Language Arts

Welcome to the Language Arts Learning Guide!

Reading:

You have been asked to read every day for at least 30 minutes.  After you have read, please choose 1 of the following questions to answer.  Your response should be about 4-6 sentences.

1.    Why did the author want me to read this chapter?

2.    What does the author want me to think about?

3.    How am I different because I read this chapter?

4.    What thought is still lingering after I have finished this chapter?

5.    What one word would I choose to describe this chapter?  Why?

6.    What imprint did this chapter leave on my thinking?  Why?

     Creative Writing:

    Take 30-45 minutes each day to write about a theme.  The first theme is NATURE.  You will take this time to create a piece of writing that reflects the theme.  You can write some poetry, or if poetry isn’t your jam, you can start a short story.  Or, if you’d prefer to keep a journal that records your thoughts during this strange time, feel free to do that.  You could also create a comic strip (with some labels and speech bubbles).  Think about how you use your five senses to experience nature.  Include language that shows how the five senses feel. Remember though, you MUST make sure that your writing has the clear theme of NATURE.  

Take some time, after a few days and re-read .  Decide how you might make it even better.  Are there any words that you could change to make your vocabulary sound more refined?  Perhaps instead of saying "the wind was cold", you could change it to "the biting wind whipped through the swaying trees".  Add some poetic devices to your writing, even if you are not writing a poem.  Below are two creative writing pieces that demonstrate how to keep the theme of NATURE the main focus.

Example 1:

Whipping wind shouts in my ear while,

Ice and cold chill me to my bones.

New falling snow melts on my tongue,

Treating me to a drink so pure.

Each ice crystal, its own unique style,

Reminds me that diversity in number is the definition of beauty.

    By Jen MacInnes

Example 2:

Stella heard the "thwap" of the snowball before she actually felt its icy mass slap across her face. Robert and Michael laughed as Stella slowly removed her glasses and tried to assess the situation.  This was not the first time Stella had been on the receiving end of nasty from "the goon-squad", as she had become accustomed to calling Robert and Michael, but she was determined that this would be the last.  In that icy, wet, dripping moment of displeasure, Stella decided to enact "the plan".

    By Jen MacInnes

    Other Themes:

    HOPE
BELONGING
ISOLATION
THE OCEAN
COMMUNITY

    TECHNOLOGY

    DIVERSITY

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS

    

   Academic Writing

    Take some time to write a "how to" instruction guide on something that you love doing.  Cook books are a great example of writing a step by step guide to something delicious!  We do this in many aspects of our lives, from game playing, starting a new art project, to setting up furniture.  Think of something you love to do, then write a step by step guide giving instructions.

Example:

How to Create a Homemade Card

Creating a card is a simple thing to do.  Plus, creating a card from the heart shows the recipient of the card just how much you love them!  Just follow the steps below to start your journey towards kindness, caring, and gratitude!

Step 1: Choose a piece of paper.  Choosing fresh paper with no marks on it tells the recipient they are worth the extra effort.

Step 2: Fold your piece of paper in half, making sure to match up and align the corners and sides.  A well folded card shows the recipient that they are worth your time and practice.

Step 3: Create a beautiful image or write a kind statement (or both) on the front of your card.  Take time and use lots of colours.  Fill the whole page.  Time spent on a card shows the recipient that you honour them.

Step 4: Write a kind message inside the card.  It can celebrate an event or just tell the recipient how much you care and love them.

Step 5: Make sure to sign your name, or perhaps you would like this card to be from a "secret admirer".  

Step 6:  Remember that giving service to another makes you feel as good as it makes the recipient.  Instead of getting sucked into another hour of screen time, make someone you care about a card.

These simple steps can help you to create positive feelings for all involved.  Giving the gift of a homemade card is a benefit to all!

C