Mrs. Worthington

Write-Spot News! (May 5-9)

Thank you for visiting your AC language arts blog.

You will be signing up for Field Day events during homeroom this week. :)

There will be a schedule swap on Monday and Tuesday to accommodate the visiting fifth graders. As always, we work together to best meet the needs of students.

Some of you are still working on your SAT Word project and will be presenting your word visual and expanding upon your word's meaning. Be sure to include connotative meanings as well as denotative meanings.

Congratulations on your quick thinking and collaborative efforts on your book summary presentations!

Today's talking~points will focus on writing in the workplace (i.e., technical writing).

Specifically, we will view business letter formatting.

This week we will also be viewing 1-3 poems each day. These will count toward your 25~Book Goal.

REMINDERS/HOMEWORK . . .

Monday . . .

1.  Grammar Textbook assignment (Refer to your carefully filled out agenda for page numbers. You do

      have an agenda and are filling it out ~ right?)

2.  Bring your grammar textbook to school tomorrow; there will be a textbook check on  Tuesday, 5/6.

3.  Write a business letter that compliments for a service or a product. Include an envelope addressed

     using correct format. If you cannot find the address, make one up that shows you know how to

     correctly format for mailing. Type your letter. If your computer is not working then neatly do in ink

     using a guide sheet, AND include a note from your parent telling you do not have computer access.

      DUE: Wednesday, 5/7

Special Note . . .

Please adhere to the following protocol for using your computers and doing home assignments:

1. No sending assignments to me for printing, or asking to leave class to go print. You should have your assignment in hand when you enter class. If you have problems with technology, go to plan B, and do by hand -- using guide sheet, neat cursive, and blue or black ink.

2. At no time should a computer-excuse be given for not having your homework. Be a proactive thinker and pack all items to go to school in your backpack after you complete your assignment. If your computer is not working, bring a note explaining and your by-hand submission will be accepted.

3. No phone calls are to be made asking a parent to bring your forgotten work to school. I do not give permission to use the phone for forgotten items as it is your responsibility to plan ahead for each school day. Requesting items to be dropped off because you forgot is an unnecessary inconvience to others: parents, office staff, AND interrupts class when delivered. Do without for the day and say to yourself: "Lesson learned! I will have to make an action-plan for remembering my items."

Tuesday . . .

Wednesday . . .

1. Book-Fair passes for 5-10 minutes.
2. Jot-List writing for rising 7th grade brochures.
3. Poem for 25-Book Goal if time permits.
4. Book check for WAG textbook

Thursday . . .

1. Book-Fair passes for 5-10 minutes
2. Technical writing for rising 7th-grade brochures
3. Work with partner on brochure
4. Poem for 25-Book Goal if time permits
5. Book check for WAG textbook
6. Discussion/Note taking for final
7. Writing (expository/persuasive) following 8th-grade test format will be tomorrow
8. Bring spelling book to school for a book check

Friday . . .

Writing portion of final; this writing follows the formatting for the 8th grade writing test. Bring blue/black pen.

Write~On!

Mrs. Worthington

Chief in Charge of Classy Work!

Welcome to the Write-Spot! (April 23~27)

Thank you for checking your AC language arts blog.

I know you will come well prepared~body and mind~ for doing your very best on the CRCT test.

Bring at least two NO.2 pencils sharpened and ready to go.

Bring a page-turner book to make use of any extra time. Of course, top priority is rechecking your test answers.

Monday, 4/23 . . .

The focus lesson today is on complex sentences and compound-complex sentences.
Hopefully, you will do the practice tests for the CRCT test that are online.

Tuesday, 4/24 . . .

The focus lesson today is continuation of complex sentences;
We will add poems to your collection of readings for your 25-Book Goal.
We will discuss How-To Essay and Speech project.
Grammar workbook viewing for 8th grade review.

Wednesday, 4/25 . . .

Viewing rubric for How-To Essay

Introduction to Technical Writing continues

Welcome to the Write Spot! (April 4-13)

Welcome to Your AC~Language Arts Blog! 

Have a wonderful time with your family and friends during this spring break.

OVER SPRING BREAK . . .

1.      Organize your binder and folders. Some of you need new binders because the rings are broken.

          There will be a check when you return. See if you can pass with flying colors.

2.      Read to reach your 25-Book Goal!

a.      Find wonderful page-turner books you just cannot put down!

