Daily+Practice+(HW)

== To be a great soccer player, dancer, or drummer, takes hours and hours of practice. To become better readers, writers, and communicators we must also practice these skills every day. As you practice keep our reading, writing, and communicating learning targets in mind and apply them in your work. Welcome to daily practice! ==

__SEMESTER 2 UPDATE- Making up DAILY PRACTICE assignments__ Students who fail to turn in daily practice assignments will receive a zero in PowerSchool. One zero can quickly ruin a student's grade for the class. Therefore, in an effort to support students' learning, individual advocacy, and especially literacy growth, students may ask permission to "make up" the entire DP assignment or complete a week's worth of reading log with three reading journal entries. Please note, it is the **student's responsibility to make arrangements** with the teacher and it is a privilege, not a right, to make up this work.



[|QUIA]

** EXPECTATIONS FOR DAILY PRACTICE (How to get a good grade): **
1. Write day, date, year for every entry (Monday, October 17, 2011) 2. Remember to write the title of the book you are reading, minutes read, and have your parent sign. 3. When given a writing prompt, you must write a MINIMUM of one paragraph (5-7 sentences). 4. Spell out all numbers under 10. 5. Watch out for run-on sentences. 6. Use a DICTIONARY for proper spelling.

**Grade 6, Unit 7 Reading, Writing, Communicating**

 * May 7-20, 2012**
 * Topics: Genre exploration and creative writing**

**Grade 6, Unit 6 Reading, Writing, Communicating**

 * March 26, 2012-May 1, 2012**
 * Topics: Content integration and research**

**Grade 6, Unit 5 Reading, Writing, Communicating**

 * February 6, 2012-March16, 2012**
 * Topics: Literary Analysis and Persuasive Writing**

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

// 1. ** Why is it important for characters to respond or change as the plot unfolds in a story or drama? ** // In order for characters to be considered dynamic as opposed to flat, it is important for them to respond or change throughout the series of episodes that unfold the plot.

// 2. ** How does an author develop a narrator's point of view? ** // Authors use the words and actions of a narrator in a story to develop his/her point of view.

// 3. ** How does an author create meaning or tone? ** // Authors choose specific words and phrases, including figurative language, to convey meaning or tone in a story.

// 4. ** Why is a logical approach important to defending a position? ** // A logical approach to defending a position is difficult for the opposition to challenge or dispute.

// 5. ** How do you decide which reasons would best support a position in a persuasive piece? ** // In order to decide which reasons would best support a position, the writer must be clear about his/her position and choose reasons that will support the position and influence the audience or opposition.

__March 17-23, 2012__ Complete EGYPT GAME reading log.

__March 10-16, 2012__ Complete EGYPT GAME reading log.

__March 2 - March 9, 2012__ Complete EGYPT GAME reading log.

__February 24-March 1, 2012__ Complete EGYPT GAME reading log.

__February 17-23, 2012__ Complete EGYPT GAME reading log.

__February 10-16, 2012__ AND read a MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES every day. Record what you read (on the new reading log) and the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

__February 3-9, 2012__ Read for MINIMUM of 30 minutes each day (Friday-Thursday). Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

**Grade 6, Unit 4 Reading, Writing, Communicating**

 * January 9-31, 2012**
 * Topic: Poetry**


 * Essential Questions**
 * **Why is it possible to have different interpretations of a poem?**
 * Poetry is a genre that is open to personal interpretation and might differ from person to person.
 * **What is unique about how an author arranges words and phrases in poetry?**
 * Authors arrange words and phrases in poetry to express emotion and insight and to create writing that is aesthetic in nature, very much like music.
 * **Why are life experiences a foundation for writing poetry?**
 * Life experiences are a foundation for writing poetry, because poems are a unique perspective or commentary on life.
 * **How do poetic techniques engage readers?**
 * Poetic techniques engage readers with meaning and imagery created by word choice, figurative language, repetition, rhyme, etc.

