Over the course of the year we will look at various forms of writing as we begin to develop our voice. Through analysis of different texts, students will begin to understand the various and overlapping elements of Language Arts.
Over the course of the year we will look at various forms of writing as we begin to develop our voice. Through analysis of different texts, students will begin to understand the various and overlapping elements of Language Arts.
September: This month we are going to begin to develop our voices as young writers. We will kick-off the year by writing a letter to the teacher, sharing our abilities and identities with the class. We will be using this piece of work as a benchmark for success. Students will also begin their analysis of short story texts by looking at text structure, authors' purpose, and a variety of literary elements within texts. Students will begin applying these elements to reading comprehension, create analytical texts, and engage in critical discussion.
October:
Students continue to study short stories by annotating and identifying themes, characters, plots, significance, and details in the story. With this, they will be looking at paragraph structure and will begin developing analytical writing skills. Moreso, students will dive deep into their analysis skills to uncover character and characterization built throughout narratives. With the spooky season upon us, we take a look at Edgar Allen Poe, and finish off the unit with a Symbolic Plot Diagram. Lastly, we will be starting our unit on Short Stories and begin reading The Outsiders.
November:
Students continue to read and study their first Novel Study of the year- The Outsiders! This coming-of-age classic teaches readers the importance of friendship, sticking together, and overcoming stereotypes. Students get to express their learning in creative ways, continue to develop their voices as young writers, and learn for themselves the importance of sticking with their gangs.
December:
We are nearly done with our Novel Study and begin to embark on your Food Truck Project! We have been counting the days as we anxiously approach this exciting project opportunity. Students will get to symbolically represent the Characters, Themes, Plot Points, Big Ideas, and Discussion points from The Outsiders, in a food truck project that may just serve snacks to share. More to come!