AR Response (Due Friday)

Which AR project stood out to you the most? Which book do you want to read now that you've listened to your peers report on the book they read? Why?

You guys are awesome.
Mrs. K

Independent Reading Project (Due Friday, 12/5)

Independent Reading Project

Here are your options for your independent reading (AR) project. Remember, the main purpose of this assignment is for me to assess your reading comprehension. However, I also want you to be creative and have fun with this! Feel free to email me with suggestions not listed here. Please keep in mind that ALL written projects must be typed, along with your summary.

1. Write a poem about your book. There aren't really any rules with this. The poem may illustrate one of the many themes of the book or address one of the conflicts. It might paint a picture of one of the characters or contrast oppositions in the book. It doesn't need to fit any particular structure and it most definitely doesn't need to rhyme. Just start writing and see what you create! Of course, the poem should be long enough to show reading comprehension. Please type this.

2. Create a children's book. You will basically rewrite your book in simpler terms and use illustrations to help. Feel free to use metaphors and other forms of imagery to tell your story. You must have a minimum of 5 pages to complete the entire plot diagram (introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

3. Rewrite the ending. You may choose to rewrite the ending of your book. You will need to include enough information in this final chapter to show that you have read and understand the book and to give the reader enough information to understand your new conclusion. Please type this.

4. Illustrate your novel. Choose a character, a chapter, or a theme from the book to portray through art. You may complete a drawing, painting, sculpture, or any other form of art. Remember, I must be able to assess your reading comprehension through your project. Type up a brief summary of your book.

5. Create a movie trailer or a scene from the book. This can be done with real footage or with animations. Remember, I must be able to assess your reading comprehension through your project.

Remember, you may not complete the same project as last quarter. Also, be sure to put lots of effort into this. Be creative and have fun!

Prompt: What project have you decided to complete? Tell me all about it. 

Mrs. K

Independent Reading Book Choice (Due Friday, 11/7)

It is time to choose your Independent Reading book for the 1st quarter. The requirements for each quarter are that you read at least 400 pages of a selection which challenges you, complete all check-ins, and present a final project at the end of the quarter to demonstrate understanding of your book. DO NOT CHOOSE A BOOK YOU HAVE ALREADY READ.

Please complete this discussion post by giving me the following information:

-Title
-Author
-# of pages (Find this info on Amazon.com if you have a kindle)
-A brief summary of your book
-Why did you choose this book?

Remember, each response must be at least 50 words and should cover all questions posed. 

Thanks!
Mrs. K

Memoir Specifics (Due Monday)

Some of you have emailed me asking questions about the memoir. Here are the specifics.

The memoir must be 2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font with 1" margins. Include a title. Remember the criteria we workshopped in class: reader engagement, resolution, tone, and the "oh duh" issues. You will submit your timeline, rough draft, and final paper.

Remember that your papers and Independent Reading projects are due on Monday. Email your paper and/or summary to me if you are having printer issues.

I hope you are all enjoying your long weekend but are also working diligently and will be prepared for class on Monday. 

Thanks,
Mrs. K

Independent Reading Project (Due Tuesday, 11/14)

Independent Reading Project

Here are your options for your independent reading (AR) project. Remember, the main purpose of this assignment is for me to assess your reading comprehension. However, I also want you to be creative and have fun with this! Feel free to email me with suggestions not listed here. Please keep in mind that ALL written projects must be typed, along with your summary.

1. Write a poem about your book. There aren't really any rules with this. The poem may illustrate one of the many themes of the book or address one of the conflicts. It might paint a picture of one of the characters or contrast oppositions in the book. It doesn't need to fit any particular structure and it most definitely doesn't need to rhyme. Just start writing and see what you create! Of course, the poem should be long enough to show reading comprehension. Please type this.

2. Create a children's book. You will basically rewrite your book in simpler terms and use illustrations to help. Feel free to use metaphors and other forms of imagery to tell your story. You must have a minimum of 5 pages to complete the entire plot diagram (introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

3. Rewrite the ending. You may choose to rewrite the ending of your book. You will need to include enough information in this final chapter to show that you have read and understand the book and to give the reader enough information to understand your new conclusion. Please type this.

4. Illustrate your novel. Choose a character, a chapter, or a theme from the book to portray through art. You may complete a drawing, painting, sculpture, or any other form of art. Remember, I must be able to assess your reading comprehension through your project. Type up a brief summary of your book.

5. Create a movie trailer or a scene from the book. This can be done with real footage or with animations. Remember, I must be able to assess your reading comprehension through your project.

Mrs. K

Independent Reading Book Choice (Due Friday, 9/5)

It is time to choose your Independent Reading book for the 1st quarter. The requirements for each quarter are that you read at least 400 pages of a selection which challenges you, complete all check-ins, and present a final project at the end of the quarter to demonstrate understanding of your book. DO NOT CHOOSE A BOOK YOU HAVE ALREADY READ.

Please complete this discussion post by giving me the following information:

-Title
-Author
-# of pages (Find this info on Amazon.com if you have a kindle)
-A brief summary of your book
-Why did you choose this book?

Remember, each response must be at least 50 words and should cover all questions posed. It is due by midnight this Friday. I believe I have spoken with all of you who had issues over the summer posting to the site. Remember to check the following:

1. Log into your Google account before posting.
2. Be sure you are using Safari or Chrome. Firefox has issues.
3. Make sure your permissions are open so you have access to the site.
4. Copy your response before you hit submit in case it is deleted.

Avoid trying to post from your phone, iPod, or iPad. If you are still having issues with your home computer, you may use a computer in my room after you finish your bell ringer.

Thanks!
Mrs. K

Discussion Prompt #5 (Due by August 8th)

Wow, I cannot believe the end of the summer is almost here! This is the last blog post for our summer reading of Things Fall Apart. I hope you have enjoyed reading and discussing the book. We will be doing much more of the latter once school starts up later this month.

I am happy to see that many of you took my constructive feedback to heart and really applied it to your posts. Keep up the good work! If you missed a post, be sure to make it up ASAP. 

Before we move on to our discussion, I’d like to take a minute to urge all of you to come prepared to the first day of school. You will need your book and any notes you have taken. Also, you will need a 3-ring binder and 5 dividers. Preparedness is essential to do well in this class.

Now, onto Things Fall Apart.

The final five chapters of the book left my head spinning. So much happened and I was left with so many questions. Did anyone else find Okonkwo’s death sudden and anti-climatic? 

Discussion Questions:

Many changes occurred in the last 5 chapters. Describe how Okonkwo’s reactions differ from his clansmen as the “White men” take over Umuofia. Provide details from the text and incorporate your thought process as you read.

Finally, do you consider Okonkwo a hero? Why or why not? Please be specific here.

Be sure to answer each part of the discussion topic and support your answer by using specifics from the text.

~Mrs. K