ENGLISH EXAM 4-1, 5-1 & 5-2

Dear Parents & Students:

Hello, my name is Mrs. Soto. I will be assisting Mr. Suarez's class for this week.  The English Exam for classes 4-1,    5-1 and 5-2 will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2010.

We will be reviewing vocabulary words, possessive nouns, words ending with -s, -es, -ies and other skills discussed previously with Mr. Suarez.  Also, please have the students review the stories read in class. I will be posting more information as well as the weekly for the rest of the class shortly. 

I look forward in working with your students! Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.

-Mrs. Soto

6-1 & 6-2 PORTFOLIO PROJECT...

Dear Parents and Students:

I want to personally thank all the students of classes 6-1 & 6-2 for completing the Mrs. Soto English Portfolio Project. I have corrected each one individually and graded them. I also wrote notes and messages to each one of you. Please read and as a reminder, the purpose of the Portfolio was for you - the student to answer the questions as best as possible. I wanted to see each of you use your own words. In some cases, I did not.  But, for the most part you all presented great work.  Thank you for cooperating and for sharing "The Great Debaters" with me.  I hope that the message by Samantha, James, Henry and Professor Tolson will stay with you as you continue to grow and mature in your studies. And remember, be a leader, accept people for who they are, and never, ever give up on your dreams!

I'll be seeing you in school since I will be covering Teacher Suarez's class this week. God bless you and again, thank you for all your effort and attention!!

 ;-)  Love, Mrs. Soto

EXAM REVIEW

Dear Parents:

Just a note to let you know that we have been reviewing and preparing for Exam #1, scheduled for Wednesday, February 1.

Students have taken notes to help them study at home. Please encourage them to study their vocabulary words as well as go over the class notes for both stories "Coyote School News" 4-2 and "The Great Debaters" 6-1 & 6-2.

The Portfolio's for classes 6-1 and 6-2 are due on Friday, January 27. I will not except a late portfolio without a valid excuse. Please encourage your child to complete it with the outline and information given to them.

Thank you for your support and cooperation. It was truly a pleasure working with your children these past weeks! I love them all and I am grateful for the time we spent in class. -Sincerely, Mrs. Soto

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

January 23, I will be celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary with my dear husband Eugenio. It has been a long road and we are very grateful to God for blessing us with 5 beautiful daughters and soon to be 9 grand children. Our prayer is to continue to grow old together and to serve God and our family for a long time. In love always and forever!! Here's to 30 more.....

Weekly Jan. 23-27 Class 4-2

Mrs. Soto English Weekly

January 23-27, 2012

Class 4-2

Monday, January 23

• Affixes & Prefixes, Textbook pgs. 232-233 / Workbook pg. 137

• Students will identify Affixes and Prefixes are word parts that are added to the beginning of words by reading story “Writing a Play About History”

• Work together on workbook exercise

Tuesday, January 24

• Irregular Plural Nouns / Workbook pg. 129

• Students will identify Irregular Plural Nouns in a sentence

•  Students will read passage in workbook, answer question and circle the letter of correct answer

Wednesday, January 25

• Poem Writing, Textbook pgs. 250-251 / Workbook pg. 136

• Students will identify that a poem is a piece of writing that expresses the writer’s imagination

• Identify metaphor and rhythm as group read aloud poem

• Students will write a poem and follow with a drawing

Thursday and Friday, January 26 & 27

Exam Review

• Students and teacher will review main ideas of story “Coyote School News”

• Teacher will answer any questions and concerns

• Practice test on 11 vocabulary words

• Review lesson on fact + detail = conclusion practiced in class

Weekly Jan. 23-27 Classes 6-1 & 6-2

Mrs. Soto English Weekly

January 23-27, 2012

Classes 6-1 & 6-2

Monday, January 23

• Poem “Pompeii” – Textbook pg. 258-259 / Workbook pg. 132

•  Students will identify that a poem is a written work arranged in lines that have rhythm, pattern stressed and unstressed syllables

• Continue to identify Action and Linking verbs

• Review Portfolio Project and answer questions

Tuesday, January 24

• Poem – Write a short Poem / Textbook pgs. 258-259 reference

• Teacher will review previous concept of poem writing, student will understand the concept of metaphor as well as identify Action and Linking verbs

• Review Portfolio and answer questions

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday;

January 25, 26 & 27

Exam Review

• Students and teacher will review 20 vocabulary words, discuss main idea of story “The Great Debaters” and answer any questions or concerns

• Review Action and Linking Verbs

• Review and practice test on 20 vocabulary words

• Review definitions for better preparation for exam

•  Review class notes that will assist students in answering questions for exam

QUOTES FOR CLASSES 6-1 & 6-2

  QUOTE #8

"My mission-to make God loved-will begin after my death. I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.
I will send a shower of roses."
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux

QUOTE #9

 "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-Maya Angelou

QUOTE #10 

"It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them."
-Dalai Lama

Reminder that Portfolio Project is due Friday, January 27. That is also my last day with you. Please see me if you still have questions. It was a pleasure being your teaching for these past weeks! 

