APW Elementary

APW Elementary
Rebel Pride Starts Inside

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Day 31: 10/19/17 - C Day: Writer's Workshop Session #3 - The Narrative Writing Check List & Quick List #3

Good Morning 6th Graders,
          Today is a 'C' Day. Make sure you use the bathroom & sharpen your pencils. Check to see that you have everything you need for your morning classes. 
                           Thank you
                           Mr. Trumble
ELA:
Do Now:
  • Write tonight's homework down in your agenda
  • Take out Journal Entry #2
Homework: 
  • Finish Journal Entry #3 (Fill 1 Page minimum)


Writers Workshop Session #3

Standards:
  • W6.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and a well structured sequence of events
  • W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

Part 1 - Collaboration & Evaluation
(You do: 10 minutes)

Directions: Share your second journal entry with a writing partner (You choose your own partner. For each journal entry you will pick a different partner.) 

With your partner: (Discuss any of the following)
  • Identify the things that "WOW' you.
  • Share your thoughts and feelings
  • Discuss any connections you make to your partners writing
  • Look for figurative language: personification, simili, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, idioms, & onomatopoeia
  • Analyze the characters? What do you know about them?
  • Identify the setting? Did the writer develop a setting?
  • Analyze the elements of plot. Is there an exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, or resolution?
  • Look for conflicts. Can you identify what types of conflicts the author included?
  • Analyze the mood & tone of the journal entry.
  • Can you identify a theme? If so, what is the theme?
  • Did the writer write about a small moment, or did they summarize?
As we grow as writers, it is important that we analyze our writing, but that we can practice writing without judgement. In this way we don't worry about what others will think or how we will be evaluated. I will eventually evaluate your final piece, but just like a coach has practices with their players before the "Big Game" I want you to think of these journal entries as "practice" and I want you to take risks, and try new things with your writing without worrying about getting a good grade. 

**********************************************
It is also important that we continue to have an environment of respect for all. Remember what Lucy Calkins said about  your writing, Honor your writing, and honor each other's writing!
"Read it like it's Gold!" 
**********************************************
Follow Up Whole Group: 
Does anyone want to share about the discussion you had with your writing partner? 
What did you speak about?


Part 2 - The Narrative Writing Checklist & Quick List #3
(We do - 15 Minutes)

Directions: Generate Quick Lists to help you organize Ideas
(We Do: Review points 4 - 5 & 7-8 for writing powerful personal narratives)









  • 4 Climb inside the moment and write within the narrator's point of view.
  • 5 Make the characters say the words and use the tone that shows their personalities.
  • 7 Zoom in on the small but powerful details that really capture big moments and feelings.
  • 8 Use the Narrative Writing Checklist to ask, "As a writer, what are my strengths? What are my needs?" Then, plan your next steps.
Next Steps
  1. Create New Notebook Page.
  2. Review How my Writing will be evaluated.

Today we are going to make one last Quick List.

Open to the next page in your notebook.
Date & Title your notebook 

(You do)

(We do)
What are some of the "Firsts" you put on your list?
What are some of the "Lasts" you put on your list??
What was a moment you realized something important?


Part 3 - Quick Write Journal Entry #3
(You do - 20 Minutes)
Directions: Pick one of the moments on Quick List #3 and...
1. Write in detail (do not summarize a stretch of time)
2. Help readers picture the episode - a small action/moment & exact dialogue.
4. Climb inside the moment and write within the narrator's point of view.
5. Make the characters say the words and use the tone that shows their personalities.
7. Zoom in on the small but powerful details that really capture big moments and feelings.
8. Use the Narrative Writing Checklist to ask, "As a writer, what are my strengths? What are my needs?" Then, plan your next steps.

