After working on expository essay writing, we decided to switch gears and read some tales of the strange and mysterious. Of course, it seems like the appropriate season to be studying these types of stories. So far, we have read “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” “The Landlady,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Monkey’s Paw.” In this unit, the students have learned about tone, mood, simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, rhyme scheme, rhythm, and onomatopoeia.
On-level classes will continue our scary story unit next week. The on-level students will be divided into groups, and they will need to work together to create their own scary story. These will be presented in class when the stories are complete. This will be an in-class project with a few minor exceptions. For example, if a student has to finish his/her portion of the work that was not finished in class, it will be completed for homework.
Advanced classes will begin working in literature circles next week. The two books that may be selected are Night and the Diary of Anne Frank. Students will be placed in groups, and each student will have a role within the group. Each group will choose one of the books to read. Students are expected to be reading in class and at home. Each student must complete the literature circle notes on a nightly/daily basis. There will be a presentation of information once the students have concluded the reading.
Parents, we highly encourage you to ask your student about the material that he/she has been reading. Feel free to ask for proof that work has been done in Language Arts. Students in on-level classes should be able to show you story maps, vocabulary lists, and well-written sentences containing the vocabulary words. Students in advanced classes should be able to tell you about the book that is being read in class, and they should be able to show parents literature circle notes.
We appreciate your continued support and interest in your child’s education! Thanks so much!!!
