Mini Courses

It’s time for our 4th Annual HTMS Mini-Course Day! Mini-Courses will be held on Friday, December 14th and are a great way to learn more about a topic of interest or practice a skill! Please read the following information carefully about searching the catalog and signing up for a Mini-Course:

• The Mini-Course Catalog is available now using the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hRLbydeS1haPR7EjDLHwuFdBZuvUC4yuFIDPdIsS9Lc/edit?usp=sharing
• The Sign Up link will be available in your English/ Language Arts Google Classroom 12/6/18 at exactly 3:00 pm. 
• Many courses will fill up quickly so please choose a few that you are interested in before logging in to sign up.
• If you do not get your desired mini-course and want to be placed on stand-by for that particular course, you have the option to complete the Stand-By Form. This link will be attached to the information in your ELA Google Classroom. You will need to register for another course in case a spot does not open up.
• If you sign up for a course and decide to NOT come to school on Friday, December 14th, please cancel your sign up or email Mrs. DeMent so that your spot can be given to a student from the stand-by form.

We are looking forward to a great day of fun learning!!!

Grammar Review

Yesterday, students completed a practice test for direct/indirect objects and predicate words. We discussed the practice test in class in preparation for the test that is scheduled for tomorrow. Students also completed additional grammar practice that wasn't part of the practice test. The key for the grammar review can be found below.

Grammar Review Key

CYG

Here is the link for the current four weeks of "Caught Ya Grammar" (CYG). Remember, you are expected to complete the daily CYG on your own before we go over it each day in class. I will take up your completed CYG sheet when you are given another in order to give you credit for your work. If you are absent, you are still responsible for completing that day's CYG and checking with a friend. If you misplace the CYG sheet I provided to you, you can print a new one for yourself below.

CYG 12/3-12/10
CYG 1/3-1/10

CYG

Here is the link for the current four weeks of "Caught Ya Grammar" (CYG). Remember, you are expected to complete the daily CYG on your own before we go over it each day in class. I will take up your completed CYG sheet when you are given another in order to give you credit for your work. If you are absent, you are still responsible for completing that day's CYG and checking with a friend. If you misplace the CYG sheet I provided to you, you can print a new one for yourself below.

CYG 11/5-11/12
CYG 11/19-11/26

Verbs, DO/IO, PA/PN

We will be learning and reviewing several grammar concepts for the next couple of weeks. Several of the resources that we will use are posted below. If you misplace the copy given to you in class, you can print a new one from the link(s) below.

Verb Notes

Direct Object, Indirect Object, and Predicate Words Notes

Verb, DO, IO, PA, PN Practice

Grammar Review (Friday)

Preposition Poem

After the test Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we will be working on preposition poems in class. Students will read some examples of preposition poems, brainstorm for their own poem, and write their rough draft. Then, students will edit/revise the poem and write a final draft. If students don't turn in the final draft in class on Friday, they must turn it in on Monday, 11/19/18 at the beginning of class.

Here are the complete Preposition Poem Directions.

Root Test

We will have a root test on Friday on the following roots: ad, aud, mit/mis. Students should study their roots graphic organizers and be prepared to show them for credit in class.

Quizlet: ad, aud, mit/mis

Mystery Story Checklist/Rubric

We have been working on mystery stories in class for the last few weeks. The final draft is due this Wednesday, 10/31/18. Thursday, 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

Digital Citizenship

Click the following link to complete the Digital Citizenship requirements for sixth grade:

Digital Citizenship Instructions

Digital Citizenship Link

Mystery Story Planning

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

Root Test

Students have a roots test on roots 7-9 on Friday, 10/19/18, 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

1st Nine Weeks 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.  
• Once you do your final submission, the next page will show you a Certificate of Achievement. You will need to use this page to complete your Benchmark Data 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

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" handout to complete. 

Strange Visitor Plot Analysis

Wednesday we read "Strange Visitor" in class. This story is full of suspense and mystery...and it even ends in a cliffhanger! We will work in class on analyzing the plot, conflict, and setting of the story on Wednesday and Thursday. If you don't finish in class on Thursday, it will be for homework and due at the beginning of class on Friday.

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

CYG

Here is the link for the current four weeks of "Caught Ya Grammar" (CYG). Remember, you are expected to complete the daily CYG on your own before we go over it each day in class. I will take up your completed CYG sheet when you are given another in order to give you credit for your work. If you are absent, you are still responsible for completing that day's CYG and checking with a friend. If you misplace the CYG sheet I provided to you, you can print a new one for yourself below.

