Today in ELA 12/18

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can explain how a particular chapter/scene fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Class Activities:
Check Spelling and Collect Cartouches
Grab Bag Questions 
Read Pages 196-215

Homework:
~Read 196-215
~Cartouche
~Spelling ABC Order

Today in ELA 12/17

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can explain how a particular chapter/scene fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Class Activities:
Check Spelling and Collect Cartouches
Read for Meaning
Mummify Apples
Read Pages 167-195

Homework:
~Read 167-195 
~Cartouche
~Spelling Sentences

Today in ELA 12/16

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can explain how a particular chapter/scene fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Class Activities:
Check Spelling and Symbol
Reading Response
Discussion Questions
Read Pages 142-166

Reading Response:
Explain the last sentence of Ceremony for the Dead.  What is foreshadowing? How is the last sentence an example of foreshadowing?

Homework:
~Read 142-166 (The Oracle of Thoth, The Oracle Speaks, Where's Security)
~Cartouche
~Spelling Sentences

Today in ELA 12/15

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can explain how the characters respond or change as the plot advances.
~I can describe how a story’s plot unfolds using a series of episodes.

Class Activities:
Spelling PreTest
Check Flow Map
Explain Discussion Director Role 
Read Hieroglyphics (Chapter 14)

Homework:
~Read Ceremony For the Dead (Chapter 15) and write 1 open-ended question on a post-it
~Spelling Rewrite

Today in ELA 12/12

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can explain how the characters respond or change as the plot advances.
~I can describe how a story’s plot unfolds using a series of episodes.

Class Activities:
Spelling Test
Collect Friendship Paragraph 
Character Relationships- Tree Map
Chapter Summary
Read Egypt Game Chapter 13

Chapter Summary:
Create a flow map that charts the major events in "Moods and Maybes" (114-123).  Write

Homework:
~Finish Chapters 13 (pages 114-123)
~Spelling

Today in ELA 12/9

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can explain how the characters respond or change as the plot advances.

Class Activities:
Check Spelling and Role 
Character Analysis- Top Hat
Read Egypt Game Chapters 9-10
Short Response 

Character Analysis:
*Compare and Contrast Melanie and April (Top Hat)

Short Response:
Why  were the Egypt gang friends? What is needed to promote friendship? Answer in a short paragraph on friendship.

Homework:
~Finish Chapters 9-10
~Finish Friend Paragraph
~Spelling

Today in ELA 12/8

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can determine the figurative and literal meaning of words and phrases based on how they are used in a text.
~I can explain how the characters respond or change as the plot advances.

Class Activities:
PreTest
Discussion Questions
Explain Connector 
Read Egypt Game Chapter 8 

Discussion Questions:
*Compare Melanie and April (Criteria- Family, Manner)
*Explain why Mr. Ross called April "the cruelest month."

Homework:
~Finish Prisoners of Fear (pg 67-79) 
~Write 3 connections 
~Spelling 

Today in ELA 12/5

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can determine the figurative and literal meaning of words and phrases based on how they are used in a text.
~I can summarize a text and leave out my personal opinion.

Class Activities:
Discussion Questions
Explain Connector
Read Egypt Game Chapter 6-7 Together (In Group)

Discussion Questions:
*Why was April different with Melanie and other people? Find evidence, on page 36, to summarize.
*Explain the last sentence, on page 49. How do authors use last sentences?

Homework:
~Finish Chapter 6&7 (pg 50-66) 
~Write 2 connections (1 for each chapter) 

Today in ELA 12/4

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can read and comprehend literature at the sixth grade level.

Class Activities:
Response to Literature
Passage Picker
Explain Discussion Director Role
Read Egypt Game Chapter 4-5 Together (In Group)


Discussion Questions:
*What was April's intention in her dress when she met Melanie?
*What proved special about Melanie's bookcase of books?
*What was the secret of the old geography book?

Homework:
~Finish Chapter 4&5 (pg 34-49) 
~Spelling ABC Order

Today in ELA 12/3

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can read and comprehend literature at the sixth grade level.

Class Activities:
Response to Literature
Artful Artist 
Read Egypt Game Chapter 3 Together (In Group)
Explain Passage Picker Role

Response to Literature:
"It hadn't occurred to April that Caroline had moved because of her-so she could have a bedroom of her own.  She knew she ought to feel grateful, but for some reason what she really felt was angry."
What does this statement tell the reader about April's feelings toward Caroline? Support your answer with evidence from the text. 

Homework:
~Finish Chapter 3 
~Finish Passage Picker Role
~Spelling Sentences

Today in ELA 12/2

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can read and comprehend literature at the sixth grade level.

Class Activities:
Response to Literature
Word Wizard 
Read Egypt Game Chapter 2 Together (In Group)
Explain Artful Artist Role

Response to Literature:
“There were dozens of children in the neighborhood, boys and girls of every size and style and color, some of whom could speak more than one language when they wanted to. But in their schools and on the streets they all seemed to speak the same language and have a number of things in common.” 
What did the author mean by this statement?  Use evidence from the text to support your answer. 

