Writers of Wonderful Words; Researchers of the Rez

October 27-November 3

Focus:

Ideas: how to think of them; how to add to them
Talking/Writing for IDEAS and DETAILS to ELABORATE

Strong verb paragraph model
Compare/Contrast Model; transitions

Assignment:
Use transitions to write to compare the issues of the two candidates. You may express your opinion and include the comparison of facts to prove/persuade with your opinion.
Other Assignments: Choices (poster, diagrams, speeches)

Monday October 27
Entry Spelling Base words:
issue, belief, part, campaign, persuade, citizen
Review: Assignment, Venn Diagram, format, strategies for transitions; persuasion; rubric;

Intro to Washington Candidates for Governor and District 5 House of Representatives in preparation for Mock Election Voting; Choose and work on projects on issues.

Prewriting: Venn Diagram to compare/contrast candidates/develop persuasion with BEARS










Assignment:
Use transitions to write to compare the issues of the two candidates. You may express your opinion and include the comparison of facts to prove/persuade with your opinion.
Other Assignments: Choices (poster, diagrams, speeches)


Tuesday 10/28
Entry: Write five spelling words on Weekly Study Sheet
Review: Washington Candidates for Governor and District 5 House of Representatives in preparation for Mock Election Voting

Show: written model of sample comparisons.

Review goal: comparison paragraphs using transitions:
1) Introduction Sentence
2) Similar Issues
3) Candidate 1 Differences
4) Your favorite candidate differences
5) Concluding Sentence

Graphic Organizer




Review: Transitions/Opinions/Comparisons/Persuasive/Format
Prewriting: Venn Diagram for comparison; organizer to prewrite and persuade---Use the essay format provided in class. Review rubric


Wednesday, Oct 29 Entry: Continue project work; review rubric--persuasive checklist
Vote on computer in Mock Election

Thursday October 30 Spelling Tests
Continue projects
Daily Reflection: What did I do? What are your sources? I learned that... My thoughts on the candidates are...

Friday October 31
Entry: Draw a bat

Make a pop-up bat card; write a Halloween greeting:
Sample:
Watch for bats
Dodge the rats
Knock on doors
Say “Please” in fours
For treats galore

Monday November 3

Entry Spelling Base words:
veteran, soldier, combat, honor, glory, valor, free

Work on projects.



Essential Academic Learining Requirements

EALR 1: The student understands and uses a writing process.
1.1.1 Analyzes and selects effective strategies for generating ideas and planning writing.
.
1.6.1 Applies understanding of the recursive nature of writing process.
· Edits as needed at any stage.
1.6.2 Uses collaborative skills in adapting writing process.
2.1.1 Applies understanding of multiple and varied audiences to write effectively.
2.2.1 Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing.

3.1.1 Analyzes ideas, selects a manageable topic, and elaborates using specific, relevant details and/or examples. --Uses personal experiences, observations, and/or research to support opinions and ideas

Component 4.1: Analyzes and evaluates others’ and own writing. W
4.1.1 Analyzes and evaluates writing using established criteria.
4.1.2 Analyzes and evaluates own writing using established criteria.

2.2.1 Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing.
· Writes to pursue a personal interest, to explain, to persuade, to inform, and to entertain for a specified audience (e.g., writes to persuade classmates about a position on required school uniforms, includes narratives/poetry in portfolio).
· Writes for self expression.
· Writes to analyze informational and literary texts.
· Writes to learn (double-entry journal in math, social studies, or science; letter to teacher assessing own work; reflection).

October 20 - October 27

Focus:
Research for Election Knowledge; Daily Journals --

Goal: Daily Reflections on research to understand election process and candidate issues to make an informed choice

What issues are important to you? Which issues are important to you and our country?

The Economy? Energy? The Environment? Health Care? Taxes? Iraq? Afghanistan? Security?
https://whatelse.pbwiki.com/Election-Project

Search the Weekly Reader site (http://www.weeklyreader.com/election/)for information on the issues.

Scholastic Issues Pages

Chart: http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/election2008/games/candidates_stand/issues.htm

Game: http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/election2008/games/candidates_stand/

MSNBC Issues in Brief



Monday 10/20
Entry: Base words -- elect, vote, inform, search, represent
Write a second draft of your ideas so far. Use paragraphs with specific details.
What animal is your research about?
How does your animal survive the Arctic?
How is global warming affecting your animal?
How are we as humans contributing to your animal's problem?
How is the problem of global warming affecting us?
Will what we do change the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may ultimately affect us?
Intro to Election Project; PowerPoint Intro Ballot and Letter Home https://whatelse.pbwiki.com/Election-Project

Tuesday 10/21
Entry: Write your five words on your Weekly Study Sheet
Respond: What do you know about the election issues?

