Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful time with family this holiday! Merry Christmas!

<3, Ms. J & Bucky

Reading Questions, Chps. 14 and 15

These questions will be completed in-class on Monday for a reading check. Be prepared for a circle discussion Monday. We will be diving deeper into allegory.

1. What happens to Aslan at the Stone Table?

2. How does Aslan act while in the company of the witch?

3. What does the witch threaten to do once Aslan is... gone?

4. On p. 163, we hear about the deeper magic, "before the dawn of time." The witch is unaware of this magic (or, we can think of it as a law). What is the law? What does it mean for Aslan/Edumnd?

Reading Questions, Chapter 13, 12/14

Please complete these at home and bring them with you tomorrow (there will not be a reading check in class). Some of these are opinion questions; do your best to support whatever claim you make. 

1. At the beginning of the chapter, the witch and the dwarf decide to keep Edmund "for bargaining." For what might they use Edmund as a "bargain"?

2. How did the witch and the dwarf manage to disappear when the search party came to rescue Edmund?

3. What is the Deep Magic (the law) that is written on the Stone Table?

4. What does this law mean for Edmund?

5. Hebrews 9:22 says this: "According to the law ... all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." In what way is the Deep Magic similar to the Biblical law of sin?

Reading Questions, Chapters 8, 9 & 10

Please answer the following questions with complete sentences. Some of these questions will require you to think about the story and to form your own opinion, or to use a dictionary/online resource. Do your best to support your answer with evidence or to cite sources if you use them. For the ACE questions, please cite a page number and a direct quote when you use evidence from the text. Remember, these are not due until Monday, December 12th.

1. Why do Peter and Susan agree that they should try to help save Mr. Tumnus, even though the journey could be dangerous?

2. ACE: Who is Aslan, and what will happen in Narnia when he returns?

3. ACE: Why might the White Witch want to harm the Pevensie children? (Hint: Remember, Peter and Edmund are "sons of Adam," and Susan and Lucy are "daughters of Eve.")

4. Define "treacherous" as used on p. 85. Do you think Mr. Beaver is right in thinking that Edmund is treacherous? Why or why not?

5. Edmund believes that the "Queen" is going to make him a ruler of Narnia. What kinds of things is he planning for when he takes on a leadership role?

6. What does Edmund think about the stone lion?

7. Who greets the search party the next morning? What does he give (specifically) to Peter? To Susan? To Lucy?

8. ACE: What does the sight of the person mentioned in the previous question mean for the White Witch's spell over Narnia?

Who is Lilith? What is a Jinn?

As you read over the next week, Mr. Beaver will reference someone called "Lilith." In ancient Jewish mythology, Lilith was a female demon, representing all things "dark and terrifying." In Jewish folklore she was often referred to as the first wife of Adam, who left the Garden of Eden because she did not want to be Adam's wife. Mr. Beaver declares that the White Witch is a descendant of Lilith on one side and of giants on the other, thus she is not human in any way. He also explains that she is a "jinn," which is a term sometimes used to refer to genies. A jinn is a supernatural creature that can take human form when it chooses. Here is an early representation of Lilith:


Source: myjewishlearning.com

Jigsaw Links and Directions

Group 1:

Your task is to find out about "Operation Pied Piper."

1. Read through "Operation Pied Piper" and "The Day of Evacuation" on the following page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwtwo/evacuees_01.shtml
As you read, take a few "pistachio shell" notes about Operation Pied Piper. What happened? When? Who was involved? Why?

2. Watch the following video with the sound off. Jot down a few more notes for anything that stands out to you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abLgfmzTO64&feature=related



Group 2:

Your task is to find out about English country homes. What were they like? In what ways were they different than the London townhomes from which many children came?

