Starfish English Language Arts

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Starfish Students and Parents,

We have a unique opportunity for an excellent novel verses film comparison during this holiday season.  This comparison contrast activity promotes reading and writing skills expected of seventh graders.  As you may know, Marley: A Dog Like No Other, has been made into a film, Marley and Me, which will be released Christmas Day.  We are waiting final word from Atlantic Station Cinemas, but it seems as though we may take a field trip to view the film Marley and Me upon our return from the holiday break.

            All Starfish students will be required to read a novel and complete a film review to successfully complete our comparison contrast reading writing adventure.  I strongly suggest that students secure a personal copy of the novel of their choice to make their text references stronger.  As a team, they will have an opportunity to view Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Marley and Me.  During the holiday season, students have access to view a classic A Christmas Carol in a variety of formats via TV from home.   These works of literature are available for purchase through Scholastic Tab, which typically has the most reasonable prices.  Marley: A Dog Like No Other is available in the October tab for $7.  We will have class discussions on this humorous novel, and of the 3, I believe this one will be a delight for all.   Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is available in the November tab for $4 ~ an absolute steal.  This marvelous work of literature includes an intriguing plot for readers of all ages to enjoy.  A Christmas Carol is available in the November tab for $1, and this is a classic work of literature.  It is a mere 144 pages, but may prove challenging due to the context in which it was written.  I have updated the book ordering link on my blog under breaking news.   There is a Parent Intro letter to inform you about this safe way to order books through Scholastic Tab.  Due to wanting to get the texts into the students’ hands as quickly as possible, this option will be available now through Friday until 3:30 pm.  I will submit the order then, so that we may receive the books by Wednesday, December 10, 2008.  Of course, purchasing the novel is not a requirement, just strongly encouraged for the benefit of highlighting text, making notes, and providing a tool for their argumentative piece comparing and contrasting a novel and film review.  The library has limited copies, and I plan to order some for our classroom.  If you are able to sponsor a less fortunate child, you can simply order two or send in additional dollars.  You can order on-line through the link on the blog or by sending the money in with your child.  You are welcome to peruse local entities for these titles, but remember every dollar we spend with Scholastic Tab earns our team points.  These points are used to purchase the most up-to-date, hot of the press young adult literature to further the reading comprehension of our Starfish students.  Thank you for your support of our reading and writing adventures.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone. 

Respectfully,

Dega Baily Lancaster 

This week, our “Monday” literary focus lesson dealt with types of characters found in literature.  Students were instructed to read and study their notes for a possible quiz.  We have also been working on plot and characters within our writing lessons.  This material is very important not only for understanding literature but also for being able to write literary stories.  Therefore, we will have a rather large test in between Thanksgiving and Christmas covering all of these literary skills.  In the meantime, expect a detailed assessment on characters Tuesday (types of characters (Reading), ways to develop characters (Writing)).  Students can prepare by reviewing their notes and handouts.  They are encouraged to create an on-line study guide right here by asking questions about the material for other students to answer.  This will help them with a purpose for studying by reviewing the material to create questions.  They can further study by answering someone else’s questions without looking at their notes to see if they get the material. 

Students are working on character sketches this week.  They are due tomorrow.