Scholastic Action:Scholastic Action: p. 19-21 -- What are the platforms of each candidate; Target Notes
Handout: Weekly Reader McCain/Obama Issues

Focus on Issues (Above) Part of Project for voting 10/23 and 10/29:

Wednesday, Oct 22


Scholastic Magazine: Issues
End: Issues (Above) Homework Wednesday or Thursday: Share issues with family; Be read your opinion (CRT)
Daily Reflection: What did I do? What are your sources? I learned that... My thoughts on the candidates are...

Thursday October 23 (No test this week)
Entry:

What are the important transitions?

Read in your Classroom Texts--

Blue Write Source, pages 472-473

Black Write Source 2000 page 106

Yellow Ginn English page 324-32

Discussion/Issue Research CRT Organizer; Question: Which candidate meets your expectations for President based on issues? ISSUES (Above)

Weekly Reader Vote

Daily Reflection: What did I do? What are your sources? I learned that... My thoughts on the candidates are...

Friday October 24
Research on issues (CRT or Target)
Research/Issue game based on information to gather further information.


Monday October 27
Entry Spelling Base words:
issue, belief, part, campaign, persuade, citizen

Create a Venn diagram comparing the ideas/isues of McCain/Obama.

Assignment:

Use transitions to write to compare the issues of the two candidates. You may express your opinion and include the comparison of facts to prove your opinion.


Use one of the essay formats provided in class. --

Format 1:

Introduction Statement;

First Paragraph: Explain one candidate's issues;

Second Paragraph: Explain the other candidate's issues;

Third Paragraph: Explain similarities of the two candidates;

Summary Statement

Format 2:

Introduction Statement;

First Paragraph: Explain one candidate's issues;

Second Paragraph: Explain similarities of the two candidates;

Third Paragraph: Explain the other candidate's issues;

Summary Statement


OR, Format 3 (if you are expressing an opinion on your choice of candidate):

Introductory Statement;

First Paragraph: Explain similarities of the two candidates;

Second Paragraph: Explain the issues of the candidate you do not agree with;

Third Paragraph: Explain the issues of the candidate you choose for President

Summary Statement

Daily Reflection: What did I do? What are your sources? I learned that... My thoughts on the candidates are...



+++++++++++++++++++
Essential Academic Learning Requirements
EALR 1: The student understands and uses a writing process.
1.1.1 Analyzes and selects effective strategies for generating ideas and planning writing.
.
1.6.1 Applies understanding of the recursive nature of writing process.
· Edits as needed at any stage.
1.6.2 Uses collaborative skills in adapting writing process.
2.1.1 Applies understanding of multiple and varied audiences to write effectively.
2.2.1 Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing.

3.1.1 Analyzes ideas, selects a manageable topic, and elaborates using specific, relevant details and/or examples. --Uses personal experiences, observations, and/or research to support opinions and ideas

Component 4.1: Analyzes and evaluates others’ and own writing. W
4.1.1 Analyzes and evaluates writing using established criteria.
4.1.2 Analyzes and evaluates own writing using established criteria.

2.2.1 Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing.
· Writes to pursue a personal interest, to explain, to persuade, to inform, and to entertain for a specified audience (e.g., writes to persuade classmates about a position on required school uniforms, includes narratives/poetry in portfolio).
· Writes for self expression.
· Writes to analyze informational and literary texts.
· Writes to learn (double-entry journal in math, social studies, or science; letter to teacher assessing own work; reflection).

October 14-October 20

Tuesday 10/14

Entry: 1) Choose from your Personal Spelling List and Write your 5 spelling words in the first column on your Weekly Spelling Study Sheet. 2) What are persuasive strategies?

Take notes on paper copies of yesterday's links to answer our questions.

Wednesday 10/15

Take notes on paper copies of yesterday's links to answer our questions. Write a gist statement on your global warming notes. Panel discussion at 11:20.

Discuss:

How have the people and animals living in the arctic Beaufort Sea area adapted to their extreme environments?

And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
Brainstorm how you think these changes may ultimately affect us.

Write a draft of your ideas so far. Use paragraphs.
  • What animal is your research about?
  • How does your animal survive the Arctic?
  • How is global warming affecting your animal?
  • How are we as humans contributing to your animal's problem?
  • How is the problem of global warming affecting us?
And:
Will what we do change the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may ultimately affect us?


