Language Arts Update

For my first Blog posting, I would like to say hello to all who are involved in the lives of the TR-SIX students. Thanks to Mr. Roth for introducing me on the Blog earlier this month. In addition to Language Arts 6 and Social Studies 6, I will also be teaching Health 6 for Mr. Coupland until the end of April.

Language Arts:
1. SPELLING TESTS will take place every Friday (or Thursday, if it is a short week). Reviewing/studying for these spelling tests is important.
Each Monday, the students will be given a pre-test of 20 spelling words, as well as an activity (crossword, fill-in-the-blanks, etc.) that will help them practice spelling and using the words correctly. The activities will be due for the following day (Tuesdays).
-Generally, the spelling words will come from the novel we are studying or will be words that are commonly misspelled.
-Note: Due to the short week with skiing and a PD day, there will be no spelling test this week.

2. We have now started reading Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli and will continue with this novel study unit for several more weeks. The students should have already read chapters 1-5 and done the corresponding vocabulary and study questions.
-For Thurs. Feb. 1, they have been assigned to read chapters 6 and 7 and there will be a short quiz on those 2 chapters.
-It is expected that students will keep all of their Maniac Magee materials (spelling lists and activities, handouts, assignments, activity sheets, etc.) in their Maniac Magee duotangs.

3. Last week the students started writing stories about Maniac’s “Lost Year” (see green assignment sheet), with a focus on characterization (see blue handout). The rough copies were due last Fri. Jan. 26th. If they have not been handed in, it is critical that these rough copies are completed and brought to school this Thurs. Feb. 1, as we will be moving on to the editing and revising process.