3rd Quarter AR Project #2

The second AR project of 3rd Quarter is due on Feb 27/28: 

Rather than writing a standard book report, you will instead create a book report project that will accurately explain and describe the book that you have read. As always, this project will be equal to a test grade and should be taken seriously. For this project, you will need to read one book. It can be either fiction or non-fiction. After you finish the book, you have the option of completing one of three projects: 

1. Create a diorama of your book. A diorama is a 3-dimension scene from your book. It should include models of the people, places and things that made your book interesting or unique. It should focus on the main events of your book and be easy to understand. You can use whatever materials you would like to construct the diorama, but it needs to be at least as big as a shoebox. You will also need to attach a half page explanation of the scene.

2. Pretend that your book is being made into a movie. Create a movie poster that will convince others to come see the movie. Your poster should be bright, colorful and easy to understand and made on a poster board. Think about other posters you have seen. It should include a picture of the main character and other pictures or descriptions that relate to your book. Make sure to include the names of actors or actresses that might star in the movie. You will also need to attach a half page explanation of the book.

3. Write a letter to the author of your book. Explain at least two things that you did like about the book and mention at least one thing that you did not like in the book. You should give real examples from the book that showcase your point. For example, if you like the descriptions mention how the author described the autumn leaves in chapter six. When you mention something that you did not like, you should offer at least one solution to fix the problem. Your letter should be at least 1½ - 2 pages long and written in professional style.

All projects should include the full title of the book and the author’s name somewhere on the project. Please see me if you have any questions on your options. Good luck!

What's Going on in Writing?

In Writing class, we've officially wrapped up our sentence diagramming unit.  Students did amazingly well on diagramming and I'm so pleased to see how far they have progressed since the beginning of the year.  Those test grades are already posted online.  Next up, we will begin going over some of the specific types of phrases and clauses. 

After finishing our persuasive posters, students are beginning the always exciting City Project.  For this, students are creating their very own city. The town that they create should be the ultimate place to live and work and feature all of the amenities your student feels is important.  So far, they've made a list of the businesses they want to include in their town and are now in the process of laying out the map of their city.  The heart of the project involves students understanding the importance of writing for a purpose - in this case, to attract new residents to their town - and more information will be forthcoming.  (But rest assured, no 3D models will be involved!)

What's Going on in Reading?

We've just finished up our big Poetry Unit.  Students took their unit test and those grades have been published online for three of the four classes already.  Poetry can be difficult, and I was quite proud at how well many students did. 

Over the next two weeks, we are going to be preparing for the ISATs, the annual standardized testing that occurs each spring.  We will be taking time to go over some of the concepts that require a quick review.  Topics will include: synonyms/antonyms/homophones, genres of literature, author's purpose, mood and tone, point of view and context clues.  We will also be going over the format of the test, so that all students feel confident and prepared when we begin testing the first two weeks of March.

The next AR project for Reading is due at the very end of the month.  Students will have some additional in-class reading time to work toward that goal. 

Scholastic Book Orders

FYI: I just handed out new Scholastic book orders, and there's some really great books out right now.   If you want to order, just have your student return the form and money sometime to me next week.  If you need me to wait a bit longer - like your next pay day, for example -  just let me know.  We can make it work!

If you want to order online using a credit card, visit www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and enter a one-time class activation code of H789J.  This will allow you to view the current catalog and order online.

AR Projects Due Jan 25/26

As a reminder, the first of the third quarter AR projects are due on Jan 25/26. Students can create a book jacket, write diary entries, or create a new ending of the book.  You can find the detailed explanation posted back at the end of November if you need it. 

What's Going on in Writing?

Since we've been back from break, students have been busy putting their persuasive writing skills to the test.  They've completed several persuasive letters and essays - including debating whether child beauty pageants were harmful or worthwhile and if gifted students should be moved into higher level classes with much older classmates.  The final persuasive essay and poster project is a topic that your student felt was important to this school or this community.  After choosing his/her topic, your student devised a thesis statement, created a pro/con T-chart, and began drafting their essay.  Now we are typing the essays, beginning to peer edit, and creating the poster portion of the persuasive project. 

Please note: ALL Writing students must bring a poster board to class by next Monday! I've reiterated with your student that I'm not interested in fancy trifold boards or even foam boards. A simple, cheap posterboard is all they need. The instructions for the persuasive poster project is listed below: 

Since most middle school kids aren’t going to stop in the hallway and read a two-page essay about your persuasive topic, you will be creating a fun and eye-catching poster to get them to become interested in what you have to say.

Your poster should include:
 A creative title – not just “Bigger Lockers” or “No AR”
 A catchy slogan that will help viewers remember your topic
 Your typed essay attached to the poster
 Your 3 pros listed somewhere on the poster
 2-4 pictures – no more or no less
 Bright colors and appealing decorations

You will need to present your poster on a poster board. Remember, you can reuse the back of a board that you’ve previously used. You will also be responsible for a short (2-3 minutes) presentation of your poster where you explain your topic, why you think the change is important and your pros for making the change. The presentation counts for 20% of your overall grade, so be prepared. Absolutely no reading directly from the poster – or you will not receive credit for the presentation!!

One last thing:  For this project, students will be doing ALL of the work in-class. I'm very interested to watch them work their way through the project individually and how they deal with potential issues or problems.  Thanks for understanding!

Extra Credit Opportunity in Reading

As a part of our study of poetry, you will have the opportunity to memorize a piece of poetry and present it to the class. You may choose any poem you like – including those from your textbook, ones copied into your notebook, the poem you choose out of my books, or another poem you like – but it does need to be a minimum of 12 lines long.

When you present your poem, you will do so from memory without the aid of notecards. You will first tell us the title and author of your poem and then recite it for us. You will need to provide Mrs. Allen with a copy of the poem prior to your presentation.

You will have the opportunity to earn up to 20 possible extra credit points. Your grade will be based on the accuracy of your memorization and the quality of your presentation. Please speak with emotion and enthusiasm!

You will need to sign up to present your poem Jan 27 – Feb 7. Please see Mrs. Allen if you have questions!

What's Going on in Reading?

The first few weeks of third quarter have been very busy in Reading class.  We've started a new unit on poetry, and the students have been exposed to many different types and styles of poems.  They have written concrete and haiku poems, practiced identifying rhyme schemes and learned about figurative language and sound devices.  Students also took time to look through collections of poetry to find a poem that truly spoke to them. We will be doing some analysis of these poems as well as comparing the poems to the poems chosen by your student's peers. 

Please check out the above post for more information about an extra credit opportunity!

Thank You!

Thank you so very much for allowing me to be part of your child's education this year. I've enjoyed getting to know your student and am excited to see how they will continue to develop throughout the rest of the year.  I also appreciate the support that you provide at home to ensure your student is as successful as he/she can be.  I hope that you and your student have a relaxing and refreshing holiday break.

Sincerely,
Melanie Allen

PS - Thanks also for the holiday gifts! You are too kind :)

New Semester

When we return in January, we'll be beginning a new semester.  To start off the year on the right foot, please encourage your student to:

* Clean out their binder and recycle old worksheets, papers, etc.
* Use some time each day to read an AR book
* Restock their backpack with new notebooks, pencils, pens, and other supplies
* Come back refreshed and ready to learn!