Final 7th Grade Assignments in English

Tuesday, 5/31

- 3rd Independent Reading Review

Wednesday, 6/1

- Wordly Wise 6-10 Test

Thursday, 6/2

- "Power of the Moon" Revision

Monday, 6/6

- Final Portfolio Due

Homework, 5/19 and Beyond

Thursday, May 19

- "Romeo & Juliet" Finish Act 4

Tuesday, May 24

- "Romeo & Juliet" Finish Act 5

Wednesday, May 25

- 8th Grade Only: Revised Power of the Moon Essay

Thursday, May 26

- "Romeo & Juliet" Act 4 and 5 Final Performances

Wednesday, June 1

- 7th Grade Only: Revised Power of the Moon Essay

Putting Together Your Final Autobiography

As we get into the last weeks of the autobiography project, it’s time to start thinking about how to put the book together. The following is a list of materials you will need to put together your final autobiography.

Materials Needed:
• 3-ring binder, 1”-2” capacity
• Package of Sheet Protectors, 3-ring binder ready, letter sized
• Various photographs of you growing up (enough to fill between 5-10 pages of the autobiography and some for the cover)
• Tabs to label each chapter (optional)
• Any additional collage materials you might want for each section and/or the cover
• Final, clean copies of each autobiography chapter. The chapters should be typed, double-spaced and with a clear number and title (i.e., Chapter 1—Family)
• A clean, final copy of your six-word memoir
• A clean, final typed copy of your personal action peom
• A clean, typed, final copy of your Spanish Identity poem (including English translation)
• A typed table of contents, listing the chapters in order

Important Dates:
• All materials for the final autobiography must be brought in by no later than Tuesday, May 17th. If you want to bring them in earlier, there will be a place in the classroom to store all autobiography materials.

YEAH, AUTOBIOGRAPHIES!

Homework for Week of 5/9

Triplets

Thursday, 5/12

- "Romeo & Juliet" Finish Act 3

7th Writing

Tuesday, 5/10

- Autobiography Workshop: William, Khalil, Kai, Cara, Jamie

Friday, 5/13

- Autobiography Workshop: Becca, Altana, Oni, Isaiah, Bradley

8th Writing

Thursday, 5/12

- Prepare for Wordly Wise 6-10 Jeopardy

Thursday, 5/19

- Wordly Wise 6-10 Test

Farm Week Work

7th and 8th Grade

During the farm week, please complete the following work:

"Romeo and Juliet"

- Finish Act II and read Act III, scenes i-ii

- Character/Event Chart for II.v and III.i

Due Monday, 5/9

Final Independent Reading Book and Review

Due for 8th Grade Wednesday, 5/11 and for 7th Grade Monday, 5/16

7th Grade

On Wednesday 5/4 and Friday 5/6, you will have class in the Computer Lab with Alex and Paul. You must have an electronic copy of chapters that you want to revise either in your email or on a flash drive. Those classes will be devoted only to autobiography revision, so please come to class prepared.

8th Grade

Don't forget, your final, beautifully revised short stories are due on Monday 5/9

Revised Autobiography Schedule!

Revised Autobiography Schedule

Wednesday, April 27

- Revised Lesson Learned

Monday, May 2

- Revised Chapters 6 &7

- Six-Word Memoir

Friday, May 6

- Revised of Who Am I?

Monday, May 11

- Revised Six-Word Memoir

- Chapter 9: 20 Years From Now

Note: No Autobiography Chapters Will be Accepted After Wednesday, May 13

Homework for After the Break

Hi 7th & 8th Grade!

While you don't have any work due the day you return from break, there will be work due later in that week.

