WRITING LAB: FEELING LUCKY?

STANDARD: L.6.1, L.7.1, L.8.1 Concepts: Writing and Conventions EQ: What is the difference between luck, fate, and hard work? Warm up: Get out your journals and Writing Bug- "Your Luck's About to Turn" Lesson: 1. Edit/revise your final copy of Writing Bug (Luck) 2. Open a new Word document 3. Title the document- Writing Bug Luck 4. Use MLA format with heading in top right (name, date, class period) 5. Type your final copy 6. Create or save to a folder for my class- MCNEILL 7. Wait for further instructions

January 21-22nd- Computer Lab

Log in to your computer. Go to funbrain.com, All games, and find grammar gorillas. Practice parts of speech. Go to Odyssey and play Language Arts or ELA Extension folders. If you have time, play grammar games on left side of screen. You may also work on other projects or assignments for other academic classes. Enjoy! -Ms. M.

October 21-23rd 2013 WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

Welcome to Writing Enrichment (7th/8th grade) and Study Skills (6th grade). For the next two days you will be completing various writing assignments for my class involving the 6+1 writing traits and a mini-research activity. Directions: Day 1- Format and type your timed writing (#1) in a Word document. Create a folder for my class- name it MCNEILL. Save as: timed writing 1- your name. Pay attention to conventions for this writing. Correct any mistakes (spelling, capitalization, subject-verb agreement, fragments/run-ons). Make sure you have a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding statement. (Minimum 1 paragraph) *If you finish early, you may play games on this site, but they must be language arts/reading related. Most games are on the LEFT hand side with the exception of Free Rice (in green at the bottom of this page). COOL MATH is never allowed in the lab. All games or research sites must be approved prior to you using them and you MUST have an internet form SIGNED to be on the internet. Day 2- Choose ONE of the three topics on your 100 topic sheet and type it out in the same format as Day 1 Timed Writing. Make sure you have a heading, title, and at least 1-3 paragraphs (you may write more if you choose). Format: Times New Roman; 14 point font. Headings are SINGLE SPACED. Body paragraphs are DOUBLE SPACED. Indent (TAB) each paragraph. When you finish typing your second writing, choose ONE from the following menu for your mini-research project: CHOICE MENU: (CHOOSE 1) 1. CHOICE #1: Research an URBAN LEGEND or myth. (Bigfoot, Chubakabra, UFOs/Roswell, Bloody Mary, Loch Ness Monster)Keep track of your secondary sources (internet sites). Take notes on 5 W+H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) Be able to explain your legend or myth to the class and decide if you believe in the legend/myth. Write a 1-3 page summary of your research, then...write a concluding paragraph stating your opinion/belief about the legend. Use your source to back up your position statement. CHOICE #2. Write a creative, scary story of your own (1-2 pages, double-spaced). You may write it in 1st or 3rd person, but your story must include at least three characters, a basic "plot," conflict (man v. man, man v. nature, man v. society), and have a beginning, middle, and end. You need to use sensory details, create a "spooky" or ominous "mood," and show 5 parts of the plot: introduction (setting/characters), rising action, turning point, falling action, and a resolution. CHOICE #3: Research the SALEM WITCH TRIALS using the links below: Make sure you take notes on the 5Ws +H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How)and keep track of your sources. Write a 1-3 paragraph summary of the trials. Then, research the McCarthy hearings/trials. Take notes and keep track of your sources. Write a 1-3 paragraph summary of your research and answer the following questions in a Word document. 1. How do the Salem Witch trials compare to the McCarthy hearings? 2. What "real world" behaviors or news relates to these trials? 3. Do you think, according to your research, that the "witches" accused in the trials were real? (Additional reading/higher order thinking- http://www.salemwitchtrials.com/books.html) 4. Do you think our government (or other countries) use fear as a tactic for motivating citizens? Why/Why not? 5. What did you learn from this assignment? CHOICE #4: Tell-Tale Heart- Edgar Allen Poe EQ: What is the difference between tone and mood? Warm up: Read the intro paragraph in the following link: http://poestories.com/read/telltaleheart Lesson: READ "The Tell-Tale Heart" (link above) Write 1-3 paragraphs about the story elements: characters, setting, basic 5 parts of the plot: exposition, rising action, turning point, falling action, resolution- and answer the following questions in a WORD document. Save as POE assignment-MCNEILL and "save as" in my folder you created yesterday. 1. What is the TONE of the story (author's or narrator's attitude) 2. What is the MOOD of the story? Quote a few lines from the story to show your understanding of the text. 3. What point of view is the story written from? (1st or 3rd?) 4. How does the point of view affect the mood (eerie/creepy) of the story? 5. How does this story compare to other scary stories, movies, or tv shows of today? Which do you like better? Explain.