I leave you with one last quote, my own:

 QUOTE #11

"Never give up on your dreams,

this is only the beginning."

-Mrs. Soto

ENGLISH EXAM 4-2, 6-1 & 6-2

DEAR PARENTS:

I ORIGINALLY TOLD THE STUDENTS THAT THEIR EXAM WOULD BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. 

THE NEW DATE FOR FIRST ENGLISH TEST WILL BE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1.  I HAVE BEGUN TO REVIEW WITH THE STUDENTS TODAY AND WILL DO SO ALL NEXT WEEK. PLEASE HAVE THEM STUDY THEIR VOCABULARY WORDS AS WELL AS REVIEW NOTES FROM THE STORIES "COYOTE SCHOOL NEWS" CLASS 4-2 AND "THE GREAT DEBATERS" CLASSES 6-1 & 6-2.

MRS. FLORES RETURNS TO CLASS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1. SHE WILL ADMINISTER THE TEST AND I WILL ASSIST HER IN CORRECTING.

REMINDER THAT:  FOR 6-1 & 6-2 THE PORTFOLIO PROJECT IS DUE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 27. THE STUDENTS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. IF YOU STILL HAVE CONCERNS, PLEASE SEE ME OR CALL THE OFFICE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING. IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TEACHING YOUR STUDENTS THESE PAST WEEKS.  SINCERELY  - MRS. SOTO

GOOD JOB!

I want to congratulate the 6-1 and 6-2 classes for their excellent debating skills yesterday in the classroom.

I was very impressed on their use of quotes, debate format and their passion for getting their point of view across.  Job well done my sixth graders....Mrs. Soto is very proud of all of you!!!!!

Weekly Classes 6-1 and 6-2

Mrs. Soto English Weekly

Classes 6-1, 6-2 – January 17-20, 2012

Tuesday, January 17

1.     Steps to Effective Debating – Practice Debate

2.     Resolved: Why is Abortion Wrong?

3.     Student will write several sentences in notebook and orally express in front of class supporting views

4.     Student will use quotes; personal feelings; and use proper debate format to win over opponent

Wednesday, January 18

1.     Student will review new vocabulary words, understand definition and meaning

2.     Student will identify order of sequence from story “The Great Debaters” by using Graphic Sources and Timeline of events

3.     Workbook pg. 131 will be done in class

Thursday, January 19

1.     Student will identify Final Syllable Patterns

2.     Workbook page 135 will do in class

3.     Review vocabulary words and spelling

4.     Homework Workbook pg. 140, Final Syllable Patterns

Friday, January 20

1.     Student will discuss with teacher update on Portfolio Project

2.     Teacher will verify if work requested is on track as well as answer any questions or concerns students may have

3.     Review vocabulary words and spelling

4.     Work book page 141 – Coming to America, identify action and linking verbs

Note: First Exam will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Please refer to questions on story “The Great Debaters” plus workbook assignments done this week.  Study material in your notebooks on debate, steps and preparation. Plus the 20 spelling words given and practiced in class. Thank you!!

Weekly Class 4-2 Jan. 17-20, 2012

Mrs. Soto English Weekly

Class 4-2 - January 17-20, 2012  

Tuesday, January 17

Lesson: News Article – textbook pg. 222-223 and work book pg. 130 – Spanish Cowboys

1)      Student will identify sentences that support ideas with simple facts, details and explanations

2)      Student will identify and underline regular Plural nouns after reading aloud News Article short story Brooks School Goes Green

3)      Review definition of Regular Plural Nouns = formed by adding –s or –es to the singular form. Some nouns that end in a consonant followed by a –y drop the –y and add –ies (example: family – families)

Wednesday, January 18

1)      Reinforce previous lesson where student will identify sentences that support ideas with simple facts, details and explanations

2)      Review definition of Regular Plural Nouns = formed by adding –s or –es to the singular form. Some nouns that end in a consonant followed by a –y drop the –y and add –ies (example: family – families)

3)      Review spelling words – practice in notebook

Thursday, January 19

Lesson: News Cast – textbook pg. 227 and work book pg. Irregular Plural Nouns

1)    Student will understand the concept of a Newscast, TV and radio reporter

2)    Student will understand that the purpose of a newscast is to inform the audience about current events