During class on Friday you read and took notes on chapter 15 of your grammar text. If you feel you may be behind, work on this. Your notes should be completed by Wednesday when you return.

Take care and play safe,

Mrs. Worthington

Welcome to the Write~Spot! (March 18)

Welcome to Your AC~Language Arts Blog!   

Just a reminder . . .

This does not take the place of agenda notations; at no time should I hear the words “. . . but it was not on the blog.” The blog is not to be used as an excuse for not having your assignments. Your carefully filled out agenda has current due dates and reminders you are to view each evening. Some of you are doing an exemplary job of agenda notations (i.e., usually those students who are earning top grades), and some of you are playing avoidance games and not filling in your agenda and not completing your homework. This is an enigma to me.

Another reminder . . .

In your language arts class it is never appropriate to call home and ask your parents to bring your homework to school. It is not your parents’ responsibility to do this and disrupts class. Please, turn in the next day for partial credit and then make a plan of action for remembering your school items.

Disaster Research Papers . . .

I look forward to reading your final papers! You have from Thursday to Monday to turn them in. I suggest you turn in before the last day, however. You already have your paper typed and only have to do revisions based upon our peer editing (i.e., if you have been turning your paper in each time we had a segment due.)

Plan carefully, as computer /printer problems are not to be used as an excuse for late submissions--ever.  If you do not have a access to a computer or printer, then use unlined paper, a guide sheet, and a black pen to do your paper. This, too, is to be double spaced.

Daily Oral Language . . .

By Thursday you will have corrected and discussed all DOL sentences. Study these for the test on Tuesday. Aim for an “A.”  J

Thursday:

Homework: Write 4 sentences using the sentence pattern we studied today in class. You may use your computer for this, or you may handwrite this assignment. This is a take home quiz.

Welcome to the Write~Spot! (March 10~14)

Thank you for visiting the Write~Spot!

This week we will continue working on writing your disaster research paper using MLA formatting style.

This is the style format you will use when you are in high school,and you will be expected to use it with ease.

We are behind, based on my original plan for due dates. At this time there is NOT going to be a due date posted for the finished paper; rather, only due dates for the different stages for your report. You will see below what is expected for each day. Friday, of this week, we will view progress and determine a final due date.

Monday:

1. Viewing of a model research paper in class.
2. Homework: Complete cards. You should have 60 (ro more) fact cards by now. If you do not have 60+ cards, then tonight you should catch up.
3. Homework: Study for DOL 61~63
4. Homework: How do your binders look? Clean and organize.

Tuesday:

1. Homework: Type up your Work Cited page at home this evening. Tomorrow in class we will view your citation page to see if there are any items to revise. If you do not have access to a computer or printer then use a guide sheet, unlined paper and write carefully by hand. Bring a note from your parent saying you are unable to use your computer. Please, please, do not come in without homework saying: "I left it on my printer."
2. Today, we will go to the media center and Mrs. Hendrix will instruct on using the media center resources.
3. DOL 61~63

Wednesday:

Today we will work on your research outline in class. You have a packet in your research envelope that I provided for your viewing. We will use this to help with creating an outline for your report. You will be categorizing your cards.

We will view your Work Cited page carefully to see if there are places that need editing. You are to make repairs and have an improved draft by tomorrow.

If time allows . . .

We will spend the last 10 minutes of class reading "Brian's Song." This is genre reading selection: a teleplay. You have already read part 1.

Thursday:

You will write your draft in class today using your outline and note cards.

This draft will be written by hand and will be double spaced.

Homework: Create your Type your paper using your draft copy. KEEP YOUR DRAFT COPY.

Tomorrow in class you will peer- edit your typed version. I will circulate among groups and answer questions for editing. The two computers will have a writing center on screen and you can also use that as a source.

Remember, you can still continue to investigate your topic and add even more information.

Final papers are typed OR written in black ink using a guide sheet under unlined paper. Cursive handwriting. All typing is to be completed by students. Please, no typing by parents, however, help with letting margins, pagination, is a helpful learning experience.

All students should be able to type a paper by the seventh grade. If typing is still a struggle, take a peek at the free online sites that have practice sessions.

Take care,

Mrs. C. Worthington

Chief in Charge of Classy Work!

Welcome to the Write~Spot! (March 3~7)

Thank you for tuning in to your language arts blog!

Calling all young authors! Do you have a writing to submit for the Writing Fair?

I will go over details in class today.

