Mrs. Brownell's 2014-2015 Landing Page: January 2015

Friday, January 30, 2015

Warm Up:
20 Minutes of independent reading (This is week #24)
Mini-Lesson Topic:
Trace and evaluate an argument
Questions to guide learning:
What makes for good argument writing?
How do the elements of argument make for a strong argument?

Work Time:

Finish tracing and evaluating the argument in the text "Shut Down Your Screen".
Close read the text "Animals are Smart" then trace and evaluate the argument. Revise for elements of argument (such as 3rd person POV).

Identify the following parts of this argumentative essay using the highlight tool:

thesis, claims, evidence/explanation/details supporting claim, counterclaims, rebuttals and conclusion

How I'll know I'm successful:
I can identify elements of argument in text.
I can determine if the argument is supported by reasons and evidence.
Debrief:
Exit Ticket: Answer the guiding questions.
Homework:
Independent reading (At least 30 minutes)
Update reading list
Complete and turn in any missing assignments (such as the Genius Hour Citation Page).
Notes:
If you need to finish the vocabulary quiz, please do this during independent reading.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Work Time:

Close read the document "Shut Down Your Screen"

Trace and evaluate the elements of argument in the text

Identify the following parts of this argumentative essay using the highlight tool:

thesis, claims, evidence/explanation/details supporting claim, counterclaims and rebuttals

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Warm Up:
10 Minutes of independent reading (This is week #24)
Mini-Lesson Topic:
Planning and organization of the final stage of Genius Hour
Questions to guide learning:
What do you need to accomplish during your Genius Hour time today? What do you need to read, learn, plan, create, practice, or design?

Genius Hour Bell Ringer

Work Time:
Work on your project. Here's what's due in April:
"Demonstration of Learning" that you will turn into Mrs. Brownell
Your presentation of what you will be teaching the class
(Small group reteaching of Citation Page)
Students will know they are successful when...
I have a plan of action for work time today.
I understand what I need to turn in/present in April.
Debrief:
Table Share: What are you next steps?
Homework:
Finish up any research that you may still need to do.
Independent reading (At least 30 minutes)
Update reading list
Notes:
If your group didn't finish presenting the Opinion/Persuasive/Argument Comparison, they you will need to do that today!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Independent Reading (This is week #24)

Focus this week:	Good readers sustain and build their reading stamina.
Good reading habits:	* I have daily reading build into my schedule. * I take advantage of "edge time reading". * I read books from a variety of genres. * I record my book choices in "My Reading List".
Work Time:	* Independent Reading * Reading Conferences * Library sign-up

January Scholastic Book Order Flyer

Class Code: M2LBC

www.scholastic.com

Unit 4: The Power of Argument

Essential Question(s):	What makes for a powerful argument?
Standard:	By the end of this unit, I need to be able to: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text. Distinguish claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from those that are not.
I will know I’m successful when...	I can identify the differences between an opinion, persuasive and argument essay.
Mini-Lesson: (What Mrs. Brownell is going to teach us)	Comparison and identification of elements of argument
Work Time:	* Vocabulary Quiz * Comparison Activity
Debrief:	Review: Elements of an argument
Homework:	Reading at least 30 Minutes for your "40 Book Challenge" (Even on Saturday and Sunday!) Update your reading list (It's in Google Classroom)

Click here for a Late Assignment Turn In Sheet for any late or resubmitted work.

Click HERE to apply for the essa

Monday, January 26, 2015

Independent Reading (This is week #24)

Focus this week:	Good readers sustain and build their reading stamina.
Good reading habits:	* I have daily reading build into my schedule. * I take advantage of "edge time reading". * I read books from a variety of genres. * I record my book choices in "My Reading List".
Work Time:	* Independent Reading * Reading Conferences * Library sign-up

January Scholastic Book Order Flyer

Class Code: M2LBC

www.scholastic.com

Unit 4: The Power of Argument

Essential Questions:

How do I use skill words to close read a writing prompt?

Standard:

W.2.a Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (CCSS:W.6.1)

RR.1.c.iv Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.”). (CCSS:W.6.8b)

I will know I’m successful when...

I am able to close read a prompt to determine what it is asking me to do.

I am able to reflect on my Argument Pretest in order to better understand my score.

Mini-Lesson:
(What Mrs. Brownell is going to teach us)

Deconstructing the prompt

Argument Writing Pretest

Argument Writing Anchor Chart

Work Time:

Today, we will be learning how to close read a writing prompt by deconstructing the prompt from the Argument Pretest.

Debrief:

Argument Pretest Reflection (In Google Classroom)
Sentence Starters

Homework:

Finish Argument Pretest Reflection.

Study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow!
Reading at least 30 Minutes for your "40 Book Challenge" (Even on Saturday and Sunday!)

Update your reading list (It's in Google Classroom)

Click here for a Late Assignment Turn In Sheet for any late or resubmitted work.

