Linking Verbs + Portfolio Info

Sorry for the delay, everyone. As Kyle says... I have the memory of a goldfish.

Today's assignment:
Draw a line under the linking verb in each sentence.

1. The animal shows are my favorite exhibit.
2. The farmers seem friendly.
3. The animals look healthy.
4. The judges are experts.
5. One judge is a farmer.
6. He appears knowledgeable about the animals.
7. Sheila seems quite skilled.
8. Her sewing appears perfect.
9. The dress is a blue ribbon winner.
10. Hans and Jody are relaxed, too.

After we check our work, we'll be talking about... dun dun dunnnn... VERB TENSES!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!

So. Onto portfolios. Here's a list of what you should have in your portfolio (remember, portfolio check is tomorrow):
1. Fantasy story (1 draft)
2. Heater story (2 drafts)
3. Donkey story (2 drafts)
4. Crisis (president) story (2 drafts)
5. Island story (1 draft)

Finally, here's what I've been promising I'd post regarding the header format for your stories. You don't have to make an actual "header" - what I'd like you to do instead is:
1. Make sure your text is aligned to the LEFT.
2. First line - type your name.
3. Second line - type the class (Language Arts A or Language Arts B).
4. Third line - type the date.
5. Fourth line - CENTER your text alignment for the title.
6. After you've included your title, hit enter for the next line, re-align your text to the left, and begin your story.

I'll be showing you how to follow these steps in class today. I do expect the final draft of your Island story to follow this format. Here's a picture of what it will look like (click to enlarge the picture):

Homework 5/6

Main Verbs and Helping Verbs

Part I: Draw one line under the helping verb. Draw to lines under the main verb. 

1. We have met every day after school.

2. Other students are planning their acts.

3. Everybody is making fancy costumes.

4. Sandy has made a decision.

5. She shall enter the contest without a partner.

6. She is performing a solo act.

7. We can meet in the afternoon.

8. Justin and I could use more practice.

Part II: Copy the following list of common linking verbs in your grammar notes. We will discuss linking verbs tomorrow. 

am
is
are
was
were
will be
seem
appear
look
taste
smell
feel

Homework 3/5

Verbs with Direct Objects: At the Dog Show

Draw one line under the action verb and two lines under the direct object.

1. A beagle shows her hunting skills.

2. Each owner wants the best prize.

3. Elaine brings dog biscuits.

4. The pets love the treats.

5. They all wag their tails.

Complete each sentence with a direct object.

1. We enter the ___________________.

2. Elaine pats a frightened _______________________.

3. Susan brushes a _______________________.

4. The judge announces the _________________________.

5. A sheepdog wins the __________________________.

Grammar Questions 4/29

Howdy, y'all. Here are tonight's homework questions for our Using Possessive Nouns unit:

Write each sentence. Change each underlined phrase to include a possessive noun.

1. The safety habits of the students should be perfect.
2. The students listen to the opinions of adults.
3. The comments of the visitors are helpful.
4. The hands of many pupils are raised now.
5. The work of the hall monitors improves safety in our school.
6. The principal reminds students to use the office of the nurse.
7. The goals of the assembly have been met.

Grammar Assessment

Just a few quick reminders/announcements -

1. Remember to be working on your book report.
2. Your two story drafts will be returned to you next Monday. We will not be writing a story this
    week.
3. Your Grammar Assessment is this Friday.

So... what's going to be on the Grammar assessment?

Some "old stuff" that we've been talking about all year:
1. Subjects and Predicates
2. Prepositions
3. Capitalization
4. Fixing run-on sentences

AND

Some "newer stuff" from this week:
5. Possessive Nouns (singular and plural)

What will it look like?

You will identify the subjects/predicates/prepositions for a few sentences.
You will fix the capitalization and basic punctuation of a few incorrect sentences.
You will fix a few run-on sentences by rewriting them.
You will incorporate possessive nouns, both singular and plural, into sentences.

There will be a total of 20 questions. Each question is worth multiple points. Look over your grammar notes. We will be reviewing in class.

Stranded on an Island

Your word limit for this story is 500 words. Please, please, please remember to double-space. This is due when we return from spring break.

Writing Prompt:

You are fortunate to be alive. On the way to a very expensive field trip to research wildlife in the South Pacific, your class crash-landed on a deserted tropical island. There were only students on the plane, and the pilot, unfortunately, was ejected from the plane somewhere above the ocean. The only things you have are your suitcases, which contain all of the normal things you'd take on vacation. Remember, no weapons are allowed on a plane.

What happens on the island? Which students emerge as leaders? Who is helpful to your group? What efforts do you make to survive/be rescued? Please try to include everyone in your class and what role he/she plays on the island.

Book Report Project

WOW, guys. I can't believe we're already on our last official book of the school year!

Your Book Report project is due Friday, May 23rd.

Book choice
- Please make sure you book is school appropriate. That means no excessive violence, inappropriate content, etc.
- Your book should be somewhere around 180 pages. 150 is the absolute minimum. There is no maximum - just make sure you choose wisely and budget your time accordingly.
- "Can it be a book I've read before?" - Because we're going to be using this project to take a very in-depth look at the story you read, yes. But you will most likely need to re-read your book in order to effectively complete the assignment.

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 (1 sentence each) the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. We will talk more about these elements during class - don't worry! :)

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 1 of your book report.

Options for Part 1:

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? :) And, yes, this project still requires you to give us the information in person for your oral report.

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
Theme - 10 pts.
Setting - 10 pts.
Characters - 8 pts.
Conflict - 10 pts.
Plot summary - 20 pts.
Name on project - 2 pts.
Creativity - 10 pts.

Part 2 - Oral Presentation
Preparedness - 5 pts.
Eye Contact - 5 pts.
Speaking (be loud and clear!) - 10 pts.
Logical Order (we'll talk about this in class) - 10 pts.

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