Thursday 10/16 Spelling Tests
Continue taking notes on global warming.

Partner Conferences: Scientists share research -- what will you learn from your partner? Write a gist statement for both research results.


Friday 10/17

Entry: Partner Conferences-- talk to another scientist: Scientists share research -- what will you learn from your partner? Write a gist statement for both research results.

Share previous gist statements. What do we know? What do we still need to know?

Review Student Expectations:
http://msedwards.pbwiki.com/Student-Contract


Monday 10/20
Entry: Base words -- elect, vote, inform, search, represent

Write a second draft of your ideas so far. Use paragraphs with specific details.
  • What animal is your research about?
  • How does your animal survive the Arctic?
  • How is global warming affecting your animal?
  • How are we as humans contributing to your animal's problem?
  • How is the problem of global warming affecting us?
And:
Will what we do change the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may ultimately affect us?


If time: Intro to Election Project
https://whatelse.pbwiki.com/Election-Project
What do you know about the election process? Video: Presidential Election -- notes/ discussion; Ballot and Letter Home


Week of October 6 - October 14

Note: No School Monday October 13

Monday 10/6
Entry Spelling:On your own, create new words from these base words: quiet, relate, upset, like, love

Finish spelling lists. Revise action stories, if needed.

Discuss
:

How have the people and animals living in the arctic Beaufort Sea area adapted to their extreme environments?

And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
Brainstorm how you think these changes may ultimately affect us.


Tuesday 10/7 Entry:
1) Choose from your Personal Spelling List and Write your 5 spelling words in the first column on your Weekly Spelling Study Sheet.
2) Read over your notes so far, including your work from yesterday. Highlight the important details. Write a gist statement of what you have learned so far to turn in.

AUP

Discuss:

How have the people and animals living in the arctic Beaufort Sea area adapted to their extreme environments?

And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
Brainstorm how you think these changes may ultimately affect us.


Explore these resources for more information about how global warming is changing the Arctic life, and how these changes may subsequently affect the place where we live.
NOAA: Global Warming FAQ
Global Warming: How Hot? How Soon?

Reflection: Will what we do affect the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may eventually affect us? .





Wednesday 10/8 Entry: Have your gist statement ready for me to read. Go to the computers to:
Ms Edwards Home Page
Click What Else Site
Sidebar -----> Polar Problems https://whatelse.pbwiki.com/Polar-Problems
Step 2

Explore and take notes from these resources for more information about how global warming is changing the Arctic life, and how these changes may subsequently affect the place where we live.
NOAA: Global Warming FAQ
Global Warming: How Hot? How Soon?

Reflection: Will what we do affect the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may eventually affect us? .




Thursday 10/9 Entry: Spelling tests.

Quiz and discussion from web work yesterday.



Friday 10/10 Entry: Write a paragraph persuading me not to give you homework this weekend.

Share.

Connect to persuasive writing strategies.



Skit to persuade parents. Connect again. What are persuasive strategies?


Tuesday 10/14
Entry: 1) Choose from your Personal Spelling List and Write your 5 spelling words in the first column on your Weekly Spelling Study Sheet. 2) What are persuasive strategies?

Take notes on paper copies of yesterday's links to answer our questions.

Discuss:

How have the people and animals living in the arctic Beaufort Sea area adapted to their extreme environments?

And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
Brainstorm how you think these changes may ultimately affect us.

Write a draft of your ideas so far. Use paragraphs.
  • What is your research about?
  • How does it survive the Arctic?
  • How is global warming affecting it?
  • How are we contributing to your topic's problem?
  • How is the problem affecting us?
And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may ultimately affect us?


Share paragraphs and gist statements. What do we know? What do we still need to know? Continue research answers to above questions at sites.

Discuss and take notes on combined research. Class gist statement.

Week of September 30- October 6

Tues 9/30

Entry
:
1) Write your 5 spelling words in the first column on your Weekly Spelling Study Sheet.
2) Read over your notes so far. Highlight the important details. Write a gist statement of what you have learned so far.

Review:
If you were to create a broster today, share with a neighbor what you would include (title, labeled illustration, vocabulary, gist statement, question)

Persuasive Writing Strategy: Anecdote--Making Your Writing Lively

How did this author make his nonfiction writing lively -- interesting?

Excerpt shared from Bruce Brooks Predator!

How could you use this in your writing? Write as if you are your people or creature. Be the animal. Make your life come alive.

Wed 10/1 Parent Student Teacher Conferences

Thursday 10/2 and Friday 10/3

Entry 10/2: Read over your "lively" writing from Tuesday about your creature. Revise it with strong verbs. Share.

