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ATTENTION!! There will be a book check this week. You are required to having a reading book with you everyday
for class. We go to the library every Friday. I am flexible about library errands on the other days. It is an
expectation and requirement that you bring a reading book to class daily.
This week you will be required to submit a 250-500 word summary of what you read this week and your thoughts about the content.
Have a book you are reading with you.
Monday
I am out today due to medical issues. Please cooperate and follow directions. There is no tutoring after school today.
I will grade overflow presentations I did not see Friday when I return.
Complete writing prompt. - Writing prompt is to work on your Membean! (1 hour due by Friday)
Skills Test – Take 2!
When finished….complete the assignment below. Reply to the email tomorrow morning with the following information:
Continuing Our Journey to Become a Comprehension Master! - Using Strategies on Your Own...
Select a current event. Create a citation for this event.
Select a strategy we have used you have found most helpful.
Read and Process the selection.
Summarize the selection.
Identify the key points.
State the main idea of the selection.
Read 30 minutes. Summary of week's reading is due Friday.
Tuesday
Complete writing prompt. - Writing prompt is to work on your Membean! (1 hour due by Friday)
Presentations – Leftover Presentations Will Be Completed Upon My Return.
Main Idea – One More Time!
Flocabulary – Main Idea
Handouts are in the Flocabulary folder in the notes and handouts section. Have them pulled up BEFORE the presentation starts.
Have Compassion Activity
Formative Assessment – What do we know?
Independent Practice – (Because you are a PRO!)
Complete the Middle School Main Idea Reading Passage Worksheet found in the Notes/Handouts section. I have also emailed this to you as an attachment.
Complete the answers on a google doc and copy and paste into the email reply.
Homework if not finished during class:
Shades of Meaning
Decide if each of the words has a positive meaning or negative meaning.
obsessive
reserved
mushy
curious
bold
timid
cheap
hyperactive
sentimental
strong-willed
withdrawn
brash
scrawny
frugal
stylish
smug
cowardly
stubborn
nosy
energetic
thin
self-confident
faddish
fervent
Read 30 minutes. Summary of week's reading is due Friday.
Wednesday
Complete writing prompt. - Writing prompt is to work on your Membean! (1 hour due by Friday)
Let’s go over your homework!
Go over the answers together to the following:
Flocabulary
Have compassion activity
Main Idea Quiz
Middle School Main Idea Reading Passage Worksheet
Think-Pair-Share
Partner up and compare your word lists for the shades of meaning activity.
You should have two columns: negative and positive.
Once finished, each partner should copy and paste into a reply to the email I send.
Shades of Meaning
Decide if each of the words has a positive meaning or negative meaning.
obsessive
reserved
mushy
curious
bold
timid
cheap
hyperactive
sentimental
strong-willed
withdrawn
brash
scrawny
frugal
stylish
smug
cowardly
stubborn
nosy
energetic
thin
self-confident
faddish
fervent
Continue on with Connotation and Denotation.
Connotation and Denotation
Denotation: the dictionary and literal meaning of a word
Connotation: the emotional / contextual / cultural meaning attached to a word; shades and degrees of meaning
1. What is the connection between tone and diction?
Many words have a similar denotation, but one must learn to distinguish among the connotations of these
words in order to accurately identify meaning and tone. Careful readers and
writers understand nuances (subtle differences) in word meanings. This means
that they recognize that words have varying levels of meaning.
Examples: house, home, abode, estate, shack, mansion, and hut all describe or
denotate a place to live, but each has a different connotation that determines
meaning and tone.
2. Create examples like the one above illustrating ranges of words that have
the same denotation but different connotations. Independently, write your
examples below, and then pair with another student to share your words. (You need 5.)
3. If you are struggling to find your own words, then use the following to jumpstart your progress:
Cheap, frugal, miserly, thrifty, economical
Talkative, ---, ---, ---, ---, ---
Inquisitive, , ---, ---, ---, ---, ---
Assertive, , ---, ---, ---, ---, ---
Hot, ---, ---, ---, ---, ---
Attractive, ---, ---, ---, ---, ---, ---
Unattractive, ---, ---, ---, ---, ---
Remember you need both positive and negative words.
There is a handout on connotation and denotation on the Notes/Handouts section of my web page.
Identifying Nuances in Diction (Yes, it's kind of like using the right photo for your meme.)
Right
First World Problem Meme
Wrong
Success Kid Meme
Wrong
Philosoraptor Meme
IEP/504 - Create 3 of the 5 lists above.
Enrichment - Create a set of school appropriate memes to demonstrate your knowledge and mastery of the topic.
Friday
LIBRARY EXCHANGE
Complete writing prompt. - Writing prompt is to work on your Membean! (1 hour due by Friday)
Digging Deeper....
Let's Look at Some Vocabulary.
Use a dictionary to clarify each word’s precise meaning.
Rank the words from most intense to least intense.
