Writing: Extra Credit

(Must complete at least 5 by the end of the year--not optional)

·       Make an appreciation letter/card to a favorite teacher with at least 2 paragraphs.

·       Write a “How To” for your favorite recipe.

·       Write a personal narrative about an exciting event in your life.

·       Write a creative tall tale.

·       Write a letter to your favorite author, movie star, or athlete.

·       Write about what you want to be when you grow up and why (at least 2 paragraphs.) Include details about how you will achieve this goal.

·       Make 3 letters/cards of appreciation for the secretary, janitor, and lunch ladies at our school (include at least one paragraph in each.)

·       Design a post card for the city of Owensboro.

·       Create a map showing the directions from our school to your house.

·       Make interview questions for your favorite author or character and answer them the way you think they would respond.

·       Write a story about your pet (real or imaginary).

·       Write a commercial advertisement for our school (at least one minute in length.)

·       Make a list of 3 things you would take with you on a deserted island and describe why you would take each item (one paragraph each.)

·        Design a new product. Label its parts. Create a newspaper advertisement for it.

·       Write a letter to God (at least one page in length.)

·       Make a brochure for next year’s 6^th grade students. Tell them everything they should know about 6^th grade, this school, the teachers (respectfully), and include any advice you have for them for next year.

Writing Student Biographies

Personal Biographies

*Use this planning sheet to prepare and write your biography by filling in the information in each category. Read the questions and answers from your student interview to complete the information. These will form the basis of your paragraphs!

*Because space is limited, you will need to summarize your information, but still try to be as detailed as possible so that you aren’t leaving out anything important. (You may add any other details from your interview that are not included below.) Plus, you are also encouraged to add more information if you came up with any of your own interview questions, too.

Paragraph 1: All about the beginning of this person’s life. Introduce the person about whom you are writing by stating his/her full name. Include answers from the interview about the when/where the person was born and any interesting details about the beginning of his/her life.

Paragraph 2: Personality Traits (Use lots of detail here!!!)

This is about the person now and who he/she has become as a young adult. Describe family and friends. Give detail about school, church, and extra-curricular activities such as sports, academic team involvement, or band. What does this person do in their spare time? Why is this person important and significant? What has he/she contributed to the community?

Paragraph 3: Interesting Facts and Stories

This paragraph should include any interesting events in the person’s life that have impacted him/her. What has happened to this person that is unique and has shaped this individual into the person they are today? These events may be funny, sad, or just very unique!

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

The purpose here is to end your paper with a BANG! Don’t leave out any interesting information. Add anything else that was left unwritten and briefly summarize what a special person this is and why.

Adapted from McLaughlin, M., & Allen, M.B. (2002). Guided comprehension in action: Lessons for grades 5–8. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Possible Questions and Answers for Saint Biography:

Possible Questions:

1. What if there is very little information about my saint?

For many saints, especially from the early years of the church, there is very little known about them. Just find as much information as you can and use many sources. You may also decide to choose a different saint if you cannot find enough information about one.

2. May I use the internet to research my saint?

Yes. You may use the websites I listed on the instruction sheet or any Catholic website that you want. When searching, use the search “Catholic Saints”.

3. What if I don’t have a computer?

No problem. Just use books for your sources. Our school and public libraries have lots of saint books. We will take some time to type here at school, so make sure you have all of your information organized into a rough draft so we are ready to type and turn in the final copies by the due date!

4. Do I have to have a resources/works cited page?

Yes. We will not be doing a formal “bibliography” page, but all sources used must be listed on the last page of the report. ***Any time you are writing a research paper, you must list where you got the information to make sure the original authors receive credit for their work. List all your sources, including authors, copyright dates, and where you obtained pictures of your saint if possible. The report should be in your own words. If you copy anything directly, like a quote that the saint said, use quotation marks to avoid plagiarism.

5. How long does this paper have to be and when is it due?

This paper must be at least 2 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, size 12. Page numbers are optional. A cover page (in front) and resources page (on back) must also be included, but these 2 pages are NOT counted in the total amount of pages.

Saint Biography Directions

Writing Task: Complete a saint report using the following format.

Cover Page (Ms. Sauer is working on this in Computer class with the students.)

The body of the paper: Must be at least 2 pages in length, double-spaced, typed in Times New Roman font, size 12. Pages numbers are optional.

