Hope
Township School
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PO Box 293, 320 Johnsonburg Road, Hope, NJ 07844
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Language Arts2007-20085th - 8th Grade
Mrs. TuckerFifth Grade Language ArtsMrs. Tucker's fifth grade class has recently concluded a theme on NASA and the space program. Concurrently, in science class the fifth grade has been studying the Solar System. In our reading anthology, we have read To Space and Back, written by Sally Ride in 1983, the first woman in space. We have researched NASA projects using the Internet to compare them with Sally Rides experiences. As a final project, the fifth graders wrote original science fiction stories, which will be displayed on our hall bulletin board.
WEB HIGHLIGHTS FROM MRS. ROCKENFELLER
LANGUAGE ARTS --6 the Grade Reading: As we move forward in the school year, the following book will be the focus of 6th grade curriculum for January and February.
In this piece of historical fiction, the students will be able to explore how families in America experienced racial injustice. In Mildred D. Taylor’s Newbery Medal award winning book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the students will read the story of one African American family, fighting to stay together and strong in the face of brutal racist attacks, illness, poverty and betrayal in the Deep South of the 1930’s. Nine-year-old Cassie Logan, growing up protected by her loving family, has never had reason to suspect that any white person could consider her inferior or wish her harm. But during the course of one devastating year when her community begins to be ripped apart by angry night riders threatening African Americans, she and her three brothers come to understand why the land they own means so much to their Papa. "Look out there, Cassie girl. All that belongs to you. You ain't never had to live on nobody's place but your own and long as I live and the family survives, you'll never have to. That's important. You may not understand that now but one day you will. Then you'll see." Through classroom discussion, research and use of our school’s connection to United Streaming, the class will discover how the themes of respect, family, dignity and perseverance are all important aspects of our American culture. Writing: Since the first day of school, the students have been involved in daily journal writing. The questions asked are varied and provide an opportunity for all students to have a “creative moment” where his/her response can take them beyond the “6”sentence requirement of the assignment. Students are also allowed upon completion if time allows to draw a corresponding illustration. This gives the students the moment to “visualize” their writing. In addition to our journal writing, we will be exploring persuasive essays. Students are asked first to identify what the given proposal of the writing prompt is. After making a definitive decision, students then use a graphic organizer to identify three reasons and then list “2” examples that support each reason. Students are discovering that examples cannot be shared between reasons and sometimes it is “easier” to argue a point that is opposite of their true feelings. As we work through this writing assignment, the class will build a “word wall” that consists of key words used in this genre of writing. The students will be involved in peer editing and use a guidelines of expectations that will guide them through the process. Students will use strategies introduced in 6 +1 Writing Traits section concerning “organization” so that their finished persuasive essays are focused and allow the reader to be aware of the well thought points of the student. Book Report: Our next book report will focus on biographies. The students will be asked to make a “campaign poster” for the person they choose to read about. Therefore the students may not pick a person who has been elected to the presidency but they may pick a former candidate. Upon completion of the “campaign poster”, students will then be involved in a debate with another “candidate” over a given issue. This class has shown an interest in debating, so after discussing what how a debate is conducted and its guidelines, the students will demonstrate their understanding of the person they read about and debate with another character. Students have been given an outline and rubric. If you have not seen these forms, please call. Book Report due—March 17, 2008
Mrs. Encin’s Classroom Highlights READING 7th Grade – The 7th grade is currently reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.
In this fast-paced and suspense-filled novel, 13-year-old Charlotte Doyle describes a remarkable sea voyage that changes her life forever.
8th Grade - The 8th grade is currently reading Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given the task that no other community member can carry out. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes that she is surrounded by mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world - and to find out what exists beyond it.
Students have received a study guide that will compliment our class reading and discussions of the text. Comprehension quizzes will be given periodically to monitor the students’ comprehension of the reading. If your child is absent, it is their responsibility to approach Mrs. Rockenfeller or myself for their make up assignments. Vocabulary - Students will be studying selected collection of vocabulary terms pulled from their reading. Over the course of a week, students will define the terms and use them in writing assignments. At the end of the week, the students’ knowledge of the terms will be assessed. Binder - Your child’s Language Arts binder will be assessed periodically for organization. Assessment pieces, as well as class handouts can also be found in their three-ring binders. Gifted and Talented - The Gifted and Talented program serves students who demonstrate outstanding abilities in the area of Language Arts. In addition to providing extension activities, I will also provide students with educational opportunities that can be completed outside of the school setting. Please review and consider completing at least one of the following activities… The Fish Art and Writing Contest - This contest is a great opportunity for those students who are interested in the environment. Sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Great American Mail Race - You will write a response to a letter that has been written to you from a student in Minnesota, as well as write letters to other 8th grade students in four other cities/towns across the United States. BlueNose Song Lyrics Contest - Write a one-two paragraph idea of a song, write your own song lyrics, OR interpret the lyrics of one of the featured songs on BlueNoseEd. See me during homeroom or during your LA period for additional information. |