Spelling: Read the directions for partner spelling test. Give your spelling tests.

Continue notes on required content:
  • Size
  • Habitat
  • Diet
  • Predators
  • Adaptation to the environment (behavioral and biological)
  • Environmental Threats to survival
  • Connections of environmental issues to your life
  • Connections of environmental issues to world communities
+++++++++++

Entry 10/3 Continue notes.
  • Habitat
  • Diet
  • Predators
  • Adaptation to the environment (behavioral and biological)
  • Environmental Threats to survival
  • Connections of environmental issues to your life
  • Connections of environmental issues to world communities
Discuss: AUP: Acceptable Use Policy, Minor Section
+++++++

Monday 10/6 Entry Spelling:On your own, create new words from these base words: quiet, relate, upset, like, love

F
inish spelling lists.

Discuss: How have the people and animals living in the arctic Beaufort Sea area adapted to their extreme environments?

And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
Brainstorm how you think these changes may ultimately affect us.

Explore these resources for more information about how global warming is changing the Arctic life, and how these changes may subsequently affect the place where we live.
NOAA: Global Warming FAQ
Global Warming: How Hot? How Soon?

Reflection: Will what we do affect the polar environments?
How do you think these changes may eventually affect us? Discuss.
Write a draft of your ideas so far. Use paragraphs.


Write a draft of your ideas so far. Use paragraphs.
  • What is your research about?
  • How does it survive the Arctic?
  • How is global warming affecting it?
  • How are we contributing to your topic's problem?
  • How is the problem affecting us?
And:
Will what we do affect the polar environments?
Brainstorm how you think these changes may ultimately affect us.


9/29 Research Experts

Monday 9/29

Entry: Reflection:

1. Research: How did you take notes?
2. Research: How do you remember where your source is?
3. Research: Why are Key Words important?
4. Research: Why is spelling important while note-taking?
5. Research: Why is a gist statement important?


Spelling: It's Addition!

Divide your spelling paper into parts as we have practiced. In each section write one of these base words:

tan, confer, learn, confuse, understand

With a partner, use the base words and your affix list to create as many words as you can from the base words.

++++++++++

If you were to create a broster today, share with a neighbor what you would include (title, labeled illustration, vocabulary, gist statement, question) Did you write your source on your notes page?

++++++++++

Conference Preparation

How will you organize your work so you can share the answers to these questions? Will you put your work in a certain order? Will you find more writing evidence and number them?

Your goal today is to get organized so you can check most of these:

Presentation Research
Project: We have been asked to create a presentation as part of International Polar Year. We must prepare a brief (approximately 5 minute) presentation to persuade the countries of the United Nations of the interconnectedness of changes in the polar environments, their respective community, and the global community.

Learning Goals
Use the writing process to gather ideas, draft information, revise for clarity, edit for readability, and publish for persuasion.

Understand how life adapts to live in the Arctic. Understand what affects life in the Arctic. Anaylze the connection of those effects on the Arctic, our community, and in the world.

Gathering Ideas: Research Strategies Review
Prewriting Strategies to create researched presentation: research, paraphrasing, key words, spelling, citing sources, draft, summaries, gist

Look at your notes and label them to show you can:
___ Paraphrase notes using main ideas and facts section by section.
___ Add your connections (opinions, experiences, knowledge, feelings).
___ Use your own words (paraphrase)
___ Identify key words.
___ Check spelling.
___ Write your source.

Identify in your entry tasks where you can:
___ Begin a draft
___ Paraphrase (use your own words)
___ Identify key words (labels, highlighting)
___ Use correct spelling
___ Identify your source
___ Write a summary (briefly explain main ideas in your own words)
___ Write a twenty-word gist statement that includes all the main ideas in your research
___ Identify addition questions and needed facts

How will these research and writing process strategies help you create your persuasive presentation? (Answer on another paper.)

++++++++++++++
When completed and shared with teacher, begin your research.

9/24 Spell It, Draw It, Reflect on It -- What R U LRNING?

Wednesday, 9/24

Entry: Turn in spelling homework.

Add to or redo your illustration from Monday. Use your notes. Label with adaptations.

Write a gist statement of all the information you have read so far about your people/animal.

Write your source on your notes; include the title, author, URL.

Example:
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
Global Warming: Frequently Asked Questions
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Climatic Data Center
David Easterling and Tom Karl, National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, N.C. 28801

++++++++++++++

What questions are still needed?

Present research to the class. Discuss questions still needing answers.
Continue research.