language arts
May - August, 2020
Have a wonderful summer!
Keep your brain exercised by doing the summer packet activities and IXL.
WORD WORK
In class, Word Work is a process that takes multiple steps.
STEP # 1: Word Work sheets are passed out. Students work in groups to look up information to complete the worksheet. A list of synonyms is given to them, and then they have to figure out which synonym goes where. They use glossaries at the end of their book, dictionaries, thesaurus, and prior knowledge.
STEP # 1: Word Work sheets are passed out. Students work in groups to look up information to complete the worksheet. A list of synonyms is given to them, and then they have to figure out which synonym goes where. They use glossaries at the end of their book, dictionaries, thesaurus, and prior knowledge.
STEP # 2: They share this information with the class (Class Review). This is when we look at the information together. The students fill out two tables on the Smart Board. The first one is all about parts of speech and meaning of the words. We discuss not only how the word is used, but also its meaning. We also discuss proper pronunciation(s) too. Where applicable pictures are also shown to clarify things. The students write the answers in this table. The second table is students' favorite. The students drag the synonyms to the appropriate box. Every students gets to come to the board and help complete both tables. As this step happens the students are required to make sure that their answer match with what we have on board and do corrections as needed.
STEP # 3: During the week we practice vocabulary and synonyms by doing:
Word Swap: The students suggest appropriate synonym they can use instead of the vocabulary word as we read through the story. Sometimes they will also explain the meaning of the word.
Matching: They get paper word tiles containing vocabulary words and their synonyms. They practice by matching synonyms.
VOCABULARY/ SYNONYMS PRACTICE SUGGESTION:
In class we talked about how to practice for their vocabulary section of their Friday test. I told them that they'll be asked to match up vocabulary words with synonyms. We worked on WORD WORK today where they learned about the vocabulary words. The following picture shows vocabulary words and their synonyms written on pieces on paper. They mix them up and sort them. The students went home today with a ziplock bag containing their word pieces. You can see two sorted examples on top. By writing the words themselves, the students become more familiar with the words as well as their spellings. Please keep in mind that these vocabulary words will be on next week's spelling list. I asked the students to practice this multiple times over the course of the week.
WEEKLY STORY ASSESSMENTS (COMPONENTS)
Grammar and Reading Comprehension: It is open book. It has two parts: Grammar (15-20 minutes) and Reading Comprehension (20-25 minutes)
Spelling Quiz: Words will be dictated which students will write down. Capitalization is important if there are proper nouns. If I can't read, I can't grade.
The students have a pretest on Thursday/Friday. Those who score the 100% will only have to do the vocabulary part on Friday. Those who get even one wrong will have a repeat on Friday, along with vocabulary.
Hint: There are 8 challenge words on the list. These come from the vocabulary list from the previous week.
Vocabulary Quiz: Students will be asked to match either meaning or synonyms to the vocabulary words. I would recommend making cards and practice matching them. Or you can print out the word work, cut out each box, and then practice matching them.
The students have a pretest on Thursday/Friday. Those who score the 100% will only have to do the vocabulary part on Friday. Those who get even one wrong will have a repeat on Friday, along with vocabulary.
Hint: There are 8 challenge words on the list. These come from the vocabulary list from the previous week.
Vocabulary Quiz: Students will be asked to match either meaning or synonyms to the vocabulary words. I would recommend making cards and practice matching them. Or you can print out the word work, cut out each box, and then practice matching them.
WRITING
Our curriculum is based on 6 Traits of Writing.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Following grading criteria is used to assess the final grade:
Homework & participation 20 %
Classwork & conferences 20 %
Quiz and Labs 20 %
Tests and projects 40 %