We'll be bouncing around a bit in ELA this week. For starters, students are reading a suspenseful story called "The Fallen Angel" by Evan Hunter. This is a good one to explore the concept of foreshadowing. The author drops many hints about the supposed protagonist, who will in fact become the antagonist, that lead the reader to grasp his true identity in the end. Students will also demonstrate their understanding so far of the elements of narrator, tone, conflict, characterization and theme through written answers to questions. I will model how to write an answer to a question, and how to properly prepare work for submission to the teacher.
We are wrapping up practice with the vocabulary list, and students will demonstrate their knowledge of the words on a quiz Thursday.
Last Friday we enjoyed a day in the library, choosing novels and beginning to read. I was so surprised to hear a few students say that they actually finished their books already! Today we discussed the activities they will do as they read (they have this handout in their binder and it is attached herewith). They are practicing reading strategies (predict, clarify, visualize, question/wonder, make connections, summarize) and using sticky notes to record their thoughts as they read. They will also be writing a response four times throughout their reading, and will compose an essay (topic choices on handout) as the culminating activity with their books. I will be modeling these strategies and ways of writing in class.
Finally, we are engaging in a school-wide collection of items to help those in Puerto Rico. Attached is a flyer with information to donate goods. These can be dropped off in the office, sent in with students, or brought to Open House on Thursday. Many thanks for your support in this important endeavor!
Homework:
Monday: finish reading "The Fallen Angel"; proj. due Wednesday; voc. quiz Thursday
Tuesday: proj. due tomorrow; voc. quiz Thursday; read choice book w/sticky notes; first response due Friday.
Wednesday: voc. quiz tomorrow; read choice book w/sticky notes; first response due Friday
Thursday: read choice book w/sticky notes; first response due tomorrow
Friday: read choice book w/sticky notes; finish "Fallen Angel" questions for Monday
Independent reading activity
Reading response schedule (due dates for responses)
Donation Drive for Puerto Rico