CYG 10/8-10/15
CYG 10/22-10/29

Identifying Plot, Setting, and Conflict

Commas

This week students are learning about the seven comma rules they are expected to follow in 6th grade English. We will go through the comma rules together and practice adding commas as needed in preparation for our comma test on Thusrday, 10/4/18.

Comma Rules Notes

Comma Rules Practice

On Monday, we will review all of the comma rules and take a formative assessment. Tuesday, students will complete a practice test, and we will have a test review on Wednesday. The test is scheduled for Thursday. The test will also have a "Blast from the Past" section covering parts of speech, subjects/predicates, and figurative language.

If you are practicing on IXL, use this link to log-in. Then, practice commas using the JJ codes. 

Root Test Friday

We will have a root test on Friday on the following roots: chron, dict, min. Students should study their roots graphic organizers and be prepared to show them for credit in class.

Quizlet: chron, dict, min

Caught Ya Grammar

Here is the link for the current four weeks of Brain Bender (BB) which will now be called "Caught Ya Grammar" (CYG). Remember, you are expected to complete the daily CYG on your own before we go over it each day in class. I will take up your completed CYG sheet when you are given another in order to give you credit for your work. If you are absent, you are still responsible for completing that day's CYG and checking with a friend. If you misplace the CYG sheet I provided to you, you can print a new one for yourself below.

CYG 9/10-9/17
CYG 9/24-10/1

Wonder Review

Wonder Quizlet

Figurative Language

This week we will be covering figurative language. Students will work on identifying and interpreting several different types of figurative language, and they will even be writing some of their own. Students will take notes on each type of figurative language in preparation for a test scheduled for 9/25/18.

Figurative Language Notes

Metaphor Poem

On Thursday, students will learn about similes and metaphors. They will be required to write a poem about their favorite activity/hobby that includes metaphors (no similes). They will have time on Thursday and Friday to work on the poem in class, and it will be due at the beginning of class on Monday.

The requirements for the poem are as follows:
-Proper English heading and titled "Metaphor Poem" (add your own title beside or below "Metaphor Poem"
-Minimum of 15 lines
-At least 5 metaphors underlined...no similes
-Begin each line with a capital letter

Figurative Language Test

We will have a test on figurative language on Tuesday, 9/25/18.  The test will have four sections:

1.       Match the type of figurative language to the correct definition. 2.       Identify the type of figurative language used in short passages and poems.

3.       Interpret the meaning of figurative language used in a passage or sentences. 4.       “Blast From the Past” with parts of speech and subjects/predicates.

Below is a quizlet to help students study the definitions on the test. There is also a  document with IXL links if students would like to practice other parts of figurative language. 

Figurative Language Quizlet

IXL Figurative Language/Blast from the Past Codes

Roots Test

Students have their first roots test on the three roots they have learned on Friday, 9/8/18, in reading class. Students should have one graphic organizer for each of the following roots:
Bio
Graph
Vis/Vid

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 test: Roots Test 1 Quizlet: Bio, Graph, Vis/Vid

Subjects/Predicates

This week we will review identifying the subject and predicate in a sentence. We will cover the simple and complete subject and predicate this week.  A link to the notes and practice sheet is below. Students will continue practicing this skill on Thursday with a "Sentence Smackdown" activity.  If you misplace the copies given to you in class, you can print what you need from the links below.

Students will review on Friday with a practice test, and they will take a test on subjects, predicates, and parts of speech on Tuesday, 9/11/18.


Subject/Predicates Notes and Practice

Sentence Smackdown Activity

Subject/Predicate Practice Test

Subject/Predicate Additional Practice key (OPTIONAL)

Parts of Speech PRACTICE Quiz

We will take a practice quiz on parts of speech to check your progress. Make sure you read each question carefully. See the directions below:

• Click on the link below
• Enter the room number posted on the board
• Type your name: (last name, first name) 

Socrative- Parts of Speech

Once you finish the practice test, you may log on to IXL to practice anything you missed on the practice quiz. We will discuss the practice quiz at the end of class or tomorrow if we run out of time. 

IXL

Dear Parent,

I am pleased to tell you that we will be using a website called IXL in our classroom this year. IXL is a comprehensive learning program offering unlimited math and language arts practice problems in thousands of skills—all of which are aligned to Alabama Standards. One of the best things about IXL is that your child can access it from home, so you have a chance to see your child's progress!

To get your child started on your home computer, please follow these easy steps:

1.    Go to https://www.IXL.com/signin/hewitttms (save it as a favorite!)

2.    Enter your child's username and password and click the button to sign in.

       Your child was given their username and password in class. If they misplaced it, the 

       formula for their password is below.

