Language Arts
Newsletter
December 2010
Mrs. Moore's ESL Classes:
Miss Hunton’s Classes:
Ms. Doyen’s Classes:
December kept us very busy with
holiday traditions, symbols and history. We
saw many similarities, and shared cultural
and family traditions with one another. The
class enjoyed some classic pieces of
literature with the likes Charles Dickens' "A
Christmas Carol", O. Henry's "The Gift of the
Magi" and Robert Frost's poem, "Stopping
by Woods on a Snowy Evening".
December was a month
focused on generosity and kindness.
Our class read “The Christmas Carol”
by Charles Dickens together, and
worked on their understanding of
the characters, plot, and story
themes by answering
comprehension questions. We
viewed a Powerpoint presentation
on Victorian England, and learned
about life during those days. We
researched new words, such as bed
curtains and door knockers, and why
these things were important before
the time of electric heat and
doorbells.
We read and
discussed different
holiday stories such as
“The Gift of the Magi”
and “A Christmas Carol.”
The students also read a
play version of “A
Christmas Carol” and did
a great job bringing the
character to life!
Period 3/8 class completed the novel
"Any Small Goodness" by Tony Johnston.
This novel was about a boy growing up in a
rough part of Los Angelos, and how he finds
goodness there in small acts of kindness by
his family, friends, teachers, and even
strangers. The students really got to know
the characters, and could relate to some of
the things the family was experiencing.
We look forward to more reading,
writing and sharing in 2011!!
During the last week of
school before break, we watched the
movie, and discussed the similarities
and differences between the book
and the movie.
We discussed the
common themes found
in many different kinds
of celebrations that
happen throughout the
holiday season. It was a
busy, but exciting,
month!
Mrs. Kagan’s Classes:
During this season of lights, Mrs. Kagan’s Language Arts classes read some classics by Jack London, O’Henry,
and Charles Dickens. Spelling, vocabulary, and literary elements came from these stories. The theme and main idea
were the main focus of journal writings, and classroom discussion. The Internet was used to research background
information on wolves, and the authors of the reading selections. The students enjoyed a hot chocolate delight,
creating a warm enjoyable reading experience around the holidays. Finally, Period1-12 wrote letters with best
wishes and goodwill to a fellow student in the hospital. On behalf of all students in Period ½ and Period 6, Happy
New Year & Happy Reading!
See next page for more news!
Ms. Nylund’s Classes:
Ms. Nylund’s classes are continuing learning the definitions and uses of basic parts of speech. We know
nouns and verbs well, and are currently working on adjectives. In order to get ready for the long, cold winter, and
to practice our adjectives, we will be writing winter poems and then transferring them to snowmen pictures. After
decorating our snowmen’s faces, we will display our adjectives and poems, and see if this activity brings us any real
snow!
We finished our Maniac Magee unit by watching a film that many students had seen before, but still enjoy,
The Sandlot. The film and the novel have many themes in common, including a scary house and a boy brave
enough to enter that property. In order to recognize the variety and format of crossword puzzle clues, we worked
on a puzzle that demonstrated our knowledge of the novel Maniac Magee. Students are enjoying creating their
own crosswords for their second quarter DEAR [Drop Everything And Read] books. The best part is that when you
have typed up all of your clues and answers, you just click on “Create puzzle,” and the website does the grid and
answer key for you.
Happy holidays to all, and a happy 2011!
Mrs. Krauter’s Classes:
During the month of December, we were busy wrapping up our first novels in time for the winter break.
Per. 1-2 finished the Gothic novel Down a Dark Hall. Although a majority of the students enjoyed the story, they
were disappointed with the conclusion. Working in pairs, the students crafted alternate endings to the novel. We
have some budding screen writers in the class! Per. 4-6 thoroughly enjoyed The Great Gilly Hopkins. The class
discovered new meaning to the expression "be careful what you wish for."
We also continued our work on nouns and pronouns. We will be moving on to verbs, adjectives and adverbs
during the next few weeks. We will also be doing some persuasive writing. The New Year will be a busy one as
we have much to accomplish in the next few months.
Ms. Kurek’s Classes:
In December Miss Kurek’s students brought their imaginations into the classroom in many ways. In the
beginning of the month, each child imagined what life would be like living with Autism. After learning and hearing
stories abut Autistic children, each class began reading the novel “Rules” by Cynthia Lord. The novel examines a
twelve-year-old’s life as she copes and cares for her younger brother living with Autism. Along the way, the main
character grows and learns to accept people for who they are. We then ended the month taking a moment to
imagine and write about our “Perfect Snow Day”. As the winter break unfolded, many of the students received
their wish of drinking hot coco in their pajamas, having snow ball fights, building igloos, and sledding!
Mrs. Slattery’s Class:
This month students took a journey to Alaska where they learned the story of “White Fang.” The themes
we discussed included human behavior and how it affects how we act. We also learned about the Gold Rush and
became aware why so many people migrated to that area. Finally, we talked about trust and love and related
that to experiences in our own lives.