Today in 6A

ENGLISH: Today we started each class with the make-up grammar quiz, focusing on Subjects, Predicates and Direct Objects. We then drilled our flash cards as I provided the word and asked students to supply the definition. Many of our words have multiple definitions, so it is important to understand each's connotations. We then practiced free writing in a Write Around activity. Students had 3 minutes to write a story of their choosing. They then passed their work to another student to continue the story. This is repeated 3-4 times. When students finally get to see where their story went, it has vastly changed.

RELIGION: Our session test was issued today.

AR READING/MATH: While students are free to work on homework and their reading/math goals, I got a lot of questions today about our Literature assignment (6A). Students seem to be a little stuck on what sort of voice to employ. Students should shy away from simply retelling the story, but rather should focus on the impressions the story left on them. A sample opening sentence would be:
   "In John Gardner's short story, "Dragon Dragon," an unnamed young hero is pitted against a fierce and bold dragon."
In my opening line I have introduced the title, author, main characters and conflict of the story. This gives me a launch point for my summary and analysis. Why do I describe the dragon as "bold" and "fierce?" How is it that this young boy was set against a dragon? What is the setting? Why do I think this? What evidence informs this idea I have?
In writing this piece, students should be reflecting on the story and asking how they feel about certain details, and why they feel that way. Answering those questions repeatedly for different examples will lead them to a strong plot summary.

!!!!!ITS FESTIVAL WEEKEND!!!!!