Language Arts: September 29th through October 3rd

Over the next two weeks, students will be working on a creative project that reflects their understanding of some of the key literary concepts we've been studying--primarily in the SPRINGBOARD books--since the beginning of the school year. Students will be writing scenes follow a character of their creation through a variety of steps in the Hero's Journey Archetype. An overview of the steps to completion for the project can be found here. Here's a map of the hero's journey for students to use as they brainstorm, and here's a guide to the reflection essay they'll write at the end. I've enjoyed reading students' creative work in their writing notebooks thus far this year, and I look forward to seeing where they take their narratives over the course of this project.

Also, we'll continue our study of the parts of speech. Students will be studying prepositions--and some will make preposition comic strips as part of a "Your Choice" activity. They'll finish up with conjunctions and interjections.

Weekly Assignments Summaries and Links

It's hard to believe that we're already halfway through the first quarter! As a resource for parents and students, I've included a list of all "Weekly Assignments" so far this year. The Springboard Book assignments are all in the district-adopted Springboard books, while other assignments can be accessed through the links below.

Weekly Assignments 8/25 - 8/29
Springboard Book: Lessons 1.1 through 1.4
Nouns and Pronouns Packet

Weekly Assignments 9/2 - 9/5
Springboard Book: Lesson 1.5
Verbs Packet

Weekly Assignments 9/8 - 9/12
Springboard Book: 1.6
Nouns and Pronouns Review One
Nouns and Pronouns Review Two

Weekly Assignments 9/15 - 9/19
Springboard Book 1.7
Adjectives and Adverbs Packet

Language Arts, September 22nd through 26th

Here's a look at what we're up to in language arts this week…

Students will continue to study the parts of speech, with a focus on adjectives and adverbs. Students will complete this review, labeling every word of every sentence, as we're paying close attention to how the individual words work together in a sentence (especially when it comes to adjectives and adverbs). Students will have a quiz on nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs on Wednesday.

Also, we'll continue to examine the Hero's Journey Archetype in the SPRINGBOARD books. Students will read and analyze a section of A WRINKLE IN TIME (one of my favorite books!), and they'll work on their own creative pieces as well.

We have conferences on Thursday and Friday this week, so it's a short week for students. Parents- You all should have received a conference form from your son or daughter at the beginning of this week. I look forward to seeing everyone at conferences!

In Language Arts This Week...

In language arts this week, students will continue to analyze stories for the hero's journey archetype while developing their understanding of a variety of literary terms. Some of the terms on our "Word Wall" thus far include the following: imagery, setting, mood, theme, protagonist, and point-of-view. This week our focus piece of literature is an excerpt from Homer's epic, the ODYSSEY. Students will be responding to the piece both creatively and critically.
Our grammar focus for the week will be adjectives and adverbs. Students will study and practice adjectives and adverbs, using this packet: ADJECTIVES & ADVERBS PACKET for notes and practice and building from there.
Friday, September 19th marks the mid-point of first quarter. Conferences will take place on September 25th and 26th. Look for conference forms to come home this week.

This Week in Language Arts...

In language arts this week, students will continue to analyze the hero's journey archetype. We'll read and analyze Ray Bradbury's short story "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," and students will do some creative work with the earliest stages of the hero's journey plot pattern. Also, we'll review and study verbs--action, linking, and helping. Students will have a quiz on nouns, pronouns, and verbs on Thursday. You can find links to two of the reviews students will complete in preparation for the quiz here and here.

Finally, thanks to everyone who came to Dryden's Open House last Wednesday night. It was great to meet you. Parent conferences will be on Thursday, September 25th and Friday, September 26th. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

This Week in Language Arts

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. This week in language arts, we'll be focusing on the hero's journey archetype and verbs. Most of the work we'll be doing with the hero's journey archetype is in the students' SPRINGBOARD books, but here's a link to an overview of the concept.
We'll begin our study of verbs with some notes and practice, examining the various types of verbs and practicing identifying them in sentences. Here's a link to the Verbs Notes and Practice Packet. As always, there will be EXTENSIONS available for students who are looking for an additional challenge.