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Criswell - Exploring Literature (Section Wed 2)

Instructor
Mrs. Meridith Criswell
Department
Language Arts
Terms
2019-2020 School Year


Assignment Calendar

Course Description

 
 

Class Title:

Exploring Literature

Code:

E315

Text:

Various Resources. See Literature Scope and Sequence

Rating:

2

Prerequisite:

5th/6th grade reading level

Grade:

5­-6

Fees:

None

Max:

15

Can be repeated? Yes
 

Description: With whole book studies as the starting point, students in this class will develop and refine their reading comprehension strategies through engaging discussions and various interactive group activities. Reading selections will also provide a springboard for short writing exercises, such as journal entries and creative responses. Students will learn how to write effective paragraphs, incorporating effective structure, varied sentence types, and vivid language. Note: This class is designed so that students can take it two years in a row, with alternating book lists each year.

Posts

Bud, Not Buddy Homework

Read chapters 11-13 in Bud, Not Buddy. Take detailed notes in your signpost packet about any signposts you notice. Also, be sure to write notes in the bottom section about other things you noticed while reading that were interesting, sounded important, were confusing, etc. (At least 2-3 DETAILED sentences).

Bud, Not Buddy Homework

Read chapters 7-10 in Bud, Not Buddy. Take detailed notes in your signpost packet about any signposts you notice. Also, be sure to write notes in the bottom section about other things you noticed while reading that were interesting, sounded important, were confusing, etc. (At least 2-3 DETAILED sentences).

Bud, Not Buddy Homework

Finish reading chapters 1-6 in Bud, Not Buddy. Take detailed notes in your signpost packet about any signposts you notice. Also, be sure to write notes in the bottom section about other things you noticed while reading that were interesting, sounded important, were confusing, etc. (At least 2-3 DETAILED sentences).

Mrs. Frisby One Pager Example
Here is my EXAMPLE one-pager for Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. I used the same directions students have for the Esperanza Rising project, but I just applied it to Mrs. Frisby as an example of how a completed one-pager might look.

Esperanza Rising Homework

Finish reading Esperanza Rising. Write a letter to Esperanza from Miguel's point of view about why he took her money. Your letter should be about one page long and should include details from the text. 
 
You may also record signposts if you find them for extra credit.

Esperanza Homework

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Read p. 179-233 and record DETAILED notes on at least one signpost you notice while reading.
 
In order to guide our discussions and provide a framework for the skills and strategies listed above, students will notice and note signposts they discover while reading. It is very important that students take DETAILED notes on at least one signpost they noticed in their reading each week (they may note more if they want!). They received a chart to record their observations in class, and I will also post it on the website in case they need additional copies. They can use their bookmarks to help with the anchor question for each signpost.
 
In addition to the reading and signpost notes, students should be prepared to take a quiz on the reading in class each week. Questions will be short answer and are designed to make sure students are reading closely enough to remember basic plot points. 

Esperanza Rising Homework

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Read p. 121-178 and record DETAILED notes on at least one signpost you notice while reading.
 
In order to guide our discussions and provide a framework for the skills and strategies listed above, students will notice and note signposts they discover while reading. It is very important that students take DETAILED notes on at least one signpost they noticed in their reading each week (they may note more if they want!). They received a chart to record their observations in class, and I will also post it on the website in case they need additional copies. They can use their bookmarks to help with the anchor question for each signpost.
 
In addition to the reading and signpost notes, students should be prepared to take a quiz on the reading in class each week. Questions will be short answer and are designed to make sure students are reading closely enough to remember basic plot points. 
 

Esperanza Rising Homework

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Read p. 58-120 and record DETAILED notes on at least one signpost you notice while reading.
 
In order to guide our discussions and provide a framework for the skills and strategies listed above, students will notice and note signposts they discover while reading. It is very important that students take DETAILED notes on at least one signpost they noticed in their reading each week (they may note more if they want!). They received a chart to record their observations in class, and I will also post it on the website in case they need additional copies. They can use their bookmarks to help with the anchor question for each signpost.
 
In addition to the reading and signpost notes, students should be prepared to take a quiz on the reading in class each week. Questions will be short answer and are designed to make sure students are reading closely enough to remember basic plot points. 
 

Esperanza Rising book cover
Today, students started their next novel, Esperanza Rising. During reading, we will examine the historical context, symbolism, theme, character change, and will learn to make text-based predictions. 
 
In order to guide our discussions and provide a framework for the skills and strategies listed above, students will notice and note signposts they discover while reading. It is very important that students take DETAILED notes on at least one signpost they noticed in their reading each week (they may note more if they want!). They received a chart to record their observations in class, and I will also post it on the website in case they need additional copies. They can use their bookmarks to help with the anchor question for each signpost.
 
In addition to the reading and signpost notes, students should be prepared to take a quiz on the reading in class each week. Questions will be short answer and are designed to make sure students are reading closely enough to remember basic plot points. 
 
THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Read p. 1-57 and record DETAILED notes on at least one signpost you notice while reading.

Elementary Language Arts

What a fun week and a great way to wrap up the semester! Thank you for all the gifts and kind notes this week. I feel so lucky that you let me be a part of your family's homeschool journey!
 
No homework in any elementary language arts classes over winter break. Have a wonderful, relaxing holiday, and I will see you in the new year!

Exploring Literature

Rather than starting a new novel in the few classes we have left before the end of the semester, we will be learning/practicing to Notice and Note all six "signposts" in literature (Contrasts & Contradictions, Tough Questions, Aha Moments, Words of the Wiser, Again and Again, Memory Moments). Through short video clips, picture books, and short stories, we will gain a better understanding of these clues that authors leave for the reader in books, and will learn how to use the clues to deepen our thinking about a story.
 
No homework this week - Happy Thanksgiving!