RESEARCH PAPER DIRECTIONS

STANDARD: ELAW8.2 (DOCUMENTATION OF SOURCES)

DATE: 2-25-13

EQ: How do I organize and cite textual evidence using Works Cited and parenthetical documentation?

DIRECTIONS: WE ARE GOING TO WORK ON FORMATTING YOUR PAPER TODAY.

1.       Sign for your computer.

2.       Log in and go to Word.

3.       Open a “NEW” document.

4.       Choose Times New Roman, 14 pnt. font

5.       In the top, right-hand corner- Type the following (single spaced; right justified)

Name

Date

Class period

6.       Enter twice and type your title. Capitalize your title. Enter twice.

7.       Go to PAGE LAYOUT at the top.Under “paragraph,” click the small arrow.

Go to “LINE SPACING” and choose DOUBLE.

8.       Tab for your introductory paragraph, each body paragraph, and your conclusion.

9.       Your WORKS CITED page will be your last page. You will type your heading (Name, date, class period) on it as well. When you are finished typing your entire paper, your Works Cited goes on its own page with your heading and the words “Works Cited” will be centered on the page. Your sources will be alphabetical and numbered. (See the following websites for examples):

http://www.umuc.edu/library/libhow/mla_examples.cfm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/12/

Message to all classes...

Changes coming for fall...
As your teacher over this year, I have tried to prepare you for life outside the classroom and hopefully given you some life skills and "real world" application as well. One lesson you will need to learn in life is flexibility. We may not always like the changes that are thrown our way, but we learn to deal with them, hopefully gracefully. It is with a heavy heart that I say I will not be teaching most of you next year, but be assured that you are in expert hands. As I understand it I will be teaching 8th grade "regular" classes and welcome the opportunity to grow and learn the new Common Core standards that all ELA will be using this year. You may still use all resources on the sites I've given you. All the summer work you did (hopefully the reading) will not be wasted. Good luck as we approach the new year and continue to grow and learn all we can. You will be better for it and you have made me a better teacher having taught you.
With gratitude,
Ms. M., your "Captain"

Amazing resources for summer...

Want to do some summer reading online? Join us in our online bookclub...go to
masoncreekpc.blogspot.com for directions on how to read from Follett books or our online bookclub at bookglutton.com 

...and don't forget your online grammar book with interactive writing topics! my.hrw.com 
You will need your username/password that you used this year to access it.

Questions? Email: tracymcneill@att.net

Have a great, restful summer...read some good books and have some great stories for your narrative writing when we come back ;)

-Ms. M.

6th grade: ELEVEN

You will be reading the short story, "Eleven," by Sandra Cisneros. In addition to your in class reading you will complete a journal and other writings related to the story. Start brainstorming your childhood memories...are there things you do now that remind you of when you were younger? Also, you need to be practicing Odyssey, OAS, and CRCT review at home nightly. Don't tell mom and dad that you do not have homework! 7 CLASS DAYS UNTIL TESTING...and...you are going to ROCK it!!!
- Ms. M.

6th grade: 1/25/12

STANDARD: ELA6LSV1; ELA6W2
DEBATE/RESEARCH
EQ: How can I use facts and emotional appeal to support my position statement and help me construct support?
Warm up: Get in small debate groups based on student survey
Lesson: Constructing support- work with your group (those on the SAME side of the issue) and find facts, statistics, or examples to back up your argument; Complete CONSTRUCTING SUPPORT sheet from last week.
Time allowing- Work on projects
HOMEWORK: Project due FRIDAY 1/27

THURSDAY: 1/26/12- COMPUTER LAB- upstairs
Type your "mock" writing about cameras in the classroom; EDIT/revise and PRINT a copy

Welcome Back!!!