Research and write the following:

When writing about this saint, try to think about and answer the following when you summarize his/her life: Why are you choosing this saint? Where and when was this saint born? What kinds of struggles did this saint have to endure? What miracles are attributed to this saint? If this saint is a patron saint, what is he/she the patron saint of? How can this saint help you when you pray? How does this saint serve as a role model of the Catholic faith?

*Please note that simply printing out a web site page or copying one and changing a few words will not be accepted. Please take the time to research and learn about this saint.

Resources: Use at least 2 different sources of information.

The last page of the paper will be labeled “Resources.” Please include a complete list of websites, book titles, articles and any other sources used to find information or pictures.

Here are some websites that contain information on saints:

www.americancatholic.org

www.catholic-forum.com/saints/indexsnt.htm

www.catholic.org Catholic Online

www.cin.org Catholic Information Network

www.catholic.com Catholic Answers (go to “Catholic Encyclopedia” on the lower left, then click on “1001 Saints”)

www.domestic-church.org Domestic Church

www.newadvent.org Catholic Encyclopedia

*Also use the public and school libraries to find helpful articles and books about saints! There is no limit to how many resources you may use!

Rough Drafts are due next Tuesday, Feb. 16th so we may peer review and edit them in class.
Final copies are due the following Monday, Feb. 22nd to present in class for a grade.

The KY "Dream Out Loud Challenge" is going to be an optional assignment for extra credit. The students received information on it today in class and they are still due on Feb. 29th to present in class (for whomever chooses to complete it as extra credit for Language Arts.)

For more information, please go to:
www.KYSaves.com/DreamOutLoud

Dream Out Loud Challenge!

The KY "Dream Out Loud" Challenge:
Students will be submitting an original drawing, poem, essay, or video telling how they will change the world after they go to college! You can even win prizes for yourself and our school. For more info, please ask at the school office or visit the website www.KYSaves.com/DreamOutLoud.

All 6th grade students will complete either a drawing, poem (no more than 250 words), essay (no more than 500 words), or video (no longer than 60 seconds) for this assignment.

It will be scored based on creativity/originality, displaying the "theme" of showing how you can change the world after college, and effort.

We will present them in class, and they will be taken for a Language Arts grade.

DUE: February 29th!

Writing

The students are currently completing research for a persuasive argument entitled "I Have a Dream." The students each chose one topic of an issue in today's society. Then they are brainstorming three reasons (three arguments for their papers) that this is a serious problem and what we can do to solve it. We are spending some time in class researching these topics, but they may also do some research at home if needed.

They have an outline paper to complete that will help them organize their thoughts and facts they find. The rough drafts will be due next Thursday so we can peer review in class, then we will present the final copies the following week in class for a grade.

Persuasive Argument outline

Outline for Persuasive Argument Paper

Paragraph 1: Introduction and topic sentence-Think about the issue on your card and what it said. Introduce this issue/topic and tell about it. Write your topic sentence clearly stating your opinion on the matter. Try NOT to use words like “I think” or “I feel.” (The reader will know that you think that because it is from your point of view.) You may even choose to present some shocking facts about this issue.  Use reliable sources of information (no Wikipedia!)

1^st paragraph continued- Think about your opinion on this issue. To continue your first paragraph, write the THREE reasons that support your opinion about the topic. These 3 arguments will form the basis for your supporting paragraphs. These will be supported with FACTS that you will research. *Be sure to write down all websites or books/authors from which you find facts and information in order to include this on your “resources” page at the end.

Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 (supporting paragraphs)- Write a topic sentence for each supporting paragraph that clearly states the argument and backs it up with evidence. Prove it! Use statistics, facts, examples, and any strong information you have researched that is going to get your point across!

Final paragraph (conclusion)- Clearly restate your opinion in your own words, and use the most convincing evidence you have found to prove your point. It is also a good suggestion to encourage the reader to consider your ideas.  

Last page-Resources: Remember, you must give credit to the source of information where you found your facts that support your reasoning! The last page will be labeled “resources” and you will list (in alphabetical order) URL addresses of any web site you used to find information for your paper. 

