Week #11

*No school this Thursday or Friday - Veteran's Day Holiday*

November 8 - November 12, 2010

6th Grade Language Arts

Even though this is a short week, we have so many things to cover! We will be adding to our list of foreign words and taking a quiz on Wednesday to check our progress. Here are the words you need to study for the quiz on Wednesday:

foyer
bazaar
rogue
hammock
hors d'oeurve
a la carte
souvenir
buffet
patio
ukulele
chow
rodeo
lasso
corral
bronco

You will need to know the meaning of each word and it's language of origin. Making flashcards and quizzing yourself is a great way to study. Remember, if you make flashcards for these words, SAVE them so you can use them to study for the benchmark exam on December 15th.

We will also be learning how to write friendly letters this week and continuing to use proper punctuation in all our writing, including colons and semicolons.


Homework


Monday: Complete Semicolons & Colons practice, pages 173-174. Study for your foreign words quiz on Wednesday!

Tuesday: Write a rough draft of your friendly letter & have an adult or sibling quiz you on your foreign words for the quiz tomorrow!

Wednesday: Write a final draft of your friendly letter and read it to an adult.

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.

Friday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.


I hope you all are having a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #10

*Sorry for the missing post last week. With the Unit 1 Common Assessment and parent-teacher conferences, we were so busy!*


November 1 - November 5, 2010
Parent-teacher Conference Week - Minimum Day All Week!

6th Grade Language Arts

Unit 2 begins this week! Here are our new focus standards:

Word Analysis 1.3 - Recognize the origins and meanings of frequently used foreign words in English and use these words accurately in speaking and writing.

Reading Comprehension 2.6 - Determine the adequacy and appropriateness of the evidence for an author’s conclusions.

Writing Strategies 1.1 - Choose the form of writing (e.g., personal letter, letter to the editor, review, poem, report, narrative) that best suits the intended purpose.

Writing Strategies 1.6 - Revise writing to improve the organization and consistency of ideas within and between paragraphs.

Writing Conventions 1.3 - Use colons after the salutation in business letters, semicolons to connect independent clauses, and commas when linking two clauses with a conjunction in compound sentences.

For a link to all the English language arts standards, visit:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/elacontentstnds.pdf

Homework


Monday: Finish copying your Unit 2 Standards & Teach an adult 3 of the words and definitions from the Word Masters #7 list. Remember to get your Home-School Connection Record signed!


Tuesday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connection Record.

Wednesday: Write a Story Blaster using all six of the words on the Word Masters #7 list. Remember to use the words in order and check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Underline or highlight each word in the story and get your Home-School Connection Record signed.

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.

Friday: No homework!

7th Grade Language Arts Elective

This week, we are focusing on the reading comprehension standard you will be covering in your language arts classes.

Reading Comprehension 2.3 - Identify and trace the development of an author’s argument, point of view, or perspective in text.

Remember to get all your spelling and language arts assignments done on time. If you need help, don't hesitate to let me know!

I hope you all are having a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #8

October 17 - October 22, 2010

6th Grade Language Arts

This week we are finishing our "Character Sketch Essay" and we'll be reviewing for Common Assessment #1 which we will take on Thursday, October 21st. There are no "Word Masters" words this week, so check the Home-School Connection Record for each night's connection.

*IMPORTANT REMINDERS*

Common Assessment #1 is on Thursday, 10/21 so get lots of sleep Wednesday night and eat a good breakfast on Thursday morning. I can't wait to see how much we've learned this year! Good luck!

Due to the test, we will not be able to visit the library together this week, so remember to bring in your library books that are due on Thursday, October 21st and return or renew them.

Final draft of the "Character Sketch" Essay is due Wednesday, October 20th

Homework

Monday: Complete your rough draft of the "Character Sketch" essay and read it to an adult. Have them initial your Home-School Connections paper and bring tomorrow for peer editing.


Tuesday: Complete your final draft of the essay. Remember to write it in blue or black ink only, or type it in size 12 font, double-spaced.


Wednesday: Study your notes for Common Assessment #1. Get lots of sleep and eat a good breakfast tomorrow morning!

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.

Friday: No homework!

7th Grade Language Arts Elective

This week, we are focusing on our "1000 Words Project" so bring your paintings every day and your list of words. We have plenty of resources in the classroom and I'd be happy to help you with designing your project.

In addition, we will be working on Unit 1 standards in preparation for the first Common Assessment next week. Remember to bring all your notes and handouts from your language arts classes as we will be reviewing each standard in class.


