Day 75: 1/9/26 - Finding Resources Day #2 & Start Gathering Information

Homeroom:

Good Morning. Please use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

1. Check that your homework is done
2. Make sure you have all your materials
3. Sharpen pencils

E.L.A. Learning Target:

Today you will finish finding 3 resources for your persuasive essays.

                        
Do Now:

• Open your chromebook to clever
• Write down your independent work

Independent work:

• Bring computers
• Work on finding your resources - You will need a total of 3:
• News Articles, Websites

Activity #1

Writing a Persuasive Essay

4. Finding Resources and Gathering Information

You will need to find 3 resources that you can use to support your opinion. 

1. News Article - library databases 

2. A Website - Not Wikipedia, and NOT AI

3. Another Article or Website

These should be reputable sources!!!

Follow these steps

Step 1: 

1. Use the databases (Found on Clever) to find and print your articles. 
2. Use a google search to find and book mark your websites

***For ARTICLES*** If you like an article on the database send the article to your google drive, and print the article. 

***For Websites*** Once you find a website you like, bookmark it to the "Bookmarks Bar"

Step 2: Read closely and complete your "Gathering information" graphic organizer for each resource. When you complete this graphic organizer you are looking for reasons, information, data, and evidence that will help you prove that your opinion about your topic is the correct opinion. 

5. Write a thesis Statement

Now that we have gathered information for our topic we can write a thesis statement. 

Thesis statement = Your Opinion. This is your "I think, I believe, I feel," statement.

***Be sure to include a brief explanation of 'why'. This is where you will input your 3 reasons you will expand on in your essay.

Ex:
I believe that all elementary students should receive at least 30 minutes of recess every day, because they will be able to be more attentive, more productive, perform better, and be more well-behaved in class. 

6. Outlining

Use the Writing a Persuasive Essay Checklist along with the Outline to begin planning your essay. REMEMBER, THE OUTLINE IS JUST THAT, AN OUTLINE. IT IS NOT THE PAPER ITSELF. YOU WILL BE USING YOR OUTLINE TO THEN WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. 

To Complete the Outline:

• Start with the Thesis
• Then put in your 3 reasons (From your thesis)
• Go from beginning to end
• You may skip parts and come back to them later
• Be sure to include your sources
• Use your Checklist if you are unsure about what to do
• You do not need to write in complete sentences 

7. Drafting

• USE YOR OUTLINE TO WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. LET THE CHECKLIST BE YOUR GUIDE. YOU CAN SEE THAT YOU WILL NEED 6 PARAGRAPHS!
• I WILL MODEL HOW TO GET STARTED!
• You May Write on line paper, but I would highly encourage you to complete your draft in a Google Document. That way we can save it along the way, so then editing & revising will be easier.
• Drafting should take us about 2 days

Drafting - Paragraphs 1, 2, & 3

Drafting - Paragraphs 4, 5, & 6

 

 

8. Editing & Revising

Editing & Revising - Phase 1

• Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
• Make sure that you have all required parts
• Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
• Make sure you have included your sources

Editing & Revising - Phase 2

• Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
• Repeat the process again with another writing partner
• Partners job is to help make the paper better

General areas to Edit & Revise:

• Check spelling
• Check Grammar
• Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
• Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
• Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?

Intro:

• Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Body Paragraph 1 - 3:

• Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
• Do they have Evidence?
• Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
• Have you included your sources? 
• Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Body Paragraph 4:

• Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
• Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
• Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
• Did you refute or Rebut? 
• Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Conclusion:

• Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Who did you make recommendations too?
• What did you recommend?
• Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?

Have a great day!

Day 74: 1/8/26 - STAR Assessment #2

Homeroom:

          Good Morning, I hope you are all having a great day. Please use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

1. Check that your homework is done
2. Check to see if you have all your materials
3. Sharpen pencils

ELA:

Good Day 6th Graders,

          Today we will take the mid-year STAR assessment.
                                
Do Now:

• Write tonight's Independent work in your agenda
• Log in to your chromebook and go to your clever dashboard

Independent Work:

• Continue to find resources for your persuasive essays

Activity #1

STAR Reading Assessment

Tips to do your best

• Take your Time
• Read carefully
• Reread when needed
• Read ALL answers before choosing one
• Use process of elimination
• DO NOT RUSH!!!!