__January 27-February 2, 2012__ Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes Saturday and Sunday. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Complete TFK - Shipwreck study packet

__January 19-26, 2012__ None (bad Ms. Hetrick)

__January 13-18, 2012__ Poetry packet

__January 6-13, 2012__ READ //Time for Kids// and //National Geographic// Complete TFK "Events of 2012" and "Go on a News Hunt" Complete "Living with Lion", "Wear and Tear", "Animal Architects

__January 2-5, 2012__ Complete four poetry EdHelper assignments. Packet handed out in class Tuesday.

**Grade 6, Unit 3 Reading, Writing, Communicating**

 * November 14, 2011-December 16, 2011**

// EQ1: How can using context help a reader determine the meaning of words? // Answer: Looking at pictures, captions, boldface words and reading the text around an unknown word are all context clues to help readers determine the meanings of words.
 * Reading Essential Questions - Real World Reading**

// EQ2: Why is it important to know the author's point of view or purpose? // Answer: Knowing the author's point of view and purpose helps readers determine what kind of lens they are looking through and implies the manner in which they should read a piece.

// EQ1: Why do some types of writing require a specific format? // Answer : In many cases the format of the writing communicates its purpose (e.g. letter, memo, fax, brochure, etc.).
 * Writing Essential Questions - Correspondence Writing**

// EQ2: How do you incorporate style into writing that requires a specific format? // Answer: A writer's ideas, word choice, and syntax can demonstrate his/her unique style of writing regardless of the specific format.

**__December 16 2011 - January 4, 2012__**
Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes EVERY DAY. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Complete FICTION Book Report Friday, 12/9 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.
 * __December 9-15, 2011__**

Saturday, 12/10 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Sunday, 12/11 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Monday, 12/12 Complete Real World Book Report and Prepare a short presentation

Tuesday12/13 Find three help wanted ads in the newspaper, cut out and paste it into your notebook. For each ad identify: Who is the employer? What is title of the position being hired? How much does it pay? What number can you call for more information? Where do you send your resume?

Wednesday, 12/14 Write a detailed advertisement for your "dream" job.

Thursday, 12/15 Clip an article out of the Vail Daily that you make a connection with. Explain your connection. Remember to apply BETTER ANSWERS and write in complete sentences.

Friday, 12/2 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.
 * __December 2-8, 2011__**

Saturday, 12/3 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Sunday, 12/4 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Monday, 12/5 TFK, The Homework Debate. Read article and complete worksheet

Tuesday, 12/6 Making Connections-Edhelper handout

Wednesday, 12/7 Making Connections-Edhelper handout

Thursday, 12/8 Making Connections-Edhelper handout

Friday, 11/25 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.
 * __November 25-December 1, 2011__**

Saturday, 11/26 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Sunday, 11/27 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Monday, 11/28 Read Time for Kids - Law and Order Complete "An Anti-Bullying Plan" and " It's Your Move" worksheets

Tuesday, 11/29 Read TFK - Around the World - Columbia Complete "Let's go to Columbia" worksheet

Wednesday, 11/30 Read National Geographic- Going to Extreme Complete worksheets T5, T6, T16, T17

Thursday, 12/1 Read National Geographic- Going to Extreme Complete worksheets T10, T11, T12

Friday, 11/18 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.
 * __November 18-24, 2011__**

Saturday, 11/19 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Sunday, 11/20 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Monday, 11/21 Watch you favorite television show. Write the title of the show. Identify the main character, supporting characters and explain the climax of the story.

Tuesday, 11/22 After watching the soul surfer, reflect on a life lesson from the movie. Did the movie give you a different perspective on life? Write a paragraph reflection.

Wednesday, 11/23 Write a paragraph describing how you feel at Thanksgiving time.

Thursday, 11/24 HAPPY THANKSGIVING Draw a detailed picture of your family's Thanksgiving. Write a paragraph describing your celebration using each of the five senses - smell, hear, feel, taste, touch.

None (Bad teacher, Ms. Hetrick!)
 * __November 11-17, 2011__**

**Grade 6, Unit 2 Reading, Writing, Communicating**

 * October 3, 2011-November 11, 2011**

**Reading Essential Questions**
 * Reading Target: Students will be able to identify story elements. **

** What makes a good story? ** **-Good stories include well-developed elements like plot, setting, and characterization.**

**Why aren't the themes of the stories obvious and how are they determined?** **-As you read more complex literature, themes are often implied instead of obvious. Selecting a universal idea in a story and supporting it with key ideas and details as evidence is how to determine the theme.**

**Why do we read fiction?**

 * -Fiction mirrors real life in that it teaches many life lessons despite unimaginable characters and settings (e.g. Harry Potter and Hogwarts) **