* Think - My entry should be like Max writing about one of the events on the rising action

We will begin Writer's Workshop Session #4 tomorrow by picking a 3rd writing partner and sharing our journal entries, so it is very important that you do your best. Honor your writing. Write like it's Gold

Mr. T's Journal Entry
          I’ve often discovered that God speaks to me when I’m least expecting it, like on my morning commute to school. On this particular day I was feeling rather gloomy and I wasn't looking forward to the day ahead. My mood however did not match the joyful excursion I found myself on through the rich autumn landscape. As I drove mindlessly around a bend in the road, in an instant I was blessed to see the sun rising over the tops of the brilliant fall colors, with golden and amber rays of sunshine streaming through the branches making them look ablaze. The long shadows cast out across the burnt landscape making the sun appear to dance and glisten off the dew covered fields. As I sat behind the wheel of my car I noticed that as the dew glistens it brings an even deeper richness to the mosaic of colors. Being the lone traveler on the country road through this majestic landscape it was as though God had, with His own hand, painted this resplendent landscape for me and me alone. 
            The moment passes all too quickly, but in those few split seconds where I get to steal glimpses of what the hands of God can create, I can’t help but to feel completely connected to my surroundings, and at the same time, somehow feel completely insignificant. I sit in my car speeding ever onward toward the goal, the destination, and the next task. I know all too well the realities of the school day that lie ahead of me, but for just a moment, I take great pleasure with this one masterpiece, and I sit in awe looking out at the brushstrokes that have been caste over the landscape. In that moment I understand how truly small I am, but at the same time I appreciate how blessed I am, and I remind myself to never take what I have for granted.



RTI - 10/19/17 - C Day


Standards:
  • W6.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and a well structured sequence of events
  • W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

Writing Strategy: Quick Write - Journaling

Directions: Pick a new moment on Quick List #3, or return to the moment you began writing about earlier today, and 
1. Write in detail (do not summarize a stretch of time)
2. Help readers picture the episode - a small action/moment & exact dialogue.
* Think - My entry should be like Max writing about one of the events on the rising action

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Day 30: 10/18/17 - B Day: Writer's Workshop Session #2 - Quick Lists & Journal Entry #2

Good Morning 6th Graders,
          Today is a 'B' Day. Make sure you use the bathroom & sharpen your pencils. Check to see that you have everything you need for your morning classes. 
                           Thank you
                           Mr. Trumble
ELA:
Do Now:
  • Write tonight's homework down in your agenda
  • Share your Writing Goals quietly with the people around you
Homework: 
  • Finish Journal Entry #2 (Fill 1 Page minimum)


Writers Workshop Session #2

Standards:
  • W6.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and a well structured sequence of events
  • W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience
Connection (We do)
  • What are your writing goals?
  • Are any of your classmates goals similar to yours?

Part 1 - Collaboration & Evaluation
(You do: 10 minutes)

Directions: Share your first journal entry with a writing partner (You choose your own partner. For each journal entry you will pick a different partner.) Why do you think that is?

With your partner: (Discuss any of the following)
  • Identify the things that "WOW' you.
  • Share your thoughts and feelings
  • Discuss any connections you make to your partners writing
  • Look for figurative language: personification, simili, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, idioms, & onomatopoeia
  • Analyze the characters? What do you know about them?
  • Identify the setting? Did the writer develop a setting?
  • Analyze the elements of plot. Is there an exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, or resolution?
  • Look for conflicts. Can you identify what types of conflicts the author included?
  • Analyze the mood & tone of the journal entry.
  • Can you identify a theme? If so, what is the theme?
As we grow as writers, it is important that we analyze our writing, but that we can practice writing without judgement. In this way we don't worry about what others will think or how we will be evaluated. I will eventually evaluate your final piece, but just like a coach has practices with their players before the "Big Game" I want you to think of these journal entries as "practice" and I want you to take risks, and try new things with your writing without worrying about getting a good grade. 

**********************************************
It is also important that we continue to have an environment of respect for all. Remember what Lucy Calkins said about  your writing, Honor your writing, and honor each other's writing!
"Read it like it's Gold!" 
**********************************************
Follow Up Whole Group: 
Does anyone want to share about the discussion you had with your writing partner? 
What did you speak about?


Part 2 - Writing Strategy: Quick Lists
(We do - 10 Minutes)

Directions: Generate Quick Lists to help you organize Ideas
(We Do: Review points 1 - 3 for writing powerful personal narratives)









  • Think of a person, place, or moment in your life (maybe a first or last time, or a time you realized something) that matters and write a story about it
  • Focus on one episode, write with detail (don't summarize a stretch of time)
  • Help readers picture the episode - a small action and exact dialogue
Today I want to teach you about a strategy writers use to generate ideas for powerful personal narratives called a Quick List.

