Mystery Story rubric/checklist

We have been working on mystery stories in class for the last few weeks. The final draft is due this Wednesday, 11/1/17. Last week, students were provided with the grading rubric and a checklist to use as they revise and edit their stories. If you misplaced the copy given to you in class, you can print from the links below.

Mystery Story Checklist

Grading Rubric

10 for the Win- HTMS Reading Smackdown

This 3 minute YouTube video explains the challenge,

and the events that will occur if we reach

our school goal of 10,000 books by March 25^th –

10 books per student and teacher.

Book Log Form

Using strong verbs NOT dead verbs

A dead verb lets us know an action has taken place, but it doesn't provide a detailed picture of the action. A list of common dead verbs is shown in the picture below. This list also includes the "ing" forms and contractions of dead verbs. Using dead verbs saps the life out of writing. Once you understand what dead verbs are, you can change your sentences haunted by dead verbs into lively descriptive writing.

Keep in mind you want to "show" your reader what is happening through description...rather than just "telling" what is happening with dead verbs.

Imagery in Writing

Create imagery for your readers in your mystery story through figurative language, details, and description. You need to make the reader picture the scene you are describing as if they are really there. Look for opportunities to add figurative language in your writing. Also, look at the chart below when you could exchange a boring or overused word in for a descriptive word!

Roots Quiz

Students have a roots quiz on roots 7-9 on Friday, 10/27/17, in reading class. Students should have one graphic organizer for each of the following roots:
Fin
Spec
Vac

I will check for the completed graphic organizers in class on Friday for a grade before the test. Students should study the root definition, each root word (10 total), and spelling of each root word for the test. Students will also need to write a sentence using the root words.

Here is a quizlet to assist you in studying for your the quiz: Quizlet Fin, Spec, Vac

Strange Visitor and Plot Analysis

Tuesday we read "Strange Visitor" in class. This story is full of suspense and mystery...and it even ends in a cliffhanger! Wednesday, we will work in class on analyzing the plot, conflict, and setting of the story. Many students will finish in class, but if you did not finish, it will be due at the beginning of class on Thursday.

Below is a copy of the story for you to use if you need to work from home. Additionally, there is another copy of the analysis sheet if you misplaced your own copy.

"Strange Visitor"

"Strange Visitor" Plot, Conflict, and Setting Analysis

Mystery Pre-writing

This week we have started pre-writing for our mystery stories. We will go through each part of the pre-writing and writing process in class together. Students were given the two handouts below as part of the pre-writing process. If they misplace their own copies, they can print new ones below.

Mystery Story- Writing a good lead
Mystery Pre-writing Graphic Organizer

Mysteries of Harris Burdick- Mystery Story Inspirations

We are beginning a new unit on "Mystery Writing" this week. Each student will choose one image from the "Mysteries of Harris Burdick" as inspiration for this writing assignment. Below, you will see several pictures from the "Mysteries of Harris Burdick." Choose one picture on which to base your mystery story. You will need to use the caption in your story.

Picture Title: The Third Floor Bedroom

 Caption:"It all began when someone left the window open..."

 Picture Title: The House on Maple

Caption: "It was the perfect lift off..."

 Picture Title: Missing the Venice

Caption: "Even with her mighty engines in reverse, the ocean liner was pulled further and further into the canal..."

 Picture Title: Oscar and Alphonse

Caption: "She knew it was time to send them back. The caterpillars softly wiggled in her hand, spelling out 'goodbye.' " 

 Picture Title: Uninvited Guests

Caption: "His heart was pounding. He was sure he had seen the doorknob move..."

 Picture Title: Archie Smith, Boy Wonder

Caption: "A tiny voiced asked, 'Is he the one?' "

 Picture Title: A Strange Day in July

Caption: "He threw with all his might, but the stone came skipping back..."

 Picture Title: The Seven Chairs

Caption: "The fifth one ended up in France..."

 Picture Title: The Harp

Caption: "So it's true, he thought, it's really true..."

 Picture Title: Another Place, Another Time

Caption: "If there was an answer, he'd find it there..."

Picture Title: Captain Tory

Caption: He swung his lantern three times and slowly the schooner appeared..."

Van, Allsburg Chris. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1984. Print.

Once you have chosen the image/caption you want to use, you will need to brainstorm for your story.  Use the "Mystery Story Brainstorm" document on Google Classroom and answer the following prompt.

• What is the picture title and caption you have chosen to use? 
• Write a detailed description of the picture. Consider the setting you see, any potential characters you notice, and anything that stands out to you from the image. 
• Next, write any and all ideas you have for the story using the picture as inspiration. The ideas do not have to flow together at this point; you are just jotting down ideas for possibilities within the story.  Consider ideas for character(s), conflict, plot, and setting. 

1st Nine Weeks Benchmark

Reading Benchmark

You will take the first nine weeks benchmark for English class today. Do your best and read every question thoroughly. The test is set up for you to progressively do well as you learn material throughout the year. This means, you have not yet learned some of the material covered on the test. That's ok! You should still do your best on every question.

We have covered information for questions 1-13 already this year. 

• Once you are finished with the test, it will give you a chance to review answers before you make the final submission.  
• The next page will show you a Certificate of Achievement. You will need to use this page to complete your Target Tracker/Reflection. DO NOT close this page until you have completely finished your Target Tracker/Reflection. 
• While the benchmark itself is not for a grade, you will get a grade for the reflection sheet.  
• Use the information on the Grade Report page to see which questions you got correct and incorrect. Then, complete the reflection questions below. 
• Mrs. Oliveira will check for your completed reflection at the end of class.

Once you click on the link below, you will enter in your correct name first and last. No nicknames.

ELA 6 Benchmark- 1st nine weeks

Identify Plot, Setting, and Conflict