Week of March 3, 2008

Writers, I know that we been working through another tough unit, the essay. However, I am so proud of the effort that you have been putting forth. It has been showing for awhile. The big payoff is coming soon! You should be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This week, we will be typing, revising, and editing the essays.

Note: Next Monday (March 10) is Literacy/Science Fair Night. So, plan to come out, enjoy, and share your pride with others, while they read your essays. This will be a fun-filled night that no one will want to miss!

Monday, March 3rd
1. Bell work~Do you know when Literacy/Science Fair night is? If so, when? What is it all about/what is going to take place?
2. Writers will be in the computer lab typing the rough draft of the essay.
Homework~Any missing essay writing assignments

Tuesday, March 4th
Bell work~ Word puzzle & What would you say makes an effective essay?
1. Mini-lesson~ “Building a Cohesive Draft”
2. Quiet writing/Conferencing time
3. Partner Sharing~Read your writings and discuss the best way to organize your essay.
4. Wrap up
Homework~Any missing essay writing assignments

Wednesday, March 5th
1. Bell work~How much of your essay have you typed? (1/4 , ½, ¾, or all of it)
2. Writers will be in the computer lab typing their essays.

Thursday, March 6th
Bell work~Would you like to and are you available to help set things up for Literacy/Science Fair night after school tomorrow?
1. Meeting Area Mini-lesson~”Stepping Into Literature”
2. Quiet writing~
a. Writers will write a short paragraph explaining their answers to the following questions:
i. If you could walk in your favorite literary character's shoes, whose would those belong to?
ii. What struggles would you face?
iii. What accomplishments?
iv. Where would the shoes take you?
b. Writers will choose a background (colored sheet), cut out their shoe, and glue their paragraph onto the background.
3. Partner Sharing~Writers will read their paragraphs to each other. Then, volunteers will share their writing with the class.
Wrap up~Clean up and remind students to bring their library books tomorrow.
Homework~Any missing essay writing assignments

Friday, March 7th
1. Bell work~Word puzzle & Are you planning on staying after school today (Friday) to help set things up for Literacy/Science Fair night?
2. We will be going to the library.
3. Students will first take care of their book exchange.
4. Then, continue and finish typing their final draft of the essay.