First Quarter Standards
Reading: Verify six books read. This includes the historical fiction for Mrs Wright and may include reading for research. It does not include summer reading. Pass in your journal weekly. Final verification due 10/28.
Persuasive Writing: Conduct research and follow the steps of the writing process to write a persuasive essay about a controversial issue. Due 9/30
Research Paper: We will begin this process in the first quarter and complete it in the second quarter.
Public Speaking/Reading Aloud: Write an Occasional Paper and read it aloud to the class. Read it when you are ready. Last date 10/29
Moved to second quarter
Second Quarter Standards
Reading: Verify six books read. This includes the historical fiction for Mrs. Wright, a literature group book, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
You should have a total of 12 books for the year. This includes any books you read and verified during the summer.
Choose an author for your author study.
Read your occasional paper to the class. (Reading Aloud Standard) Final verification due 1/20/12
Writing: Follow the steps of the writing process to complete a piece of independent writing.
Research Paper: Final project due 11/18.
Response to Literature: Write a response to the short story, "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan. Completed through the writing process.
Write a response to a book of your choice. This will be on demand in early January. See Q3
Public Speaking: Write an Occasional Paper (OP) and read it aloud to the class. You will do two this quarter. Students will be given a particular week in which to present each OP. Read it when it is your turn. Last date 1/20/12
Poetry Mini-Unit: Write five winter poems, choose one to use to create a poetry bag for the senior citizens' concert. Write a poem for a soldier and make a poetry bag to be sent overseas. You may choose one of the poems you've already written. We will make recordings of the poems to be sent overseas or to a veterans' group. Due 12/9
Third Quarter Standards
Reading: Verify six books read. (18 total for the year) This includes the historical fiction for Mrs. Wright as well as one literature group book and a variety of class readings. Final verification due 4/6
Work on reading five books by your chosen author. You should have a minimum of four author books read and verified by the end of the quarter. Fill out the Author Selection Form as soon as possible, but no later than 2/16.
Read your occasional paper to the class.
Writing: Daily Language Practice
Follow the steps of the writing process to complete a piece of independent writing. Due 3/30
Write a response to persuasive text. Due 2/16
Complete class writing prompts.
Response to Literature: Write a response to literature. This will be a response to a short story read in class OR a literature group book. Due 3/15
Public Speaking: Write an Occasional Paper (OP) and read it aloud to the class. These will be presented in rounds as we did Q3. The last round will be completed before Feb. vacation, 2/16.
Prepare a short (2-3 min.)presentation on a topic of your choice to present to the class. These presentations will also be presented in rounds to be completed during the month of March.
Poetry MIni-Unit: Respond to a variety poems. Write poems that show your understanding of imagery and metaphor. Based on class work. Due 4/6.
Fourth Quarter Standards
Reading: Complete verification of 25 books* for the year. This includes the historical fiction for Mrs. Wright, and a collection of short pieces of writing which we will share in class. All reading work due by 6/8.
Complete the verification of five books by your chosen author. These books are verified through your reading journal or by following the verification format.
You will receive a reading grade for the research you conduct for your Public Service Announcement.
Writing: You will have a number of writing tasks to complete as you create a Public Service Announcement.
You will have a number of short writing pieces to complete.
Poetry. Write a poem about a place or event. Use imagery and simile to describe your place or event. Write a poem that is at least 10 lines long.
Write an extended metaphor poem that is at least 10 lines long. Due 4/12
Response to Literature: You should be thinking about a good book to use for this prompt. A good book tells a story and has an obvious lesson that connects to your life and the lives of others around you. It will most likely have a main character you can identify with. The book will "speak to you." Due 5/11
Public Speaking: Develop an Author Talk and present it to the class. Presentations will be done in class beginning 5/21.
Your Public Service Announcement will count as a Public Speaking Grade. PSA's will be shared on 5/31 and 6/1
* Journals are due the week of 4/9 and 4/23. After that time, students who have verified 25 books read, including five author books, will be excused from journals for the remainder of the year. Students are required to continue to pass in a weekly journal until these requirements are met. Students will receive a written notice from Ms. D when they have completed the requirements.