Triplets

Thursday, 4/28

- "Romeo & Juliet" Finish Act 1 and Read Act 2, Prologue, Scenes 1-2

- Character/Event Charts for the following scenes: I.ii, I.iii, I.v, II.ii

7th Writing

Wednesday, 4/27

- Lesson Learned Revised

Friday, 4/29

- Wordly Wise 9 Quiz

8th Writing

Thursday, 4/29

- Wordly Wise 10 Exercises (A-D)

Monday, 5/9

- Final, Beautifully Revised Short Story

Homework for Week of 4/11

Triplets

Thursday, 4/14

- "Romeo & Juliet" Act 1, Scene 1

- Character/Event Chart

- Shakespearean Insult Sheet

7th Writing

Wednesday, 4/13

- "Who Am I?" Chapter

- Workshop: Stef, Mikah, Sophie

Friday, 4/15

- Rewrites of "Free Choice #1" and "A Day in the Life"

8th Writing

Thursday, 4/14

- Wordly Wise 9 Quiz

"Color of Water" Final Blog Post

In what ways have Ruth and James changed over the course of the book? What change is most significant for each of them and why?

Homework for Week of 4/4

*****Power of the Moon Sheets Due Friday, 4/1*****

Triplets

Monday, 4/4

- Color of Water chapters 23-4

Tuesday, 4/5

- Color of Water -- finish book & Final Blog

Thursday, 4/7

- Color of Water Revised Blog Posts Due

Monday, 4/11

- "Power of the Moon" Essay Drafts Due

7th Writing

Wednesday, 4/6

- Free Choice #3 Chapter Due

Friday, 4/8

- Wordly Wise 9 Exercises (A-D)

8th Writing

Thursday, 4/7

- Wordly Wise 9 Exercises (A-D)

"Power of the Moon" Essay

Power of the Moon

Now that you’ve determined what aspect of life in your family operates like the power of the moon, create an essay based on your brainstorm. In The Color of Water, McBride sees “the question of race like the power of the moon” is his family. What, for you, operates the same way?

Fill in this statement: _______________________________________________is like the power of the moon in my family.

Next think about how and why?

• How does this power play a vital role in your family? What examples can you think of that illustrate this power?
• Why is it such an important part of your family? Why is it a silent force?

Assignment: Write a personal essay focusing on the “power of the moon” in your own family. In your opening, present your thinking about what the moon’s power is and how it works as a metaphor in relation to your own family. You should also include a thesis, which in this case is simply stating what that power is and how it operates. Next, in about 3 detailed body paragraphs, provide evidence to show how this power operates in your family. Think of particular moments and stories that work well as examples. Analyze the examples so that it’s clear how they connect to the moon’s silent power. And be sure to wrap it up with a detailed and evocative concluding paragraph.

Tips

Think about the following in planning, writing and revising this paper:

• Use of I – Because this is a personal essay, the use of the personal pronouns like “I” and “me” will be a vital part of your essay.
• Use of Example – Like a formal essay, you will need evidence to support your thesis. This evidence will come from your personal experiences, so include as many vivid and specific details as possible. Show the reader how this power is part of your family.
• Analysis – This essay requires analysis. The analysis will come primarily from asking the question why. Why is the power you mention like the power of the moon? What is at the root of it?
• Language – This essay is like a formal essay in that it requires specific, descriptive language. It also requires avoiding conversation language and words like thing and stuff that tell the reader very little.

First Draft Due Monday, April 11

"Color of Water" Discussion Questions (17-22)

Discussion Question Groups

For Thursday’s class, we will begin with discussion questions created by you. You will be put into groups (see below) that focus on a pair of chapters. Please focus your questions on those chapters. Each group member needs to come up with two discussion questions. One should be a clarifying question, focusing on event, character detail, etc. The other should focus on a more analytical aspect of the book such as theme, character, symbol or a connection between the chapters. Remember that a good discussion question is one that requires evidence, doesn’t have a simple answer and one that reflects careful analysis of the reading.

You must be in contact with your group members ahead of time to be sure your questions don’t overlap!

