Reading
We will begin new literature groups today and will be reading the Newbery medal award winning novel Sounder, by William H. Armstrong. The story is about a boy and his family who live in the deep South. They are sharecroppers for a wealthy farmer. To make ends meet, the father and son often hunt for raccoons and other animals whose pelts they can sell. They have a wonderful coon dog named Sounder, who is an excellent hunter. A difficult decision is made by the boy's father one day when food gets scarce during the winter. This novel focuses on the family's hardships and life lessons. Then, one day the boy meets someone who will change his life forever.
This week we'll learn about the author and begin reading Chapter 1, using context clues to determine word meanings.
Writing/Grammar
We will be writing responses to literature in our journals with am emphasis on clarity and expression, and vivid language.
Spelling/Vocabulary
Chapter One Vocabulary/ Spelling Words:
1. clapboard
2. rafters
3. calloused
4. chitlins
5. ajar
6. addled
7. whetstone
8. successive
9. heritage
10. briar
11. eloquent
12. persimmon
13. burlap
14. scythe
15. intoxication
16. quarry
17. treed
18. sharecropper
19. attitude
20. desperation
Bonus: tenacious
Assignments:
Monday 4/16 - students will write words in their agendas, noting the parts of speech.
Tuesday - 4/17 word boxes (to become familiar with word meanings) completed in class
Wednesday 4/18 -.students will start writing words in sentences in the context of the story. Due Thursday.
Thursday 4/19 - rough draft of a descriptive paragraph about the boy, the family, or Sounder, using at least five vocabulary words from the list.
Friday 4/20 - spelling SPARKLE!!!
Monday 4/23 - Spelling/Vocabulary test
It is your child's responsibility to keep track of assignments in his or her agenda every day. Please monitor this at home and initial each day to help your child stay organized.
