As we move into our research unit, learning to paraphrase becomes particularly important.

Here’s a website we’re going to be going to frequently to learn how to paraphrase:
http://www.ltps.org/webpages/tbozarth/project.cfm?subpage=58343

It’s time for an update on where we’re going in the CHP Middle School Language Arts program.

Last month’s happenings

During September, all grade levels brushed up on the writing process and penned letters to new penpals. The 5th and 6th grade are writing to students in Saskatchewan, Canada. The 7th graders have the opportunity to correspond with Chinese pen-pals in Nanjing, China.

We’ve been working on refining our understanding of ourselves by looking at our strengths and weaknesses. Students have used this knowledge to decide upon positions they would like to attain in our school’s House system. They’ve created posters and practiced speeches to campaign for the positions.

We’re nearly finished with reading assessments across all three grade levels.

Students have really embraced the new technologies we’ll be using this year in Language Arts. We’ll be using ePals for our pen-pal correspondence, Quia for grammar practice, the online Wordly Wise site for vocabulary games, and Google Apps for education for internal mail, student wikis, the publication of writing projects, and student collaboration on projects. It should be an exciting year!

What’s coming up?

In October, the 5th grade will be starting their first classroom novel – Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli.I’m looking forward to some interesting discussions about this colorful character. In the 6th grade, we’ll start looking into the world of Shakespearean England through the eyes of a young boy in The Shakespeare Stealer, by Gary Blackwood. In addition to setting the stage for our winter reading of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this will also be the start of a unit on historical fiction. The 7th grade has a different journey, as they tackle the world of journals, first with Zlata’s Diary, by Zlata Filipovic, and later with books of their choosing.

All grades will use their novels to learn how to effectively reflect upon our reading. We’ll be using the student wiki to record reflections on characters, plot, theme, and other topics. Later in October, students will begin weekly postings about the books they are reading independently.

Students have been reading independently 100 minutes each week. This will continue into October.

Grammar starts up in full gear this month! The 6th and 7th grades are starting with a thorough review of prepositions and will rapidly move into other parts of speech. In 5th grade, we’ll be starting with the basic parts of a sentence – subjects and predicates.

We’re also starting to prepare to write  short stories for a writing context next month. First, we’ll look into the elements of good story writing. After we select good topics, the pencils will sharpen, and we’ll be busy writing. In the 5th grade, students will write a story loosely based on a favorite personal experience. The 6th grade will pick a person from history and craft a story around that person. In the seventh grade, stories will be told through the use of journals and diaries.

Welcome to Cedar Hill Prep Middle School, Language Arts, with Mrs. Steiner! Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have at the following address: dsteiner@cedarhillprep.com.

I’m already planning for the fall for 5th, 6th, and 7th  graders. I am so excited to be reading and writing with you this fall. I am looking forward to a fantastic, fun, fabulous year with all of you.
Have a great summer!
Mrs. Steiner

Tips:

Please remember to do all homework nightly and to get it turned in on time. This will save you a lot of time and stress.

Use your planner! Make it a habit!

People will respect you for sticking to your principles. (September quote of the month)