1. Use Google images to search the following (these houses were estates during World War II and are still around today). This will give you an idea of what the country homes looked like:

 Knebworthhouse, Wollaton Hall, Woburn Abbey, Kiddington Manor, Hinwick House

2. Read the first paragraph on the following Wikipage. Take a few pistachio-shell notes to summarize what you read:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_country_house

3. Compare and contrast city life to country life here. This page describes the "wartime homes" that were often in urban parts of England:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/world_war2/wartime_homes/

Group 3: 

Your task is to find out about the author of The Chronicles of Narnia. View this page on Fact Monster to record 6 important facts about C.S. Lewis:

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/narnia-lewis.html

Group 4:

Your task is to help us prepare for Chapter 1 of the novel by defining some vocabulary terms. When discussing the terms with your group, try your best to use a quick synonym or short definition. Here are the terms (record their definitions using http://www.merriam-webster.com/; you may have to look elsewhere for terms that were specific to mid-century Britain). 

splendid

row (as in "We got into an awful row today.")

passages

wireless (as used in mid-century Britain)

looking glass

wardrobe

blue-bottle

inquisitive

muffler

parcels

faun

VERY important reminders/example

- Your final draft is due on Monday, 11/14.

- The content of your paper will comprise the majority of your grade. Did you include all three sections of your opening paragraph, including a strong thesis statement? Did you support your thesis statement in your body paragraphs? Did you wrap your paper up with a closing paragraph that drove your major points home?

- Part of your grade includes grammar and spelling. Encourage a family member to take a look at your paper to make suggestions. Use all tools available to you, such as Spell Check.

- Part of your grade includes the format of your paper. Here are reminders about the requirements:
1. Use standard margins
2. Use size 12 font, Times New Roman - this includes your title
3. Underline or italicize the title of the book each time you use it
4. Indent each paragraph
5. Double-space your paper - avoid extra space between paragraphs
6. Your header should appear in the upper left-hand corner of your paper, exactly as pictured below (with your name and class section). Please look closely at the image below and read each paragraph for additional reminders:

Theme Essay Update

Tonight for homework, please use your proofreading checklist to go over any errors you may have in your paper. Please bring a printout of your paper to class tomorrow if possible. We will peer-edit in class tomorrow and then finish our papers over the weekend. Your final draft will be due on Monday.

Writing Assignment Update

Here are a few announcements for our writing assignment that was initially due next Wednesday:

1. The assignment is now due on Friday of next week.

2. At the end of LA today, each of you should have your document saved to Google Drive. Some of you have also saved your draft to a flash drive or have printed out what you have so far. In order to access your Google Doc at home:
   1. Log in to your TLS Gmail.
   2. Go to the white squares forming a box at the upper right corner of the screen.
   3. Select "Drive" (it looks like a triangle).
   4. View your Google Docs and look for "Cleopatra Theme."
   5. Open the document.

3. Your homework over the break is to draft your first two paragraphs. Use your graphic organizer for the opening paragraph, which should include:
- An opening sentence which grab's the reader's attention, but does not "give away" the main idea just yet
- A little bit of background information on the story, since we are assuming our reader has never read the book (use your plot chart to think of the key events from the story)
- A thesis statement at the end of the paragraph, which states your claim (our claim for this paper is that the theme of Cleopatra is "coming of age")

Your second (body) paragraph should include four examples from the story that "prove" your claim by citing evidence. Use specific examples from the text to support your thesis; show the reader how Cleopatra went from naive and immature to mature and knowledgeable (aware of how the world truly works). We will work on transitions and a closing paragraph on Wednesday and will go through the revision stage on Thursday. My goal is for our paper to be finished by Friday, but if we need more time, we will extend the due date.

Cleopatra Writing Assignment

Hello all! This week we will be drafting a writing assignment on the theme of Cleopatra and will polish them over the break. Remember that we have decided that the theme is "coming of age." We will be drafting these in class and discussing them/proofreading with peers. Your final draft is due when you return (Wednesday, 11/9). Here is what will be required. We will be discussing all of this in class, step-by-step.

I. 3 paragraphs
   A. Introduction/thesis paragraph
   B. Body paragraph 1
      1. Topic sentence
      2. (4) pieces of supporting evidence/details from the story that confirm the theme
      3. Transition sentence
   C. Closing paragraph
      1. Refer back to the plot (we will discuss this in class)
      2. Closing thoughts
      3. Concluding sentence
II. Format
   A. Typed
   B. Times New Roman, size 12
   C. Double-spaced
   D. Header (we will discuss in class)

Please, please, please keep track of the graphic organizers on which we will be working and bring them to class each day. Let's get some writing done! :)

A few reminders...