I hope you all are having a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #7

October 11 - October 15, 2010





6th Grade Language Arts



This week we are working on our focus standard: Writing Strategies 1.2.2 - Develop the topic with supporting details and precise verbs, nouns, and adjectives to paint a visual image in the mind of the reader.

We will be learning how to write a "Character Sketch Essay" and students will be choosing a character to write about and writing an essay this week. There are no "Word Masters" words this week, so check the Home-School Connection Record for each night's connection.

*There will be a Standards Quiz on Friday on W.S. 1.2.2*

Homework:


Monday: Complete the Selection Quiz for "Nadia the Willful" and summarize the story for an adult. (Students do not need to write the summary down, they just need to verbally summarize it for an adult or older sibling.) Also, decide on a character you would like to write your "Character Sketch Essay" about.


Tuesday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read your summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.


Wednesday: Complete the Sentence Patterning Chart and Essay Outline for the character you are writing your "Character Sketch Essay" about.

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper. Also, study your notes on "shades of meaning" for the Standards Quiz tomorrow!

Friday: No homework!


7th Grade Language Arts Elective


This week, we are focusing on our spelling assignments for Rule 4 as well as continuing to practice important test-taking strategies. We are also beginning work on our "1000 Words Project" so bring your paintings every day and your list of words. We have plenty of resources in the classroom and I'd be happy to help you with designing your project. Remember to bring a flash drive if you have one, both for the project and our spelling summaries.

In addition, we will be working on Unit 1 standards in preparation for the first Common Assessment next week. Remember to bring all your notes and handouts from your language arts classes as we will be reviewing each standard in class.


I hope you all are having a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #6

October 4 - October 8, 2010

6th Grade Language Arts

This week we are reading the story, "Nadia the Willful" and continuing with our discussion of character traits and how they effect plot and the resolution of conflict in stories. We will also begin working on writing strategies and our focus standard:

Writing Strategies 1.2.2 - Develop the topic with supporting details and precise verbs, nouns, and adjectives to paint a visual image in the mind of the reader.

*There will not be a standards quiz this week, but there will be a Word Masters Quiz on Friday!*

Word Masters #5
banish
decree
ponder
willful
sentimental
severe


Don't forget to study your Word Masters words all week and practice them with the definitions and kinesthetic movements.


Homework:


Monday: Teach an adult at least three of the Word Masters words with the definitions and movements. Have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.


Tuesday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read your summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.


Wednesday: Write an original story using all 6 of this week's Word Master words IN ORDER and illustrate your story with a picture.

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper. Also, study your notes on "shades of meaning" for the Standards Quiz tomorrow!

Friday: No homework!

7th Grade Language Arts Elective

This week, we are focusing on our spelling assignments for Rule 3 as well as continuing to practice important test-taking strategies. We are also beginning work on our "1000 Words Project" so bring your paintings every day and your list of words. We have plenty of resources in the classroom and I'd be happy to help you with designing your project. Remember to bring a flash drive if you have one, both for the project and our spelling summaries.



I hope you all are having a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #5

September 27 - October 1, 2010



6th Grade Language Arts


This week we are finishing up with the story, "President Cleveland: Where are You?" by Robert Cormier and analyzing its characters and plot. We will be moving on to a new standard this week, Word Analysis 1.5: Understand and explain shades of meaning in related words (e.g. softly and quietly). We will continue to practice our capitalization rules and this weeks Standards Quiz will cover the three standards we've focused on so far this year. We have new Word Masters words this week, however, there is no quiz this Thursday.


Word Masters #4

lethargic

indignant

innovative

inhibit

prudent

punctual


Don't forget to study your Word Masters words all week and practice them with the definitions and kinesthetic movements.


Homework:


Monday: Teach an adult at least three of the Word Masters words with the definitions and movements. Have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.


Tuesday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read your summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.


Wednesday: Write an original story using all 6 of this week's Word Master words IN ORDER and illustrate your story with a picture.

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper. Also, study your notes on "shades of meaning" for the Standards Quiz tomorrow!

Friday: No homework!

7th Grade Language Arts Elective

This week, we are focusing on our spelling assignments for Rule 2 as well as continuing to practice important test-taking strategies. We will be typing our spelling paragraphs in class, so please bring a flash drive if you have one available.

I hope you all have a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.


Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #4

September 20 - September 24, 2010

6th Grade Language Arts

This week we are reading the story, "President Cleveland: Where are You?" by Robert Cormier and analyzing its characters and plot. We will be taking notes in class in our spiral notebooks and there will be a standards quiz on Friday. The two standards covered this week are L.R.A. 3.2 (The effect of character on plot, resolution of conflict, etc.) and a review of W.C. 1.4 (Capitalization). We will also have a short quiz on Thursday covering our Word Masters words.

Word Masters #3

fracture

contempt

dwindle

incredulous

divulge

mutter

Don't forget to study your Word Masters words all week and practice them with the definitions and kinesthetic movements. I know you will all do great on the quiz this week!

Homework:

Monday: Teach an adult at least three of the Word Masters words with the definitions and movements. Have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.

Tuesday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read your summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper.

Wednesday: Write an original story using all 6 of this week's Word Master words IN ORDER and illustrate your story with a picture. Also, study the words for the quiz tomorrow.

Thursday: Read for at least 20 minutes (10 pages or 1 chapter) from your silent reading book and write a summary (10 words or more) about what you read. Read you summary to an adult and have them initial your Home-School Connections paper. Also, study your capitalization rules and character traits/plot diagram for the quiz tomorrow.

Friday: No homework!

7th Grade Language Arts Elective

This week, we are focusing on our spelling assignments for Rule 1 as well as practicing some important test-taking strategies. We will be typing our spelling paragraphs in class, so please bring a flash drive if you have one available. There will be no additional homework for this class this week.

I hope you all have a great week and please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Ms. Kyle

Week #3

Back on Track!

I apologize for not posting this week. As many of you know, we have had so many schedule changes over the last two weeks that we don't know which way is up! Tonight is Back-to-School night and I will be explaining the important elements of our classes to parents and guardians. I look forward to an exciting year and promise to post our homework and projects every week. Have a great weekend!

Ms. Kyle

Week #2

September 7 - September 10, 2010

6th Grade Language Arts

This week we are finishing our reading and writing assessments and learning about the parts of speech and capitalization. We will also be reading a short story & learning about characterization.

Remember to get your library permission cards signed and returned to me as soon as possible, along with your parent letters. Next week, you will be checking out your language arts textbook and begin checking out books from the library. Remember, you must have a silent reading book to read with you at all times. You never know when you'll have extra time to READ!


HOMEWORK

Tuesday: Return signed library cards & parent letters
Wednesday: Home-School Connection (Dictionary vs. Thesaurus)
Thursday: Capitalization Practice Page & H/S Connection (Eleven)
Friday: No homework

7th Grade Language Arts Elective

This week, we will begin reviewing the parts of speech and sentence structure. We will also be reviewing characterization and beginning a new novel. If you do not have a library permission card on file with the school, make sure to ask me for a new one in class. It's almost time to visit the library and begin checking out books. Remember, you must have a silent reading book to read with you at all times. You never know when you'll have extra time to READ!

HOMEWORK

Tuesday: Gary Paulsen Questions
Wednesday: Home-School Connection (Necessities in the Wilderness)
Thursday: Grammar Practice Page & H/S Connection (Dictionary vs. Thesaurus)
Friday: No homework

Parent Signature Required!

Emergency Cards & School Forms

Parents and students,

Please fill out you emergency contact cards and other required school forms as soon as possible. Remember to check both sides of every form and make sure you include all the necessary information. The forms are due back no later than Friday, September 17, 2010. However, as an incentive, I will be giving two Eagle cards to my 2nd period students who return them by next Friday, September 10, 2010.

Thanks for your timely response,

Ms. Kyle

New Blog!

Our Class Blog

Welcome students and parents! This blog is a resource for information on homework, projects, and other important school information. I will post at the beginning of each week and from time-to-time when I have an announcement or other information to share with you.

You can also follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/miss_kyle or @miss_kyle for quick tips and educational resources.

I can't wait to meet you all and am looking forward to an exciting new year!

See you soon,
Ms. Kyle

Welcome Back to School!

Here is a list of requested school supplies that I would like you to acquire and bring with you every day. In addition to these, you are welcome to bring any other supplies you like including colored pencils, markers, a ruler, pencils, a pencil sharpener, etc. I will make every effort to provide these items for your use in class, as well.


Language Arts

• assignment book or student planner
  
• 2 pens (blue or black ink)
  
• 1 red pen (optional)
• binder with dividers (to be used for all your classes)
  
• lined paper
• 1 sprial notebook (college ruled preferred)
• a silent reading book at your reading level

We will be determining our reading levels this week and next so that you can choose your library books appropriately. Please let me know if you are unable to bring any of these supplies and I will do what I can to help you!