, September 27, 4pm
• You won't be able to complete this until you finish the diagnostic and submit a Revision Request

RAC Lesson

Last class, I asked you to write about the Again and Again example from the story "Charles" by Shirley Jackson. You had sentence frames and filled in the blanks. What I want you to notice is that those two sentences followed the RACE strategy, but only RAC. 

First things, first: Go back to those sentences in your ELA Journal and highlight them in the correct colors. 

Every C sentence has THREE parts.

Sticky Note Investigation: What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?

1. Prompt: What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this? 
2. Find at least one passage in every chapter (we've read FOUR chapters so far, and you've already labeled a bunch!) You probably have this done already.
3. Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.

IN YOUR ELA JOURNAL:

Copy and paste the work for today from my model into your own ELA Journal.

Need a list of character traits? TRY THIS ONE! It's very long, but has some really great words.

Signposts: Again and Again - 20 September and 23 September 2019

Today we're looking at repetition.
Get it? Like how people who lift weights do lots of reps?

Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5
Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
The Plan:

1. Read
2. Copy and Paste today's ELA Journal Entry into your ELA Journal.
3. Learn about the Again and Again Signpost using Shirley Jackson's "Charles"
4. Finish Chapter 2 (we're at minute 24)
5. Chapter 3 and 4 of Hatchet. Again and Again signpost.

Reminders/Homework:

• Read!
• Make sure your ELA Journal entries are complete. There are 5 of them now. I'm going to grade them soon.
• Due Friday, September 27, 4pm (It will be 4pm from now on)
• No Red Ink Review Skills Practice #1
• You will not have access to it unless you have completed the diagnostic, so I suggest you finish that ASAP. It was already due.
• If you complete something late and need me to take a look at it again, you do not have to email me. Instead, fill out the REVISION REQUEST form on the sidebar. It's a big green button!

What are Signposts?

"Notice and Note Signposts are clues built for readers to help them decide when it is important to stop, notice, and take note of something important happening in a story. Sometimes, it can be hard for readers to decide which parts are truly "the most important" and/or if they have the power to change the story. Learning about the six signposts will help you to determine both of these things and will help you to understand the story at a deeper level."

Let's watch this short introduction on Mrs. Tellez's Super Amazing Signpost Website

Today we will only talk about the "Again and Again" signpost.

Again and Again Signpost

Definition: when you are reading and you notice a word, phrase, object, idea, or situation that is mentioned again and again.

CLICK HERE for video examples and notes!

Classwork in Your ELA Journal

You can copy and paste from Ms. Black's ELA Journal by CLICKING HERE.

This is what your ELA Journal Entry will look like.

Hatchet: Let's Read! - 18 September and 19 September 2019

This is a Cessna

Today's Goal: 
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
The Plan:

1. Read independently
2. Hatchet!
3. Sticky Note Investigation

Reminders/Homework:

• Read!! (and complete your reading log)
• Due Friday by 6pm: Typing.com (first three lessons)
• Make sure you have at least two stickies (at least one in each chapter) that addresses the prompt: Where is there evidence of Brian's attitude or beliefs about his situation?
• When you put a sticky note in your book, you must write why on the sticky note!

Sticky Note Investigation: Where can you find evidence of Brian's attitude and beliefs about situation?

After we read Chapter 1 and 2, you and your peers will take TWO sticky notes and do the following:

1. Look for TWO passages or quotes (you must have at least one from each chapter)
2. Prompt: Where is there evidence of Brian's attitude or beliefs about his situation?
3. Put the sticky note in and LABEL what the belief or what the attitude is.
4. Be prepared to talk about it. 

Need a list of character traits? TRY THIS ONE! It's very long, but has some really great words.

Hatchet Prewriting and No Red Ink Diagnostic - 16 September and 17 September 2019

Today's Goal:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

The Plan:

1. Read
2. RA Review
3. No Red Ink Diagnostic
4. Hatchet Pre-writing (See below for the ELA Journal Entry you can copy and paste)

Reminders/Homework:

• READ!
• Make sure you finished today's ELA Journal entry!
• Finish the No Red Ink Diagnostic if you have not finished it in class.
• It's called "Review Skills Diagnostic" when you log in.
• If you are absent, you will need to come see Ms. Black or email her for the class code.
• Due Friday, 20 September, 6pm
• Lesson 1: J, F, and Space
• Lesson 2: U, R, and K Keys
• Lesson 3: D, E, and I Keys

No Red Ink Diagnostic
On weeks when we don't do Typing.com, you will be asked to practice some grammar. Today I need you to take a small "diagnostic" quiz so that I can see if you already know some of these skills. They are things that should be familiar to you, even if they aren't easy.

If you are absent, you will need to come see Ms. Black or email her for the class code.


Hatchet Pre-Writing (ELA Journal Entry #4)
This goes in your ELA Journal. Make sure to add the date.

What are the most important characteristics for a person to have if they are trying to deal with a difficult situation? Write at least three sentences about why and don’t forget the RA strategy!


Character Traits. What are they?

"Character traits are valued aspects of a person's behavior. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad, including our favorite fictional characters. Character traits are often labeled with descriptive adjectives such as patient or jealous." - Source

You are welcome to Google "list of character traits" to find words. You can also Click on the source link above for more examples.

Restating the Question: RACE Strategy - 12 September and 13 September 2019

Today's Goal:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6
[...] demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills [...]