To get to the STAR Online Assessment:

• Go to Clever and locate the Renaissance (Pink R) Icon.
• Click on it 
• Wait for further directions

Once you are logged into STAR:

• Click on Take a Reading Test
• Make sure you select ELA Mr. Trumble
• ***If your computer asks for the monitor password, it is "admin"

When you finish:

• Continue to bookmark websites
• Continue to find and print articles (You will have to wait till everyone is done to go get them)
• Begin reading your resources.

IMPORTANT:

The room should remain silent and you should remain in your seats unless it is an emergency. If you do not finish your STAR test make sure I know, so we can pause your test and have you finish during WIN. 

Good Luck!!! 

Day 73: 1/7/26 - Finding Resources Day #1

Trey Knight is the best basketball player to ever live!!!

Homeroom:

Good Morning. Please use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

1. Check that your homework is done
2. Make sure you have all your materials
3. Sharpen pencils

E.L.A. Learning Target:

Today you will begin finding 3 resources for your persuasive essays.

                        
Do Now:

• Open your chromebook to clever
• Pick up a "Printing Super Six" Book Mark
• Write down your independent work

Independent work:

• Bring computers
• Work on finding your resources - You will need a total of 3: News Articles and Websites

Activity #1

Writing a Persuasive Essay

3. Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

• Choose a topic to focus on for your persuasive Essay
• Write a YES/NO question for your research.
• Each issue/topic has at least 2 sides, or arguments. Write down the two sides to your issue, or topic.

4. Finding Resources and Gathering Information

You will need to find 3 resources that you can use to support your opinion. 

1. News Article - library databases 

2. A Website - Not Wikipedia, and NOT AI

3. Another Article or Website

These should be reputable sources!!!

Follow these steps

Step 1: 

1. Use the databases (Found on Clever) to find and print your articles. 
2. Use a google search to find and book mark your websites

***For ARTICLES*** If you like an article on the database send the article to your google drive, and print the article. 

***For Websites*** Once you find a website you like, bookmark it to the "Bookmarks Bar"

Step 2: Read closely and complete your "Gathering information" graphic organizer for each resource. When you complete this graphic organizer you are looking for reasons, information, data, and evidence that will help you prove that your opinion about your topic is the correct opinion. 

5. Write a thesis Statement

Now that we have gathered information for our topic we can write a thesis statement. 

Thesis statement = Your Opinion. This is your "I think, I believe, I feel," statement.

***Be sure to include a brief explanation of 'why'. This is where you will input your 3 reasons you will expand on in your essay.

Ex:
I believe that all elementary students should receive at least 30 minutes of recess every day, because they will be able to be more attentive, more productive, perform better, and be more well-behaved in class. 

6. Outlining

Use the Writing a Persuasive Essay Checklist along with the Outline to begin planning your essay. REMEMBER, THE OUTLINE IS JUST THAT, AN OUTLINE. IT IS NOT THE PAPER ITSELF. YOU WILL BE USING YOR OUTLINE TO THEN WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. 

To Complete the Outline:

• Start with the Thesis
• Then put in your 3 reasons (From your thesis)
• Go from beginning to end
• You may skip parts and come back to them later
• Be sure to include your sources
• Use your Checklist if you are unsure about what to do
• You do not need to write in complete sentences 

7. Drafting

• USE YOR OUTLINE TO WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. LET THE CHECKLIST BE YOUR GUIDE. YOU CAN SEE THAT YOU WILL NEED 6 PARAGRAPHS!
• I WILL MODEL HOW TO GET STARTED!
• You May Write on line paper, but I would highly encourage you to complete your draft in a Google Document. That way we can save it along the way, so then editing & revising will be easier.
• Drafting should take us about 2 days

Drafting - Paragraphs 1, 2, & 3

Drafting - Paragraphs 4, 5, & 6

 

 

8. Editing & Revising

Editing & Revising - Phase 1

• Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
• Make sure that you have all required parts
• Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
• Make sure you have included your sources

Editing & Revising - Phase 2

• Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
• Repeat the process again with another writing partner
• Partners job is to help make the paper better

General areas to Edit & Revise:

• Check spelling
• Check Grammar
• Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
• Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
• Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?

