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		| Student Subject Page | Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 |   Maniac Magee - Jerry Spinelli   This is the story of boy who runs clear across the state of Pennsylvania and what happens to him along the way. Check out these sites to read more about the author and the book The author’s site: http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_002.htm Bio of the author: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/jerryspinelli/about.html Check out this page, designed by a student, to have more fun with the novel: http://atkinson.esu8.org/maniac/Index.htm   Moby Dick - Herman Melville   A classic adventure tale that is very realistic.  Join Ahab as he confronts Moby Dick, the whale. Check out these sites to read more about whaling, the author and the work. Explore the life and works of Melville here: http://www.melville.org/ Visit Melville’s historic home: http://www.mobydick.org/ Read about whaling: http://www.whalingmuseum.org/ Writing This year we will hone our writing skills. Use these websites to help you write polished prose: http://ipl.org/div/teen/aplus/ www.citationcenter.net and www.citationmachine.net Our writing will focus on these skills: Writing Projects Persuasive writing Character study Research reports Book report each marking period Grammar Units Sentence structure Parts of speech 6+1 Trait writing Persuasive writing is a skill that takes time to master. 6+1 Trait writing is an approach to writing that allows writers to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as create a common vision of what 'good' writing looks like. Teachers and students can use the 6+1 Trait model to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness as they continue to focus on improved writing.  This is how the instruction is modeled. Idea/Content: No paper has value without ideas. Ideas should be presented clearly and developed fully with reasons, examples and support from a text. Insightful development of interesting ideas makes a paper great. Organization: Writing should be organized logically and be easy to follow. Word Choice: Precise and effective word choice adds clarity to writing. Sentence Fluency: Sentences should be varied and effective in sound and in purpose. When read aloud, a paper should sound fluent and even rhythmic. Short, stilted sentences impair readability. Voice: This is the personality and conviction of the writer showing through the words. Conventions: Spelling, mechanics, usage, agreement are all conventions of writing. Too many errors in conventions impair readability. Presentation: This is how the paper looks. Is it typed according to a format? Does it have a title page? Presentation affects readability. A rubric sets the standard for excellence for each of these areas. Different rubrics fit different purposes. Some teachers may choose to score a project or paper using only a few of the traits or they may choose to score it using all of the traits. Rubrics: Taken from : NWREL web site. The mission of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) is to improve learning by building capacity in schools, families, and communities through applied research and development. Find out more at: http://www.nwrel.org/comm/index.php   6th Grade also has a book club.