Writing Learning Stations Grades 6–8 English Language Arts series ...

CD-404180Center Activities Whole-Class Instruction Individual Assignmentsu Inferenceu Proofreadingu Editingu Compare/Contrastu AnalyzingVisit learningspotlibrary.com for FREE activities!

Writing Learning StationsTo the TeacherTo the TeacherIn the English Language Arts (ELA) series, students in grades six through eight explorereading, writing, and language in a learning station environment. Learning stations engage studentsin individual or small group activities. Learning stations are an instructional strategy thatcan be used to target specific skills.Each book in the ELA series features five or six units of study. Each unit has a teacherpage that identifies the goal, states the standards, lists materials and setup for the activities, andprovides instructions to be presented to students. Also, there are questions for opening discussionand student reflection. (Note: It is important for the teacher to introduce, model, or reviewthe concepts or skills with the students at the beginning of each unit.)Books in the ELA Series• Reading: Literature Learning Stations, Grades 6–8The units focus on alliteration, rhyme, plot and setting, tone and mood, andpoetry.• Reading: Informational Text Learning Stations, Grades 6–8The units focus on citing evidence, bias, point of view, propaganda techniques,organizational text structures, and text features.• Writing Learning Stations, Grades 6–8The units focus on fact and opinion, characterization, making inferences, proofreading,and dialogue.• Language Learning Stations, Grades 6–8The units focus on punctuation, dictionary usage, figurative language, roots andaffixes, and word meaning.Writing Learning Stations, Grades 6–8, contains five unitsof study. Each unit consists of four to six learning station activities.The activity at each station is designed to create interest, providepractice, and stimulate discussion. These units will help studentsbecome better writers as they learn how to express their opinionsand back them up with evidence, make inferences from photosand literature, analyze characters in literature, write dialogue, anddevelop good proofreading and editing skills. Whenever applicable,media/technology and speaking/listening skills are integrated intothe activity. Handouts are provided as supplemental resources.The units of study in the ELA series are meant to supplementor enhance the regular classroom English Language Artscurriculum. The station activities are correlated to the strands ofthe English Language Arts Common Core State Standards.CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsCommon Core State Standards MatrixCommon Core State Standards MatrixW.6.1W.6.2W.6.3W.6.4W.6.5W.6.6W.6.7W.6.8W.6.9W.6.10W.7.1W.7.2W.7.3W.7.4W.7.5W.7.6W.7.7W.7.8W.7.9W.7.10W.8.1W.8.2W.8.3W.8.4W.8.5W.8.6W.8.7W.8.8W.8.9W.8.10Units ofStudyEnglish Language Arts Standards: WritingGrade LevelFact and Opinion X X XNarrative Techniques: X X XDialogueEditing and X X XProofreadingAnalyzing and Drawing X X XEvidence FromInformational TextAnalyzing and Drawing X X XEvidence FromLiterature© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers.All right reserved.CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsFact and OpinionTeacher PageUnit: Fact and OpinionGoal: Students will be able to distinguish fact from opinion in expository text.Common Core State Standards (CCSS):6th Grade 7th Grade 8th GradeW.6.1. Write arguments to supportclaims with clear reasonsand relevant evidence.W.7.1. Write arguments tosupport claims with clear reasonsand relevant evidence.W.8.1. Write arguments tosupport claims with clear reasonsand relevant evidence.© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State SchoolOfficers. All rights reserved.Materials List/SetupStation 1: Writing Opinion Statements (Activity)Station 2: Writing Fact and Opinion Statements (Activity)Station 3: Fact and Opinion in Advertising (Activity); Comparing Advertisements (Handout)Station 4: Editorials (Activity); a selection of newspaper editorialsStation 5: Recognizing Facts (Activity); a selection of newspapersStation 6: Write a Letter to the Editor (Activity)Activity: one copy per studentHandout: one copy per each student in a groupOpening: Discussion Questions (Teacher-Directed)1. What is a fact?2. How do you know something is a fact?3. What is an opinion?4. What are the signal words that can help you identify opinion statements?Student Instructions for Learning StationsAt the learning stations, you will examine, analyze, and write fact and opinion statements. Discussyour answers with other team members after completing each activity.Closure: ReflectionThe following question can be used to stimulate discussion or as a journaling activity.1. Why is it important to be able to determine the difference between fact and opinion?CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsName:Date:Fact and OpinionStation One: Writing Opinion StatementsDirections: Take a fact and rewrite it as an opinion. Remember, opinion statements sometimescontain signal words such as best, most, or probably. Opinion statements may also containphrases such as I believe, I think, or I feel.Example (FACT):Friday is the last day of the school week.Example (OPINION): Friday is the best day of the week.FactOpinionMount St. Helens erupted in 1980.Grover Cleveland was the only presidentto be married in the White House.Venus and Uranus are the only twoplanets that rotate clockwise.George Washington Carver developedapproximately 300 uses for the peanut.The colors in a rainbow are red, orange,yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.During the American RevolutionaryWar, each state printed its own papermoney.CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsName:Date:Fact and OpinionStation Two: Writing Fact and Opinion StatementsA fact is something that can be proven true with some form of evidence. An opinionexpresses what a person or group thinks, feels, or believes.Directions: Write one fact and one opinion statement for each topic.Example Topic: Nile RiverExample Fact: The Nile is the longest river in the world.Example Opinion: A boat trip on the Nile River is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.1. Topic: Cell PhonesFact:Opinion:2. Topic: TextingFact:Opinion:3. Topic: School UniformsFact:Opinion:4. Topic: Year-Round SchoolFact:Opinion:5. Topic: SmokingFact:Opinion:CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsName:Date:Fact and OpinionStation Three: Fact and Opinion in AdvertisingDirections: Examine the two advertisements on the Comparing Advertisements handout. Fill inthe graphic organizer with fact and opinion statements found on each advertisement.ClaimAdvertisement #1 Advertisement #2FactsOpinions1. Advertisement #1: Do the facts support the claim? Explain your answer.2. Advertisement #2: Do the facts support the claim? Explain your answer.CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsName:Date:Station Four: EditorialsFact and OpinionDirections: Read an editorial and highlight the writer’s opinions. Answer the question, and thencomplete the chart. List the opinions found in the editorial. Do you agree or disagree with thewriter’s opinion? Then tell how you knew that these statements were opinions.What is the issue addressed in the editorial?Opinion Agree or How Do You Know?DisagreeCD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsName:Date:Station Five: Recognizing FactsFact and OpinionDirections: Read a newspaper article. Write the headline and several