Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
OUTSIDE BOOK PROJECT TERM 2
Outside Book Project -- Term 2
Book Talk Assignment
For this assignment, you will choose a book you have not already read that is at least 125 pages long and appropriate to your personal reading level. You will read the book and prepare a Book Talk (oral book report) for the class. You should use a speaking outline or note cards to make sure you cover each point.
Requirements
- Speaking outline or note cards
- Three to five minutes
Procedures
Your Book talk should include the following:
1) Introduction The title, author, publication date of your book; ideally, you will have the book with you to show to the class.
2) Synopsis Briefly summarize the book by telling who the main characters are, what the central conflict/idea is, what the important events in the book are and what you believe the author wants readers to take from the experience of reading the book. It’s best not to reveal too much or tell the ending, especially if you are ultimately recommending the book as a good read. The summary should suggest that you have full knowledge of the book being discussed.
3) Read a passage from the book. This passage should be from a significant moment in the story that describes a main character in some way, illuminates the book’s theme or central idea, represents an important point in the plot, strikingly reflects the author’s style or foreshadows something exciting. In other words, choose a passage that excites the imagination!
4) Connect Consider if the book or its characters relate to other books or movies, your experiences or the greater world.
5) Recommendation Finally, tell the audience if you would recommend the book or not, and explain your main reasons why.
Due Dates:
January 7, 2010 - Choose Book
March 2, 2010 - Present Book talk
Grading Criteria:
-Introduction includes author, title, publication date, and introductory material that draws listeners in to a discussion of the book.
- Book suggests speaker has full knowledge of the book being discussed. DO NOT GIVE AWAY THE ENDING OR ANY SURPRISES IN THE BOOK!
- Recommendation for or against book is supported by at least 3 well-reasoned points.
Passage is read with sufficient energy and explanation. - All behaviors of good public speaking are demonstrated, including sufficient voice volume and modulation, few “umms” and “likes,” use of note cards for outline only (no reading from note cards), eye contact with audience is maintained and speech is 3-5 minutes in length.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Poetry is a form of writing and a genre of literature. We have looked at a variety of poems by West Indian poets, studied poetic devices and written poetry.
Task: You will create a Poetry Book. In your book, you will include the four poems you have written during our course of study:
· A poem about an everyday event (see “Jamaican Market Bus”).
· A poem with at least two personifications (see “Au Bord Le Mer”).
· A poem about where you would rather be (see “Island Man”).
· A poem with a repeating rhyme scheme (see “Sailing Sloop”).
· Any other poems you would like to include.
Guidelines:
The poetry book that you turn in at the end of the unit will contain the following:
A cover including your name, title of the book and a computer generated or hand-drawn illustration.
· Table of Contents
· A final draft of each poem you have created. Be sure there are no spelling errors!
Grading:
Content, Organization, Style and Language Use will be assessed.
Due Dates:
Final Poetry book is due Monday, November 23.
Friday, November 13, 2009
We have been examining narrative poetry by various authors, now it is time to try your own hand!
Task: Plan and write a narrative poem.
Guidelines:
• Content :
o A clear description of the character or characters and the setting
o A conflict and its resolution
o The story should contain plot elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
• Organization:
o Events in logical order
• Poetic Form
o At least five stanzas of four lines each
o A rhyme scheme that is the same in each stanza
• Poetic Language
o At least one metaphor
o At least one simile
o Consider using alliteration, repetition, personification, imagery, rhythm and other poetic devices we have studied.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
7E-Rehearse speech. Poetic Devices wkst. DUE Monday.
7H- Complete questions 4, 5 and 7 on "Behind the swoosh."
8E-Write a brief explanation of the water cycle.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
7E- Finish Stargirl and list three lessons presented in the book.
6E- Identify the parts of speech in the three sentences given in class.
8E-Continue work on persuasive speech. You will have half of classtime on Monday to work on it.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Outside Book Project -- Term 1
Graphic English Assignment
For this assignment, you will choose a book you have not already read that is at least 120 pages long and appropriate to your personal reading level. You will read the book and create a visual that illustrates your understanding of the book. At the end of the term, you will present your visual to the class.Choose ONE of the following project options:
- Graphic Novel/Comic Strip. Create a 12-square comic strip that illustrates the main events of your book. It should include speech bubbles and illustrations.
- Life map. Often, characters take journey – both physical and emotional. Create a map of one of the main characters lives. Be prepared to explain your choices.
- Theme Collage. Cut out magazine pictures to create a collage poster illustrating the themes of the book. Then write an explanation describing how the themes are emphasized in the book and how the magazine pictures relate to the book.