Please hold on to your Cleopatra books until we are finished with our writing assignment next week. It will be an in-class assignment and we will be taking it step-by-step. Stay tuned for more details.

Hold on to your index cards as well - we will be adding supporting details and a conclusion to the topic sentence we wrote today. We will then clip our cards to a ring to use as a tactile reminder for how to build a paragraph.

Tonight's homework does not require complete sentences; simply jot down 5 facts or ideas that support your class's topic sentence. Do not put them on index cards (a scrap piece of paper will be fine).

Topic sentences:

6-1: Winter, one of the most beautiful seasons, is a time for slowing down.

6-2: Winter is a seasonal wonderland that offers many fun things to do.

Great job today brainstorming some winter-related images and feelings!

*So Proud*

I can't stop telling my friends how awesome you guys were for Open Mic this week. Thank you to everyone who came out to read or to listen. This year we heard some beautiful imagery and touched on more themes than ever, including social justice. I'm super proud of you guys and I had an awesome time. Here are a couple photos from Open Mic, plus a random picture of Joi's colored pencils, which I just liked seeing all lined up on the desk. Also, if you're reading this, please remind me to share with you Ms. Chavis's response to "Slimy Ocean Ham."

A golden phoenix for a golden garden!

 One of my favorite poems by G.A. - it took me back to Manhattan.

#tb

Throwback to that one time Spencer was trying to figure out the answer to a Sparkle question and went full Olympian mode

Sentence Fragments

Now that we know that a complete sentence needs a subject and a predicate, we're going to focus on identifying and avoiding sentence fragments. We will have a quiz on sentence fragments this Friday (since there's no vocab). You will need to identify fragments and then correct a few fragments; you will then be asked to write a one-paragraph response to a question, in which you should avoid sentence fragments.

Remember, a sentence fragment is one that is missing either a subject or a predicate; it does not communicate a complete thought. It is not an independent clause and cannot stand on its own. For example:

"Some kids in the class." --- This is a fragment. It contains a subject (kids) but does not tell us what the subject is doing or being. Therefore it is incomplete and considered a dependent clause. Let's add a verb so it makes sense:

"Some kids in the class use Blogger to study."

"Because she didn't like the way the market smelled." --- This is also a fragment. Sentences that begin with "because" are very tricky. Unless the sentence tells you the answer to, "..because what?" it is a fragment. It is a dependent clause that requires more explanation. Either of these corrections would fix it:

"Berenice did not visit the market because she didn't like the way the market smelled."
"Because she didn't like the way the market smelled, Berenice did not visit the market."

We will be discussing these more in-depth this week and completing some class drills in preparation for your quiz. Here's a cool online tool that will help with identifying fragments:

http://www.chompchomp.com/frag01/frag01.htm

Open Mic Night

Hello everyone!

I wanted to post some info regarding Open Mic. Our poetry readings will be in the art room this year. Open Mic is on Tuesday, October 18th, from 6-7pm. It will be happening as a part of Reading Fun Night, so if you have younger siblings, they can enjoy all the games available in Fellowship Hall. Middle School students who attend will be entered into a drawing for a prize that includes a Barnes & Noble gift card AND a Starbucks gift card! The book fair will be open during this time. Middle School students will not be required to complete the stations for the younger children to be entered into the drawing.

Tomorrow in school I'll be passing out tickets to students who want to come. If you would like to read during open mic (remember, there's lots of extra credit available to students who come read!), please be sure have your parents sign your ticket. This way I can get an idea of how much hot chocolate I need and will be able to create a tentative reading schedule.

Please remember to get your ticket signed (whether you're reading or just coming to listen), and if you plan to read, please submit your piece to me before Monday.

Invite your friends! Come out and have a great time as we share some awesome poetry!