Homework:
~Finish Chapter 2 
~Finish Artful Artist Role
~Spelling Sentences

Today in ELA 12/1

Learning Goals:
~I can apply strategies to become an active reader.
~I can read and comprehend literature at the sixth grade level.

Class Activities:
Spelling PreTest
Create Reading Journal
Read Egypt Game Chapter 1 Together (In Group)
Explain Word Wizard Role 

Homework:
~Finish Chapter 1 (pg. 9-10)
~Word Wizard Role
~Spelling Rewrite

Today in ELA 11/25

I can...
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Finish Typing
Checklist
Create Cover & Print
42Explore.com
Web Adventures
Braingle

Homework:
Work on Mystery during learning lab

Today in ELA 11/24

I can...
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Finish Typing
Checklist
Create Cover & Print
Peer Editing Brochure

Homework:
Work on Mystery during learning lab

Today in ELA 11/21

I can...
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Finish Typing
Checklist
Create Cover & Print
Peer Editing Brochure

Homework:
None

Today in Class 11/20

Science 

Hoot:
Compare and Contrast Top Hat

Homework:
Write 2 Paragraphs Using Your Top Hat
1 comparing similarities between the book and movie and 1 contrasting differences

Today in ELA 11/19

I can...
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Deduction-Solve the Crime
Finish Typing
Print
Peer Editing Brochure

Homework:
Spelling Sentences
Highlight Proper Nouns
Circle 10 Common Nouns

Today in ELA 11/18

I can...
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Make sure all paragraphs are finished
-Lead
-Crime Scene
-Suspects

Homework:
Spelling Sentences
Make sure writing is finished thus far

Today in ELA 11/17

I can...
read critically, analyze information, and collaborate in a small group.
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Complete a planning sheet (Own)
Begin Body... 
Brainstorm Suspects and Clues
Suspect Paragraph (Incorporate any witnesses)

Homework:
Spelling Rewrite
Finish Suspect and Clues Paragraph

Today in ELA 11/14

I can...
read critically, analyze information, and collaborate in a small group.
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Type Mystery (What you have so far...)

Homework:
None

Today in ELA 11/13

I can...
read critically, analyze information, and collaborate in a small group.
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Complete a planning sheet (Own)
Begin Body... 
Brainstorm Suspects and Clues
Draw your crime scene
Crime Scene Paragraph

Homework:
Spelling Sentences
Finish Crime Scene Picture and Paragraph 
(Don't forget to up your writing)  
We will type paper tomorrow

Today in ELA 11/12

I can...
define vocabulary that appears regularly in mysteries in order to fully understand the mystery genre. 
read critically, analyze information, and collaborate in a small group. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Minute Mysteries
Up Your Writing
Complete a planning sheet (Own)

Homework:
Spelling Sentences
Up Our Lead 
(Make changes and Rewrite Lead; Highlight Changes)

Today in ELA 11/10

I can...
define vocabulary that appears regularly in mysteries in order to fully understand the mystery genre. 
read critically, analyze information, and collaborate in a small group. 

Mystery Elements:
Setting
Detective
Crime or Mystery
Victim
Clues
Solution

Writing Workshop:
Read a mystery and identify story elements
Minute Mysteries
Complete a planning sheet (Scooby)

Homework:
Work on your own planning sheet

Today in ELA 11/7

I can...

write a real or imagined narrative with descriptive details and effective technique.

Celebrate our successes and share our accomplishments!

Homework:

None

Today in ELA 11/6

I can...
define vocabulary that appears regularly in mysteries in order to fully understand the mystery genre. 
read critically, analyze information, and collaborate in a small group. 

Mystery Vocabulary Quiz:
Alibi
Clue
Deduction
Evidence
Red herring
Sleuth
Suspects
Witness

Writing Workshop:
Read a mystery and identify story elements
Minute Mysteries
Complete a planning sheet (for your own mystery)

Homework:
Finish planning sheet
Spelling ABC Order

Today in ELA 11/5

I can...
create a cinquain while following appropriate structure and organization. 


Writing Workshop:
Fall Cinquain


Homework:
Study Vocab 
Spelling Sentences

Today in ELA 11/4

I can...
understand what mysteries are by discussing mysteries read or seen on TV.
define vocabulary that appears regularly in mysteries in order to fully understand the mystery genre.  

Writing Workshop:
Group Questions to ponder:
What do you think a mystery should be? (Adjectives)
When you think about mysteries, what comes to mind?
What is your favorite mystery book, movie, or TV program?
What do you find suspenseful? (while reading or watching)
What do you think makes a good mystery?