A Quick List is exactly what it sounds like! You write fast & furious while thinking of as many things as you can related to the topic you are creating a list about. Let's try it! (5 minutes)

Open to the next page in your notebook.
Date & Title your notebook 
(You do)
(We do)
Who did you put on your list?
Who is that person to you?

Next, pick one person on that list. Turn to the next page in your notebook. Date and title that page.
Title = "Quick List #2 - Small Moments with ___________ "
Generate a list of moments you've spent with that person. Try to focus on small actions/moments of time. 
EX: Disney World Vacation vs Riding Space Mountain

(You do)
(We do)
What moments did you put on your list?
Is that moment a small episode?


Part 3 - Quick Write Journal Entry #2
(You do - 20 Minutes)
Directions: Pick one of the moments on Quick List #2 and...
1. Write in detail (do not summarize a stretch of time)
2. Help readers picture the episode - a small action/moment & exact dialogue.
* Think - My entry should be like Max writing about one of the events on the rising action

We will begin Writer's Workshop Session #3 tomorrow by picking a 2nd writing partner and sharing our journal entries, so it is very important that you do your best. Honor your writing. Write like it's Gold

Mr. T's Journal Entry #2
          I’ve often discovered that God speaks to me when I’m least expecting it, like on my morning commute to school. On this particular day I was feeling rather gloomy and I wasn't looking forward to the day ahead. My mood however did not match the joyful excursion I found myself on through the rich autumn landscape. As I drove mindlessly around a bend in the road, in an instant I was blessed to see the sun rising over the tops of the brilliant fall colors, with golden and amber rays of sunshine streaming through the branches making them look ablaze. The long shadows cast out across the burnt landscape making the sun appear to dance and glisten off the dew covered fields. As I sat behind the wheel of my car I noticed that as the dew glistens it brings an even deeper richness to the mosaic of colors. Being the lone traveler on the country road through this majestic landscape it was as though God had, with His own hand, painted this resplendent landscape for me and me alone. 
            The moment passes all too quickly, but in those few split seconds where I get to steal glimpses of what the hands of God can create, I can’t help but to feel completely connected to my surroundings, and at the same time, somehow feel completely insignificant. I sit in my car speeding ever onward toward the goal, the destination, and the next task. I know all too well the realities of the school day that lie ahead of me, but for just a moment, I take great pleasure with this one masterpiece, and I sit in awe looking out at the brushstrokes that have been caste over the landscape. In that moment I understand how truly small I am, but at the same time I appreciate how blessed I am, and I remind myself to never take what I have for granted.



RTI - 10/18/17 - B Day


Standards:
  • W6.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and a well structured sequence of events
  • W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

Writing Strategy: Quick Write - Journaling

Directions: Pick a new moment on Quick List #2, or return to the moment you began writing about earlier today, and 
1. Write in detail (do not summarize a stretch of time)
2. Help readers picture the episode - a small action/moment & exact dialogue.
* Think - My entry should be like Max writing about one of the events on the rising action


Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Day 29: 10/17/17 - A Day: Writer's Workshop Session #1 - Establishing a Baseline

Good Morning 6th Graders,
          Today is an 'A' Day. Make sure you use the bathroom & sharpen your pencils. Check to see that you have everything you need for your morning classes. 
                                Thank you
                                Mr. Trumble
ELA:
Do Now:
  • Write tonight's homework down in your agenda
  • Pick up a copy of Amy's narrative writing
Homework: 
  • Finish Journal Entry #1 (Fill 1 Page)
  • Write two writing goals for yourself


http://wfe6writingworkshop.blogspot.com/2016/09/session-1-personal-narrative.html

Standard
W6.3 Write Narratives to develop real or imagined experiences using effective technique, descriptive details, and a well-structures sequence of events

Writer's Workshop - Session 1 (Personal Narrative)

Crafting Powerful Life Stories

Lucy Calkins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO29k1-RvsA
(8 minutes)







6th grade expectations of daily writing: I'm going to expect that 
each of you, as a writer, can fill at least 1 page of your notebook 
every day you do writing with a compelling true story.