 * Writing Target: Students will write narratives using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well structured event sequences and produce clear and coherent writing. **

**Writing Essential Questions**

**Why is narrative writing a powerful way to share ideas and emotions?**
**Humans inherently love stories and they are a powerful vehicle for communicating ideas and emotions.**

**Why is style important?**

 * Style is what makes artists like writers, painter, fashion designers, etc. unique from each other and interesting to others. **

Friday, 11/4 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.
 * __November 4-10, 2011__**

Saturday, 11/5 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Sunday, 11/6 Write down the title and lyrics (words) to your favorite song. Write a paragraph explaining WHY you like the song. Make sure 1. restate the question and write a strong topic sentence and 2. Include specific, clear details.

//For Mon-Thurs. answer each writing prompt with a **minimum** of one paragraph. Remember to include a topic sentences, key ideas, and strong supporting details.// Monday, 11/7 Describe a dream that you had recently. Provide as many details as possible. Tuesday, 11/8 I was most angry when... Wednesday, 11/9 Describe your perfect vacation. Thursday, 11/10 You have an extra $100,000 to give away; you cannot spend it on yourself. What would you do with the money?


 * __October 28-November 3, 2011__**

Friday, 10/28 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Saturday, 10/29 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Sunday, 10/30 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Monday, 10/31 Write a DETAILED paragraph describing the favorite Halloween costume you see tonight and draw a colorful picture.

Tuesday, 11/1 Pretend you are a pumpkin that sat on the porch last night as children trick or treated. Write a narrative paragraph (first person as if you are the pumpkin) and your Halloween experience.

Wednesday, 11/2 To review for our Unit 2 tests, please write two examples, and draw quick sketches for each of the following: hyperbole personification metaphor simile

Thursday, 11/3 Theme is the recurring element in literary work. For example, the theme in __**Cinderella**__ is the good girl finally meets her prince and lives happily ever after. Think about your favorite book or movie. Write a paragraph describing the theme.

__**October 22-27, 2011**__ Friday, 10/21 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Saturday, 10/22 Read article "Spreading the News" about //"Make a difference day//" (Copy on Ms. Hetrick's desk) Purposefully do one act of kindness, to make a difference in someone's life. Write a paragraph about what you did and why you chose that activity. Write another paragraph describing how it made you feel to "make a difference".

Sunday, 10/23 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read, the time spent reading, and ask your parent to sign.

Monday, 10/24 Read "The Path for Success". Write a one paragraph summary about the article. Remember to identify main idea and supporting details. Then, write one sentence explaining the author's purpose in writing this article. Tuesday, 10/25 Reading Comprehensions Skills worksheet (Ms. Hetrick to provide)

Wednesday, 10/26 TFK - Magazine and Handouts (Ms. Hetrick to provide)

Thursday, 10/27 National Geographic Magazine and Handouts (Ms. Hetrick to provide)

__**October 14-21, 2011**__ Friday, 10/14 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Saturday, 10/15 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 10/16 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Monday, 10/17 Watch a 30 minute tv show. Write the TITLE of the show and identify the main character, the supporting characters, the primary setting. Write what happened at the beginning, middle and end of the show.

Tuesday, 10/18 Select and read an article from //The Vail Daily//. Identify the W's and H's (who, what, where, when, why, how, how much) in the article. Write a paragraph (minimum of 5-7 sentences) summarizing the article.

Wednesday, 10/19 Interview your parents or adult friends. Ask them about goals in their lives. Write down the people you interviewed and their relationship to you. You must interview a minimum of two adults. Write a paragraph reflecting on what you learned in the interviews.

Thursday, 10/19 Pretend you are a parent and now have children. Write a story to your son and daughter that demonstrates a life failure you had and the lesson you learned from it.

__**October 7-13, 2011**__ Friday, 10/7 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Saturday, 10/8 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 10/9 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Monday 10/10 Fictional Narrative: A bad dude in a cowboy hat is walking into the saloon in a bad Western movie. He's looking dangerous and mad. Tell what happens, creating a happy ending.

Tuesday, 10/11 What advice would a dog give about life if it could talk?

Wednesday, 10/12 What are the best reasons for doing nothing? List them.

Thursday, 10/13 A child finds an extraterrestrial in her backyard. It's not E.T. Who is it? What is it like? What does the child do? What happens. Tell the story.