4-H Speech Contest

*The students will be participating in the 4-H Speech Contest again this year. The 6th graders will complete a 3-5 minute speech (on a topic of their choosing) during Language Arts class during the week of October 20th. The scoring guide used is listed below:

4-H Speech Contest: Week of October 20, 2015

Presenter: _____________________________

CONTENT

Fully prepared; speech is complete                                                       

Includes an interesting title focused on the topic                                   

The purpose of the speech is worthwhile                                                  

The purpose is clearly stated                                                                    

The introduction gets attention                                                               

The main points are easy to follow                                                              

Order of the details makes sense                                                                  

Includes relevant information that supports the main points                

Credit is given to sources of information (if needed)                               

Includes many details and information concerning the subject            

Conclusion is brief, interesting, and final                                                  

Sentences are easy to understand (not too long)                                     

The speech is interesting and engaging                                                      

Sincere, engaging, unique voice                                                                    

Presenter uses correct grammar and vocabulary                                    

The speech is easy to understand and flows properly                            

The presenter put full effort into this speech                                           

DELIVERY

The speaker is friendly                                                                                 

The speaker---

                     -talks directly to the audience                                                

                     -looks at the audience                                                               

                     -stands up straight, but is not too stiff                                

                     -seems relaxed and at-ease                                                           

                     -does not lean or sway                                                        

                     -speaks loudly enough                                                                   

                     -correctly pronounces all words                                               

                     -uses notes without distracting from the speech                  

GENERAL

Stays within the 3-5 minutes time limit                                                       

Displays a sense of wanting to communicate with audience                   

Makes the audience believe this subject is important                              

Uses appropriate tone relating to the topic (humorous, solemn, etc.)  

Does not read directly from notecards or sound overly “memorized”  

Seems natural, conversation, and sincere                                                   

Speech reflects the thoughts and personality of the speaker                  

                                                                                               Total: ___/99 = ____%

Comments:

Student Checklist for writing folder

6^TH GRADE PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST

Date	Writing Piece	Finished	Incomplete	Not in folder

Student Letter for Writing folder

Dear Students,

         Welcome to 6^th grade writing! This is your red writing folder for the duration of the school year. Please take good care of your folder. You may take anything out of it to take home when needed, but the folder itself must remain at school. This is your responsibility!  You will keep your final copies (your VERY best work) on the "finished" side of the folder.

In sixth grade this year, we will have a special time set aside each Tuesday and Thursday during our 2^nd class just for writing! Even though you may not be in my classroom at that time, your teacher will give you the directions, and you will get out your writing folder and work on your next writing assignment independently. I will help you get organized and explain what you need to work on each week to guide you. I am always available to help and answer questions!

Because all of us learn differently, you will work through the writing prompts/assignments at your own pace. However, I will assign due dates for certain writing pieces to keep you on track. You must only work on the writing assignments during writing time. There will be directions, checklists, and examples to guide you as you complete the writing tasks. I will add to the writing assignments throughout the school year, and I will explain each one as we progress.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help you in any way that I can! We will start slowly and go through each step together so that I know you understand what is expected. This is going to be a wonderful year of learning!

                                                        Thank you, 

                                                                 Mrs. Brant

Writing assignment for this week

Letter to Your Teacher

*Get out a piece of paper and write a letter to your teacher informing him/her about yourself. This is a great way for us to learn more about you!

**Friendly letters have five parts:  

1.  The Heading:  The heading includes the date. (For example, January 14, 2012)

2.  The Salutation/Greeting: This usually begins with Dear_________.  The blank is for the name of the person to whom you are writing.  After you write the person's name, you put a comma ( , ) .

3.  The Body: The body of the letter is the information you are writing in your letter. In this letter, you are writing about yourself. You may include the following information. These are just ideas. You may add to them if needed.

·      Describe your family (including yourself.) What kinds of things do you do together?

·      Tell about your friends. What makes them special to you?

·      Explain something interesting or unique about you. Have you ever: moved, gone on an interesting vacation, been in the hospital, scored the winning point for your team, etc.)

·      Tell about your hobbies. Are there any sports or clubs in which you are involved?

·      What are your favorite/least favorite subjects? Why?

·      What did you enjoy most/least about school last year? Why?

·      What are your goals? (Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?)

·      What are your learning goals for this year? (Would you like to improve you handwriting, organization, spelling, etc.?)

·      In which subjects do you need extra help? What are your strengths/weaknesses in school?

·      What do you look forward to most this year in school?

·      Is there anything else you want your teachers to know about you so we can help you this year?

4.  The Closing:  In the closing, the first word is capitalized and you put a comma after the last word. (Some examples of closings are: Sincerely, Your student, God Bless, Thank you,)

5.  Your Signature:  This is your name. It goes under the closing. Write neatly in pencil, please!