fact statements found inthe article in the graphic organizer below.FactFactFactHeadlineFactFactFactCD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsName:Date:Fact and OpinionStation Six: Write a Letter to the EditorDirections: Write a letter to the editor of the school newspaper expressing your opinion aboutone of the following topics. Give reasons or evidence supporting your opinion.School UniformsYear-Round SchoolSchool LunchesIn-School SuspensionBullyingExtracurricular ActivitiesDear Editor:Sincerely,(Signature)CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers

Writing Learning StationsFact and OpinionHandout: Comparing AdvertisementsAdvertisement #1Advertisement #2CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers10

Writing Learning StationsNarrative Techniques: DialogueUnit: Narrative Techniques: DialogueCommon Core State Standards (CCSS):6th Grade 7th Grade 8th GradeW.6.3b. Use narrative techniques,such as dialogue, pacing, and description,to develop experiences,events, and/or characters.W.7.3b. Use narrative techniques,such as dialogue, pacing,and description, to developexperiences, events, and/orcharacters.W.8.3b. Use narrative techniques,such as dialogue, pacing,description, and reflection,to develop experiences, events,and/or characters.© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State SchoolOfficers. All rights reserved.Materials List/SetupStation 1: Proofreading Dialogue (Activity); Proofreading Symbols (Handout)Station 2: Punctuating Dialogue (Activity); Guidelines for Writing Dialogue (Handout)Station 3: Writing Conversation (Activity); Guidelines for Writing Dialogue (Handout)Station 4: Analyzing Dialogue (Activity)Activity: one copy per studentHandout: one copy per each student in a groupOpening: Discussion Questions (Teacher-Directed)1. What is dialogue?2. Why do authors use dialogue? (possible answers: develops a character, reveals plot, movesthe story along)Student Instructions for Learning StationsAt the learning stations, you will analyze and write dialogue. Discuss your answer with otherteam members after completing each activity.Closure: ReflectionTeacher PageGoal: Students will be able to write, edit, and analyze dialogue.The following questions can be used to stimulate discussion or as a journaling activity.1. What is the difference between writing dialogue for a story and writing dialogue for a play?2. How does an author use dialogue to develop a story?CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers11

Writing Learning StationsAnswer KeysAnswer Keys*If applicable, answers were provided.Unit: Fact and OpinionFact and Opinion in Advertising (p. 6)Advertisement #1Claim: Motorists love to read billboards!Facts: low-cost advertisingOpinions: best way to reach new customersAdvertisement #2Claim: Proposition B is the best way to make ourhighways safe.Facts: distract drivers; advertise controversial subjectsOpinions: block the beautiful scenery1. Answers may vary.2. Answers may vary.Unit: Narrative Techniques: DialogueProofreading Dialogue (p. 12)4. Alex questioned, “Why is Pluto no longer considereda planet?”5. “What a beautiful day!” she cried.6. “Yesterday,” he interrupted, “I was not in mathclass.”7. “I was absent on Wednesday,” explainedKaren.Analyzing Dialogue (p. 15)1. The words “Tom smirks and munches theapple” reveals Tom’s mischievous nature. Youcan tell he was trying to trick Ben into paintingthe fence for him. The words “I’ll give you myapple” shows that Ben was gullible and fell forTom’s trick.2. The two phrases “He is as black as ebony”and “he is really quite a beauty” explain whythe horse was named Black Beauty.Unit: Editing and ProofreadingProofreading a Business Letter (p. 19)Punctuating Dialogue (p. 13)1. “Andrew Johnson was the 17th President ofthe United States,” said the teacher.2. The school nurse explained, “Low calciumlevels can increase the likelihood of brokenbones.”3. “I learned,” answered Joyce, “some insectscan walk on the surface of the water.”Punctuation, Capitalization, and Grammar(p. 20)CD-404180 ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers44

