Week 7 Activator (Day 1)

1. Week 7 Activator (Day 1) List the strengths of this paragraph written by someone in this class: In the book Bronx Masquerade, Raynard Patterson is a frustrated student. In fact, Raynard has stated his frustration on page 123 when he says “Homework was a nightmare” and that it would be easier “if they could give homework a beat and put it on a CD.” This shows that Raynard doesn’t like homework, and that maybe it would be easier if it was “speaking his language—chords and melodies.”

2. Character’s name Strengths Text Title Transition Clearly stated topic In the book Bronx Masquerade, Raynard Patterson is a frustrated student. In fact, Raynard has stated his frustration on page 123 when he says “Homework was a nightmare” and that it would be easier “if they could give homework a beat and put it on a CD.” This shows that Raynard doesn’t like homework, and that maybe it would be easier if it was “speaking his language—chords and melodies.” Exact words in quotes Page # Explanation

3. Standard ELACC7W5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

4. Topic Sentences • Practice writing three topic sentences for paragraphs about Steve. • One indicates he’s creative. • One indicates he’s friendly. • One indicates he’s determined. 2. BE SURE TO INDICATE TRANSITION.

5. Transitions within body paragraphs IFBA In fact, For example, Because of this, Also,

6. Wk. #7 Activator Day 2 What does this passage infer about the character of Atticus Finch? List the words that lead you to this conclusion. Atticus did something I never saw him do before or since, in public or in private: he unbuttoned his vest, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie, and took off his coat. He never loosened a scrap of his clothing until he undressed at bedtime, and to Jem and me, this was the equivalent of him standing before us stark naked. We exchanged horrified glances.

7. Character trait? "I'm afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities." {Atticus to his kids}Jem and I were accustomed to our father's last-will-and-testament diction, and we were at all times free to interrupt Atticus for a translation when it was beyond our understanding. "Huh, sir?"

8. Character Trait? "When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake. But don't make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion faster than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em.“ {Atticus explaining his view on raising children}

9. Welcome to Mrs. Dean & Mrs. Lindsey’s Language Arts’ Class • Today you sit in any of the FIRST FOUR ROWS. • Put your behavior card on the corner of your desk and take out one piece of paper. • Put a proper heading on the paper. Refer to the board or the poster next to the clock to do this. • Title the paper “Activator Week 7.”

10. Procedures • Sit in assigned seat. • Write POD and turn to behavior card. • Start Activator before bell rings.

11. How to Keep a Smile on My Face… • Raise your hand to speak to the teacher. • Do not talk when the teacher is talking. • Ask permission to leave your seat. • Show me your best work, manners, smile, respect, etc. and I will show you my best.

12. Activator Day 3 Explain why A is a weak topic sentence and B is a strong topic sentence: • In the book Bronx Masquerade, the character of Billy says “Nobody’s poem was as good as mine,” and this means he thinks he is a good poet. • In the book Bronx Masquerade, the character of Billy is a talented writer, and he knows it.

13. Opening Time to turn your textual evidence into paragraphs! Watch how it’s done… A. I review my textual evidence chart to decide which character trait I want to write about first. B. Next, I draft a topic sentence for this body paragraph. C. Now I support this topic with at least three pieces of textual evidence and inferences.

14. Work Session A. Decide which column (character trait) you want to write about first. B. Draft a topic sentence for this character trait. C. Draft a seven sentence paragraph that uses textual evidence to support your topic sentence.