This week we continue to work on your disasters research project. You must have your self-polished draft completely finished on March 11. This draft must have a parent signature at the top by your heading.

We will peer edit on March 11 and 12. You then will have until to Friday, March 14, to make changes.

IMPORTANT TIP: You must plan ahead for larger projects because you will have homework from other classes on the day this is due. Avoid telling teachers: "I do not have my homework because I had a big paper I was working on. " Remember, this is not a project you do during one setting and you should avoid waiting until the last day. You do not want to be a student who makes excuses for late submissions.

Please bring your research packet with you to class each day, along with your other items.

On Monday, you should walk into class with 45 notecards on your topic. Of course, more is better.

Below are some notes for this week; check back daily to see if there are updates:

Monday:

Today will read article #15 and will receive a certificate to place in your portfolio that gives you credit for having read one book equivalent toward your 25~Book Goal.

Study for DOL test. Refer to your carefully filled out agenda for exact date for your class.

Permission form for Thursday's dance went home last Friday. Tickets will be sold this week.

Homework: Type your first page for your report using MLA style formatting. This will be the heading and the first paragraph that introduces your topic. Remember, you are to do the typing and not your parents, so do not ask them to do your work. It is all right, however, to ask for parent help if you do not know how to do something on the computer such as setting margins or double spacing.

See below if you are unable to do the typing yourself:

If you do not have a computer, or cannot type your paper, then use a guide sheet, unlined paper, an ink pen, and write using cursive handwriting.

See the option above if your printer is not working. (PROTOCOLHINT: It is not appropriate to email an instructor and ask them to print your assignments for you.)

Tuesday:

Early release today; teachers have in-service sessions.

DEAR Reading today; bring a book you don't want to put down.

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Dance after school today. Please make sure your parents know the time for pick up. You should not be ". . . . calling when it is over." Chaperones must stay until all students are picked up and you do not want to delay them from joining their families for the evening.

PLEASE~No phone calls home to ask parents to bring money to buy dance refreshments. This is something you should arrange before leaving home. This would interrupt class to deliver and would inconvenience others.

Remember the "Buddy Picture" option. Chat with your friends and your parent to coordinate and have a plan in mind.

Friday:                                        

Write-Spot News! (February 29, 2008)

Thank you for visiting your language arts blog.

We continue going to the computer lab to gather information for disaster research projects. You should have 45+ cards by the end of class today. If you do not, then continue your investigation over the weekend.

We will use WORD to write the heading the MLA way and begin the introductory paragraph.

Before we go to the lab, however, we will discuss a few "Memory Jogging Tips" about verbs this week and pronouns next week. These mini-lessons will be helpful for the CRCT test later in the year and you will take notes using the "Magic Squares" method.

Briefly, we will chat about the literature selection you read in class yesterday. Be thinking about the tone of the story and how the author accomplished this.

Remember to continue reviewing your DOL sentences; there will be a test on these next week. Refer to your agenda for exact dates that will be posted today.

Thank you for staying cool, calm, and collected during our surprise with no electricity. I appreciate the way you handled an unexpected problem, thought through a plan of action without complaining, and kept a positive attitude. Again, I think about how I have such grand students!

WRITE~ON!

Mrs. Worthington

(Chief in Charge of Classy Work)

Welcome to the Write~Spot! (February 11~15)

UPDATES:

Monday: 

Begin to study Spelling~Plus Lesson: Latin Roots; this is in your spelling book that you keep at home.

Study for your quiz on Chapter #26: Punctuation (i.e.,quiz on Friday). Tonight, for homework your focus is on semicolons. To supplement your grammar text, also go to  OWL + Perdue using Google. When you reach Perdue's writing lab, search for semicolons. By tomorrow you should be "in the know" about this useful punctuation symbol.

GOOD NEWS:  Mrs. Hendrix is going to have you select your disasters research topic tomorrow (i.e., Tuesday, February 12). If you have your research packet already prepared, bring it as soon as possible. Packet due date is Friday for early-bird points, however, the earlier the better. Thank you, Mrs. Hendrix for arranging for us to be in the media center this week! :)

Tuesday:

By now you are an expert at using the semicolon! Just to make sure view this review on semicolons:

http://chuma.cas.usf.edu/~olson/pms/semicolon.html

This evening, the focus is on the colon. Along with reading what you find on the OWL + Perdue site, view this informative site on the colon:

http://chuma.cas.usf.edu/~olson/pms/colon.html

Remember: On Thursday there is a TEST ON COMMAS, COLON, SEMICOLON (i.e., information found in your writing and grammar text; chapter #26).

