Language Art News 8-26

Please make sure your child is registered on Book Adventure.  You do not need to sign up under a teacher or a team.

Here is the link:

http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx

Each child should have 5 books read and projects completed by Friday, October 16.  Please read the information in your child's 3 ring binder.

Students are required to have a book with them at all times and in all classes.

Notes we have taken in class (thus far):

Setting-

1. place or location
2. time-historical period, day/night, season
3. weather conditions
4. social conditions-dialect, dress, act
5. mood-the emotion the reader feels

Characters-

In order to make a character seem real the author gives us information —this is called characterization.

Characterization includes:

a)  his/her physical appearance

b)   what they think and feel

c)   what others say about him/her

Protagonist-the leading character or one of the main characters

Antagonist-a character that opposes someone (disagree or act against)

There will be a quiz on these next week.

Please check to make sure your student has these notes.

Homework for tonight: Character Builder Worksheet.

Welcome Back!!

Mrs. Brindle’s 6^th grade Language Arts

A classroom must have a positive, safe, and organized environment in order for children to reach their fullest potential.  Read and discuss the following classroom expectations with your child.  Please print this letter, sign at the bottom and bring it to Mrs. Brindle the first week of school.

Please visit this website to see the entire 6th grade curriculum

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/languagearts/

A few of the topics we will cover include:

Grammar Reading Comprehension and Fluency Black History Poetry

Greek  Mythology Legends Tall Tales Folk Tales

Immigration Propaganda/Advertising Writing

Short Story Elements

Literary Devices Figurative Language Auto/Biographies

Fiction Non-fiction Drama/plays Author’s Purpose

We will also explore a variety of informative sources and have collaborative discussions.

Novels: (will/may be read)
Freak the Mighty, Stargirl, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Number the Stars, Ashes of Roses,  Peter Pan

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE FREAK THE MIGHTY BY RODMAN PHILBRICK THE SECOND WEEK OF SCHOOL.  DO NOT READ THE BOOK.

I will go over the Neuse Charter School Handbook the first week of school—that discussion will include (but not be limited to)  the Middle School Grading Policy, Discipline, and Absences.

Classroom Expectations:
1. Be on time and prepared to work.  Have all supplies.  

        Teacher does not loan pencils or other materials.
2. Stay in your assigned seat/learning area.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Respect others and school property.
5. Raise your hand to speak and listen to speaker.
6. Put forth your best effort.
7. Follow the directions of all school staff.
8. Follow all directions in Handbook.

What to expect:Students will enter the classroom quietly and immediately begin “Bell-Ringer”/Prompt on the board every day.

After about 5 minutes, we will discuss a few student responses.

Students will watch CNN Student News, journal, and discuss.

Daily Lesson 

Centers/Silent Reading ( 20-30 minutes)  The first Unit will focus on FTM mini-projects.

Plan on having a Vocabulary Quiz on Thursdays.  Other quizzes, tests, and projects will be announced ahead of time.  While reading novels, we may have daily quizzes.

Students will bring home TAKE HOME FOLDERS most Mondays.  Parents need to initial each graded paper and return to school by Wednesday.

6^th Grade will have Positive Incentives once a month.  Students must hand in all homework and signed work to attend.  Any student with suspensions or more than one office referral will not participate.

Thank you for your support.  The 6^th grade team looks forward to working with you to make this a successful year!

I have read this expectation letter:
Parent______________________________________________________________
Student______________________________________________________________