	Chapters 17-18	Chapters 19-20	Chapters 21-22
Triplet 1	Brittney Louisa Oni William	Brianna Isaac Jamie Rehana	Bradley Camrin KJ Nicholas
Triplet 2	Altana Claudia Quitze Khalil Summer-Grace	Ana Helena Mikah Vaughn	Jack Isaiah Kai W. Rebecca
Triplet 3	Ari Cara Mayo Sophie	Anja Emma Kai M. Kyle	Becca Ian Kira Stef

"Color of Water" Blog Post #4

In what ways do the chapters "The Promise" and "Old Man Shilsky" connect? Why did McBride choose to pair these two chapters together?

Homework for Week of 3/29

Triplets

Tuesday, 3/29

- Color of Water chapters 17-20 & Blog Post

Thursday, 3/31

- Color of Water chapters 21-2

- Discussion Questions (see recent post for details)

- Quiz Corrections Due (mandatory for all scores of 70% or lower)

7th Writing

Tuesday, 3/29

- Lesson Learned Chapter (NEW DUE DATE!)

Wednesday, 3/30

- Wordly Wise 8 Quiz

Friday, 4/1

- Free Choice #2 Chapter Due (NEW DUE DATE!)

8th Writing

Wednesday, 3/30

- Wordly Wise 8 Quiz

Thursday, 3/31

- Object Story: Create a short story, at least 4 pages in length, featuring an object that plays a significant role. The object should work both to move the plot forward and as a significant symbol

Proper Dialogue Format

In memoir and fiction writing, the use of dialogue is a crucial tool in showing information about characters, creating conflict and providing background information. To use dialogue effectively, it's important to understand and incorporate it using the proper format.

Dialogue Format

1. The text and punctuation must be in quotes, particularly of the speaker isn't identified.

Examples

"I am hungry."

"Are you going to the movie with us?"

"This is absolutely ridiculous!"

2. If the speaker is being identified and what he/she is saying is a statement, use a comma at the inside the quotation mark.

Examples

"I am hungry," Sara said.

"This might be a problem," he admitted.

3. If the speaker is asking a question or saying something emphatically, use proper punctuation inside the quotation marks and a period at the end of the sentence.

Examples

"Are you kidding?" she asked.

"That is fantastic!" Mark said.

4. In most instances, a new piece of dialogue means a new paragraph. Examine the following example:

The storm moved closer. Martin looked at the horizon with concern. The clouds grew darker and darker and he moved onto the porch where Melanie stood waiting for him.

"That looks bad," she said.

"You think?" he asked.

"I do," she answered. "The wind is picking up, too. I remember that last storm."

"But that was different."

"How?"

Martin stood still he shrugged and looked inside, thinking of the house they had lived in, the tornado that had flattened it only two years before.

"How?" Melanie asked again.

"It was just different."

Notice how, once the two speakers have been established, it doesn't include a he said or she said after each line of dialogue.

8th Grade--"Village 113" Blog Post

In "Village 113" there are a number of significant symbols. Choose one you find especially meaningful and provide a quote and analysis of that quote showing how and why it is a symbol. Please review all post previous to yours to be sure that no quote is used by more than one person.

Homework for Week of 3/22

Triplets

Tuesday, 3/29

- Color of Water chapters 17-20 & Blog Post

7th Writing

Wednesday, 3/23

- Rewrite of Hobbies and Passions

Friday, 3/25

- Wordly Wise 8 Exercises (A-D)

Tuesday, 3/29

- Lesson Learned Chapter (NEW DUE DATE!)

8th Writing

Tuesday, 3/22

- Glen Ligon Trip Sheet and 1-page Response

Wednesday, 3/23

- Finish "Village 113" and answer Blog Post

Thursday, 3/24

- Wordly Wise 8 Exercises (A-D)

"Color of Water" Blog Post #3

In chapter 16 James writes: "I began my own process of running" (138). What does he mean? What examples from this chapter best show how and why Jack symbolically began to run away?