      USERNAME: Name + 4 Numbers from google sign in @ hewitttms           

      PASSWORD: Initials & Lunch Number

      Example:        john1234@hewitttms              jd123456

3.    Click on the name of the subject you’d like to work on at the top of the page and navigate to your child's grade level.

4.    Select a specific skill to practice from the list of skills. You can place your mouse over any skill to see a sample question and click on the link to begin.

In addition to making practice exciting, IXL is designed to help your child learn at his or her own pace. The program is adaptive and will adjust based on your child's demonstrated understanding of the material. All of your child's results will be saved, so you can monitor his or her progress anytime by clicking on the Analytics tab at the top of the page. For on-the-go practice, you can download IXL’s free tablet apps for iPad, Android, or Kindle and sign in with your child’s username and password.

I hope you'll encourage your student to use IXL regularly. Here's to a year of working together to make learning fun for your child!

Parts of Speech

This week we will review the parts of speech in class in preparation for a parts of speech quiz scheduled for 8/31/18. Parts of speech will be the foundation for all of the grammar work throughout this year. It is essential that students have a good understanding in order to do well with the new grammar concepts that will be covered.

Below there are links to the resources given in class for parts of speech. If you misplace the copy given to you in class, you can print a new one below.

Parts of Speech Learning Target Tracker/IXL Codes
Parts of Speech Notes
Parts of Speech Practice 8/21-8/23

Welcome, Syllabus, Brain Bender

WELCOME to Mrs. Oliveira's Class Blog for the 2018-2019 school year! This is a great resource for your student to use throughout the year for 6th grade English. On this blog, I will post handouts given in class (so students can print them if they misplaced their own copy), study tips, resources, and even pictures from class. It would be a good idea to save the site as a favorite for easy access.

**If you have a question or your need to contact Mrs. Oliveira, please use my normal TCS email address as follows: Brianna.Oliveira@trussvillecityschools.com


Here is a link to the Mrs. Oliveira's English Class Syllabus
 Remember to keep your syllabus in your English binder throughout the year. You can use it for a reminder of class policies and a reference for information. If you misplace your syllabus, you can print it out from that link. (There may be a chance for bonus points later in the year just for keeping up with your syllabus!)

Here is the link for the first four weeks of Brain Bender (BB). Remember, you are expected to complete the daily BB on your own before we go over it each day in class. I will take up your completed BB sheet when you are given another in order to give you credit for your work. If you are absent, you are still responsible for completing that day's BB and checking with a friend. If you misplace the BB sheet I provided to you, you can print a new one for yourself below.

BB 8/13-8/20
BB 8/27-9/4

Fourth Nine Weeks Benchmark

You will take the fourth 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.

• 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 on the board on the back of your sheet. 

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

English Benchmark

Social Issues Book Club Tests

Click on the title of the book your group read to take the test.


Towers Falling

Among the Hidden

Single Shard

Janitor's Boy

The War That Saved My Life

Poetry Test/Poetry Portfolio

We will have a test on poetry this Thursday. See attached for a copy of the notes and items that will be covered on the test.

Poetry Test Study Guide


Students will also have a Poetry Portfolio due on Friday. They have been working on the portfolio in class for a couple of weeks, so this shouldn't be a project they have to do at home. The final portfolio is due at the beginning of class on Friday. The directions are below.

Poetry Portfolio

Elegy- "A Dog Named Beau"

E

Epic Poem

Now is your turn to draft a epic poem!

-Use the proper English heading and title it "EpicPoem"
-Must be at least 20 lines long
-Must have a plot about a hero

Narrative Poetry

Narrative Poem: Fresh Prince of Bel Air Theme Song


Now is your turn to draft a narrative poem!

-Use the proper English heading and title it "Narrative Poem"
-Must be at least 20 lines long
-Must have a plot

Maya Angelou

1928-2014

Global Renaissance Woman

Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr. Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. 
Born on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Angelou was raised in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. In Stamps, Dr. Angelou experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Biography retrieved from: http://mayaangelou.com/bio/

Poem retrieved from: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings/

Roots Final Quizlet

Roots Final Quizlet

You will have a cumulative roots test this Friday. You should use your roots graphic organizers, study guide, and the quizlet above to study.

Poetry Notes/CYG

Here is the link to the poetry note-taker that we will use in class. If you misplace your copy, you can print a new one here.

Poetry Note-taker

Here are the links to the Caught Ya Grammar sheets provided in class today. If you misplace your copy, you can print a new one here.

CYG 4/16-4/23
CYG 4/30-5/7