Roots Quizlet

We have a roots test tomorrow in reading class. Below is a link to the quizlet covering roots: anni/enni, nov, and sens/sent.

Roots Quizlet

Paraphrase Practice

Students have been working on pre-researching and finding a good topic for their expository book. Students should have a topic and chapter topics chosen for their book. We are now working on research and paraphrasing our information. Today, we will discuss how to paraphrase effectively.


Paraphrasing involves taking a set of facts or opinions and rewording them. When paraphrasing, it is important to keep the original meaning and to present it in a new form. Basically, you are simply writing something in your own words that expresses the original idea. Read more at here.

It's essential to paraphrase thoroughly to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own. Plagiarism is very serious; however, it can be easily avoided through paraphrasing AND giving credit to the source of the information. Today, we will practice paraphrasing, so you can paraphrase the direct quotes you have been saving in your research. Once you think you have paraphrased effectively, use the checklist below to check your work.

Paraphrase Practice

Paraphrase Checklist
Reference the source	Provides a reference to the source at the opening of the paraphrase.
Your own words	The paraphrased version is entirely the student’s own words.
Vocabulary	The paraphrased version uses words that are appropriate for the 6th grade writer.
Quotations	If there is an original quote from the author, it has quotation marks around it.
Important points and details	The paraphrased version contains all of the same points and details as the direct quote.
Makes sense	The paraphrased version makes sense to the reader (complete sentences, correct wording, states the point, etc.)
Sources	The article title of the original source for the direct quote is provided.
Grammar, spelling, and mechanics	The paraphrased version contains no errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or capitalization.

Expository Book Project

We are beginning a new project on Expository Writing. An expository text is nonfiction intended to explain or describe something. It is organized in written and visual format that gives the reader information.

What it is:

• True facts
• A way to learn something new
• Uses text features

What it is not:

• A story
• Made up information
• Fiction or fantasy

For this project you will choose a topic, research it thoroughly, and write a book on the topic. The purpose of the book is to inform others on the topic you chose. We will spend time pre-researching topic ideas in order to find the best one for your project. As with all of our projects, there will be time to complete every aspect of this project in class if you use your time wisely. Last nine weeks in reading class, you learned about nonfiction text features. This will be a very important part of your expository book.

I have given you a list of the expository grading requirements. This is to be used as a checklist and reference throughout the project. This is not a full grading rubric, but a guideline to ensure you know each category that will be assessed. The complete grading rubric will be posted and discussed closer to the due date. 

If you misplace your copy of the expository grading requirements, here is the link: Expository Grading Requirements

Alabama Virtual Library

Here is the link to the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL)

AVL


We will use this resource for research throughout our Expository Book Project. It would be a good idea to save it as a favorite by clicking on the star in the top right corner of the page (after you follow the link).


At the end of class, go to this link to complete the exit ticket.
AVL Wordle Link

Global Scholar

Today we will be taking the English Global Scholar test. Follow the directions below to complete the test on the chromebook.

1. Go to Performance Series
2. Enter the Site ID: 49-2823-7110
3. Enter your Student ID number
4. Take the Language Arts test

Once you are finished with the test, you need to take a learning styles inventory at the following link: Learning Style Quiz

1. After you take the quiz, jot down the your results (learning style percentages) on a piece of paper. (Mrs. Oliveira's were Auditory 40%   Visual 40%   and Tactile 20%)
2. Then, read the bullet points of ways to learn better with your learning style. Choose three that you think would help you the most, and copy them down on the same sheet of paper. 
3. Grab a sticky note from Mrs. Oliveira and write your highest percentage on it. Place the sticky notice on the board in the back of the room next to your learning style. 

If you finish all of that, read a book! : )

Personal Narrative

We are practicing writing personal narratives over the next several days. Students will be evaluated by themselves, their peers, and me. This is an opportunity to use all of the narrative elements we have learned this year in a new form of writing. Students were given a copy of the personal narrative checklists and example below. If they misplace their copy, they can print a new one out here (the formatting is a little off, but it has the same information).

Personal Narrative example to analyze

Personal Narrative Checklists

Students will be expected to turn in all of their personal narratives and the completed checklists on Friday, 1/15/16, for a grade. Since they were not taken through the writing process, they will not be graded for perfection. However, I will look to see that they are completing the assignments and including all of the elements of a personal narrative.