3)    Introduce definition of Irregular Plural Nouns = plural nouns names more than one person, place or things. An irregular plural noun has a special form for the plural (example: child/children  deer/deer, foot/feet, leaf/leaves)

Friday, January 20

Lesson: Draw Conclusions – textbook pg. 230 and workbook pg. 131

1)      Student will understand concept of drawing a conclusion = forming an opinion based on what you already know or on the facts and details of a text by reading short story “Ghost Town”

2)      In workbook student will complete the diagram and answer the questions for facts or details

3)      Review spelling words, regular plural nouns and irregular plural nouns

Exam for Class 4-2 will be held on Wednesday, January 25. Please study vocabulary words as well as summary on story "Coyote School News" copied in student notebook. Also, please study regular plural nouns and irregular plural nouns. Learn to identify and underline them in a paragraph.

For Your Information...

Dear Parents and Students:

I will be posting the weekly tomorrow.  For now just know that on Tuesday, January 17, we will be reviewing the new vocabulary words and moving forward in our text book.  I attended an English Conference today thanks to the NET program which was excellent. It was held at El Faro Parador. I am looking forward in applying the tools given at the conference and continue to work with your kids until Mrs. Flores gets back.

Stay tuned for new lessons this week.....In the meantime, encourage your kids to read books.  One of the main topics at the conference was to incorporate reading at all times.  Good readers will make good writers!

Please have them review their spelling words every day and remind them to bring their English textbook and workbook everyday to class.  Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to a great week!!

Remembering Dr. King...

Dear Parents and Students:

Today, we honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  A man with a vision and a dream. He made a mark in the world and today thanks to his life, many people can enjoy freedom. 

Please join me in prayer as we remember his struggle for equality, his non-violence policy and most of all his faith in God.  Rest in peace Dr. King, your legacy will never be forgotten!!

WELCOME BACK 4-2!

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome back to a new year and a new semester! I hope you all had a good vacation and are now ready to learn a new lesson.  We will be reading the story "Coyote School News" and learning new vocabulary words. Our new words are: roundup, coyote, ranch, mimeograph, piñata, spurs, cowboys, bawling, rattlesnake, wrestled, dudes

Wednesday, January 11

* Read textbook story "Coyote School News"

* Introduce new vocabulary words

* Workbook exercise page 122

Thursday, January 12

* Continue to read textbook story "Coyote School News"

* Workbook exercise page 120 - Facts & Details

Friday, January 13

* Summary and main idea of "Coyote School News"

* Workbook exercise page 130 - Spanish Cowboys

* Drawing: What would you do as a cowboy or cowgirl? (5 pts.)

Mrs. Soto English 6-1 and 6-2

Portfolio Project

I.         Directions

·        It will be your responsibility to maintain a portfolio of topics discussed for the next 4 weeks in our English class.

·        Portfolio will be due on January 27,  2012

·        You will need a 3-ring binder and plastic cover sheets

·        Place handouts given to you in the order described by this outline

·        I will not accept late dates on this project

·        Come to me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this project

II.     Outline

1.     Cover sheet (see attached sample sheet)

2.     Table of Contents

3.     Handouts in plastic cover sheets

4.     Drawings

5.     Debate Rubric

6.     Class notes

7.     Answer the following questions:
         (12 font, Times Roman, double space)

a.     What is the importance of a debate? Explain the steps to a debate

b.     What part of the movie impacted you the most and why? (typed or handwritten, do 3 paragraphs)

c.      What I learned about “The Great Debaters” movie (typed or handwritten, 3 paragraphs)

d.     Pick a quote from the movie and tell me what it means to you. Please use complete sentences. Watch spelling and grammar.

e.     Neatness and organization is very important. Make sure I can read your handwriting if you use cursive. Thank you!

III.      Sample Cover Sheet

Academia Inmaculada Concepción

(Your Name)

"The Great Debaters"

Mrs. Soto English Class

(Class Number 6-1 or 6-2) 

IV.       Sample Table of Contents

i.  Introduction      ……………………………………………..         1

ii.  Handouts           ……………………………………………..         2

iii. Questions          ……………………………………………..         3                

iv. Conclusion         ………………………………………………        4

Remember: this is just an example of what your table of contents may look like. Please make according to your own portfolio. Be creative and have fun!!!

V.       Grading:

Presentation                                    10 points

Organization                                    10 points

Handouts                                          10 points

Questions Answered                     15 points

On time (not late)                              5 points

                                    Total:              50 points

This is an individual project. You must do this on your own. I am here to guide you if you have any questions.  Please see me any time. Good Luck! I know you can do this!!            Mrs. Soto