Week of October 17

Here are 4 TIPS FOR WRITING A GOOD NARRATIVE ESSAY:


1. Clarity. Ideas should be clearly distributed between sentences and paragraphs.

Example: Although I have never been to the races before, I was very excited to behold them, yet also somewhat nervous, because of the type of people who go there.

Improved: I'd never been to a horse race. I was excited to go, but also a little nervous, since I wasn't sure about the people at the track.

2. Don't describe each and every one of your own movements.

Example: As I went in the door, I turned and saw a TV. I looked around and saw posters on the wall. As I went further in I noticed everyone was watching M*A*S*H.

Improved: I immediately noticed the posters on the wall, though everyone else's eyes were focused on a TV playing M*A*S*H.

3. Avoid the second-person narrative. An important part of the narrative essay is the fact that the writer experienced the events described.

Example: As you go in the door, you will turn and see a TV. You look around and see posters on the wall. As you go further in you notice everyone is watching M*A*S*H.

Writing in the present tense is okay, however.

4. To interest the reader, dynamic word choice is key.

Week of October 10

Happy Columbus Day! Enjoy the long weekend.

This week we will spend time reading various stories related to the plays we will see on our field trip. We will read, "The Necklace," "The Raven," and many others.

Students will also continue working on their narrative essays. Essays will be due the following week. Don't forget to begin your essay with a hook or teaser to entice your reader.

Week of Sept 26

Thought of the week: If you opened a new department store, what type of merchandise would you feature and why?

On October 18 the 6th graders will be going on a field trip to a local theatre to see a compilation of plays. The permission slip for this trip will be handed out this week to students in Homebase. Be sure to have the permission slip signed and returned to the Homebase teacher by the due date.

Have a great week.

Week of September 19

This week the Advanced Reading class will read the short story, "A Retrieved Reformation," written by O. Henry. There will be a quiz over the story on Tuesday. Another story, "After 20 Years," also by O. Henry, will be read on Thursday.

Book reports for all classes are due on September 30. Be sure to read a little of your book every day so you can finish with enough time to complete the book report assignment.

Have a great week!

Week of Sept 5, 2011

Interview projects are due Tuesday. Don't forget to double space, proof read, and spell check your essays. Also, use colored pencils to illustrate your drawings.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome Back!

Dear Parent(s):

Welcome to a new school year. My name is Mrs. Benson. I began my career at Lakeview several years ago as a student teacher. Since that time, I have taught Language Arts and Reading to regular education students as well as accelerated and gifted students. The following is a brief overview of the homework policy, curriculum, and expectations for this year. Please read the material below. If you have any questions, please contact me via email, sbenson@ccsd66.org or by phone, 630.783.5023.

Homework Policy:
Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. Assignments 1 day late result in a loss of 25% of the grade, and assignments 2 days late result in a loss of 50% of the grade. When a lesson or unit is completed, students can no longer turn in missing assignments for that unit and will receive a 0 on any work that was not completed during that time.

Books to be used this year:
English, English Workbook Plus, Language of Literature, Buckle Down ISAT, and various novels. Textbook are always available for overnight check out.

Curriculum to be covered includes:
Short Stories, Poetry, Non-Fiction, Essay writing, Grammar, Public Speaking, ISAT Preparation, Journal Writing, Vocabulary Development, Book Reports

Language Arts/Reading 6th grade

Acknowledgment of Responsibilities
Please sign and return this portion to me by September 5, 2011.

I have read and understand the information regarding classroom rules and expectations.

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Parent signature
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Student signature