Look for these Mark Twain Media books for grades 4–8+ at yourlocal teacher bookstore or online at www.carsondellosa.com.*SCIENCECD-404025 Science Tutor: ChemistryCD-404034 Science Tutor: Life ScienceCD-404045 Science Tutor: Physical ScienceCD-404046 Science Tutor: Earth & Space ScienceCD-404050 Learning About CellsCD-404076 Amazing Facts in ScienceCD-404077 Discovering EcologyCD-404091 Life Science Quest for Middle GradesCD-404092 Jumpstarters for Life ScienceCD-404093 Jumpstarters for MeteorologyCD-404094 Strengthening Physical Science SkillsCD-404097 Introducing Physical Science Gr. 4–6CD-404098 Forensic InvestigationsCD-404102 Daily Skill Builders: Physical ScienceCD-404103 Daily Skill Builders: General ScienceCD-404104 Developing Science Writing SkillsCD-404105 Understanding the Human BodyCD-404107 Jumpstarters for Properties of MatterCD-404108 Jumpstarters for Science VocabularyCD-404109 Science Vocabulary Building: Gr. 3–5CD-404110 Science Vocabulary Building: Gr. 5–8CD-404114 Confusing Science TermsCD-404117 Alternative Energy ExperimentsCD-404118 Scientific Method InvestigationCD-404119 ChemistryCD-404120 Simple MachinesCD-404121 Light and SoundCD-404122 Electricity and MagnetismCD-404123 GeologyCD-404124 MeteorologyCD-404125 AstronomyCD-404134 Jumpstarters for Energy TechnologyCD-404141 Using STEM to Investigate Issues inAlternative EnergyCD-404142 Using STEM to Investigate Issues inFood ProductionCD-404143 Using STEM to Investigate Issues inManaging WasteCD-404151 Scientific Theories, Laws, & PrinciplesCD-404163 100+ Science Experiments for Schooland HomeCD-404164 Ooey Gooey ScienceCD-404165 Science Games and PuzzlesCD-404185 Elements and the Periodic TableSOCIAL STUDIESCD-1828 Civil War: The War Between the StatesCD-1829 Greek and Roman MythologyCD-1832 Explorers of the New WorldCD-1835 World War IICD-1860 Democracy, Law, and JusticeCD-1873 Seven Wonders of the World and MoreCD-1887 The American RevolutionCD-1899 HolocaustCD-1309 ElectionsCD-1318 Basic EconomicsCD-1326 Personal FinanceCD-1336 U.S. History MapsCD-1360 U.S. Constitution: Preparing for the TestCD-1361 50 U.S. States and TerritoriesCD-1385 Amazing Facts in U.S. HistoryCD-1392 Constitutional PuzzlersCD-1550 We the People: Government in AmericaCD-1572 Understanding Investment/Stock MarketCD-1584 Amazing Facts in World HistoryCD-404026 Jumpstarters for U.S. HistoryCD-404031 Jumpstarters for the U.S. ConstitutionCD-404036 U.S. History: People Who Helped Makethe Republic Great: 1620–PresentCD-404037 U.S. History: Inventors, Scientists,Artists, & AuthorsCD-404039 U.S. History: People and Events:1607–1865CD-404040 U.S. History: People and Events:1865–PresentCD-404080 Jumpstarters for World HistoryCD-404096 Economic LiteracyCD-404099 Jumpstarters for U.S. GovernmentCD-404100 Understanding the U.S. ConstitutionCD-404129 Jumpstarters for African-AmericanHistoryCD-404136 U.S. Presidents: Past & PresentCD-404137 Exploration, Revolution, andConstitutionCD-404138 Westward Expansion and MigrationCD-404139 Slavery, Civil War, and ReconstructionCD-404140 Industrialization Through the GreatDepressionCD-404150 World GovernmentsCD-404157 Medieval TimesCD-404158 RenaissanceCD-404159 World Civilizations and CulturesCD-404160 Egypt and the Middle EastCD-404161 Greek and Roman CivilizationsCD-404162 Mayan, Incan, and Aztec CivilizationsCD-404168 Economics and YouGEOGRAPHYCD-1551 World GeographyCD-1573–CD-1576 Discovering the World ofGeography: Grades 4–8CD-404060 Jumpstarters for GeographyCD-404095 Daily Skill Builders: World GeographyCD-404133 World Geography PuzzlesCD-404169 Map Reading SkillsCD-404170 Exploring AfricaCD-404171 Exploring AntarcticaCD-404172 Exploring AsiaCD-404173 Exploring AustraliaCD-404174 Exploring EuropeCD-404175 Exploring North AmericaCD-404176 Exploring South AmericaLANGUAGE ARTSCD-404008 Diagraming SentencesCD-404011 Jumpstarters for GrammarCD-404012 L.A. Tutor: Capitalization/PunctuationCD-404013 Language Arts Tutor: GrammarCD-404027 Jumpstarters for WritingCD-404035 Lessons in WritingCD-404051 Writing a Persuasive EssayCD-404054 Jumpstarters for Vocabulary BuildingCD-404055 Adventures in WritingCD-404061–CD-404063 Daily Skill Builders:Grammar: Grades 3–6CD-404064 Daily Skill Builders: Spelling & Phonics:Grades 3–4CD-404067–CD-404069 Daily Skill Builders:Vocabulary: Grades 3–6CD-404070–CD-404072 Daily Skill Builders:Reading: Grades 3–6CD-404073 Jumpstarters for Figurative LanguageCD-404078 Jumpstarters for Capitalization &PunctuationCD-404081 Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes,& SuffixesCD-404111 Using Graphic Organizers: Gr. 4–5CD-404112 Using Graphic Organizers: Gr. 5–6CD-404113 Using Graphic Organizers: Gr. 6–8CD-404130 Jumpstarters for AnalogiesCD-404131 Writing: Fundamentals for theMiddle-School ClassroomCD-404156 Grammar and CompositionCD-404148 Jumpstarters for AbbreviationsCD-404149 Jumpstarters for Synonyms andAntonymsCD-404166 Nonfiction Reading Comprehension:Grades 5–6CD-404167 Nonfiction Reading Comprehension:Grades 7–8* CD-404177 Reading: Literature Learning Stations* CD-404178 Reading: Informational Text LearningStations* CD-404179 Language Learning Stations* CD-404180 Writing Learning Stations* CD-404181 Understanding Informational TextFeatures* CD-404182 Comprehending Functional TextSTUDY SKILLSCD-1859 Improving Study & Test-Taking SkillsCD-1321 Library SkillsCD-1597 Note Taking: Lessons to ImproveResearch Skills & Test ScoresCD-1625–CD-1630 Preparing Students forStandardized Testing: Grades 3–8MATHCD-404020 Helping Students Understand AlgebraCD-404021 Helping Sts. Understand Pre-AlgebraCD-404022 Jumpstarters for AlgebraCD-404023 Jumpstarters for MathCD-404028 Helping Students Understand Algebra IICD-404029 Helping Students Understand GeometryCD-404030 Jumpstarters for Pre-AlgebraCD-404041 Pre-Algebra PracticeCD-404042 Algebra PracticeCD-404043 Algebra II PracticeCD-404044 Geometry PracticeCD-404057 Jumpstarters for Fractions & DecimalsCD-404058 Jumpstarters for GeometryCD-404059 Jumpstarters for Math Word ProblemsCD-404074 Math LogicCD-404083 Daily Skill Builders: AlgebraCD-404084 Daily Skill Builders: DivisionCD-404085 Daily Skill Builders: Fractions & DecimalsCD-404086 Daily Skill Builders: Pre-AlgebraCD-404087 Daily Skill Builders: Word ProblemsCD-404088 Exploring FractionsCD-404089 Math Reference for Middle GradesCD-404101 Pre-AlgebraCD-404132 Math Skills Mind BendersCD-404144 Math Tutor: Algebra SkillsCD-404145 Math Tutor: Pre-Algebra SkillsCD-404146 Math Tutor: Fractions & DecimalsCD-404147 Math Tutor: Multiplication & DivisionCD-404152 Math Games: Grades 5–6CD-404153 Math Games: Grades 7–8CD-404154 Basic GeometryCD-404155 Math Projects* CD-404183 Adding and Subtracting Fractions* CD-404184 Multiplying and Dividing FractionsFINE ARTSCD-1890 Music: a.d. 450–1995CD-1891 Great Artists and MusiciansCD-1893 Theater Through the AgesCD-1894 Music of Many CulturesCD-1596 Musical Instruments of the WorldCD-1632 Everyday Art for the ClassroomCD-404135 American Popular MusicHEALTH & WELL-BEINGCD-404079 Jumpstarters for the Human BodyCD-404090 Healthy Eating and ExerciseCD-404106 Jumpstarters for Nutrition & ExerciseCD-404115 Life Skills* CD-404186 Health, Wellness, and Physical Fitness*Denotes New Release