December 7

Homework

• Writing Minutes
• Freewriting (You accidentally kill the hero and must embark on an adventure to complete his quest.)
• Story Summary Draft #2 (Some of you turned this in already.)
• Add topic and concluding sentences to your turtle paragraphs.  Can't remember what we talked about in class?  Click here for more information about topic and concluding sentences!

November 30

Homework

• Writing Minutes
• Freewriting (It was 10 a.m., and the sun had still not risen.)
• 2nd Draft Summary (Remember your dress-ups and openers)
• Begin Turtle essay (You may not have enough time to finish this assignment if you are working on the second draft of your summary.  Remember your openers and dress-ups!)

Note:  From now on it is likely that different students in the class will have slightly different assignments.  For example, this week some of you still need to complete the second draft of your summary, while others of you turned in your rough draft on the 30th and have not received your edited draft.  If you have to complete your second draft this week do it before beginning your turtle essay.  If you have finished your second draft, begin your turtle essay this week.

November 16

Homework

• Writing Minutes
• Freewriting (Thanksgiving was a little different this year....)
• Finish filling in the outline on Turtles we began in class.  (Don't worry if you get stuck.  We will complete an outline together next class.)

I.  Lifecycle

     1.

     2.

     3.

     4.

     (5.)

     (6.)

II.  Food & Eating

     1.

     2.

     3.

     4.

     (5.)

     (6.)

III.  Predators & Conservation

     1.

     2.

     3.

     4.

     (5.)

     (6.)

Review

Here are the steps we're following for completing a single-source essay.

• choose subject (we chose turtles)
• ask questions (we did this in class)
• skim source (you did this in class)
• brainstorm topics (we brainstormed at least 5 topics in class)
• choose topics (we chose 3 in class)
• take notes (you began this process in class but need to finish it before you write)

November 9

Homework

Writing Minutes
Freewriting (Heroes are not born; they're made. Welcome to Heroes Incorporated.)
Book Summary (Use your outline to write a 3-paragraph summary of your book.  Remember your dress-ups and openers!

October 26

Homework

• Writing Minutes
• Freewriting (Create a new season)
• Plot Diagram for a chapter book of your choice
• Outline for a summary of a chapter book of your choice

Note:  Plot diagram and outline only are due next class.  The summary will be due on the 9th.

October 19

Homework

• Writing Minutes
• Freewriting (I got lost in an Egyptian pyramid.)
• Use your outline to write a summary of "The Ransom of Red Chief." (Remember your dress-ups and openers!)

October 12

Homework

• Writing Minutes
• Freewriting (Describe the days of the week as if they are people.)
• Read "The Ransom of Red Chief"
• Create fill in a plot diagram for "The Ransom of Red Chief"
• Create an outline for "The Ransom of Red Chief"

(Look at the previous blog entries fore examples to help you, if you need them!)