Self-Starter: Imitating the Grammar of the Greats
Do this on the same paper you used last time for "Sentence Magic."
Directions (part two): Copy each model sentence below and then copy the sentence that can be divided into chunks that match the chunks in the model.
Example: (You don't have to copy this one. Just study it to see how to do the assignment.)
Model: Jimbo danced/all over the place, /clapping his paws, /squalling, /grunting, /and turning somersaults.
Wilson Rawls, Summer of the Monkeys
a. Eventually, the team became better, unified, victorious.
b. Jason skated during the finals, doing figure eights, swirling, leaping, and wowing the crowd.
(If you were doing the one above, you would have copied sentence "b." It matches the model sentence much better than does sentence "a."
Evidence: Both start with a name, both tell next what that person is doing, etc.)
Here are the sentences for you to do:
1. Model (copy this): I decided/ not to open my eyes, / not to get out of bed.
Rosa Guy, The Friends
(Pick which one below matches the model sentence, and copy it, dividing it into the same pattern of chunks used for the model.)
a. Running to catch the bus, I fell and dropped my books.
b. I wanted only to get the best grade, only to be the best in the class.
2. Model (copy this): Soon a glow began/ in the dark, / a tiny circle barely red.
Joseph Krumgold, Onion John
(Pick which one below matches the model sentence, and copy it, dividing it into the same pattern of chunks used for the model.)
a. Then a sound came through the night, a small rustle hardly heard.
b. We planned carefully for the party, wanting it to be a success.
3. Model (copy this): Finally, /I sit on a log, /put my gun at my feet, /and wait.
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh
(Pick which one below matches the model sentence, and copy it, dividing it into the same pattern of chunks used for the model.)
a. Wondering what to do next, I just lean against the wall and stare into the sky.
b. Occasionally, I walk down the path, carry my camera around my neck, and look.
Here's what we're doing today after the self-starter.
1. Spelling Practice
Hand in your Personal Spelling Survival List if you didn't last time.
Select one of your spelling words (one you haven't yet mastered) for this week to use as we practice the procedure.
2. Writing a Paragraph
Write a paragraph using the classmate interviews we completed last time.
Receive your interview paper back. Read the directions and carefully follow the instructions to write a paragraph comparing or contrasting yourself with other students in the class.
Periods A1 and A2 finished their paragraphs. Periods A3 and A4 will have about 10 minutes next time to finish theirs.
Reminders: Spelling test Friday.
Make sure you have your binder with four dividers (goals, reading, writing, word work) by Friday.
You should have handed in your disclosure document by Friday.