8th Grade Homework--Week of 3/14

Tuesday, 3/15

- Read "The Monkey's Paw" and complete the following questions: Questions and Comments--1-3, 6, 8; Word Study--4-5; Composition--1

English Work During 7th Grade Farm Week (for both 7th and 8th Grade)

ALL WORK DUE ON MONDAY, 3/21

1. Read Chapters 11-16 in The Color of Water

2. Complete Blog Post

3. Bring in 4 discussion questions (written in notebook), 2 for the "Boys" chapter and 2 for the "Daddy" chapter

4. Bring in 2 quotes that reveal how James' perception of his mother has changed in these chapters. Include 2-3 sentences explaining what that change is.

5. Revised Heracles Essay (must also hand in first draft with my comments)

"Color of Water" Blog Post #2

What role does religion play in chapters 5 and 6? In what ways is religion used similarly in the two families? In what ways is the emphasis on religion different?

Homework for Week of 3/7

Triplets

Monday, 3/7

- Color of Water Chapters 5 & 6 and Blog Post

Tuesday, 3/8

- Color of Water Chapters 7 & 8

Thursday, 3/10

- Color of Water Chapters 9 & 10

7th Writing

Wednesday, 3/9

- A Day in my Life Chapter

Friday, 3/11

- Wordly Wise 7 Quiz

8th Writing

Wednesday, 3/9

- Wordly Wise 7 Quiz

- Finish"Surrounded by Sleep" and Answer Questions

"Color of Water" Blog Post #1

There are a number of significant symbols in the first two chapters of The Color of Water. Choose one symbol that you see as especially significant. What is it? What does it symbolize about James, his mother or their families? Use specific examples and/or quotes to support your thinking.

Homework for Week of 2/28

Triplets

Tuesday, 3/1

- Independent Reading Review #2 Due

- Read Chapters 1-2 in The Color of Water and answer blog post

Thursday, 3/3

- Read Chapters 3-4 in The Color of Water

7th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 3/2

- Family Chapter Rewrite Due (include first draft with my comments with the new draft)

Friday, 3/4

- Wordly Wise 7 Exercises

8th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 3/2

- Complicated Character Story Draft: Create an original short story at least 4 pages long focusing on a main character wrestling with a major contradiction within himself/herself. Focus also on a strong a surprising plot and vivid, detailed description.

Heracles Essay

Heracles Essay

The ancient Greeks saw Heracles as a model hero. He completed his labors and was ultimately the savior of both humankind and the gods. Because of his cunning and strength, he was admired and loved. But would he be considered a hero by today’s definition? Is heroism ultimately viewed in the same way over time and culture or does the definition change?

Your assignment is to answer the following questions: Would Heracles still be considered a hero today? Why or why not? What does it mean to be a hero today versus in ancient Greece? In examining the notion of heroism then and now, include an example of a modern-day hero, explaining why she/he is a hero and comparing that hero (and her/his heroic qualities) with Heracles.

Your essay should be about 3 pages long, typed and in MLA format. Like the Outsider Essay you completed in the fall, this is considered a formal essay, so be sure to use clear, sophisticated language and avoid the use of personal pronouns. Also, your thesis statement needs to be both thoughtful and clearly presented in the opening paragraph. In addition, like the Outsider Essay, this piece should include 3 direct quotes (from the Heracles packets and/or other reading about your modern-day hero). Please let me know ahead of the due date if you have any questions!

First Draft Due: Friday, February 18^th

Homework for Week of 2/14

Triplets

Tuesday, 2/15

- Heracles Pink Brainstorm Sheet

Thursday, 2/17

- Heracles Quiz

- Bring Independent Reading Book to Class!

Friday, 2/18

- Heracles Essay Due

Tuesday, 3/1

- Independent Reading Review #2

7th Grade Writing

Tuesday, 2/15

- Free Choice Chapter #1

8th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 2/16

- Wordly Wise 7 Exercises

"The Story of Admetus" Blog

What does Heracles' relationship with Admetus reveal about his character? What larger ideas is it presenting about what it meant to be a hero in ancient Greece?

Homework for Week of 2/7

Triplets

Monday, 2/7

- Read "The Beginning of the Labors"

- Quiz Corrections (mandatory for anyone with a 70% or lower)

Tuesday, 2/8

- Read "The Story of Ademetus" and Complete Blog Post

Thursday, 2/10

- Greek God Day!

