Fabulous Friday:

Block B: Today was our last work block for our stories - and we have seen some awesome progress! If you need some extra time please hand in your completed stories on Monday - we can't wait to send them to Mitchell Elementary!

Block C: Today we talked some more about characters and characterization. We then started to prepare ourselves for the next short story that we will read on Monday. There is no homework this weekend!

Block D: We finished reading the short story "The Veldt" together in class - and yes - a creepy story indeed. We then completed the story map and a setting chart. If you didn't finish your setting chart - please do so for Monday. Here is a copy of the chart in case you didn't copy it down in class.

Thoughts on Thursday:

Block B: We are so close to the finish line writers! The good copy of your children's story is due at the end of class tomorrow. BUT... if you need some extra time you can hand it in on Monday.

Block C: Don't forget your Soap for Hope donations for tomorrow! We will start to take a closer look at character tomorrow - so there is no homework tonight!

Block D: We did not get a chance to finish reading "The Veldt" in class today - but I am NOT assigning it for homework - we'll finish reading it together tomorrow in class. If you were unable to finish your characterization chart for "The Necklace" please do that for tomorrow.

Tasks for a Tuesday:

Block B: We are very impressed with the steady progress you are all making on your stories! We will continue working on the rough drafts tomorrow in class.

Block C: Make sure that you are studying for the short story quiz on Thursday. We will continue setting and ELO 4 tomorrow.

Block D: The good copy of "The Father" advice letter is due tomorrow. If you didn't finish your characterization chart for "The Necklace" please complete that as well.

Most of all Monday

Block B: You are all making very steady progress on your stories! We will continue progress on the rough drafts tomorrow in class.

Block C: It is all about the plot! Good job working through the parts of "The Landlady" this was practice for the real ELO that we will be doing tomorrow or Wednesday. Don't forget to study for the quiz on Thursday! No homework tonight.

Block D: Characterization was the topic of the day today. A lot of great input from around the room. Make sure you study all terms related to short stories for Thursday's quiz. For homework tonight - please read the rest of "The Necklace."

Thoughtful Thursday:

Block B: Awesome work on your story lines today! Ms. McBurney and I are thrilled with the progress you are making on your plot lines. We will continue to conference with each of you on Monday. No homework this weekend!

Block C: Well that was a creepy story! If you did not finish the questions and foreshadowing chart on "The Landlady" please complete it for Monday!

Block D: Today in class we worked on the story map and letter task for "The Father." Here are the instructions just in case you missed it:

Don't forget that the good copy (double-spaced) typed or written in pen for your "Wish You Were Here" task is due on Monday!

Wondering about Wednesday?

Block B: Understanding audience and purpose - the two big take-away concepts from today's lesson. After some practice with these ideas - we jumped into our first major project. You will be writing children's stories combing everything that we've been learning about the different terminology and applying it to your own story. In class today - we worked on the character sketch. Almost everyone has a pretty good start to understanding who their character is - tomorrow we will get started on the basics of the plot.

Block C: Today we continued to talk about foreshadowing - and how authors hint at the action to come in a story. If you did not manage to complete the foreshadowing chart and questions for "Death by Scrabble" please do so for homework tonight.

Block D: There is no homework tonight! The good copy (double-spaced) of your "Wish You Were Here" Task is due on Monday. Here is a reminder of the different tasks - just in case you want to double-check the assignment.

 We will work on the story map for "The Father" tomorrow.

Tasks on a Tuesday:

Block B: Such violent and gory stories today! Great job on the character work. Everything was completed in class today - so no homework tonight!

Block C: Please bring in your toiletry donations for Soap for Hope please! We will continue our work on foreshadowing tomorrow in class. Please make sure you have your silent reading book at the start of class.

Block D: Please bring your silent reading book to class tomorrow! If you didn't finish the double-spaced rough draft of your "Wish You Were Here" task - please do so for tomorrow.