Ms. Allen’s Reading Corner

MONDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Review what we’ve learned about writing essays. Then write a timed expository essay using the following prompt:

Writing Situation: People young and old have friends that they enjoy. Who is your best friend?

Directions for Writing: Before you write think about your best friend. What qualities does this friend have? Why are these qualities important?

Now write an essay telling who your best friend is and explaining why he or she is your best friend. Support you reasons with examples and details.

Homework: Work on vocabulary #2 written assignment (Due Thursday, 1/17). This assignment was initially explained last Friday. Vocabulary #2 written assignment:

Yarns and tall tales: Stories told in common language about impossible happenings. Select a theme from one of the following or create a tall tale topic of your own and stretch it into an outrageous and unbelievable yarn:

* How an elephant’s trunk became the first fire truck.
* How a dinosaur’s sneeze started breezes.
* How a grandfather’s clock became the first wristwatch.
* How an anteater invented the first trumpet.
* How a tickle bone was discovered.
* How a spider became a spider monkey.
* How a hole became the Grand Canyon.

Be imaginative and use specific details. Your tall tale should be told from third-person point of view, written in a simple dialect, and contain exaggeration. Your tale’s hero or protagonist should be “larger than life.” DUE THURSDAY. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES IN YOUR BINDER.

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete and check “Editor-in-Chief” #4 & #5.
Class work: Review use of specific verbs. Complete “Gotitus: A Deadly Disease” (handout) and “Verb Variety” chart activity. Turn in on wall by the period’s end or finish for homework. (Due tomorrow)
Homework: Work on vocabulary #2 written assignment (Due Thursday).

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: Discuss “Gotitus” handout.
Class work: Collect verb assignment from yesterday. Introduce active and passive voice. Complete the following: Ex. 5 (521) in Ms. Allen’s red book and Ex. A & B (37-38) in Ms. Allen’s red workbook.
Homework: Work on vocabulary #2 written assignment (NOTE CHANGE: DUE FRIDAY).

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Take Think Link test. Finish yesterday’s active & passive voice assignment.
Homework: Work on vocabulary #2 written assignment (NOTE CHANGE: DUE FRIDAY).

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: Return grades papers.
Class work: Review vocabulary #2 words using tall tale written assignments.  Then watch a tall tale.  List at least 10 examples of hyperbole and/or “firsts.”
Homework: Study for vocabulary #2 quiz.