How to find Book Binding for the Expository Project

I would like all students to have a hardcover blank book for their expository writing project.  There are several options for purchasing these. I would like all students to have an empty book by December 9th. 

 

1.)    Teaching Things (a teacher supply store in Trussville) has these books for sale anywhere from $2.49 (smaller)-$3.99 (larger version).  One option is that you may go to the store and purchase one.  Teaching Things:  408 Walnut Drive, Trussville, AL 35173

2.)     The Hardcover white blank book from Teaching Things can also be found online: here.  This option is easy- but you may have to pay shipping.

http://catalog.teachingthingsonline.com/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=blank%20books&product_id=10079

 

3.)    Around town I have found these empty hard cover books at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Tuesday Mornings, Target, and Walmart from time to time.  Stores often call these blank books “journals.” (Office Max, Office Depot, Dollar General, or even The Dollar Tree may have them as well.)  One of my students bought one at Marshall’s over the weekend and when I flipped it over – it had a mere “$1.99” listed on the price tag.

 

Happy Hunting!  If you are unable to purchase one of these books, don’t break your back trying.  I know the holiday season is a busy one.  Your child can fashion one out of a composition notebook or even blank paper, so NO WORRIES.  Blank paper glued inside and on top of an old hard back book may also suffice!

 

~Erin Naugher Gilchrist

PhD English Curriculum and Instruction

6^th Grade HTMS

Expository Project

Last week students began an expository research project on the subject of their choice.  This research will culminate in each student publishing a book (roughly due before Christmas break).  Encourage your student to take ownership in his or her book.   Pride in their work will produce an end result of hard work, great research, and an excellent grade! 

The rubric can be found on my teacher website at the Trussville City Schools website. https://www.trussvillecityschools.com/Teachers/Erin.Gilchrist/default.aspx
 


Caitlin and Anna sharing technology to explore possible research topics in class last week.



Exploring expository texts in class.


HAPPY RESEARCHING!

English Portfolios

Today your student should come home with their English Portfolio.  This file folder is full of student grades, for them to "show off" at home.  This should let you know what your student needs to work on in the future. 

• Legible Handwriting
• Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in writing
• Turning things in on time (there is always a 30 point deduction for late assignments)
• Making sure they have a name on their papers. (No-Name is always -10 points)
• Following directions
• Studying for tests/quizzes

Students can empty out these portfolios at home and are expected to bring back the empty file folder by Monday, with a parent signature.

BONUS POINT OPPORTUNITY:  Students can get 5 bonus points added to their next assignment for snapping a picture of something from their Portfolio on display at their home!  These can be emailed to me at erin.gilchrist@trussvillecityschools.com or simply shown to me in class.  RATIONALE FOR THIS: Many things motivate students, but having pride in your own work is one of the biggest motivators. Help give your students fuel to move forward and accomplish even more this year. For students, ownership and pride in work is a catalyst for achievement.

Mystery Prompts: Harris Burdick



Mystery Story Writing Prompts

MR. LINDEN'S LIBRARY
______________
He had warned her about the book.  Now it was too late.

 

Poetry and Art

While studying how to create an image with our words for the last few weeks- this weeek- we actually are creating an image.  Lately we have been studying figurative language in English class.  Today we have composed a poem about the emotions tied to being a 6th grader.  We used our figurative language to compose and create these poems.

Taking a page from artist, Mark Rothko, who infamously used colors to express emotion in his abstract paintings, the next day of class will be all about painting the emotions to guide the reader through our poems.  See the Prezi below for more information regarding painting emotions.

http://prezi.com/hi98vfiqhvta/rothko-painting-emotions/?auth_key=a39e9984cffaea208c6c11fd3da9cdca08932cec

Monday will be our ART WALK where 6th grade students get to enjoy the work of others while showing off their own works of art as well. The displays will demonstrate creativity and their knowledge of figurative language put to use in their art, writing, and poetry all at once.

Snapshot of Summer

For your first blogging assignment, I would like for you to look back at all the memories of your summer and take a mental picture of a particular moment you would like to keep forever.  Once you have this mental "snapshot" of summer, I would like for you to describe the picture in full, without telling us exactly what your picture is about.  What I'm wanting you to do is create an image with your words.  This week we'll be covering figurative language and will talk much more about painting a picture with your words.  See the first comment (below) for an example.  When you finish, go through and read what other people have written...see if you can guess the picture that their words have created.