Friday, 9/30 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.
 * __September 30-October 6, 2011__**

Saturday, 10/1 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 10/2 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Monday, 10/3 Your principal wants to invite a celebrity speaker to your school. Think about the celebrity you would choose to have speak; then, **write a letter** (make sure you use proper letter format) to persuade your principal to invite this person. Be sure to include convincing reasons and details to support your choice.

Tuesday, 10/4 Imagine that you could give advice to someone—it could be someone you know personally, a historical figure, or a famous person living today. Write a minimum of a paragraph that identifies the person and the advice you would give. Choose a familiar subject so that you can provide details and elaboration that explain why this person needs your advice.

Wednesday, 10/5 "Dress for success" is a phrase all of us have heard before, but it means something different to each person. Write a paragraph explaining what "dress for success" means to you.

Thursday, 10/6 Write a paragraph explaining how you changed when you entered middle school.


 * GRADE 6 Unit 1 RWC **
 * Reading Target - Students will be able to read and synthesize a variety of texts. **


 * __Reading Essential Questions__ **
 * How does the structure and features of a text help determine the central idea? **
 * How does summarizing a text show understanding? **
 * Why do readers need to evaluate their own thinking? **


 * Writing Target - Students will be able to write to a specific audience and communicate using clear ideas and evidence. **


 * __Writing Essential Questions__ **
 * Why is it important to consider purpose and audience in your writing? **
 * Why does a writer need to support ideas and reasons and evidence? **
 * __September 23-29, 2011__**

Friday, 9/23 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Saturday, 9/24 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 9/25 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Monday, 9/26 Really awesome students are always reviewing KEY vocabulary for success! For Monday-Thursday this week, we are reviewing success vocabulary. You are given the vocabulary word, definition, and an example sentence. You may study these further by going to http://quizlet.com/6580855 EXPECTATIONS and assignment: Review each word, learn how to spell it and apply it in your life. WRITE a sentence for each vocabulary word that DEMONSTRATES your understanding of the word.

You will have a spelling AND vocabulary (matching) quiz on Friday.

// Math students analyze steps to complete math problems. // // When writing for a specific audience, good writers carefully select their words. // // The better your communication skills, the more successful you will be in life. // // Let's compare features of a monkey with features of a human. // // "Home" is a connotation for warmth, love, and great food! //
 * Analyze :** // Think through, break apart //
 * Audience :** // Group of people to whom you are writing //
 * Communication :** // Reading, writing, listening and speaking //
 * Compare :** // List sames, all the ways they are alike //
 * Connotation :** // The associated or secondary meaning of a word or expression. //

Tuesday, 9/27 // When reading, it is helpful to use context clues to help you figure out words you do not know. // // Black contrasts with white. // // An attitude adjustment denotes a person's need to improve his/her attitude. (note: denotation may also be used as a verb-to denote) // // Describe your favorite place to hang out. // // Our learning is more effective when we study and practice. //
 * Context clues :** // clues in the text that helps the reader figure out the meaning of vocabulary //
 * Contrast :** // List differences, all the ways they are different //
 * Denotation :** // The direct meaning of a word or set of words. //
 * Describe :** // Tell about, show //
 * Effective :** // Works well //

Wednesday, 9/28 // Would you please evaluate my performance and provide me with feedback? // // Good writers use evidence to support their main idea. // // Explain why reading, writing, and communicating knowledge and skills are so important. // // Students are expected to write expository essays on CSAP. // // Would you help me formulate a plan for our family vacation? //
 * Evaluate :** // Judge, Value of //
 * Evidence :** // Supporting Details //
 * Explain :** // Tell all about, tell what and why, tell how, teach to someone else //
 * Expository :** // Writing that is designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand. //
 * Formulate :** // Come up with, make a plan, develop //

Thursday, 9/29 // The Golden Rule is a Life Rule. // // When Ms. Hetrick has a big smile on her face, we infer she is happy. // // Our teacher has asked us to identify the main idea of the news article. // // The teacher asked the students to write a narrative story about their lives. // // Prepared // // Respect // // Integrity // // Dependable // // Effort //
 * Golden Rule :** // "Treat others as you wish to be treated." //
 * Infer :** // Figure out, read between the lines, predict what they are trying to say //
 * Main idea :** // Central idea //
 * Narrative :** // Tells a personal or fictional experience or tells a story based on a real or imagined event. //
 * P.R.I.D.E. :** // Berry Creek Students have PRIDE! //

__**September 16-23, 2011**__

Friday, 9/16 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Saturday, 9/17 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 9/18 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Monday, 9/19 Expository writing practice. Answer the following prompt with a minimum of one paragraph (5-7 sentences). Remember to put a title on your paragraph. Think of the most valuable thing you own that was not bought in a store. //Explain// (with supporting details/evidence) why it is important to you.