Creative Writing Feature

A beautiful poem by R. Baker. :)

Characters from Cleopatra

Don't forget to check out all the awesome characters on our characterization board! These ladies worked hard on Neva and did an awesome job!!! My personal favorite is the tiny King Ptolemy. We'll be examining characterization in-depth next week before Blackrock!

A.C.E. Article

Click this link to find the article we will be discussing in class today:

http://action.scholastic.com/issues/09_02_13/book#/4

Cleopatra Reading Check Questions pgs. 90 - 120

These questions are to be completed throughout the week as you read at home (or during free time in school). They are due next Monday, October 3rd. 

We will be discussing the "ACE" process tomorrow (Tuesday) in class. Please remember that when answering the questions labeled as "ACE" questions, that you need to answer the question and cite evidence from the text. You may choose to include a quote (please indicate the page number if you do so). You may also paraphrase Cleopatra's thoughts in order to explain your answer and to provide evidence. "ACE" responses should be at least two or three sentences in length.

This may be typed or hand-written. Please remember that spelling and grammar are part of your grade.

Questions:

Questions: pgs. 90 - 120

1. ACE: Why is Cleopatra “frightened” for Berenice?
2. Who is Marc Antony?

3.  Why does Cleopatra’s “heart soften” as she observes Marc Antony?

4. Describe the streets of Rome.

5. What do Cleopatra and Julia do while hanging out in Rome?

6. ACE: Why is Cleopatra “sick at heart” and in “low spirits” (p.104)?

7. ACE: Why is Cleopatra’s father “behaving himself” lately?

8. What gesture does Atticus make in an effort to raise Cleopatra’s spirits?

9. Why is Neva concerned about Cleopatra’s skin getting darker as they enjoy the seaside?

10. ACE: What “warning” does the Appian Way communicate to all who travel it? (ACE hint: How does it get this message across?)

11. Why are prisoners’ deaths in Egypt more human than in Rome?

12. ACE: What emotions does Cleopatra experience while strolling the beach at night (pgs. 111-112)? (ACE hint: Why does she feel this way?)

13. Cleopatra decides she can only do one thing about her situation. What is it?

14. Why are cheers coming from the arena?

15. ACE: Why do the scholars of whom Theophilus speaks decide to “abandon the idea” of applying steam technology to boats in the Nile?

16. Why does Berenice have her husband killed?

17. How does Cleopatra find out about Puzo’s feelings for Neva?

18. ACE: Why doesn’t Cleopatra immediately forbid the love between Neva and Puzo?

So funny I can't...

That one time when Andy and Nick found a picture of... wait for it...

Caesar. LOL

Subjects and Predicates Practice/Independent Clauses

Here's a link for a helpful online review of simple subjects and predicates:

https://www.ixl.com/ela/grade-4/identify-the-simple-subject-or-predicate-of-a-sentence

In addition to identifying subjects and predicates, your quiz tomorrow will include independent clauses. You will need to:
- Identify independent clauses
- Separate two independent clauses that are in one sentence
- Correct capitalization and punctuation if necessary

Don't forget - an independent clause includes both a subject and a predicate, and can stand on its own as a statement. To separate two independent clauses, "a comma is not enough!!!" :) You can use a comma WITH a conjunction, a semicolon, or simply turn the two independent clauses into separate sentences. For example:

I play the violin it's my favorite hobby. - There are two independent clauses here:

1. I play the violin
2. It;s my favorite hobby

These two statements must be separated, and that separation could look like any of the following:

1. I play the violin. It's my favorite hobby.
2. I play the violin; it's my favorite hobby.
3. I play the violin, and it's my favorite hobby.

Creative Writing Feature

I've seen some pretty amazing blackout poems this week. You guys are so creative and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds. Here's a feature from Wednesday's class - take that message and run with it. See our poetry board to find out who the author is. So good!

"Turnt" up for Vocab

I just want to give a shout-out to all these amigos in 6-2 who were able to enter their names into the jar for using vocab words during our reading check discussion today. :)

Sparkle

Remember to study your vocab words tonight for our test tomorrow! Also, here's a #tbt to two hours ago, when Andy won his first round of Sparkle ever, and then did the best victory dance in history. (And by victory dance, I mean he knocked over all the vocab jars in excitement, and it was awesome.)

