Friday, January 30, 2009 January 30, 2009

SWBAT meet or exceed standards on AIMS by reading passages and practicing questions.

Lesson

• Jumpstart:

• Turn in January Jumpstarts. Each stamp earns you 5 points. Each entry that is 5-7 sentences long earns you 3 points. An entry with 1-2 sentences, no stamp, earns you 1 point. Add up your points, write the total on a sticky note, and put the sticky note on the entry that you think is the best.

• Study Island!

Thursday, January 29, 2009 January 29, 2009

SWBAT define vocabulary words relating to word choice and organization by using a dictionary to identify the part of speech and definition, and drawing illustrations of the meanings.

Vocabulary: See AIMS Word List

Lesson:

Yesterday: We actively read “Pencil” by identifying figurative language, asking questions, and underling and labeling answers.

• Jumpstart: Ms. DeVries is at another Keeping Score meeting. How has your appreciation of classical music changed after listening to Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony?

• AIMS Vocabulary #1: Finish identifying the part of speech and definitions of each word. Draw an illustration that shows the meaning of each word.

• Actively read and annotate “Dear Mr.Whitman.” Ask a minimum of five questions. Underline and label where you found answers.

Tomorrow: Turn in January Jumpstarts. Study Island!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 January 28, 2009

SWBAT  analyze a poem’s meaning by actively reading and writing annotations.

Vocabulary: active reading

Lesson

Yesterday: We  read “License Agreement”. During the reading, we asked 7 questions. While answering the practice test questions, we underlined and labeled where we found the answers.

• Jumpstart: Author’s Choice

• Return graded work.

• Actively read “Pencil”.

  • Read the poem while annotating figurative language (simile, hyperbole, alliteration, etc.)

  • Ask 7 questions as you read through the poem again. 

• AIMS Vocabulary #1: Begin defining words related to Organization and Word Choice.

Tomorrow: Continue working on AIMS Vocabulary #1.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 January 27, 2009

SWBAT read a functional text by asking questions, identifying the audience, and purpose, and identifying unfamiliar words.

Vocabulary: warranty, contract, functional text

Agenda

• Due Today: AIMS Writing Prompt #1

• Jumpstart: What is the difference between a warranty and a contract? If someone chooses not to read either one carefully, what could go wrong? Use your imagination and describe three possible consequences for someone who didn’t read ‘the fine print’.

• AIMS and Functional Text

  • Define functional text and list examples of functional texts.

  • Actively read “License Agreement” by asking your own questions, underlining words you don’t understand, and identifying the audience and purpose for the text.

  • Answer the practice test questions.

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Monday, January 26, 2009 January 26, 2009

SWBAT write a final draft that meets or exceeds standards by making revision changes to a rough draft.

Vocabulary: revising, word choice, organization

Agenda

• Jumpstart: What makes revising so difficult? Why do you think so many students recopy their rough draft instead of making changes?

• Follow your individual revision plan and make changes to your rough draft. Use a dictionary and thesaurus when necessary.

• Write the final draft of your essay. Final drafts are due tomorrow.

Assignments: AIMS Writing Prompt #1 final draft due tomorrow.

Friday, January 23, 2009 January 23, 2009

SWBAT meet or exceed standards by reading passages and practicing test questions.

Agenda

• No Jumpstart!

• Finish your revision plan. On the page with the  Writer’s Checklist, list three things you will do to improve organization and three things you will do to improve word choice. Turn in your packets!

• Study Island: Today is the last day for “Connecting Informationt o Experience”.

Assignments: We will write the final drafts of our essays on Monday.

Thursday, January 22, 2009 January 22, 2009

SWBAT evaluate word choice by identifying examples of weak and strong word choice.

Vocabulary: word choice

Agenda

• Jumpstart: What are you trying to accomplish with your essay about an inspiring adult? What words will help you achieve this goal? Brainstorm a list of 5-7 strong words to include in your essay.

• Word Choice Rubric

• Word Choice Gallery Walk

• Revision Plan

  • Read through the Writer’s Checklist on page 29 of your packet. Underline questions that focus on word choice and organization.

  • Make a plan for revising your essay. List three things you will do to improve your word choice and three things you will do to improve your organization. Write your ideas on page 29.

Assignments: You will write the final draft of your essay on Monday.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 January 21, 2009

SWBAT evaluate word choice and organization by judging student papers.

Vocabulary: word choice, organization

Agenda

• Jumpstart: Read through the 6 Traits rubric for organization. At this point in your rough draft, where do you think your paper falls in terms of organization? What is your justification for that grade?

• Organization Gallery Walk: What does an excellent paper look like? What does an average paper look like? What does a paper that falls far below look like? Read the sample anchor papers. In your group, decide which papers fall far below, approach, meet, and exceed the standards.  

• Gallery Walk Discussion

• Finish writing the rough draft of your essay.

Homework: Rough drafts due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 January 20, 2009

SWBAT define and describe word choice and organization by completing a jigsaw puzzle.

SWBAT write a rough draft by following the writing process.

Vocabulary: word choice, organization

Agenda

• Jumpstart: List as many of the 6 Traits of Writing (not to be confused with the 6 Pillars) as you can. Write a brief explanation of what each trait is.

• AIMS Boot Camp: 6 Traits Overview

  • Word Choice and Organization jigsaw puzzles

  • Begin compiling a Writing Test Survival Guide for AIMS.

• Writing Prompt #1: Write the rough draft. (Prompt: Adults have influence in young people’s lives. Think about the qualities demonstrated by adults you admire. Write an essay explaining the most important qualitites demonstrated by adults that you admire.)

Homework: Rough drafts due Thursday

Monday, January 19, 2009 January 19, 2009

No School

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday