Purpose

How do I prepare myself to have a successful year in my humanities class?
Quick Questions September 10, 2009 Thursday

1. Name three words you always capitalize.
2. What do you know now about reading and filling out a job application?
3. What is difference between a friendly letter and a business letter?

Mini-Lesson

Group re-reading of the cover letter. This time we are looking at it as a writer. Ask each group to choose a reader and after reading discuss the following questions. Each group member will write their answers on a half sheet hand-out-which have been pre-numbered.
1. How is the letter formatted? (How are the words put on the paper?)
2. What type of language is used?
3. What topics are included and which are not?
4. What types of words are being used?
5. How does the writer use transitions to move from one paragraph to another?
Students will then be asked to get up and regroup with a partner who has the same number. They will discuss their answers. Then students will regroup again with two partners who have different numbers. One more discussion will be conducted, then students will return to their seats.
Chart the whole class responses to each question, which will be the beginning of co-constructing the rubric.
Independent Practice

Start to craft your own letter, using the job application you filled out yesterday. These will be written in pencil and will be edited for capitalization accuracy.
Grammar

More capitalization: pages 330 and 332 of the All Write book. Chart rules and write a sentence for each one on your Cornell notes.
Homework

Capitalization Worksheet in the California ELA Standards book.