Shenanigans...

I had a lot of fun with you all during our "peasant" activity today. Check the chalkboard tomorrow for more messages to King Ptolemy.

P.S.: I spotted a potato in my classroom, lurking next to the smartboard. Be careful. It looks suspicious.

P.S.S.: Shadow words are awesome. We spelled "love" today - spread some love to your fam when you go home today <3

Subjects and Predicates Practice

Directions: For each sentence given below, underline the subject once and the
predicate twice.

1. The runner appeared at the starting line.
2. The student arrived late to class because he woke up late.
3. John looked out of the window to check the sky.
4. The audience grew very restless waiting for the play to start.
5. The air in the classroom smelled fresh.
6. I felt exhausted from the anticipation.
7. The owners grew flowers all around their house.
8. The race track looks very wet because it has been in the rain many hours.
9. The horse tastes the hay and oats without hesitation.
10. Birds fly often in the blue sky.
11. Birds like to land in green trees.
12. Bird watchers must always wait with patience.
13. The company pays for medical insurance.
14. The bank will keep a record of your work.


From: Englishlinx.com

Welcome Back!!!

WOW, guys! Is it really that time already?! I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and to meeting new ones. It's going to be a great year! Stay tuned for details coming soon regarding how to check this blog for homework assignments, upcoming projects, and fun stuff we'll be doing in class. :) I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and can't wait to catch up with all of you tomorrow!!!

Hellloooooo 6th grade. Here is all the info you'll need for your book report project. Remember to budget your time accordingly and pace your reading in order to complete your report on time.

Your book report project is due on Wednesday, May 25th

Identifying Literary Elements
Your report will need to identify the following literary elements in the story you choose:

1. Theme - Identify the theme of your story and briefly explain why that's the theme you chose.

2. Setting - Include location and time.

3. Main characters - Identify the main protagonist, the main antagonist, and give an example of a static character and a dynamic character.

4. Conflict - Identify the main conflict that drives the story.

5. Plot - Summarize the plot by identifying the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The Work (dun dun dunnnn!)
There are two parts to this project. Part 1 is Identifying Literary Elements. Part 2 is an oral presentation.You have a few options for Part 2 of your book report.

Options for Part 2:

1. Video News Report
Present your information via a "news broadcast." You can feature your friends/family if their parents give you permission. Get creative! Maybe... have a Plot segment instead of Sports? Please make sure that if you create a video containing the literary elements for your book that the video is in a format which can be shared with me/displayed on the classroom screen.

2. Book in a Box
Redecorate a cereal box to advertise your story. The box must include all of the Literary Elements, so take time to plan the layout of your box. Example: Instead of listing ingredients on the side, list the main characters and the static/dynamic characters.

3. Book Report Sandwich
Make a 3D representation of your story by turning into a sandwich! Nommmm! The top slice of bread should contain the title of the book and the author's name. Then the rest of your sandwich should identify the literary elements. For example, the lettuce should contain the plot summary, the tomato slice should contain the main characters, etc. If you use paper, be sure to staple your sandwich together!

4. Newspaper Front Page
*This must be typed*
Using a template from Word or from the Web, create a news story about your book by dedicating the first page of a newspaper to the story. You will need to identify the literary elements using different newspaper columns, "photographs," etc. Suggestions: Use a date that fits in with the setting of the story; draw/scan pictures of the characters as you imagine them; conduct imaginary character interviews and type them up into columns...

Grading
Your rubric is as follows (total of 100 points):

Part 1 - Identifying Literary Elements
Name on project - 2 pts.
Theme - 10 pts.
Setting - 10 pts.
Characters - 8 pts.
Conflict - 10 pts.
Plot summary - 20 pts.
Creativity - 10 pts.

Part 2 - Oral Presentation
Preparedness - 10 pts.
Speaking (be loud and clear!) - 10 pts.
Eye Contact - 5 pts.
Sources properly cited - 5 pts.