Today I want to teach you that as a writer, you can get help 
not only from each other and from me, but also from texts 
others have written, like Freak the Mighty. To learn from finished
texts, you need to study them, imagining the strategies the writer 
probably used so you can then try those same strategies on your 
own writing.

You have to look deep and analyze each part to see how they
come together. We are going to start learning about writing 
narratives by studying personal narrative that another 
6th grader has made. 

Read - Whole Group
Analyze - Small Group

Amy's Narrative: (Small Group - 15 Minutes)

I shivered a little bit.

"It's pretty cold!" I said as I dipped my toes in the water.  I took 
a pebble and threw it far into the creek.

"Well, whatever!" I said as I plunged in to the cold water.  It felt 
amazing!  The cold water covered my eyes like gentle blankets 
and the water washed over me like a breeze.  Swimming is my 
favorite!

"Wait up!" yelled Emma as she ran down the hill with her floaty 
wrapped around her waist.  Her curly brown hair whipped 
around in the breeze.  I shivered, I was cold already!  A moment 
after that, India's mom waded in, laughing.

"Ha! It's cold! she said.  Then she stopped.  "Girls, out! Out of 
the water!" she pushed us back to shore.  I looked back and 
saw a long, thin water snake, slithering towards us.  I gasped.  
I quickly swam underwater in big, wide strokes.

Analyze:Ask yourself
"What got to me in this piece?" 
"What part worked for me?"  

ANNOTATE 
*Circle things that are "WOW!" and "AWESOME"
*Underline words you don't know/Things that confuse you
*Write your thoughts, feeling, connections, etc.
* Find Figurative Language (Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole, 
Personification)
*Identify Setting, Conflicts, and Plot Elements.
Analyze characters & Point of view
What's the mood & Tone
(Discuss)

*Insert 'How to write Powerful Personal Narratives' into Notebooks
Whole Group - 5 minutes

How to Write Powerful Personal Narratives 
• Think of a person, place, or moment in your life (maybe a first or last time,
or a time when you realized something) that matters, and write a story about
it.
• Focus on one episode, write with detail (don’t summarize a stretch of time).
• Help readers picture the episode—a small action and exact dialogue.
• Climb inside the moment and write within the narrator’s point of view.
• Make characters say the words and use the tone that shows their
personalities and hints at the bigger meaning of the moment.
• Explain why the characters act the way they do.
• Zoom in on the small but powerful details that really capture big moments
and feelings.
• Use the Narrative Writing Checklist to ask, “As a writer, what are my
strengths? What are my needs?” Then, plan your next steps as a writer.
• Craft a memorable lead.
• Ask, “What is my story really about?” and include descriptors, dialogue,
and inner thinking that convey that meaning.
• Elaborate on important scenes that show what the story is really about.
• Include new scenes, remembered from the past or imagined in the future,
that help show what the story is really about.
• Craft an ending that delivers a powerful message.

Draft - Your Turn to try 15 Minutes
  • Create a baseline for the start of our Writers workshop
  • Use loose leaf paper
  • Think about the video by Lucy Calkins
  • Think about the "How to write powerful narrative list
  • You can write about any topic you want
  • You must write for a period of at least 15 minutes

After Beginning Writer's Workshop today 
where do you feel you are as writers right 
now?  
Where would you like to go?
What are your writing Goals?

RTI - 10/17/17 - A day
Transition Words
(Miss W.)

Standards: 
L6.1e - Recognize variations from standard English in 
their own and others' writing and speaking, and identify 
and use strategies to improve expression in conventional
language.

L6.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate 
general academic and domain-specific words and 
phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering 
a word or phrase important to comprehension or 
expression.
  
Directions: 
Pick up What is a Transition 
Word? guided note worksheet. Have a 
writing utensil ready as well as a 
highlighter. 



Additional Practice from Mr. T:

Standards
W6.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and 
well structured event sequences.
W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the 
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, 
purpose, and audience.