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.D
Establish and maintain a formal style.


The Plan:

1. Read
2. How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander
3. RACE Introduction
4. RA Practice with poems from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline Woodson (You will put the answers to the questions below in your ELA Journal)
5. Typing.com

Reminders/Homework:

• READ!!!!!!!
• Typing.com due Friday, September 20. (You may work ahead, but your goal is entirely to do this slowly and tediously. Put your fingers in the right position and do EXACTLY what the computer tells you to do with your fingers. You want to type fast like Ms. Black? This is how.)
• Lesson 1: J, F, and Space
• Lesson 2: U, R, and K Keys
• Lesson 3: D, E, and I Keys
• Make sure you have THREE entries in your ELA Journal complete.

How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander

We read this out loud in class. If you are absent, please feel free to come take a look at it in class. There is no assignment associated with this book. It is simply for us to enjoy together. 

R.A.C.E.S. Introduction

RACES is a method of answering questions clearly and with detail. It is a way to write in a formal, academic tone. 

Today, your only focus is R and A, which is actually only 1-2 sentences!

You will learn about and practice C and E on another day. 

RA Practice

We will read two poems from a book called Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. One of them is pictured here.

excerpt from Brown Girl Dreaming by

Jacqueline Woodson

You can find the other poem by clicking on THIS LINK.

IN YOUR ELA JOURNAL:

12 September 2019

Answer the following questions using the RA strategy. Highlight the R in pink. Highlight the A in green.

1. Where is the narrator's sister, Odella, when they cannot find her?

2. What does the narrator have to do in order to understand what she reads? 

3. How are Odella and the narrator alike and different when they read?

4. What is a personal pronoun and why is it not allowed in the RACE strategy form of writing?

Looking at Standards - 10 September and 11 September 2019

Today we're going to translate some fancy English
into less fancy, more clear English so that we know what
is expected of us and maybe learn some new words!

Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
The Plan:

1. Read
2. Finish our Social Contract
3. Interpreting Standards

Reminders/Homework:

• READ!
• Update your reading list!
• Make sure your Academic Profile Picture is updated ASAP (As Soon As Possible)
• We did this during our technology setup. You will earn a "Communication" score for this.
• Finish ELA Journal classwork - Interpreting Standards.

Interpreting Standards: First of all, what are "standards"?

Educational standards are the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. They are the skills we will practice all year. We will focus on only a few at a time.

What do I do?

First: Put the assignment in your ELA Journal. Here's how:

1. Open the document linked here AND your ELA Journal in Google Classroom
2. Press Control+A to highlight everything on the document!
3. Press Control+C to copy it.
4. Switch to your ELA Journal
5. Go to the TOP of the document and Paste (Control+V) it above the first entry. The most recent work you do will always go on the top.
6. Close the document that is not your ELA Journal because you don't need it anymore.

Second: we will work together to put these standards in our own words.

We will highlight key terms and define them if we need to. Then, we will rewrite the standards so that the skills are written in a more clear way that makes the most sense to YOU.

Together, we will do the first four, and you will be responsible for the last two and the question at the bottom.

Library Orientation and Create Our Social Contract! - 6 September & 9 September 2019

Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.D
Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.

The Plan:

1. Read
2. Cup Stacking Challenge (Period 2/6)
3. Social Contract
4. Library Orientation (Period 1/3/5)

Reminders/Homework:

• Read every single day!
• Complete incomplete/missing work if necessary (One-Word Projects, ELA Journal Questions, syllabus forms)

Social Contract

Please see our last class post for information about social contracts. This is an in-class discussion that involves EVERYONE. Please be prepared to share, speak, and expect the best from ourselves and each other.

Back to School Night 2019

Hi Everyone!

This is a post for parents, but you can look through it to. These are the presentation slides from Back to School Night on Wednesday.

Parents: Please consider donating to our Donor's Choose campaign to buy some brand new books for our students this year. We are only $175 away from about $1000 worth of new books to fill some gaps in our classroom library.

This is how students in our classroom
answered this question last week.

Social Contract Questions - Sept. 4 (1/3/5) and Sept. 5 (2/6)

Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners
The Plan:

1. Read
2. Period 1/3/5 - Cup Stacking Challenge
3. ELA Journal (Google Classroom)
4. Social Contract Begin
5. Period 2/6 - Library Orientation

Reminders/Homework:

• READ!
• 20 minutes every single day
• Update your Reading List if you start and/or finish a new book.
• Get your One Word and Syllabus turned in ASAP
• Finish your ELA Journal Questions if you did not finish them in class.
• Go outside and hug a tree or something. Fresh air is good for you.

Stacking Cup Challenge

I will give you directions for this communication activity. You will work together to do this because it is a teamwork challenge. If you were absent, you missed out!

What's a Social Contract?

It's a contract we all sign that shows the ways that our class agrees to behave all year. We will make it together in class, and the results will be posted on the wall for the whole year. It will be our guide to how we treat ourselves and others in class.

These are our guiding questions:

1. How do you want to be treated by Ms. Black? How can she do that?
2. How do you think Ms. Black wants to be treated by you? What can you do to show that?
3. How do you want to treat each other in this classroom? What do you do?
4. How can we all help each other stay focused and successful in the classroom?

You will answer these questions in your ELA Journal on Google Classroom!