Wednesday:

1. Test tomorrow over commas, colons, semicolons in chapter #26.
2. Below is a site to view for commas:

          http://chuma.cas.usf.edu/~olson/pms/comma.html

     3. Do not forget to see what OWL + Perdue site has to add.

     4.Tomorrow is the test on commas, colons, semicolons.

     5.Return progress reports; see me if you would like to chat about your grade progress.

RESEARCH SOURCE: "Note Cards: Things to Remember when Taking Notes"

http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/writing/notecard.html

_____________________________________________________

A Glance at the Week .  .  .

Thank you for visiting your AC language arts blog! I look forward to hearing about your Jekyll Island trip and weekend happenings. Be thinking how you will respond to one of the following sentence prompts:

My friends and I . . .

My family and I . . .,

My group and I . . .,  ETC.

A Reminder . . .

This blog is composed as a projection of the week's planning and may change to best meet students' needs. Students should ALWAYS have their agendas ready to record changes and they should be accustomed to now viewing their agendas and calendars each evening.

A Note to Parents . . .

If your student does not have an agenda, or has an agenda and it is not being filled in for his/her classes, this is a red flag waving in the wind.

I have noticed that some students have binders and folders that are very poorly organized. If you can encourage your student to take charge of this important study skill it will help him/her be more successful during the academic day. Unfortunately, I cannot stop the flow of instruction to monitor individual students for this task. Thank you for your support!

This week we will focus on the following . . .

Literature Analysis Review: "My Furthest-Back Person" was read during Jekyll week. We will have final discussion on this selection from your literature textbook. If you were absent  during Jekyll week, you need to see me so I can provide guidance. You will need to begin working on this Monday evening and complete submissions by Thursday.

Preparing for your research unit: We will dive deep into MLA formatting, media center sources, creating note cards and reference cards, locating quotes. On Tuesday you will trek to the media center and Mrs. Hendrix will lead instruction.

Chapter # 10 in your Grammar and Writing Text: This chapter provides information to support you research. Begin previewing this chapter Monday night. You will be taking notes on this chapter.

Research Guide: Attached in your binder is your research guide that follows the MLA formatting you will use in high school. We will be viewing this resource closely so you can quickly find answers as you do your research. Take charge of your learning and view this independently. By now, you should not ONLY rely on what the teacher suggests; you should take charge and build your own learning bank!

Material Preparation for Research: This week you will prepare your materials for research. I will provide information and you will be expected to take notes that are neat and legible. This packet is due on Friday for early-bird points and on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, for possible full credit of 100. Packets will remain at school for the first 3 days of research process. During later stages, you may wish to take your packet home, but you must bring back the following day. You are expected to have your packet with you EACH day while in the media center.

Research Packet Items:

1. Brown envelope which you can close with a clasp. (1)

2. Note cards (Package of 100): WHITE, lined or unlined; these may be 3X5.

3. Two or more mechanical pencils that are new or only slightly used. (2)

4. 5 sheets of notebook paper that are stapled together in upper right corner. PLEASE, use notebook paper that is the kind you buy in a package and NOT the paper you rip out and then tear off the edge.

5. A Zip Lock bag to house your note cards. Put your name and my name on the baggy so if you lose your cards they can easily come home to you. (1) Some of you have asked if you may use a note-card container that you can find at office supply stores. This is fine, however, find a way to put your name it.

6. A manila file folder to keep all of your articles together. (1) This should be kept inside of the brown envelope.

Details for when we will be in the media center will be given to you throughout the week and you will be expected to write this in your agenda.

Writing and Grammar Text: Chapter #26:  Focus on commas, colons, semicolons. There will be a test on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. You will have a brief amount of time to converse with your partner about how you will do final touches on your collaborative informational chart on colons, commas, and semicolons.

Binder and Folder Organization: Do a self-evaluation on your binder and folder; ask yourself if you need to replace either your binder or folder. See if you can monitor this before I have to say something.On the day I say: "Let's look at binders and folders today," you should be able to take pride on a job well done without adult reminders. A good habit to get into is to place papers in rings each evening and add new paper for the next day. Some of you have reached high levels in this area.

Daily Oral Language Sentences: These will be handed out on Tuesday and you will have a test on Friday.