Are you ready to R.U.M.B.L.E.? We will be beginning a new unit on persuasive writing this nine weeks. We will review your final and conventions that you still need to master for your next CDA (end of the month) and the CRCT (begins in April the Tuesday you return from Spring Break). You will have a writing assessment on January 18th that will be given in homeroom, but I will be scoring those using the rubric we have been using all year (ideas, organization, style, conventions). I will be showing you some sample essays and also posting new ones in the hall to show you what a 2,3,4, and 5 essay look like. Also, we will be having our class spelling bee on Tuesday with the winner representing our class going to the school bee next Friday, so brush up on your spelling rules!  For some sample word lists you might try the following websites: http://www.npusc.k12.in.us/Spelling%20Bee/index.html
http://www.spellingbee.com/
http://www.myspellit.com/
http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/spelling-and-word-lists/misspelled.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_8253546_prepare-6th-grade-spelling-bee.html
http://www.spellingcity.com/taking-a-spelling-test.html?listId=5383834
GOOD LUCK!!!

Monday January 9, 2012
STANDARD: ELA6W2 (Writing- persuasive genre)
EQ: What are the main types of propaganda? How is propaganda persuasive?
Warm up: notes on propanda (assessment prompt 1)
Lesson: propaganda types
Summary: compare/contrast types of propaganda using commercials and print ads as examples
Homework: bring in a magazine, newspaper, or online ad to class

6th grade only: 1st and 2nd period classes

11/11/11
Standard: ELA6W1 Writing ("How to")
Warm-up: Log in to my.hrw.com
Use the username/password I gave you
Go to HOLT ONLINE ESSAY
Click NEXT and choose your class.
Go to "How to" on the essay topic list.
Choose one of the two choices, then, minimize the screen and type your essay in WORD. (Don't forget to use your transition words! You should write at least 2-3 paragraphs)
SAVE your document under your login name- Label it HOW TO writing
PRINT your writing.
THEN, COPY/PASTE your writing into the my.hrw.com essay box (raise your hand when you get to that point and I will help you)
CLICK "GET YOUR SCORE"- you will need to make sure the pop-up blocker is disabled first. Your essay is scored on a 1-4 point scale. Read the suggestions and feedback from the score. You may go back and edit using that feedback. (1= 65, 2= 75, 3=85, 4=100)
GOOD LUCK!
-Ms. M.

6th grade: "The Tell-Tale Heart"

EQ: What is the difference between tone and mood?
Warm up: Read the intro paragraph in the following link: http://poestories.com/read/telltaleheart
Journal- After reading the opening of this story I think that I will/will not like it because...
Lesson:
1. Finish typing your expository essays, save, print, and submit online
2. Finish reading "The Tell-Tale Heart" (link above)
3. Watch short video over the story
4. Watch brief bio. on Edgar Allan Poe
5. Time allowing: 3rd/5th- Presentations; 1st/2nd- Odyssey sentence folder
Homework: None- but see post below for Wed. night homework

6th grade only!

Wednesday night homework: 11/2/11
Read a sample essay from the following link and then answer the questions that follow:
http://library.thinkquest.org/10888/expos.html?tqskip1=1

Questions: (Answer on your paper)
1. What is the author's main idea? (THESIS STATEMENT)
2. Did you read the process paper, compare contrast, explaining with examples, or cause/effect?
3. What types of transitions do you notice in the paper?
4. Do you think the author stayed on topic and had supporting details? Why/Why not?
5. Did reading this sample help you understand the expository essay?
6. What is the purpose of expository writing?

Important message: CDA will be Thursday

6th grade: We have covered all the material on your CDA. What do you study? You can study organizational structures, extraneous details, and practice your comprehension skills. Your test is only 10 questions and I think you will do great. Just remember to read each question carefully before answering.