Intro:

• Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Body Paragraph 1 - 3:

• Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
• Do they have Evidence?
• Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
• Have you included your sources? 
• Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Body Paragraph 4:

• Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
• Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
• Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
• Did you refute or Rebut? 
• Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Conclusion:

• Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Who did you make recommendations too?
• What did you recommend?
• Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?

Have a great day!

Day 72: 1/6/26 - Pick a Topic & How to Find Resources

Homeroom:

Good Morning. Please use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

1. Check that your homework is done
2. Make sure you have all your materials
3. Sharpen pencils

HR - 8:50 - 9:00

Rebel Rally 9:00 - 10:00

SEL 10:00 - 10:15

Block 1 10:15 - 10:54 (39 min)

Block 2 10:57 - 11:36 (39 min)

Block 3 11:39 - 12:18 (39 min)

WIN/SEL 12:21 - 12:48 (27 min)

Lunch 12:50 - 1:20 (30 min)

WIN/SEL/Extended Lunch 1:23 - 1:35 (12 min)

Block 4 1:38 - 2:16 (39 min)

WIN/SEL/Recess 2:19 - 2:32 (13 min)

Specials 2:35 - 3:05 (30 min)

Get your things to go home.....

Heads Up Seven Up/Board Games 3:05 - 3:35 (30 min)

E.L.A. Learning Target:

Today you will pick a topic for your persuasive Essay, and learn how to find resources.
                               
Do Now:

• Pick up a copy of the Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer
• Pick up a glue stick
• Write down your Independent work
• Open to page 39

Independent work:

• Bring computers and headphones with you to class
• You can start finding Sources - You will need 3:
• News Articles, Websites

Activity #1

Writing a Persuasive Essay

1. Review the "Writing a Persuasive Essay" Checklist

• How will I structure my writing?
• How will my writing be evaluated?

2. Watch the video for a brief overview of a Persuasive Essay

3. Brainstorming Topics: Quick-List
* A good persuasive essay topic should be an issue that you care strongly about. Some of the best persuasive essays are often about an issue that is controversial, meaning that people often disagree about the topic. Let's create a quick list of possible topics for your persuasive Essay. (5 Minutes)

Ex: 

• Do __________
• Play on a volleyball team
• Try out for the _____ Team
• Go RC Car Racing
• Improve school Lunches
• Raise Minimum Wage
• Go to College
• Get a job
• Own a pet
• Stop giving homework
• Participate in __________
• Take a vacation to __________
• Play Minecraft (Roblox) etc.
• Buy ___________
• Buy a Macbook Air
• Buy a PS5 (Xbox)
• Buy an Iphone
• Buy vending machines for the Cafeteria
• Buy school supplies for all students
• Buy new chromebooks for school
• Buy Lego Hogwarts Castle
• Buy Organic foods
• Buy a Polaris snowmobile instead of a Ski-doo
• Believe ____________
• Believe the Buffalo Bills are the best football team
• Believe that Social media is bad for kids
• Believe School lunches should be free
• Girls should (or should not) be allowed to play on Boys sports teams
• Schools should ban cell phones
• Believe the voting age should be lowered to 16

Beginner Topics

1. Kids should get paid for good grades.
2. Students should have less homework.
3. Short hair is better than long hair.
4. We should all grow our own vegetables.
5. Kids should be able to vote.
6. Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
7. School should take place in the evenings.
8. Country life is better than city life.
9. City life is better than country life.
10. Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
11. Children should be paid for doing chores.
12. Dogs make better pets than cats.
13. I-phones are better than android

Intermediate Topics

1. Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
2. We should teach etiquette in schools.
3. School uniform laws should be unconstitutional.
4. All students should wear uniforms.
5. Age 12 is too young to babysit.
6. Children should be required to read more.
7. All students should be allowed to study abroad.
8. Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
9. Cell phones should never be used while driving.
10. All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
11. Bullies should be kicked out of school.
12. Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
13. The school year should be longer.
14. School days should start later.
15. Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
16. There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
17. We should allow pets in school.
18. The voting age should be lowered to 16.
19. Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
20. Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
21. Video games can be educational.
22. College athletes should be paid for their services.
23. The United state should enact a military draft.
24. Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
25. Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
26. Year-round school is a bad idea.
27. High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
28. Kids under 15 should not have Facebook/social media pages.
29. Standardized testing should be eliminated.
30. Teachers should be paid more.
31. There should be one world currency.

