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Language ArtsLanguage Arts

2013-2014

Mrs. Buchanan

2013-2014 is a transition year for us here at MRIS. This is our last year for giving the TCAP Test. Starting in 2014-2015, all students will be taking the PARCC Test as we move totally to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This year we feel as though we have a foot in each world. We must prepare for TCAP but have the students ready to fully engage with the CCSS during the following year.

2013-2014

•TCAP Test•TN State Standards•Paper/pencil test•Multiple Choice•Online Writing Test

2014-2015

•PARCC Test •Common Core State Standards• All testing online •Assessments that go beyond multiple choice

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In LA class, students are expected to:

Set individualized goals

Use accountable talk in the learning community

Be diligent about daily at home reading (AR book) and other homework assignments

Often work independently to complete assignments

Come to class ready to learn and prepared with all materials needed

Expectations….Expectations….

Language Arts ComponentsLanguage Arts Components

ComponentsComponents

Reading English/Writing Spelling/Vocab.

ReadingWorkshop

GrammarUsage

WritingContent

Mechanics

Vocab. Workshop

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English/Writing – 30%

Reading – 40%

Spelling/Vocabulary – 20%

Homework Completion – 10%

93-100 A

85-92 B

75-84 C

70-74 D

Below 70 F

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Reading Genres - ChoicesReading Genres - Choices

Realistic Fiction: Bridge to Teribithia, Phillip Hall Likes Me, Walk Two Moons, The Secret Garden

Mystery: True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, The Westing Game, The Egypt Game, Dovey Coe, Hoot

Overcoming Obstacles: So Be It, Al Capone Does My Shirts, Rules, Small Steps

Survival: My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, The Terrible Wave, Hatchet

Traditional Literature: fables, legends, folktales, myths, tall tales

Genre Requirements

Teacher introduces new genre with discussion of genre characteristics and “Book Talks” about available choices – student choice within structure

Timeline – usually 2 weeks (same book read at school and at home)

When finished reading, take AR test (70 or higher to pass), color earned quilt patch upon teacher approval

Choose a second book from same genre. Student should

always have a book to read.

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• Reading 40 books this year is a goal set for all students! Encourage your child to “stretch” himself/herself as a reader and read more books than in any previous year.

• Page count requirements – differentiated according to placement level

• All students should read his/her AR book at least 20 minutes each night. Additional reading time is provided during E & I on “green” days.

• 40 Book Challenge Celebration - held at the end of the year for those students who achieve this very impressive goal.

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ScienceFiction#___

ScienceFiction#___

NewberyHonor#___

Multicultural#___

AnimalStory# ___

TraditionalLiterature

#___

TraditionalLiterature

#___

Multicultural #___

TeacherChoice #___

SportsFiction#___

NewberyHonor#___

AnimalStory#___

Multicultural#___

Hist. FictionWWII#___

Hist. FictionCivil War #___

Hist. FictionCivil War #___

Mystery#___

Poetry#___

Mystery #___

Poetry #___

DocumentaryNovel#___

OvercomingObstacles

#___

OvercomingObstacles

#___

Graphic Novel #___

FreeChoice

#______

FreeChoice

#______

FreeChoice#____

FreeChoice

#______

FreeChoice

#______

FreeChoice

#______

Fantasy#______

Fantasy#______

Biography # ______

Survival#______

FreeChoice#______

Biography#______ Nonfiction

#___

RealisticFiction#___

RealisticFiction #___

Nonfiction #___

   

     

     

 

40 BookChallenge

TCAP Writing Assessment

Test date – Week of Feb. 3rd5th Grade – narrative, opinion, expository Timed Writing – 60 minutes

The students will encounter a reading stimulus and prompt that they are required to read before they begin to write. A reading stimulus can be a work of fiction or an informational piece. The students will have to utilize information from the reading stimulus to write their response. Text evidence is huge!

Writing/Typing Practice at HomeThis year students will be required to type their responses to the writing assessment prompt. Please help your child improve his/her keyboarding skills by using one of the suggested sites below.

Dance Mat Typing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ Alpha Attack

http://www.gamequarium.com/alphattack/

alphattack.htm Free Typing Games

http://www.freetypinggame.net/default.asp Timed Typing Test

http://www.typingtest.com/

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Parent InvolvementParent Involvement Please help your child get to school with his/her AR book!

Daily Spelling/Vocabulary Practice – spellingcity.com

Monitor your child’s at home reading – at least 20 min. daily

Help your child organize time and tasks for genre deadlines, projects, etc.

Remind students that our library day is Wednesday – bring library book to return or renew.

Help student remember to return signed Friday folder on Monday.

Check MRIS website for LA information: School Wires

Check grades online regularly.

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The EndThe End Do not hesitate to call, send a

brief email, or set up a conference if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for taking the time to come tonight!

Together we can help your child have a successful year in 5th grade language arts!