POETRY OUT LOUD: Feb 20th

Poetry Out Loud is a National Recitation Competition for Students; however, it will also be a requirement for this 9-weeks in 6th grade English.  This is a 100 point grade and poems should be memorized and recited on Feb 20th.  Start MEMORIZING and working on PRESENTATION skills!

Students will be assessed using the following Rubric:

1= very weak 6=Outstanding
Each category (with the exception of the last) is worth 6 points.

Physical Presence (1-6)
Voice and Articulation (1-6)
Appropriateness of Dramatization (1-6)
Level of Difficulty (1-6)
Evidence of Understanding (1-6)
Overall Performance (2-12)

Total Number of Points Earned:_____________


Students may recite any poem of their choice with the exception of song lyrics.  The poem must be at least seven lines in length. 

Go to http://poetryoutloud.org/poems-and-performance/video-recitation-series for more information and examples of excellent poetry presentation skills.

Dr. G’s Expository Book REQUIREMENTS:

 

Student Project Expectations:

Table of Contents:

The table of contents contains a creative title (beyond listing the topic) for each chapter with a page number.

Introduction:

The introductory page contains an original attention grabber and detailed overview of the book.

Chapters:

The book contains more than four chapters.  A chapter consists of at least one paragraph and two text features.  Paragraphs should contain exceptional detail and use of language to convey the information to the reader.

Transitions:

Advanced transitional words and phrases are used to enhance the flow of sentences and paragraphs.  (Examples: in addition to, moreover, on the contrary, etc.)

Vocabulary:

The book contains at least seven challenging content-specific vocabulary words.  Words are written in bold-face type throughout the text and defined in a glossary at the end of the book.

Expository Text Features:

Each chapter contains more than two expository text features, and more than three different types are used in the entire book.  Examples: maps, photos, captions, annotations, charts, graphs, timelines, subtitles, and labels.     

Works Cited:

At least 5 sources required.  These are to be documented on the sources page in the book.  Use the proper MLA citation by using our notes from class OR you may use son of citation machine at  http://citationmachine.net/index2.php

Conventions:

The book contains no errors in conventions that have been taught in class.
 

Creativity:

The final draft is exceptionally detailed and can be colorful.  The cover includes an appropriate title, illustration, and author’s first and last name.  Other add-ons can be, but are not limited to a title page, about the author section, fun-facts, dedication, back cover including a summary or reviews.

Remember: Updates and pictures from Dr. Gilchrist's English class can be seen on your digital device throughout the day OR from your computer VIA our class Twitter Site.
https://twitter.com/MrsGilsEnglish

Just another day of Cooperation, Research, and Planning in Dr. Gil's Class

Expository Research in Action

Students today are spending time researching for their Expository Book project.  Today and yesterday have been spent in website validation, examining sources, and recording information found on topics.  They're doing a great job. 

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!