Monday, 2/14

- Formal Notes for all 4 chapters in the Labors of Heracles Packet

7th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 2/9

- Wordly Wise 6/Parts of Speech Double Quiz

Tuesday, 2/15

- Free Choice Chapter #1 (New Due Date!)

8th Grade Writing

Monday, 2/7

- Wordly Wise 6 Quiz

Wednesday, 2/9

- Finish "Good Country People" and Answer Questions 1 & 3 and Writing Topics Question 2

8th Grade Writing--"Aguantando" Blog Post

In what moment in "Aguantando" by Junot Diaz does the narrator experience the most significant change? What details, quotes and insights help you to understand this change? How is it that the author changes?

Greek God Day!

Greek God Day!

As part of our study of Greek Mythology, each of you will create and perform a monologue from the perspective of one of the major gods. This monologue is intended to be a creative take on your god. You’ll be using both info we know about the god while also giving us your creative take on a particular Olympian.

Monologue Information

· Create a 3-5 minute (1½-2 page) monologue from the perspective of your god focusing on one or more of the following topics:

o A way in which he or she is misunderstood

o The psychology of your god (why they do the things they do)

o A contradiction in character and/or roles (Hermes, for example both the god of traders and thieves, while others see themselves as both devoted spouses and unfaithful)

o Something she or he could feel conflicted about

o A take on a famous story about them from his or her perspective

o A regret

o Take on a specific relationship she or he has with a mortal or another god

· You will also spend an entire triplet interacting with everyone (the other gods) as if you are your particular Mount Olympian, so come up with at least five questions to ask different gods in attendance

· On the day you present your monologues, you must not only take on the persona of your god, but the look of them too. This means props and costumes!

· While your monologue need not be memorized, you should be comfortable with the text. Please practice so that your face isn’t buried in the paper as you perform.

· Monologues will be performed in class on Greek God Day, Thursday, 2/10

Grading

For the monologue you will be graded on the following criteria:

• Clarity and organization
• Use of relevant detail
• Creativity
• Proofreading/Editing
• Performance (Including Evidence of Practice & Staying in Character for the Whole Class)
• Costumes & Props

Be creative with this project and have fun!!

Homework for Week of 1/31

Triplets

Thursday, 2/3

- Read "The Birth of Heracles" and "The Choice of Heracles" and answer the following questions on a piece of paper"

1. Describe the complicated conception and infancy of Heracles. What themes that we've explored in previous myths are present in this story as well?

2. Describe Heracles. What were some of his strengths? His weaknesses?

3. Heracles is asked to make a choice about "what kind of life yours in to be." What is he asked to choose between? Which choice does he pick? What lesson is this story meant to show?

Thursday, 2/10

- Greek God Day!

7th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 2/2

- "Hobbies and Passions" Chapter

Wednesday, 2/9

- Parts of Speech and Wordly Wise Double Quiz

8th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 2/2

- "Aguantando" Blog Post

Monday, 2/7

- Wordly Wise 6 Quiz

Homework for Week of 1/24

Triplets

Monday, 1/24

- Read "The Story of Prometheus" and answer questions (posted in a separate post on the blog)

Tuesday, 1/25

- Read "Typhon the Terrible" and bring 2 discussion questions to class (written in notebook)

Thursday, 1/27

- Read "The Loves of Apollo," "Athene's City," "Arachne" and "The Origin of the Seasons"

7th Grade Writing

Wednesday, 1/26

- Revised Personal Action Poem

- Autobiography 1^st Chapter: Family

Friday, 1/28

- WW 6 Exercises Due

8th Grade Writing

Monday, 1/24

- "The Landlady" Questions (Questions and Comments-3,6/Word Study-1,2/Composition-1,2)

Wednesday, 1/26

- WW 6 Exercises

Autobiography Schedule--2011

Autobiography Timeline 2011

Each chapter should be at least 3 pages long, but can be longer. All blank spaces denote free choice chapters. Please keep up with deadlines!!

