THE TWO SCULPTORS

1. THE TWO SCULPTORS Author Unknown I dreamed I stood in a studio, and watched two sculptors there; The clay they used was a young child’s mind and they fashioned it with care. One was a teacher; the tools she used were books, and music, and art; The other was a parent who worked with a guiding hand and gentle loving heart; Day after day the teacher toiled with a touch that was deft and sure, While the parent labored by her side and polished and smoothed it o’er. And when at last their task was done they were proud of what they had wrought; For the things they had molded into the child could neither be sold or bought; And each agreed they would have failed if they had worked alone, For behind the TEACHER stood the SCHOOL, and behind the PARENT, the HOME.

2. Welcome Language Arts Stephanie Leake

3. What is Language Arts? • Written Communication- grammar, spelling, genres of writing • Oral Communication- presentations, literature circles, debates, group discussions, feedback in writing • Literature- comprehension through vocabulary, questioning, discussion, written reflection

4. Business and friendly letter Informative writing Expository writing Poetry Summary Personal narrative Research essays Creative writing (story, mystery, folktales, myths, etc) Persuasion Book reports Journals Grammar Spelling Research methods Citation Editing and revision techniques 6th grade writing concepts

5. Types of Writing Assignments • Informal- daily journal response, “snapshots”. • Formal- uses all steps of the writing process such as prewriting discussion, graphic organizers, editing, revision and publishing. (monthly)

6. Writing Grades • Informal grades-

7. Writing Grades • Formal Assignments- Graded on one or more of the six traits • Scores of 1-3: Student needs to develop competency in this trait. Errors confuse the reader • Scores of 4-6: Students are approaching mastery or mastering this trait.

8. Philosophy on LA • Reading- ultimately, the purpose of reading is gathering information and enjoyment. While we will study skills for effective comprehension, I believe that is important for the students to learn how to analyze the techniques of the author and respond to the text. This results in a greater appreciation of literature and improved comprehension.

9. Literary Elements Character analysis Decoding Vocabulary Reading comprehension strategies Analogies Literature response Figurative language Fact and opinion Compare and contrast Cause and effect Irony Foreshadowing Flashback Narrative point of view Prediction Author’s purpose 6th grade reading concepts

10. Types of Reading Assignments • Whole group discussion, literature circles, individual reading with dialectical journals • Use of district adopted materials such as the Holt Elements of Literature and tradebook novels ( Watsons Go to Birmingham, The Egypt Game, Holes, etc) • Book reports- Students are required to read two book per quarter, choosing one to use for a book report.

11. Homework • Homework will be assigned 2-3 times per week. • One Spelling and Vocabulary Unit or one grammar concept per week with a quiz on Friday • Literature Book or Novel • Revision or planning of writing drafts • Independent Reading • Homework is usually assigned over a period of two days to fit into busy schedules.

12. Independent Reading Program • Students are asked to read two books per quarter of no less than 150 pages. • Students log each book in the reading log and turn in at the end of each quarter with parent signatures. • Book project and report guidelines change for each book. Students will receive guidelines approximately five weeks prior to the end of the quarter and will align with skills and concepts currently being taught in class. • All books should be at or above grade level, unless approved. • Students can read extra books for extra credit.

13. Test and Quizzes • Mugshots Quizzes- Weekly (3-7 points) • Spelling OR Vocabulary- Weekly (10-20) • Literary Assessments- 4-5 X per Quarter (15-50 points) • Writing- 4-5 X per quarter (15-30 points)

14. Student Achievement Grades are based on a combination of the following: • 35% writing- journals, “snapshots”, book reviews, grammar, revision sheets, and writing assignments • 35% Reading- Literature circles, dialectical journals and readers notebooks, comprehension, independent reading, and application of literary elements. • 20% spelling and vocabulary • 10% Presentation

15. The Rule of Five How do you know if a book is really too difficult for your child? Ask your child to read a page out loud. If he/she makes more than five mistakes on that page, the book is probably too difficult for him/her. STOP! And use the 5 finger rule when you choose a book! Read a page in the middle of the book. Put up one finger for every “clunk” you have. 0 fingers – too easy 1-3 fingers – just right 4-5 – quite hard – go slow! 5+ - too hard for now

16. It’s important to check the whiteboard everyday for classwork and assignments.

18. Printer Problems If your child is unable to print their homework, etc., they can always send it to us by email and we can print it at school.

19. Ways to support your child: • Find out what they are doing in school by checking their planners, the website and by looking at their writing and reading notebooks. • Ask them to show you what they are doing in school. • Encourage a reasonable bedtime. • Encourage a healthy breakfast and snack. • Know who their friends are.

20. Reading Strategies • Questioning • Connecting • Predicting • Evaluating • Reviewing

22. 6 Plus One! Traits

23. IDEAS “The Message” Clear and focused Shows more than tells Sumptuous, vivid details Makes Sense Captivating

24. Organization From Beginning to Middle to End !Purpose and direction !An interesting lead !Clear Connections !Sense of resolution !Every part adds to the whole

25. Sentence Fluency "Rhythm and Flow" “Sentence Sense” • Varied length • Purposeful, different beginnings • Graceful, natural • Smooth connection • Delightful to read aloud • Balanced, rhythmic flow

26. Word Choice "Playing With Words" !Striking, yet natural !Powerful verbs !Specific, precise nouns & adjectives !Vivid pictures !Original

27. Voice “The person behind the Words” Individual Lively Courageous Written to be read Confident The reader feels what you feel.

28. Conventions Editing !Evidence of editing and proofing !Punctuation smoothly guides the reader !Grammar contributes to clarity and style !Correct Spelling !Paragraphing complements organization !Neat, clean copy

29. Presentation • Heading in upper right hand corner • Title in the center • Margins around the edge • Typed or written legibly • Uniform lettering • Neat! Neat! Neat!

30. What is a Middle Schooler?Written by an eighth grade middle school student What is a middle schooler? He wants parental guidance, I was asked one day. But fights to be free. I knew what he was, But what should I say. He is aggressive and bossy. He is timid and shy. He is noise and confusion. He knows all the answers, He is silence that is deep. But still will ask “why?” He is sunshine and laughter, Or a cloud that will weep. He is awkward and clumsy. He is graceful and poised. He is swift as an arrow. He is ever changing, He is a waster of time. But do not be annoyed. He wants to be rich, But cannot save a dime. What is a middle schooler? I was asked one day. He is rude and nasty, He is the future unfolding, He is polite as can be. So do not stand in the way.