6th grade: 3rd/5th periods only: You will only take the multiple choice test this week- Thursday 10/20/11. The other performance task will be at a later date. As far as your 9 week project- just hang tight. With our testing and library days I am waiting until the following week to introduce it- it will be a short poetry project using Voicethread.com- if you want to get a "head start" on this project, ask your parents to help you set up an account- it's free and only requires an email address to set it up.

4th period: Your CDA will also be on Thursday this week: 10/20/11. You need to pay close attention to types of sentence structures- notes and review will be given on Monday and Tuesday. This may mean postponing your presentations- they are still due, but may be presented next week. We will lose 2 days of instruction due to testing and our library day on Thursday (research with Mrs. Bowlick's center activities). If we need to extend the digital storytelling project we can discuss it Monday. Our next unit will be Persuasive writing- so much fun!

CDAs (Common District Assessments)

Are you studying for the CDA? Did you take your journal home to look at definitions and examples? The 3 most important things you could study before Thursday are:
*prepositions/prepositional phrases
*subject/predicate- simple subject/simple predicate (verb)
complete subject/complete predicate
compound subjects/compound verbs
*subject/verb agreement

Get ready! Know your organizational structures...what is an extraneous detail?

-Ms. M.

6th grade...READ THIS FIRST 9-15-11

Follow these directions for the lab assignment:
1. Read  the bio. on Gary Soto: http://eolit.hrw.com/hlla/authorbios/index2.jsp?author=7garysoto&WebLogicSession=Tm8ksKx1ZSYM5TQ1M6Y2B2B8xcJs7XLUV23roa1t1rfKaDtv7GUi|8121286389490268350/-1062731312/6/6001/6001/7002/7002/6001/-1
2. Go to "Cheetah Chat"...the Cheetah link on the left...and take the poll at the top...ethnicity...click your race.
3. Go to Moodle and then REFLECTION 1. Answer the journal questions online in the threaded discussion: 1. Hispanic Heritage 2. Sharing Our Stories
*3rd/5th...also answer the EXTENSION activity about how Gary Soto/Ritchie Valens contributed to Hispanic literature*

4. Answer one of the following journal topics related to your in class reading. You may do this in Word in the lab if you wish:
Writing tie-in- Journal topics- choose ONE of the following and write a one page response in your composition book: (assignment is due during class next Thursday 9/30/10)

1. This selection references vinyl records. Research types of recording devices and compare vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, and current MP3s. How has music recording changed over the years?
2. In the story Manuel has to perform publicly in front of his school. Have you ever had to perform in front of an audience? If so, when. Describe the feeling of performing and compare/contrast with Manuel's feelings while performing.
3. Many actors/actresses have to deal with stage fright or may have "butterflies" about performing. Find an article or a book about public speaking. How might you deal with anxious feelings?
4. Read a short biography about Ritchie Valens. Write a one page summary of his life as a performer. You may include details such as the movie that chronicled his life.
http://www.ritchievalens.com/ (Ritchie Valens- Official Website)

All classes: Make sure you have turned in the narrative topic 1 from last lab day and your "I AM" poem. Also, I am missing several grammar assignments. You have had worksheets on VERBS, PRONOUNS, and "La Bamba" verb tense WS. If you have been absent you are responsible for making this up.

Finished with all that? You may begin working on topic 2  and 3 (your choices) from your Narrative sheet: Autobiographical incident. You will choose one of these to extend into an essay. Study for your CDA next Thursday- all grammar.

Enjoy your 1/2 day... ;)

Ms. M.

"La Bamba"- all 6th graders

"La Bamba"You will read this short narrative story about Manuel. It is written in 3rd person narration with lots of figurative language. For example, you will be asked to find similes with a partner after finishing the selection.
Notes: simile- a comparison between two unlike things using the word like or as or resembles. See also class reference book: Handbook of Literary terms (brown book on bookshelf).

References to help you understand the selection: Ritchie Valens- singer; Gary Soto- author

Writing tie-in- Journal topics- choose one of the following and write a one page response in your composition book: (assignment is due during class next Thursday 9/30/10)

1. This selection references vinyl records. Research types of recording devices and compare vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, and current MP3s. How has music recording changed over the years?
2. In the story Manuel has to perform publicly in front of his school. Have you ever had to perform in front of an audience? If so, when. Describe the feeling of performing and compare/contrast with Manuel's feelings while performing.
3. Many actors/actresses have to deal with stage fright or may have "butterflies" about performing. Find an article or a book about public speaking. How might you deal with anxious feelings?
4. Read a short biography about Ritchie Valens. Write a one page summary of his life as a performer. You may include details such as the movie that chronicled his life.
http://www.ritchievalens.com/ (Ritchie Valens- Official Website)

Hear the jukebox! http://www.ritchievalens.com/jukebox.html

Extension assignment: 3rd/5th: Read a brief bio. on Gary Soto, author of "La Bamba."
http://eolit.hrw.com/hlla/authorbios/index2.jsp?author=7garysoto&WebLogicSession=Tm8ksKx1ZSYM5TQ1M6Y2B2B8xcJs7XLUV23roa1t1rfKaDtv7GUi|8121286389490268350/-1062731312/6/6001/6001/7002/7002/6001/-1

Narrative Topics and more reminders...

Reminders: 3rd, 4th, 5th: see cheetah link (below/left)

All 6th grade classes...have you:

1. Completed your "I am" poem, typed it, and put it in your folder?

2. Typed your first journal (see topics below), printed it, and put it in your folder?

3. Turned in your New Mall Questionaire? (last week's homework)

4. (3rd/5th periods): completed "Mother to Son" and "It's Your Turn!" poem?

5. Completed the verb homework- due Thursday; Having trouble? See the links/videos posted

Middle School NarrativePrompts

Directions: We all have different experiences that help shape our stories, our voices, and our points of view. The following list of topics is a guide to help you during your journal writing for our narrative unit. Put a “1” by your first choice, a “2” by your second choice, and a “3” by your third choice. Please keep this sheet in your binder to refer back to.

Think about a time when something unexpected happened. Write a narrative in which you tell about an unexpected event that happened to you or someone you know. Be sure to include specific details so that a reader can follow your story.

Think of your best day in school. What happened that makes this day stand out in your memory? Write a story for a friend that tells about what happened on this day.          

Feelings: Emotions often leave a strong impact upon our stories. Think of a feeling you’ve had in the past (sadness, joy, anger, fear) and share that experience with the reader. Remember to set the scene surrounding this emotion. What were you feeling? Who was there? Include specific details that “show” not “tell” the reader about your experience.

“Happy Birthday to you…” Think of the most memorable birthday you can remember. How old were you? What makes this birthday memorable? Did you receive a special gift or was it memorable for some other reason? Use your voice and style to show us your unique point of view of that day.

Hobbies: We all have different things we enjoy. Describe to the reader your favorite hobby. Do you play sports? Have an unusual collection? Love to read or write? Can you simply not live without games, tv, or your iPod? In a narrative writing explain why this particular hobby is most important to you. Don’t forget to explain details to the reader.

Awards: Have you ever received an award (certificate, medal, trophy) that gave you a sense of pride? Set the stage for your story by sharing the details of that day with the reader. Be sure and describe the setting, your feelings, and why this award was significant to you.

Analogies: What animal best describes you? Think of specific characteristics and attributes of this animal and what you have in common. In a narrative writing explain this comparison to the reader citing examples of how you are similar to this animal. Other options…compare yourself to a car, your favorite singer or actor, a tree, insect, or other object: I am like _____________________ because ______________________.

Time Capsule: Write a letter to be included in a time capsule describing yourself and your generation. Try to include specific events that were significant in your life.

Attributes: What do you most like about yourself? You may use physical features, but also explain some of your internal attributes (caring, friendly, brave, strong, courageous). Share an example of when you have exhibited this part of your character.

New message for 3rd, 4th, and 5th periods!

Your site has now moved to: masoncreekpc.blogspot.com
You are welcome to still use all the resources on mcneillmasterminds, but information specifically for you and your projects will be posted there in conjunction with our Moodle work.