Angry: upset, enraged, irritated, sharp, vexed, livid, infuriated, incensed
Happy: mirthful, joyful, jovial, ecstatic, light-hearted, exultant, jubilant, giddy
Sad: poignant, despondent, sentimental, lugubrious, morose, woeful, mournful,
desolate
Honest: sincere, candid, outspoken, forthright, frank, unbiased, blunt
Calm: placid, still, bored, composed, peaceful, tranquil, serene, soothing
Nervous: anxious, apprehensive, hesitant, fretful, agitated, jittery, afraid
Smart: wise, perceptive, quick-witted, clever, sagacious, intellectual, brainy,
bright, sharp
Prepare to present your findings. Use the outline below to prepare for your presentation.
I studied words that have the same denotation as ....
The most intense word is ..... , which means ......
One would feel ..........if / when ...........[specific situation].
The least intense word is.......... , which means .........
One would feel ..........if / when ...........[specific situation].
My favorite word is ......., which means ........
One would feel ..........if / when ...........[specific situation].
An example... (if the word odor was a choice)
I studied words that have the same denotation as ....ODOR.
The most intense word is reeking , which means to smell strongly and unpleasantly
One would feel sick and gross if / when moving around in rotten reeking garbage.
The least intense word is aromatic , which means having a fragrant or sweet scent
One would feel relaxed and calm if / when smelling an aromatic bouquet of flowers.
My favorite word is ......., which means ........
One would feel ..........if / when ...........[specific situation].
Homework – Read over Connotation/Denotation Notes Below (END OF PAGE)
Read 30 minutes. Summary of week's reading is due Friday.
Complete writing prompt. - Writing prompt is to work on your Membean! (1 hour due by Friday)
Connotation and Denotation
Denotation: the dictionary and literal meaning of a word
Connotation: the emotional / contextual / cultural meaning attached to a word; shades and degrees of meaning
Connotation vs Denotation Activity
Since everyone reacts emotionally to certain words, writers often deliberately select words that they think will influence your reactions and appeal to your emotions. Read the dictionary definition (DENOTATION) below.
cock roach (kok' roch'), n. any of an order of nocturnal insects, usually brown with flattened oval bodies, some species of which are household pests inhabiting kitchens, areas around water pipes, etc. [Spanish cucaracha]
What does the word cockroach mean to you?
Is a cockroach merely an insect or is it also a household nuisance and a disgusting creature?
(We all know how I feel.)
Let’s start our adventure!
1. Do some words have more impact than others when describing the same thing? Can you use words to subtly give a message? Give examples.
2. **See what meanings poets Wild and Morley find in roaches in the following poems.
Roaches
Last night when I got up
to let the dog out I spied
a cockroach in the bathroom
crouched flat on the cool
porcelain,
delicate
antennae probing the toothpaste cap
and feasting himself on a gob
of it in the bowl:
I killed him with one unprofessional
blow,
scattering arms and legs
and half his body in the sink...
I would have no truck with roaches,
crouched like lions in the ledges of sewers
their black eyes in the darkness
alert for tasty slime,
breeding quickly and without design,
laboring up drainpipes through filth
to the light;
I read once they are among
the most antediluvian of creatures,
surviving everything, and in more primitive times
thrived to the size of your hand...
yet when sinking asleep
or craning at the stars,
I can feel their light feet
probing in my veins,
their whiskers nibbling
the insides of my toes;
and neck arched,
feel their patient scrambling
up the dark tubes of my throat.
--Peter Wild
from Nursery Rhymes for the Tender-hearted
Scuttle, scuttle, little roach-
How you run when I approach:
Up above the pantry shelf
Hastening to secrete yourself.
Most adventurous of vermin,
How I wish I could determine
How you spend your hours of ease,
Perhaps reclining on the cheese.
Cook has gone, and all is dark-
Then the kitchen is your park;
In the garbage heap that she leaves
Do you browse among the tea leaves?
How delightful to suspect
All the places you have trekked:
Does your long antenna whisk its
Gentle tip across the biscuits?
Do you linger, little soul,
Drowsing in our sugar bowl?
Or, abandonment most utter,
Shake a shimmy on the butter?
Do you chant your simple tunes
Swimming in the baby's prunes?
Then, when dawn comes, do you slink
Homeward to the kitchen sink?
Timid roach, why be so shy?
We are brothers, thou and I,
In the midnight, like yourself,
I explore the pantry shelf!
--Christopher Morley
Reread the dictionary definition.
Which of the denotative characteristics of a cockroach both poets include in their poems?
What characteristics does Wild give his roaches that are not in the dictionary definition?
What additional characteristics does Morley give to roaches?
In each poem, the insect acquires meaning beyond its dictionary definition. Both poets lead us away from a literal view of roaches to a nonliteral one.
Which poet succeeds in giving roaches favorable connotations?
