December--Seriously, where does the time go?

Ready or not...the holiday season is just around the corner. =)

NOTICE: Engrade is hit or miss. I have been informed that Landon will be utilizing a new grade book program purchased by DCPS starting in quarter 3. Julia Landon will be one of the pilot schools so hang in there and try to be patient with engrade. I do want to inform you that I am not able to view messages sent via engrade. Your best bet to contact me is through email at sargenta@duvalschools.org or by phone at 346-5650 x157 please leave a message and I will get back to you at my earliest convienance.

We will continue working on Non-fiction this week with an emphasis on essay writing.

Mon. 12/1: Select one from the following options and complete a brainstorming graphic organizer. (A) Explain, based on "Restoring the Circle" short story how you are a piece of the "Circle of Life," (B) write a letter to the author, Joseph Bruchac, or (C) pg. 587 select a topic and compare and contrast two websites that offer information on your selected topic. Homework: Start preparing for the Selection TEST on Thursday by re-reading the three essays, "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys".

Tue. 12/2: Mini Lesson using the F.R.I.E.S.S. writing strategy. Use the FRIESS writing strategy to complete your four square graphic organizer that assists with focus and organization. Complete four square in class and start first draft. Homework: Complete first draft. Note: you do NOT need to get it edited, we will be working on editing in class tomorrow. Continue to prepare for the Selection TEST on Thursday.

Wed. 12/3: Editing--Mastering all stages of the writing process, students will learn the proper signs and symbols editors use. Homework: Re-write your paper using the suggestions and feedback your editor gave you. You do need to use your best judgement when deciding to use the suggestions and if you are in doubt ask for a second opinion from me, a parent, friend, or mentor. As always, you may choose to type your final draft but it is NOT required. =) Continue to prepare for the Selection Test on Thursday.

Thur. 12/4: Selection Test-- Non-fiction (three types of essays) focusing on persuasive, informational, and narrative. "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys"

Fri. 12/5: Progress Reports---Students will be bringing home school wide progress reports. Continue to use engrade to view (well sometimes) your child's grades. We will continue to focus on Non-Fiction. I will be teaching students an easy strategy that will assist them in increasing their "Reference and Research" (a portion of the FCAT) score. The strategy is called the Table of Contents Strategy and we will be applying it to a released FCAT passage.

Thank you for your continued support.