One more thing- we need to talk about some of your comments in "The Vent" and discussion threads in the lab. If you wouldn't say it in class, please don't say it online. It is against school policy, your internet protocol, and my classroom expectations. I see all your print. DO NOT "chat" in "The Vent" unless I am there to moderate.

Thanks for your cooperation ;) There are still some messages for you below. Try your online textbook login over the weekend. Also, I responded to most of you on your reflections.

-Ms. M.

Moodle...say what?

All classes...please log in to Moodle and enroll. Directions: click Moodle on this web page (middle/right side). Username- your firstlast name with no spaces. Password: mcneill. If you have trouble please see me and sign a list so I can work on it for you.
What is Moodle? Moodle is a way I can help you in class by posting important information, documents, forms, resources, links....and more. There are also some specific ways we will use the discussion threads and "chat." There are appropriate ways to use this interface- so- do not enter a chat or discussion until I have directed you to do so. The discussion topics are not to say "Hey...wassup!" to your friends. It is a way for me to give you a discussion question or topic to discuss with our class...we will just be responding online instead of in a journal or the classroom. Sometimes we will use this in class (if we have a lab day or the mini computers). Other days I may ask you to do an online assignment. If you do not have a computer/internet we will work out another way for you to participate. I suggest you buddy up with someone, get a public library card (Pines card), or see one of your teachers when you finish work early and ask about using our class mini computer.
Also, you will be getting your online password soon for our online Holt grammar book.

(3rd, 4th, and 5th periods): Important message- We will begin your semester project soon (Digital Storytelling project). It is helpful if you have a digital camera, internet access, and either Powerpoint, MediaPlayer, or access to the site I hope we can figure out how to use (because it's awesome)- Voicethread.com. There is a link to Voicethread on Moodle as well. We begin your narrative with the journal prompts you picked yesterday. You will journal on all three topics of your choice (you did one yesterday), and then develop one of those ideas into an "autobiographical incident." The extension/culmination of this activity is the digital storytelling project- details and rubric to come. You may want to bring a two pocket folder with clips next week to start assembling your project packet.
It's going to be a great year...can't wait to see what my "cheetahs" can do with "room to run." Can you reach 70 mph? (reference to our in class reading/analogy)
-Happy Writing!
-Ms. M.

Reminders- this week...

Don't forget your test tomorrow...fragments, subjects/predicates, types of sentences, and words from "All American Slurp." Also, when I say conventions...you think....________________. Know it tomorrow!

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th periods...bring your "I Am" poems to class if you have not yet turned them in. We will be typing them in the computer lab on Thursday and beginning your next narrative writing assignment. You will also be receiving your own log in number for your online Holt textbook.

Wednesday night homework: New Mall Questionairre- Ask a family member (or friend if that is not possible) the "New Mall Questionaire" questions. Write their responses in complete sentences and turn in on Thursday. Here are the questions:

New mall questionaire: Name: ________________________________
Class: ______ Person I interviewed: _____________________________
1. What stores would you most likely see at the mall?
2. What would you be most likely to buy at the mall?
3. What types of movies would you prefer to see at the mall theater?
4. What restaurants would you like to have in the mall's food court?
5. Would you go to the mall arcade? If so, what games would you play?
6. What brands of clothes do you prefer?
7. Would you purchase books or magazines at the mall? If so, what books or magazines interest you?
8. To what clubs organizations, or associations do you belong?
9. What special or seasonal events would attract you to the mall?
10. At what nearby malls do you sometimes shop?
4th period ONLY...Be ready to discuss your analogies and your "cheetah" comparisons for our in-class discussion. You will turn in your analogies as well as the pre-test we took yesterday. Also...
be sure to bring your narrative essay (the Eleanor Roosevelt prompt) tomorrow. I will give you some pointers and suggestions for revision process. These will be typed in the lab, but you may want to bring a jump drive and you are welcome to bring your own earbuds. Click the link below to look at a model essay. You will be submitting your final drafts to Holt Online Scoring on Friday.

http://my.hrw.com/hos/interactiveessay119_hos.html

Happy Writing!
- Ms. M.