Which poet comes closer to expressing your own feelings about roaches?
Homework
Read 30 minutes. Summary of week's reading is due Friday.
More Connotation and Denotation
Read each of the following sentences. Decide from the context whether the speaker is showing approval (positive) or disapproval (negative) of the topic. Then select the best word to put into the sentence.
1. “The sooner we move out of this (home, dump),” said Jack, “the happier I’ll be.”
2. This cell phone is (expensive, overpriced), but I don’t mind paying extra because it has
so many useful features.
3. You’re lucky to have Wilma on your committee. She has lots of (original, crazy) ideas.
4. Boss Reed and his (cronies, employees) have controlled the politics in this city for
more than twenty years. I certainly hope the other party wins this year!
5. It was a beautiful spring day, and the (stench, scent) of apple blossoms filled the whole
yard.
6. I hope I don’t have to share an office with Janice. Sandra told me how (curious, nosy)
she can be.
7. “I think Fay is an excellent president,” said the principal. “She really knows how to
(manage, meddle).”
8. Will you please turn your stereo off? I can’t concentrate with all that (music, noise).
9. I love going camping and getting in touch with nature. The woods are filled with so
much (vermin, animal life).
10. What makes Jim such an excellent storyteller is his knack for (invention, lying).
11. Mr. Benton had better watch out for that new assistant of his. He’s a (clever, crafty)
one.
12. I have a lot of respect for Jenny’s father. He’s rather (reserved, antisocial) and
dignified.
13. My brother can’t stand his mother-in-law. She’s practically a millionaire, but she’s
about as (thrifty, miserly) as a person can get.
14. This coffee is very (bitter, strong) – just the way I like it!
15. Can you please ask the new saleswoman not to be so (enthusiastic, pushy)? She is
scaring away the customers.
What did we just do there? Made an inference based on context clues.
Flocabulary – Making Inferences
Read 30 minutes. Summary of week's reading is due Friday.
NOTES HERE!!!!
Positive versus Negative Connotation
Denotation: The specific, exact and concrete meaning of a word. This is the meaning you would find in a dictionary.
Mother
Definition: female parent
Connotation: The attitudes, feelings and emotions aroused by a word.
Mother • attitude: positive
• feelings: love and respect
• emotions: security and warmth
“Mommy” all of the above, plus
• extra connotations of familiarity and childhood
(children call their mothers “mommy” but adults do not)
A word can have positive or negative connotations. Sometimes words have different connotations to different people because of their experiences.
Scientists and philosophers focus on the denotations of words in order to communicate exact meaning. Writers of literature rely more heavily on connotation in order to evoke an emotional response in the reader.
Same Denotation, Different Connotation?
Two words can have the same definition while carrying different emotional content. One word may be cruel or insulting while another word might be neutral or positive.
Example: Aunt Myrna is proud of her nephew George. Aunt Willa, by contrast, disapproves of everything George does. Let’s see how their different views of George determine the language they use.
The fact is: George likes to save money when shopping.
Aunt Myrna says: “He’s thrifty.”
Aunt Willa says: “He’s stingy.”
Both of these words refer to saving money, but they have different connotations. “Thrifty” suggests that George is smart and knows how to find bargains. “Stingy” depicts George as greedy and lacking generosity.
The fact is: George works hard.
Aunt Myrna says: “He’s very focused on his job.”
Aunt Willa says: “He’s obsessed with his job.”
Both of these words refer to paying close attention to something; however, “focused” implies that someone is interested in what they’re doing, while “obsessed” suggests that they are addicted to it.
The fact is: George has a son and two daughters.
Aunt Myrna says: “George has three children.”
Aunt Willa says: “George has three brats.”
“Brat” is a slang word for a noisy, annoying child. Willa is implying that George’s children misbehave all the time.
Some words seem more loaded with meaning than others.
friendship, love, vacation, freedom usually arouse pleasant feelings
slum, drunkard, torture, criminal usually arouse unpleasant feelings
Politicians and advertisers try to choose words with positive connotations in order to make their message more appealing. On the other hand, if you are angry at someone, you may choose a word with negative connotations to describe them!
Things to remember:
• Words can have context-specific connotations that are not always obvious from their
dictionary meaning. For example, the word elderly means “old” but it can only be
applied to a person; no matter how old a house is, it would not be called “elderly.”
Similarly, blonde means “yellow” but it refers only to hair and to some kinds of wood; it
is never used to describe other yellow objects. It is important to be aware of this in
order to avoid misusing words.
• Sometimes writers choose euphemisms, which are nice ways to describe things that are
upsetting. For example, English has many euphemisms for death: instead of saying that
someone “died,” we might say they “passed away” or “departed.” This is a way to avoid
the negative associations with certain ideas. We will look further at euphemisms in a moment.
Extra Reading:
http://www.littlemiamischools.com/userfiles/321/connotation%20_%20denotation.pdf
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