Spelling~Plus: Greek & Latin Roots:  See your spelling book for these. Record in your agenda the exact lessons. This will be posted on the homework board in class. Record this on Monday~Friday blocks. Quiz on these words will be on Friday.

DEAR Reading: Of course, you will have opportunity to read in your personal choice book.

Along with DEAR reading you will have an article to read. Those who did not read "Noise Polution and Protection of Hearing" will read that expository/persuasive selection while others will read an expository/persuasive article about "Importance of Washing Hands." Flu season is upon us and this is particularly important at this time.

Message from the Nurse: Wash hands often and try to keep hands away from your face/mouth.

Calendar Reminders: You will not have school Monday nor Tuesday, February the 18~19. Record this in your agenda.

For MLA Help: 

Below is a site for you to go to if you have questions about MLA; it is from Perdue University:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

You may want to bookmark this site; it  is from Perdue University's writing lab and is an excellent resource to explore.  If you forget the URL you can also reach this site by typing in the following into Google: OWL + Perdue

For Fun Check This Out:

Below is a site for you to select a story prompt for your Night Writes for this week.

Use this option for Monday's homework. For the rest of the week, you have the option of writer's choice.

http://writingfix.com/left_brain/Personal_Lists1.htm

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This LA blog is under construction all week; come back and visit daily.

________________________________________________________________

WRITE~ON!

Mrs. Worthington

Chief in Charge of Classy Work!

Welcome to the Write~Spot! (Feb. 4~8)

This is Jekyll Island week!

Students are not with their regular classes.

Below are some notes for this week:

TAKE YOUR LITERATURE TEXT TO LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS EACH DAY THIS WEEK.

________________________________________________

Below is a heads-up note about our upcoming research unit in the media center.

The materials you will need by February 21 are as follows:

1.  A large brown envelope that will hold notebook paper without having to fold it. It should have a clasp on it.

2. Note cards (100) that are white. These may be 3X5 OR 4X11. Lined OR unlined.

3.You will need 2 mechanical pencils.

4. A "Response Packet" of 5 pieces of paper stapled in the upper left corner. Wide-lined notebook

    paper.

5. Post-it Notes ( 3 in. X 3 in.)

6. A Ziplock baggy that will hold your note cards. With a Sharpie pen write your name (large) so if you drop your notes they will find their way home.

Write~On!

Mrs. Worthington

Chief in Charge of Classy Work

Welcome to the Write~Spot! (Dec. 4~8)

Thank you for visiting your advanced-content language arts weblog.

This is conference week and you will be on "Early-Release Schedule" for this week and Monday of next week.

Focus activities and topics for this week are as follows:

• Greek and Latin prefixes and suffixes
• Chapter 26 in Writing and Grammar text: Punctuation (Highlighting commas, semicolons, colons)
• Sentence Pattern Study: Using two adjectives before a noun. When do you add a comma between the two adjectives and when do you not?
• Writing Essays: Persuasive: Advanced Study Viewing. Source: Writing and Grammar textbook.
• Reading: Expository/informational reading. Source: Literature textbook and teacher selected articles.

TUESDAY:

Quiz today on Greek/Latin prefixes and suffixes. Study of this continues.

Homework:

1. View your carefully filled out agenda. This is a skill you should have mastered by now. You should be writing in your agenda for each class. Congratulations if you are doing this without reminders.
2. Homework: Preview handout for Daily Oral Language. Come to class with questions and ready to  discuss. (NOTE: A homework assignment is not always a written assignment; make sure you do not just push "Study/read/think about" assignments aside. As you advance in school there will be more assignments like this. If you ignore such assignments you will probably not do as well as you are capable of on quizzes/tests.)

WEDNESDAY:

Homework:

1. Select a topic for your persuasive essay and speech. Due dates to be announced.
2. Study for Daily Oral Language Test on tomorrow.
3. Greek and Latin-- continued study. Source: Your spelling book that you have on your home shelf. Refer to your carefully filled out agenda for pages to work on this evening.

THURSDAY:

Daily Oral Language test today.

Homework: Chapter #26 Exercises. Due tomorrow. Refer to your carefully filled out agenda notes.

IMPORTANT REMINDER . . .

           Dates posted on this weblog are subject to change to meet the needs of learners. Always refer to your agenda notes for the most current updated information.

Write~On!

Mrs. C. Worthington

Chief in Charge of Classy Work