If you're reading this before we discuss it in class, don't stress. I will be going into detail during class. :)

Westing Game Essay

This essay assignment will be completed next Wednesday, April 13th, in class. You may use your notes, your characterization chart, and book as you write. This assignment must be typed and should follow the format rules for all typed assignments.

You will need to write three paragraphs:

In the first paragraph, you will identify the theme of The Westing Game and will give at least three pieces of evidence from the text which support your theme.


In the second paragraph, you will identify the conflict in the story and will also give at least three pieces of evidence form the text which support the conflict you've chosen.

Finally, in the third paragraph, you will choose a dynamic character and, using details from the text, explain how this character develops/changes over the course of the novel.

Questions to prepare for reading check, Westing Game chapters 15 and 16

1. How much is the prize worth?

2. What is the thing on which the five people in the driveway cannot agree?

3. Describe the interaction between Grace and Jake. What might this suggest about their relationship? (We will talk more about how the third-person omniscient point of view in this story gives us insight.)

4. What connection does George Theodorakis have to the Westing family (according to the photos examined by J. Ford and Sandy)?

5. What is the rumor about why/how Violet Westing died? How is this story connected to Angela Wexler?***2 pts.

6. What happens to Angela during her bridal shower?

7. What does Turtle thank Angela for when she sees her in the hospital?

Westing Game Chapters 11 & 12

Look for answers to the following questions as you read in order to prepare for your reading check on Tuesday. 

1. Who is Rosalie and where is she?

2. What does Theo propose at the meeting in the coffee shop?

3. What happens during the meeting that causes a panic?

4. Prediction question: Why do you think Mr. Hoo smiled when Mrs. Theodorakis said that they would have to close the cafe for a few days?

5. What is preventing Angela Wexler from helping the Theodorakis family from cleaning up?

6. What are Sydelle and Turtle fighting about at the bottom of page 70?

Westing Game Chapter 8 - Questions to Consider

1. What's preventing the residents of Sunset Towers from going out?

2. Why does everyone suddenly want to meet with Sydelle Pulaski?

3. What does Chris see at the Westing House when Angela and Sydelle leave?

4. What does Turtle believe she and Flora should do with their 10k? Why?

5. Why (specifically) does Mr. Hoo think of Grace Wexler as a bigot?

6. For what reasons does Judge Ford believe that Mr. Westing wasn't murdered?

7. Why is Angela (and why are others at Sunset Towers) so scared to walk around the building?

Chapter 7 - Questions to Consider

1. How are the "players" organized for the Westing Game?

2. What does each pair of players receive?

3. Name one unlikely pair and explain why you wouldn't expect the two players to be paired with one another.

4. Flora Baumbach tells a lie after the clues are dispersed; what lie does she tell?

5. What happens if one of the partners quits?

6. What does Turtle do with the clues?

7. Mr. Wexler says that life is "senseless" until... what? (3 things)

Westing Game reading, weekend of 1/29

Please read chapters 4 and 5 over the weekend. Your reading check will focus on the following things:

1. What did Turtle find at the Westing House?

2. What's one positive thing the newspaper wrote about Sam Westing? What is one tragic thing the article mentions regarding Mr. Westing's life?

3. Why are the residents of Sunset Towers being summoned to the Westing House?

4. What are Grace Wexler's thoughts as the residents arrive?

5. Is anything wrong with Sydelle Pulaski? How do you know?

Christmas Memory Winner

Tyler Smith

December 10, 2015

Christmas Memory

One Christmas morn Alyssa joyfully woke. She ran and tried to wake her father. Her father, replied groggily, and said “Five more minutes. She tried to wait, but she simply couldn’t. Her and her sister devised a plan to find out what they got. They realized that they could unwrap their gifts and then rewrap them.

They put their plan into action. The two unwrapped, opened and rewrapped their gifts. Finally their dad woke up and they went to “unwrap” their gifts. Alyssa was a little worried that her dad would find out. Their game started. They both acted very surprised. Later on her father did find out, but her plan did work.