Advanced Topics

1. Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
2. People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
3. Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
4. Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
5. Students should be allowed to pray in school.
6. All Americans should have a constitutional right to health care.
7. Internet access should be free for everyone.
8. Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
9. People should not use products made from animals.
10. Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
11. Humans should stop eating meat because it is unethical.
12. Books should never be banned.
13. People should not play violent video games can because they can lead to people act violently in real life.

4. Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

• Choose a topic to focus on for your persuasive Essay
• Write a YES/NO question for your research.
• Each issue/topic has at least 2 sides, or arguments. Write down the two sides to your issue, or topic.

Before we can write a thesis statement or develop our research question we need to gather information about our topic.

Thesis statement = Your Opinion. This is your "I think, I believe, I feel," statement. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE OF YOUR ESSAY! WE WILL COME BACK TO THIS SENTENCE LATER.

5. Gathering Information & Research

You will need to find 3 resources that you can use to support your opinion. 

1. News Article - library databases 

2. A Website - Not Wikipedia, and NOT AI

3. Another article, or website

These should be reputable sources!!!

Follow these steps

Step 1: 

1. Use the databases provided through the school library to find your article. 
2. Use a google search to find your website
3. Use Youtube to find your video

Step 2: Once you begin researching be sure to record the name of the source, and the title on your Gathering Info graphic organizers.

Step 3: ***For the NEWS ARTICLE If you like the article on the databases send the article to your google drive. Be sure to also send the citation, and print the article. 

Step 4: Read closely and complete your "Gathering information" graphic organizer. When you complete this graphic organizer you are looking for information, data, and evidence that will help you prove that your opinion about your topic is the correct opinion. 

6. Write a thesis Statement

Now that we have gathered information for our topic we can write a thesis statement. 

Thesis statement = Your Opinion. This is your "I think, I believe, I feel," statement.

***Be sure to include a brief explanation of 'why'. This is where you will input your 3 reasons you will expand on in your essay.

Ex:
I believe that all elementary students should receive at least 30 minutes of recess every day, because they will be able to be more attentive, more productive, perform better, and be more well-behaved in class. 

7. Outlining

Use the Writing a Persuasive Essay Checklist along with the Outline to begin planning your essay. REMEMBER, THE OUTLINE IS JUST THAT, AN OUTLINE. IT IS NOT THE PAPER ITSELF. YOU WILL BE USING YOR OUTLINE TO THEN WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. 

To Complete the Outline:

• Start with the Thesis
• Then put in your 3 reasons (From your thesis)
• Go from beginning to end
• You may skip parts and come back to them later
• Be sure to include your sources
• Use your Checklist if you are unsure about what to do
• You do not need to write in complete sentences 

9. Drafting

• USE YOR OUTLINE TO WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. LET THE CHECKLIST BE YOUR GUIDE. YOU CAN SEE THAT YOU WILL NEED 6 PARAGRAPHS!
• I WILL MODEL HOW TO GET STARTED!
• You May Write on line paper, but I would highly encourage you to complete your draft in a Google Document. That way we can save it along the way, so then editing & revising will be easier.
• Drafting should take us about 2 days

Drafting - Paragraphs 1, 2, & 3

Drafting - Paragraphs 4, 5, & 6

 

 

10. Editing & Revising

Editing & Revising - Phase 1

• Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
• Make sure that you have all required parts
• Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
• Make sure you have included your sources

Editing & Revising - Phase 2

• Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
• Repeat the process again with another writing partner
• Partners job is to help make the paper better

General areas to Edit & Revise:

• Check spelling
• Check Grammar
• Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
• Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
• Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?

Intro:

• Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Body Paragraph 1 - 3:

• Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
• Do they have Evidence?
• Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
• Have you included your sources? 
• Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Body Paragraph 4:

• Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
• Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
• Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
• Did you refute or Rebut? 
• Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Did you clarify vocabulary words?

Conclusion:

• Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
• What transition words did you use?
• Where can you add transition words?
• Who did you make recommendations too?
• What did you recommend?
• Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?

Have a great day!