Dear ALL of Mrs. Johnson's Classes,

I feel so lucky to have taught you these short few months. You truly are a fantastic bunch of kids. I hope that you all learned from me. I hope you learned things that you can use in school and out of school. I hope you feel smarter, braver, and more fantastic every day, because that is how I will remember you.

I will absolutely be back to visit, and I hope you have a wonderful summer. Good luck in 7th grade. Remember that you'll be an example for all the 6th graders in 2013-2014.

Work hard, hang out with people you admire, and remember that everyone deserves a kind word.

*Double Thumbs Up*

Ms. McKenzie

Here is just ONE example of an essay map that you can use to better format your Maniac Magee essay.

I found this by Googling "essay" map under Images.

Maniac Magee: Character Traits

You have become familiar with many characters in “Maniac Magee” so far. This assignment will require you to think about the character traits we have discussed in class, and how these traits have made impact on the story’s plot.


Directions: Answer the following questions below in proper open-ended response format. R.A.C.E. Remember to use examples from the story to support your answers. (You do not need to provide page numbers since you don't have book)

Your answers should be typed, and you must include a proper heading and title on your paper.


·        Besides the main character Jeffery, which two character have had the greatest impact on the story so far? Why? 

·      Which character has had the greatest influence on Maniac so far? How did this character accomplish this? (The effect can be negative or positive.)

·        In your opinion, how has Jeffrey’s personality influenced his decisions in the story? 

Due Date:
Period
1-2
6-7
Due
5/24/13

Due Date:
Section
3-4
Due 5/28/13 
 
 
* This assignment will count as a 50-pt Language Arts quiz
grade


 

Your Maniac Magee project is going to be due June 7th! Do NOT bring it in late, it will cost you points.

Here's a few points for where you should be on your projects by now. If you haven't gotten this far, exchange emails/messages with your partner and get cracking.

RESEARCH PROJECT

- have a list of family types written down, with a few lines of information about each type
- have images to support your research
- have an idea as to how most people define a "normal" family
- know at least one examples from Maniac Magee in answer to "What does Maniac Magee teach us about home and family?"



STORYBOARD PROJECT (CLICK "READ MORE")

Hello everyone!

Starting next week we will be beginning a brand new novel. The book is titled Maniac Magee and is a truly wonderful story about a legendary boy who has all sorts of touching adventures. In order to really enjoy this novel and my class, you may need to pick up a few supplies over the weekend and beginning of next week.

   - INDEX CARDS
            There will be a lot of vocabulary for this new novel. I will be giving separate vocabulary quizzes. I would suggest purchasing index cards (you'll need at least 100) so you can make flashcards when I tell you to.

- WRITER'S NOTEBOOK
            You may already have one of these. If so, make sure there is no other class's information within, because I will periodically be collecting them. If you do not have a writer's notebook, you will need one. I suggest a marble notebook. I will be giving almost daily writing assignments so this book will be in school everyday.

- POST IT NOTES
            I do not have enough to share with all classes. You need to bring your own to class every single day. We will be using them OFTEN.

- A COPY OF MANIC MAGEE
            Some students may prefer to highlight, underline, or make notes right on the book itself. You can purchase your own copy of Maniac Magee IF YOU WANT. Check out this link here. Otherwise you will be using a BORROWED COPY in class.

Due to the fact that so many students have been remiss about handing in their reading logs (no matter how lenient I was in March), there have been some changes for making period 4. Please click the button to the right ------------- >

And view the new guidelines. Thank you!

Hello everyone, 

Did anyone notice those colorful new plastic bins on the Student Materials table up front? I've gathered some extra practice worksheets for those of you who want to review some things last minute before the NJAsk. I will be talking about them this week. Right now the worksheets are on

• transition words
• sensory details
• similes
  
• metaphors

You have the choice of doing these on your own and having me check them and go over them with you, or we can do them together with a scheduled extra help appointment. 

Secondly, there are now 3 RETURNED WORK folders on the Student Materials desk. If you have not gotten something back from me this past week, check the folder for your period --- they are all marked! -- and see if there is a post-it on top with your name. That means there's something inside the envelope for you! Remove your work and the post-it. I will be reminding students to check the folders often!