September 7-10, 2010

September 9th, 2010

Lesson Plans-Week 3

In Reading, the students will continue to read and respond to text. They are working towards exploring  depth in text by annotating several vignettes from Sandra Cisneros’, The House on Mango Street. The focus is reacting to or responding to text rather than summarizing text. 

In English, the students will continue to work with  simple sentences and parts of speech as they review and expand their knowledge of sentence types and the functions of words. They will continue the  prewriting process for their short stories which involves brainstorming story ideas, evaluating their ideas, and plotting several possible stories. They will also discuss  short story characteristics and compare/contrast short stories and novels. They will reread the short story, “The Elevator” to analyze the way that a writer develops characters.

Reading Homework

August 30th, 2010

August 30, 2010

Beginning this week, the students are required to read 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per week. Homework is due and checked every Monday. The students may utilize the entire week , including the weekend, to complete the assignment. A homework reading log will be used to document the completion of this assignment.

(Monday, 9/6/10 is the Labor Day Holiday so I will check  this week’s homework Tuesday, 9/7/10. Also, the weekly reading for the week of 9/6/10 is reduced to 120 minutes due to the holiday. Enjoy the day!!)

August 30-September 3, 2010

August 29th, 2010

Lesson Plans-Week 2

In Reading, we will begin silent reading using self-selected novels. Our focus this week is deepening comprehension through a reader’s response to reading, vocabulary development, analysis of plot, and characterization.

In English, we will  read several short stories and analyze them from a writer’s perspective. Our focus this week is to read and analyze mentor texts as the students’ begin the writing process for their own short story. We will also begin reviewing the parts of speech as we continue to develop as a community of readers and writers.

August 23-27, 2010 Welcome!

August 29th, 2010

Lesson Plans-Week 1

Last week we worked to establish classroom procedures and routines.

In Reading, we reviewed story elements and analyzed plot  using “First Day Jitters” and the short story ”Charles”. We also analyzed  the way the authors of these short stories created suspense using foreshadowing and extended conflict.

In English, the students’ drafted a reflective essay entitled, “Who Am I As A Writer?” They used the reflective process to assess their writing abilities and to establish writing goals for this school year.