Click HERE to apply for the essay contest.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Independent Reading (This is week #23)

Focus this week:	Good readers try challenging books to improve their reading skills.
Good reading habits:	* I read books from a variety of genres. * I don't limit my book choices to books that are easy to read or from my preferred genre. * I record my book choices in "My Reading List".
Work Time:	* Independent Reading * Reading Conferences

January Scholastic Book Order Flyer

Class Code: M2LBC

www.scholastic.com

Unit 4: The Power of Argument

Essential Questions:	What do I already know about argument writing?
Standard:	W.2.a Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (CCSS:W.6.1) RR.1.c.iv Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.”). (CCSS:W.6.8b)
I will know I’m successful when...	My ISN (Interactive Student Notebook) is up-to-date. I have finished the "Analysis of an Argument" worksheet and constructed response. I take advantage of any "edge time" reading that I may get.
Mini-Lesson: (What Mrs. Brownell is going to teach us)	Vocabulary quiz next Tuesday!
Work Time:	Make sure that your table of contents is up-to-date and that pages 162 and 163 in your ISN (Interactive Student Notebook) are finished today. You will also need to make sure that you read and follow ALL the directions on the "Analysis of an Argument" worksheet and constructed response.
Debrief:	You may take home your ISN to study for Tuesday's vocabulary quiz.
Homework:	Reading at least 30 Minutes for your "40 Book Challenge" (Even on Saturday and Sunday!) Update your reading list (It's in Google Classroom)

Click here for a Late Assignment Turn In Sheet for any late or resubmitted work.

Click HERE to apply for the essay contest.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Independent Reading (This is week #23)

Focus this week:	Good readers try challenging books to improve their reading skills.
Good reading habits:	* I read books from a variety of genres. * I don't limit my book choices to books that are easy to read or from my preferred genre. * I record my book choices in "My Reading List".
Work Time:	* Independent Reading * Reading Conferences

January Scholastic Book Order Flyer

Class Code: M2LBC

www.scholastic.com

Unit 4: The Power of Argument

Essential Questions:	What do I already know about argument writing?
Standard:	W.2.a Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (CCSS:W.6.1) RR.1.c.iv Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.”). (CCSS:W.6.8b)
I will know I’m successful when...	I have developed an understanding of vocabulary terms that are relevant to argument writing.
Mini-Lesson: (What Mrs. Brownell is going to teach us)	Understanding the academic vocabulary for reading about and writing arguments.
Work Time:	Today, we will continue our study the academic vocabulary for argument. Make sure that your table of contents is up-to-date and that pages 162 and 163 in your ISN (Interactive Student Notebook) are finished today. Tomorrow's study hall list will include anyone who doesn't have their ISN up-to-date!
Debrief:	Table Share: How does studying vocabulary make you a better reader and writer?
Homework:	Reading at least 30 Minutes for your "40 Book Challenge" (Even on Saturday and Sunday!) Update your reading list (It's in Google Classroom)

Click here for a Late Assignment Turn In Sheet for any late or resubmitted work.

Click HERE to apply for the essay contest.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Independent Reading (This is week #23)

Focus this week:	Good readers try challenging books to improve their reading skills.
Good reading habits:	* I read books from a variety of genres. * I don't limit my book choices to books that are easy to read or from my preferred genre. * I record my book choices in "My Reading List".
Work Time:	* Independent Reading * Reading Conferences

January Scholastic Book Order Flyer

Class Code: M2LBC

www.scholastic.com

It's Wednesday; you know what that means...

Genius Hour:

Essential Questions:	What do I do now with all of my information?
Standard:	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7 Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
I will know I’m successful when...	I have many websites for my topic and they are bookmarked in my Genius Hour folder. I stay on task during the work time in class. I know what my inquiry question is and I am researching ways to answer that question. I am beginning to put together ideas for how I will present my information to the class in April.
Mini-Lesson:	Share your blog here. (Only if you haven't shared it already.)
Work Tim e:	Blog Post #5: How is your project going so far? What roadblocks have you encountered? What are your plans for your "Demonstration of Learning" that you will turn in to Mrs. Brownell? What are your plans for presentation? What do you still need to do?
Debrief:	Blog Gallery Walk
Homework:	Reading 30 Minutes (Even on Saturday and Sunday!) Update your reading list (It's in Google Classroom)

Click here for a Late Assignment Turn In Sheet for any late or resubmitted work.

Click HERE to apply for the essay contest.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Independent Reading (This is week #23)

Focus this week:	Good readers try challenging books to improve their reading skills.
Good reading habits:	* I read books from a variety of genres. * I don't limit my book choices to books that are easy to read or from my preferred genre. * I record my book choices in "My Reading List".
Work Time:	* Independent Reading * Reading Conferences

January Scholastic Book Order Flyer

Class Code: M2LBC

www.scholastic.com

Unit 4: The Power of Argument

Essential Questions:	What are the elements of an effective argument?
Standard:	W.2.a Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (CCSS:W.6.1) RR.1.c.iv Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.”). (CCSS:W.6.8b)
I will know I’m successful when...	I am able to determine the elements of an argument in a variety of sources (i.e. text, video). I am able to use the elements of argument in a constructed response.
Mini-Lesson: (What Mrs. Brownell is going to teach us)	Analysis of civil rights videos for elements of argument.
Work Time:	Today, we will continue to analyze videos of the civil rights movement for elements of argument.
Debrief:
Homework:	Finish your citation page for Genius Hour.(Due tomorrow!) Reading at least 30 Minutes for your "40 Book Challenge" (Even on Saturday and Sunday!) Update your reading list (It's in Google Classroom)

Click here for a Late Assignment Turn In Sheet for any late or resubmitted work.

Click HERE to apply for the essay contest.