Vocabulary: (Create a Flip Book)
Alibi
Clue
Deduction
Evidence
Red herring
Sleuth
Suspects
Witness

Mysteries to Solve
Mystery Lib Guide

Homework:
Study Vocab by creating a flip book
Spelling Sentences

Today in ELA 11/3

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Publish
Finish Typing 
Print and Staple Final Copy on Top

Mysteries to Solve

Homework:
Spelling Rewrite

Today in ELA 10/31

Halloween

Activities:
Assembly
Parade

Homework:
None

Today in ELA 10/30

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

Closing
How to End a Narrative Essay
Memorable Endings
Learn Zillion Video

Publish
Finish Typing 
Print and Staple Final Copy on Top

Homework:
Create a cover page for your narrative

Science Blog

Today in ELA 10/29

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

First Draft
Use your story mountain

Closing
How to End a Narrative Essay
Memorable Endings
Learn Zillion Video

Homework:
Spelling- 2nd 5 Sentences 

Science Blog

Today in ELA 10/28

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

First Draft
Use your story mountain

Don't Forget...
Sensory Details (Touch, Smell, Hear, Taste & Sight)
Dialogue
Stay in the Moment
Thoughts & Feelings

Homework:
Spelling- 1st 5 Sentences 
Finish your body paragraph (story)

Today in ELA 10/27

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

First Draft
Use your story mountain

Homework:
Spelling- Rewrite & ABC Order

Today in ELA 10/23

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

Leads
Use one of the 6 types of leads to begin your narrative

Thesis Statement
Incorporate the inspirational quote into the last sentence of your lead

Homework:
None- Have a great weekend!

Today in ELA 10/22

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings
~use dialogue, descriptions, and pacing to develop events and characters

Writing Workshop

Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

Dialogue
Add dialogue to your story mountain

Leads
Use one of the 6 types of leads to begin your narrative

Homework:
Finish Lead for your narrative

Today in ELA 10/21

I Can...
~write a real narrative with descriptive details and effective technique 
~organize a logical event sequence and incorporate thoughts and feelings

Writing Workshop
Narrative Prompts
1. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Write a narrative about a time when you did something you thought you could not do. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

2. Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." Use this quote to write about a particularly happy memory.  

3. Booker T. Washington wrote, "Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life. It's measured by the obstacles you overcome." At some time or other, we all face obstacles. Think of a time that you faced an obstacle and overcame it. Explain what happened and what you did to overcome the obstacle. Make sure to use the quote in your response.

Brainstorming
List small moments for each prompt

Story Mountain
Top- External Events
Bottom- Internal Thoughts/Feelings

Homework:
Complete a Story Mountain for your narrative

Today in ELA 10/20

I can...
~summarize a text and leave out my personal opinion.
~identify an author's tone and produce clear, coherent writing in which style is appropriate.

Writing Workshop:
SWBS Four Square
Hoot Chapter 4
Write Summary
Tone

Homework:
Change the tone of Roy's Letter to Dana

Today in ELA 10/17

I can...
use precise words and phrases and sensory details and language to convey experiences and events.

Writing Workshop:

SWBS

Homework:
None

Today in ELA 10/16

I can:
investigate owls using the lib guide.
write a narrative describing specific details of an owl.  


Class Resources:
Owl Sounds
Dancing Owls
Explore Owls 
Dialogue for Kids- Owls
Tribute to Owls Video
Burrowing Owl Head Tilt
Burrowing Owls in Florida

Writing Workshop:
Owl Narrative- Final Copy
Typing Tutor

Homework:
Finish Final Copy of Narrative and Paper Plate Owl 

Today in ELA 10/15

I can:
investigate owls using the lib guide.
write a narrative describing specific details of an owl.  


Class Resources:
Owl Sounds
Dancing Owls
Explore Owls 
Dialogue for Kids- Owls
Tribute to Owls Video
Burrowing Owl Head Tilt
Burrowing Owls in Florida

Writing Workshop:
LibGuide
Owl Bubble Map- Unique Characteristics
Owl Narrative- Final Copy
Paper Plate Owl

Homework:
Finish Final Copy of Narrative and Paper Plate Owl 

Today in ELA 10/14

I can:
identify traits of owls.
investigate owls using the lib guide.
write a narrative describing specific details of an owl.  


Class Resources:
Owl Sounds
Dancing Owls
Explore Owls 
Dialogue for Kids- Owls
Tribute to Owls Video
Burrowing Owl Head Tilt
Burrowing Owls in Florida

Activities:
LibGuide
Owl Bubble Map- Unique Characteristics

Homework:
Choose an owl for tomorrow's research and write a paragraph that explains why you chose it.  

Today in ELA 10/10

I can:
identify traits of owls.
investigate owls using the lib guide.
make observations about different types of owls and their habitats.


Class Resources:
Owl Sounds
Dancing Owls
Explore Owls 
Dialogue for Kids- Owls
Tribute to Owls Video
Burrowing Owl Head Tilt
Burrowing Owls in Florida

Activities:
LibGuide
Owl Bubble Map- Unique Characteristics

Homework:
Choose an owl for tomorrow's research and write a paragraph that explains why you chose it.