Mrs. Beaudin's Class

Non-fiction: a definition
Non-fiction books are factual. They are based on reality.
They do not have elements of the author‚ imagination.

Incoming 6th, 7 th, and 8 th Graders are expected to read a non-fiction book this summer.

Examples of what to read for the assignment:
Biography
Autobiography
Informational Book
Historical Book

What not to read for the assignment:
Book of Lists (i.e. Guinness Book of World Records)
Catalog
Picture Book
Poetry or Play

Minimum page-number guidelines are as follows:
6 th Grade: 100 pages
7 th Grade: 125 pages
8 th Grade: 150 pages

A multi-paragraph paper, preferably typed, is due on the first day back to school.

Content guidelines are as follows:

1st Paragraph (to be written before reading the book): Why did you choose this book?
2nd Paragraph (to be written before reading the book): What do you already know about this topic?

(Now read the book)
Write a paragraph for each of three (for sixth gr.), four (for seventh gr.), or five (for 8th gr.) new things you learned from you book.

Final Paragraph: How did your opinion about this topic change after reading this book?

Finished product:
6 paragraphs for 6 th Grade, 7 paragraphs for 7th Grade, 8 paragraphs for 8 th Grade

The Frost Free Library will be glad to assist you. They will have extra copies of the assignment. You may also call me at home this summer if you have questions. Enjoy your non-fiction!

Mrs. Beaudin, Middle School Language Arts Teacher phone: 924-3590

Middle School Language Arts – Mrs. Beaudin

Sixth Grade Language Arts

We just finished reading the Newbery Award winning novel Bridge to Terabithia, which was well-received by the class. We had some interesting discussions about the themes of this novel: friendship, overcoming fears, and developing self-confidence. We will finish off the unit by watching the film version of the novel.

Sixth graders will now spend some time working on effective writing skills and grammar. They have enjoyed getting to know their reading buddies in Mrs. Frazier's First Grade. We will continue to read with our buddies every other Friday.

Seventh Grade Language Arts

Seventh Graders have read a number of short stories in the Literature textbook, and are just finishing the short stories they wrote themselves. We took a walking field trip to the Frost Library for the purpose of choosing independent reading books and books for reading buddies. Now these students will have the opportunity to analyze the fiction books they have chosen themselves, and present projects to motivate others to read.

Seventh graders enjoy their time with their reading buddies in Mrs. Fairfield's First Grade every other Friday.

Eighth Grade Language Arts

Eighth graders are finishing writing their researched reports on a topic related to the Industrial Revolution. We learned a lot about life in the mills of New England through reading the novel Lyddie and traveling to the mill museum in Lowell, MA, with Mrs. Pomasko.

Now we'll examine life during the same era, but along the Mississippi River, as we begin the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Students will be exposed to the technique of "Satire" as an effective way to communicate about social issues.

All grades are continuing their study of Vocabulary through Latin and Greek roots. Students have learned over 40 new words so far.

Mrs. Beaudin reminds parents that she welcomes their calls or visits if they have any questions about Language Arts classes. A good time to reach her at school is from 1:00 p.m. on.

Bibliography Help
Bibliography HelpII

Dictionary Help

Visual Thesaurus

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06/2008