January 26^th (Wednesday) Revised Personal Action Poem

1^st Chapter: Family

February 2^nd (Wednesday) 2^nd Chapter: Hobbies and Passions

February 10^th (Thursday) 3^rd Chapter: ______________

March 2^nd (Wednesday) REWRITE: Family

March 9^th (Wednesday) 4^th Chapter: A Day in My Life

March 23^rd (Wednesday) REWRITE: Hobbies and Passions

March 25^th (Friday) 5^th Chapter: Lesson Learned

March 30^th (Wednesday) 6^th Chapter: ______________

April 4^th (Monday) 7^th Chapter: ______________

April 13^th (Wednesday) 8^th Chapter: Who Am I?

April 15^th (Friday) REWRITES: Chapter 3, A Day in the Life

April 27^th (Wednesday) REWRITES: Lesson Learned, Chapter 6

May 2^nd (Monday) Six-Word Memoir

REWRITES: Chapter 7, Who Am I?

May 11^th (Wednesday) 9^th Chapter: 20 Years From Now

REWRITE: Six-Word Memoir

Week of May 16^th Final Spanish Autobiography Poems

Beginning layout (Bring book, chapters, photos)

May 18^th (Wednesday) Final Autobiographies Due (Reading Practice)

May 23^rd (Monday) Autobiography Share!!!!!

"The Story of Prometheus" Questions

Answer the following questions in detail. Use specific examples, quotes and analysis to support your thinking.

1. Describe the relationship between Prometheus and mankind.

2. On page 33, Prometheus tells his brother: “I must give Fire to mankind, the last and greatest of gifts. But if I do so, I shall incur the terrible wrath of Zeus…Yet even that I will endure—for it is so ordained.” What does he mean when he tells his brother that it is ordained? What dilemma is Prometheus faced with?

3. In this chapter, we also learn the story of Athena’s birth. What was Prometheus’ role in this story? Why did Zeus choose to deliver Athena the way he did? What do we learn about the origin of Athena’s characteristics?

4. What does Fire symbolize in this story?

5. How was Prometheus punished? What is the lesson of his story?

6. After they are given Fire, how does Zeus punish mankind?

7. What does the story of Pandora show us regarding gender and gender roles in ancient Greece?

8. What role does trickery play in this story?

Homework for Week of 1/18

Triplets

Thursday, 1/20

- Independent Reading Book Review #1

- "The Gods" Vocab

7th Writing

Wednesday

- "Lunch at the Biltmore" Questions

8th Writing

- Final MLK Speech emailed to Tom ASAP

Greek Mythology Blog Post #1

Why did the Greeks create and rely so heavily on myths? What significance did these myths have? Next, find an example of a modern-day myth. How is the myth you've chosen significant in a similar way to Greek myths? How is it different?

Farm Week Work -- Winter Trips 2011

During the farm weeks, you will be responsible for a completing a number of independent assignments. All assignments will be due on Tuesday, January 18^th unless otherwise noted.

Triplets

1. Read the entire Greek Mythology Packet 1. After reading the packet, complete the following work:

· Greek Mythology Blog Post #1

· Formal Notes for “Chapter 1: The Gods” (see the back of this sheet for guidelines on how to take formal notes)

· Answer the following questions about “The Coming of the Immortals” and “Hermes and Apollo” (either loose-leaf or typed)

1. As Greek civilization developed, how and why did their vision of the Gods change?

2. Describe the story of Cronus. What does this story show about life in ancient Greece? What is this story meant to explain?

3. Describe the Golden and Silver ages.

4. Describe the story of Hermes and Apollo. What is the significance of the story?

2. Complete first Independent Reading book and Review by Thursday, January 20^th

8th Grade

- During your non-farm week, you should revise your MLK speech each night until it's completely finished

7th Grade

- Personal Action Poem Draft, due Friday, 1/7 for Center and Friday, 1/14 for Front

- "Lunch at the Biltmore" Questions, due Wednesday, 1/19