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