- Book Jacket. Create a new book jacket for the book. Write a summary of the book on the back cover, and write an introduction to the book inside the cover. Also, include critic’s quotes.
- Children’s Picture Book. Create a children’s version of the book using your own words and pictures to convey the book’s message.
- Scene illustration. Use the art medium of your choice to recreate the most important scene of the book. Then explain in writing why the scene is an integral part of the plot.
Procedures:
1. Choose a book of any genre that is appropriate for both school and your reading level. If you are unsure about the book, check with Ms.Sprinkle to make sure it is acceptable. Read the book. You will have a bit of time to read in class, but this is mostly to be done outside of school.
2. As you read, think about what project you would like to do. Make notes, pictures, etc. to help the book stay fresh in your mind.
3. Design and create your project. Please note that your project must demonstrate that you have read the entire book.
4. Practice presenting your project to the class.
5. Present!
Grading Criteria: Content and Style & Language Use·
- demonstrates a very good understanding of the topic or theme
- · demonstrates a deep appreciation of the author’s intention and techniques
- · vocabulary is varied and suited to the task
- · Infrequent errors in spelling, pronunciation, punctuation and use of sentences
- · Uses formal and informal language appropriately
Due Dates:Monday, November 9, 2009PRESENT PROJECT!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
- Printed out copy
- Know what you want me to help you with
7E- Read to pg. and write an entry in Stargirl's diary
7H- Bring in your survey questions, research notes and at least 5+ emails of people who live in the BVI.
6V- Stage of Grieving Chart DUE
6E-Continue work on researching your essay. You need to write a citation for each source you use. Here are some websites worth checking out:
Websites worth checking out:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
http://www.capitolconnect.com/audubon/
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
RR Log Starters (Class 6V*)
I really don't understand this part
I really like/dislike this idea because
This character reminds me of somebody I know because
This character reminds me of me because
This character is like (name of the character) in (title of book) because
I think this setting is important because
This scene reminds me of a similar scene in (title of book) because
I like/dislike this writing because
This part is very realistic/unrealistic because
I think the relationship between ______ and ______ is interesting because
I like/dislike (name of character) because
This situation reminds me of a similar situation in my own life.
The character I most admire is ______ because
If I were (name of character) at this point, I wouldI began to think
I love the way
I can't believe
I wonder why
I noticed
I think
I observed
I wonder
If I were
I'm not sure
I felt sad when
I like the way the author
I wish that
This made me think of
I was surprised
It seems like
I'm not sure
This story teaches
I began to think of
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
6E-Work on your essay. For Monday, you need to prepare for your conference with me. That means you need a paper copy (typed is a great idea) and think about what section you would like me to help you improve.
7H- Prepare a speech about which Muslim Contribution made the greatest impact on global society. Include the mural.
6V-Identify parts of speech in the 3 sentences given. See the parts of speech reminder below.
Parts of Speech (from Daily Grammar)
Verbs show action or state of being.
Nouns are the names of persons, places or things.
Pronouns take the place of nouns.
Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns and tell which, whose, what kind, and how many.
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs and tell how, when, where, and how much.
Prepositions must have an object and show a relationship between its object and some other word in the sentence.
Conjunctions join words, phrases, and sentences.
Interjections show feeling and are punctuated with either a comma or an exclamation point.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
7E-Read Ch. 3. Write 3 questions and 1 vocab word.
6V- Research notes and 3 citations (1 print, 1 web, 1 your choice) DUE MONDAY
Websites worth checking out:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/students/
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
http://www.capitolconnect.com/audubon/
http://environet.policy.net/
6E-Read 5+6. Complete 1 RR Log.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
RR Log Starters (Class 6E*)
- I wonder what this means
- I really don't understand this part
- I really like/dislike this idea because
- This character reminds me of somebody I know because
- This character reminds me of me because
- This character is like (name of the character) in (title of book) because
- I think this setting is important because
- This scene reminds me of a similar scene in (title of book) because
- I like/dislike this writing because
- This part is very realistic/unrealistic because
- I think the relationship between ______ and ______ is interesting because
- I like/dislike (name of character) because
- This situation reminds me of a similar situation in my own life.
- The character I most admire is ______ because
- If I were (name of character) at this point, I would
I began to think - I love the way
- I can't believe
- I wonder why
- I noticed
- I think
- I observed
- I wonder
- If I were
- I'm not sure
- I felt sad when
- I like the way the author
- I wish that
- This made me think of
- I was surprised
- It seems like
- I'm not sure
- This story teaches
- I began to think of
8E-No Homework
7E-Rd. the Outsiders to pg. 26. Choose a vocab word and write 3 questions (1 of each type) for the section.
- Text Level: What happened to Johnny?
- Opinion: What outcome do you predict when the Socs surround Ponyboy?
- Connection: Ponyboy describes himself as a loner. Do you know someone who could be described that way?
6E-Rd. Ch. 1 and 2 in Bridge to Terabithia. Write an entry in your reading response log.
7H-STUDY for quiz on the geography of the Arabian Penninsula (WED.) P. 48 in your workbook.
OUTSIDE BOOK PROJECT TERM 1
Outside Book Project -- Term 1
Graphic English Assignment
For this assignment, you will choose a book you have not already read that is at least 120 pages long and appropriate to your personal reading level. You will read the book and create a visual that illustrates your understanding of the book. At the end of the term, you will present your visual to the class.
Choose ONE of the following project options:
- Graphic Novel/Comic Strip. Create a 12-square comic strip that illustrates the main events of your book. It should include speech bubbles and illustrations.
- Life map. Often, characters take journey – both physical and emotional. Create a map of one of the main characters lives. Be prepared to explain your choices.
- Theme Collage. Cut out magazine pictures to create a collage poster illustrating the themes of the book. Then write an explanation describing how the themes are emphasized in the book and how the magazine pictures relate to the book.
- Book Jacket. Create a new book jacket for the book. Write a summary of the book on the back cover, and write an introduction to the book inside the cover. Also, include critic’s quotes.
- Children’s Picture Book. Create a children’s version of the book using your own words and pictures to convey the book’s message.
- Scene illustration. Use the art medium of your choice to recreate the most important scene of the book. Then explain in writing why the scene is an integral part of the plot.
Procedures:
Choose a book of any genre that is appropriate for both school and your reading level. If you are unsure about the book, check with Ms.Sprinkle to make sure it is acceptable.
Read the book. You will have a bit of time to read in class, but this is mostly to be done outside of school.
As you read, think about what project you would like to do. Make notes, pictures, etc. to help the book stay fresh in your mind.
Design and create your project. Please note that your project must demonstrate that you have read the entire book.
Practice presenting your project to the class.
Present!
Grading Criteria: Content and Style & Language Use
· demonstrates a very good understanding of the topic or theme
· demonstrates a deep appreciation of the author’s intention and techniques
· vocabulary is varied and suited to the task
· Infrequent errors in spelling, pronunciation, punctuation and use of sentences
· Uses formal and informal language appropriately
Due Dates:
September 18, 2009
Book selected and approved
Monday, November 9, 2009
PRESENT PROJECT!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Welcome back to school! It has been a pleasure seeing old faces and meeting new ones.
All English Classes- Write me a letter. Include paragraphs about:
-yourself/ your summer
-reading/listening
-writing/speaking
-how you learn best
7th Humanities-
Finish the Geography Challenge questions and the map of Muslim Trade Routes
Friday, May 1, 2009
7H- You are one of the Emporer's most trusted advisors. Write a letter advocating an open or closed -door policy. Be sure to give at least 3 reasons and support them with examples from the previous dynasties. DUE: Wed.
8E- Cultural short stories essay.
7E- Read Ch. 14-16 and define 5 words from the reading
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
TERM 3 OBP- BOOK REVIEW
Book Review
For this assignment, you will choose a book you have not already read that is at least 125 pages long and appropriate to your personal reading level. You will read the book and prepare a book review. Your book review can take a variety of formats, but you will need to cover the same information, regardless of what medium you choose.
Choose ONE of the following mediums for your review:
Article in a newspaper or magazine.
Television segment
Radio segment
In your review, you will need to include:
The book’s title, author and publication date
A brief summary of the book which does not give away any surprises or the ending
The books strengths and weaknesses
Your personal response to the book
DUE: June 3, 2009.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
7E- Memorize lines, actions and responsibilities from pages 224-229.
7H- Revise final draft of research paper. Complete checklist. DUE WEDNESDAY!
8E- Revise final draft of Mystery Summative Assessmetn.
Enjoy your break!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
7E-Read "May" and continue to list expectations
7H- 5 Bibliography cards DUE THURSDAY
8E- Read p. 12-28 in I am the Cheese. Write one of each type of question (see example).
- Text Level: Why is the narrator riding his bike instead of taking the bus?
- Opinion: What do you think happened to the narrator's father?
- Connection: "A" has difficulty recalling a very early memory. What is your first memory?