Tuesday, 9/20 Expository writing practice. Answer the following prompt with a minimum of two paragraphs (5-7 sentences). Remember to put a title on your paragraph. Think of something you made with your own hands. How did you do it? What might you do differently next time? Write an explanation so clear and complete that someone with little or no experience could follow your directions and make the same thing.

Wednesday, 9/21 Expository writing practice. Answer the following prompt with a minimum of one paragraph (5-7 sentences). Remember to put a title on your paragraph. Write about your name.

Thursday, 9/22 Read for a MINIMUM of 20 minutes and //summarize// what you read. Minimum of one paragraph.

Friday, 9/9 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.
 * __September 9-15, 2011__**

Saturday, 9/10 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 9/11 Read the attached article about September 11, 2001. Discuss the article with your family. Ask a family member to help you write a summary of the article. Then answer the question: How does writing a summary help me to better understand what I have read?

Monday, 9/12 Read for a MINIMUM of 20 minutes and complete one reading journal assignment. (See reading journals for reflection options.)

Tuesday, 9/13 Write three SIMILES and three METAPHORS and draw colored pictures for each one. These are examples of figurative language.

Wednesday, 9/14 Interview your parent on an adult and identify five terms that are used at his/her job that would be considered "technical" language.

Thursday, 9/15 Read for a MINIMUM of 20 minutes and complete one reading journal assignment. (See reading journals for reflection options.)

Friday, 9/2 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.
 * __September 2-8, 2011__**

Saturday, 9/3 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Sunday, 9/4 Read for MINIMUM of 20 minutes. Record what you read and the time spent reading.

Monday, 9/5 Read the attached article about Labor Day. Answer the questions IN COMPLETE SENTENCES in your practice journal.

Tuesday, 9/6 Answer the following autobiographical writing prompt.
 * Autobiographical **
 * Line 1: First name **
 * Line 2: 3 characteristics or physical traits **
 * Line 3: Brother or sister of __[or son/daughter of]__ **
 * __ Line 4: Who loves __**** (3 people, things, ideas) **
 * Line 5: Who feels __(1 emotion about 1 thing)__ **
 * __ Line 6: Who needs __**** (3 things) **
 * Line 7: Who gives __(3 items you share)__ **
 * __ Line 8: Who fears __**** (3 items) **
 * Line 9: Who'd like to see __(1 place, or person)__ **
 * __ Line 10: Who dreams of __**** (1 item or idea) **
 * Line 11: A student of __(school or teacher's name)__ **
 * __ Line 12: Nickname __**** [or repeat first name) **

Wednesday, 9/7 Read for a MINIMUM of 20 minutes and complete one reading journal assignment. (See reading journals for reflection options.)

Thursday, 9/8 Write a minimum of one paragraph to answer the writing prompt. Who is my hero? Why is he/she my hero? Remember to //support your ideas with details and evidence//.

Read a book or article of your choice, record the date, title of the book or article, and the minutes you spent reading in your homework notebook.
 * __August 29-September 5, 2011__**

**ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ A MINIMUM OF 20 minutes per day, 7 days per week and record this in their homework journal**.

Monday, 8/29 Answer each writing prompt with a minimum of three expectations each.

EXPECTATIONS: In class, I expect myself ... In school, I expect myself to... At home, I expect myself to... In the community, I expect myself to... I expect Ms. Hetrick to... I expect the school to... I expect my classmates to... This year, I want to study...

Read and record

Tuesday, 8/30 Draw and color a picture of the animal you would like to be. (We will add this to our corrected paragraphs and post in classroom.) Read

Wednesday, 8/31 Read for 20 minutes

Thursday, 9/1 Create a pro/con list about whether or not cell phones should be allowed in school.

Circle the list with the stronger arguments/evidence to support your opinion.

Choose one side of the argument, clearly state which side you are on in your //topic sentence.// Write three //supporting details// in your own words to back up your argument.