Writing Strategy - Journal Writing

Directions: 
  • Think about the elements of plot, and your "How to Write                    Powerful Personal Narratives" List. 
  • Use these tools to create a journal entry that is at least 1 page in                length.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Day 28: 10/16/17 - D Day: Freak the Mighty Final Exam & Compare/Contrast Part 3

Good Morning 6th Graders,
          Today is a 'D' Day. Make sure you use the bathroom & sharpen your pencils. Check to see that you have everything you need for your morning classes. 
                                Thank you
                                Mr. Trumble
ELA:
Do Now:
  • Write tonight's homework down in your agenda
Homework: 
  • Read an Independent Reading Book for 20 - 30 minutes
  • Bring in your independent Reading book
Activity #1
Freak the Mighty Final Exam

Standards:
RL6.3 - Describe how a particular story's plot unfolds in a series of events as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward resolution
RL6.7 - Compare & Contrast the experience of reading a story to viewing a video, including contrasting what you "see" or "hear" when reading the text to what you perceive when you view the movie.

Directions:
Part 1: Questions # 1 - 40 (2 points each)
Answer each of the multiple choice questions by writing the answer on the line provided

Part 2: Writing #1-2 (10 points each)
Constructing a written response Comparing & Contrasting the book and the movie
(Be sure to use vocabulary from unit 1, like: characters, setting, plot elements, climax, resolution, conflicts, etc.)

  • When You are done, Hand in your test and your FTM book, then make the next tab for your ELA notebook. Label it: "Narrative Writing"


RTI - 10/16/17 - D day
Preview & Evaluate Personal Narratives

Standards
W6.3 Write Narrative to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technoque, relevant descriptive details, and well structured event sequences.
W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

Writing Strategy: Evaluation

Directions: (Small Group)
Pick a personal narrative from the anthology
Read the narrative out loud as a small group

Analyze:
Ask yourself
"What got to me in this piece?" 
"What part worked for me?"  

ANNOTATE (On scrap paper)
*Things that are "WOW!" and "AWESOME"
*Write words you don't know/Things that confuse you
*Write your thoughts, feeling, connections, etc.
*Find Figurative Language (Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole, 
Personification)
*Identify Setting, Conflicts, and Plot Elements.
*Analyze characters & Point of view
*What's the mood & Tone


Thursday, October 12, 2017

Day 26: 10/12/17 - B Day: STAR Assessment & Best Questions Blogging

Good Morning 6th Graders,
          Today is a 'B' Day. Make sure you use the bathroom & sharpen your pencils. Check to see that you have everything you need for your morning classes. 
                         Thank you,
                          Mr. Trumble
ELA:
Do Now:
  • Write your homework down in your agenda
Homework: 
  • Respond to as many of your peers questions on Kidblog as you can. 

Activity #1
STAR Reading Assessment
Remember to bring your agenda so you have your Login Info:

Username: rtrumble 
Password: 06101974RT
                               (Month, day, birth year, initials)

Tips to do your best
  • Read carefully
  • Take your time
  • Read ALL answers before choosing one
  • Use process of elimination
**You will get your STAR score tomorrow to see how much growth you have made already. 

Activity #2
Kidblog
Best Question

Standards:
RL6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W6.6 - Use technology including the internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills

Computer Lab Directions
Best Question
1. Log into the computer & use Chrome & go to our classroom website
www.roytrumble.blogspot.com & Click on the link for ELA Kidblog and Log in
2. Title your post, "(Your Name's Best Question) for Example: Roy's Best Question
3. Write the best question that you can, either from something you wrote in your Cornell Notes for chapter 24 - 25, or using your D.O.K. Stems you can write your best question based on the end of the text. Your question should be a level 2 or 3 questions. It should be a question with more than 1 part, and require multiple sentences to answer.
4. Once you have written your question, post it so your peers can respond to it.
5. Then respond to the questions that your classmates wrote. Be sure your answers use capitals and punctuation. Write in complete sentences. 

RTI -10/12/17 - B day
Kidblogging
Standards:
RL6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
W6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W6.6 - Use technology including the internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills