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8th Grade English Periods 3 & 4 Assignments

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Past Assignments

Due:

Final AR Points- Note Date Change- Remember this is due by 3:30 as Quizzes are not available after that.

Final AR Points are due-- Last day to take an AR Quiz- Grading Scale can be found in the attachment "Accelerated Reader Assignment."

 

You can access Accelerated Reader during regular school hours through Schoology and only Schoology. Do not just google it; it will not work. Go through Schoology. "Renaissance" can be found on the left side of your English per Schoology page.  

YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ANYTHING, I will transfer your grade from Renasaince Accelerated Reader Reports. You can access ebooks with your public library card.  I am attaching some information regarding that, and pasting some info from the librarian, Mrs. Hamilton, I recieved below: 

Hi Everyone,
 
I wanted to share some information about how our students can get access to e-books and audio books through LAPL. The biggest and best collection of e-books/audio books will be found through Overdrive on the LAPL website. If students have their LAPL student success library cards they can log in and get access now. 

I contacted LAPL to find out what our students can do who did not receive, or who lost their student success library cards. Here is what LAPL is advising our students to do.

If a student doesn't have a physical student success library card and doesn't know their PIN, they can call our InfoNow number at 213-228-7272, verify their name, address and school, and we will look up the student and give them their library card # and PIN. 

If students can not get their account information they can always sign up for an e-card on the LAPL website (They will need parent consent to sign up for an e-card). I created a step by step set of directions on how to get and e-card, and also created a set of directions on how to access Overdrive.

Due:

"Why is Fake News So Effective?' PBS Activity

After understanding the differences of fact and opinion (Fact vs Opinion Intro Assignment), please look at the "Why is Fake News So Effective?" PBS activity.  Do the work and also consider how facts and opinions make a difference in what we view and read.  

Remember, you must have a PBS account and join the class before you can access this assignment.  Please use the same account you used for last PBS assignment.  If you forgot your user name or password, please email me and I will give you that information.  Do not make a new account, unless I tell you to do so.  

You will complete your assignment on the PBS page; you will NOT submit pages to Schoology.  I will transfer your score to Schoology.    

When you open the page, please launch the video/pages.   

Page numbers 1/2 are for you to read only, but please do. It will help you understand the following pages. On pages 3-8, you should complete all of the work. Please click on all buttons to access all interactive pages, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of each page to look for any additional things you should do as some pages ask you to write about what you did. In that case, 3 sentences is considered adequate; more is better and less is frowned upon.    

Page number 9 will be counted as extra credit for this assignment.  You may earn up to 5 ec points for page 9.   FYI- Just writing something in page 9 will not give you 5 points.  Extra credit points will be based on what you write, how you write it, and how well you follow the directions.   

 

Very Important: In order for me to view your work, you must go to page 10 and submit.   You can save your work and return to the page later to continue working.  So, do not submit on page 10 until you have completed all the work.  Please email me if you have trouble getting back in.  Even if you submit, you should be able to get back to the assignment by clicking on the plus sign on the left of the assignment, and then click on "Retake Assignment."  That should let you back in, but it is better to save and not submit until you are finished.  

Contact me if you are having any problems with the program.   

 

Due:

Fact vs Opinion Intro WS

Please read both the notes and view the ppt regarding the words Fact and Opinion.  Then do the attached WS (The file with all the numbers following).  Feel free to put your answers on a separate sheet of paper. 

On your file/paper with your WS answers, please answer the following question in a complete sentence: 1. Is everything that is true a fact?

Due:

Argument vs. Persuasion Quick Write Paragraph

Argument vs. Persuasion Quick Write Paragraph

Please read the notes "argumentsvspersuasivewriting" and view/read the ppt "Argument in Action" slides 1-5 and 10. (The rest does not really apply to this online work)  Notice the subtle differences between an argument piece of text and a persuasive piece of text, such as with an argument you look at the evidence first and then base your claim on that evidence, and with persuasion you generally make your claim first and then search for evidence which supports it.  Both have claims and evidence; they just use them differently.   

After viewing and reading both resources, please compose a well-structured paragraph, beginning with a topic sentence, that responds to the "Quick Write" on slide 2 of the ppt with thoughtful, complete, and accurate statements regarding the differences between argument and persuasion.   

Due:

Readers of LA Video Contest - 30 pts

This week we will be assessing your oral presentation skills.  

Please follow the directions in the attached guidelines, "RLA_Readers of LA Video Contest 2020".  If you want to submit it to the contest, be sure to do that by May 8th directly to the website indicated in the guidelines (You will earn 3 pts EC by entering the contest and turning it in to Schoology to me by May 8th) even though the assignment isn't due to me until May 12th. 

Please see the attached Rubric.  Note that points may be used to assess but think of it holistically.  If you have mostly 4s, you are between 90-100%, mostly 3s you are between 80-89%, and so on.  Also, I am placing more weight on the Presentation Skills portion.  

I have also attached four instructional video links.  You don't need to view them all, but if you are choosing only one, please view "Best and Most Simple" video.

If you are not planning on submitting your video to the contest, it may be up to 3 minutes long.  

 

Presentation Skills Instruction Video
Presentation Skills- Voice
How to Deliver Effective Presentation
Best and Most Simple Effective Presentation ...

Due:

Page 10

Final Page 10 Elements of Poetry Assignment-   REMEMBER THIS ASSIGNMENT NEEDS TO BE COPIED AND PASTED TO SCHOOLOGY AS A SUBMISSION TO SCHOOLOGY AS WELL AS SUBMITTED IN THE PBS ASSIGNMENT.

Again, Remember, you must create a PBS account and join the class before you can access this assignment.  Please look at my the message I sent or Schoology to find directions to do that.

Please be sure to do "Elements of Poetry Pages 2-8" first.

Once done, Choose one of the prompts/assignments listed on page 10. Once completed please copy whichever you did and submit to Schoology for this assignment as well and then go to page 11 and submit. I will not be able to see your work unless you do the final submit. Remember I will be grading page 10 from your Schoology submission and pages 2-8 from the PBS site.

Final Assignment Options:

  • Create a video or visual presentation, like an infographic or collage, for another poem using the “Caged Bird” video as a model. (Also see attached example. For this you choose a different poem than the one's used in the assignment.  It may be one you created or one that you just like or find interesting)
  • Compare and contrast Angelou and Dunbar’s poems. (This may be done in a visual way- using images, video, and words. BE SURE TO COMPARE/CONTRAST, though)
  • Discuss at least two of the literary elements or devices covered in this lesson – imagery, figurative language, symbolism, tone, mood, or theme - to analyze how each contributes to the overall meaning of the poem. (This should be done in essay form.  It may be a 4 or 5 paragraph essay; either way it should contain an intro and conclusion paragraph so 2/3 body paragraphs depending on your choice. ALSO, YOU MAY SUBMIT HERE A 4/5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY FOR ONE OF THE THREE STORIES WE PREVIOUSLY DID; "Tell Tale Heart"- Symbolism, "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" - Setting, tone, mood, or "Thank you M'am"- Characterization.  The nice thing about choosing one of those is that you have already done the work.  Use your WS as the basis of your body paragraphs. Some you can copy word for word if you did it correctly in the first place.)
  • Write about the “caged bird” as a symbol with historical significance. (This may include images, but should mostly be done in a written format- 3-5 paragraphs. Maybe a brochure would work really well)

I am attaching a short video concerning 5 paragraph essay writing and another video of a poetry reading to possibly inspire you in your endeavor.

Posted Mon Apr 20, 2020 at 3:19 pm

 
Poetry Example
Poetry Example
 

 

 
5 Paragraph Essay Video
5 Paragraph Essay Video

Due:

Elements of Poetry (Pages 2-9) PBS Assignment

Elements of Poetry (Pages 2-9) PBS Assignment- This is due to Schoology May 5th, but it is suggested that you finish by this due date in order to have time to do next related assignment Final Page 10 Elements of Poetry Assignment.  AS ALWAYS- READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Remember, you must create a PBS account and join the class before you can access this assignment.  Please look at my the message I sent or Schoology to find directions to do that . 

You will complete your assignment on the PBS page; you will NOT submit pages 2-9 to Schoology.  I will transfer your score to Schoology.  This work should be done by April 28th so as to not overwhelm you.  

When you open the page, please launch the video/pages.   

Page number one is for you to read only.  On pages 2-8, you should complete all of the work.  Be sure to scroll to the bottom of each page to look for any additional things you should do as some pages ask you to write about what you did. In that case, 3 sentences is considered adequate; more is better and less is frowned upon.    

Page number 9 is an assessment. I will give extra credit for this portion. 1/2 pt for correct answers. Please note that the actual assessment/review does not show up immediately; it takes a few minutes to come on page and sometimes I had to go to next page and then back before it popped up.  That is why I am making it EC.

Page number 10 is officially next week's assignment and will not be included in this score.  See "Final Page 10 Elements of Poetry Assignment" for more directions.  Essentially, you will be copying, from your PBS work, just that assignment, page 10, and submitting it to Schoology as well as including it on your PBS account as a back up.  

Very Important: In order for me to view your work, you must go to page 11 and submit.  Please complete page 10 before you submit.  That is why both assignments are not due until May 5th.  To schedule your time wisely, please try to do this part of the assignment (page 2-9) by April 28th.  You can save your work and return to the page later to continue working, but I don't believe you can submit on page 11 and then go back and edit.  So, do not submit on page 11 until you have completed all the work including page 10.  

This will all make more sense when you are on your PBS account and doing the work. 

Due:

Create your PBS Account and Join your Class Period.

Create your PBS Account and Join your Class Period.  The directions and the unique link and code for your class period have both been sent to you as a Schoology message and are pasted in the actual assignment in Schoology.  HINT: The link works only from the message, but you can copy and paste the first line of the URL from the assignment if you'd like. In other words, it is easier to access from the message and that is why I sent it.  In the assignment extra numbers are added randomly, and I don't know why.  So use the message for easier access-  But either way, you must follow the directions in the attached file- very important.  Not attached here- the directions are attached to the message and the assignment.  

Due:

AR Quiz #5- Literature Circle Book

AR Quiz #5- Literature Circle Book - Please take it by this day- You may take it sooner if you like - Further directions below:  Needs to be taken by 3:30 pm
 

You should have finished the book by Wednesday, April 1st.  Please take the quiz as soon as possible so that you do not forget the book and its contents. 

You can access Accelerated Reader during regular school hours through Schoology and only Schoology. Do not just google it; it will not work. Go through Schoology. "Renaissance" can be found on the left side of your English per Schoology page.  

Remember, for this quiz I am not considering points only the percentage correct, but it must be your Literature Circle book.  No other book will count for this assignment.  Also, YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ANYTHING, I will transfer your grade from Renaissance Accelerated Reader Reports. 

Because you can Access AR Quizzes, the points due at the end of the semester will remain.  You can access ebooks with your public library card.  I am attaching some information regarding that, and pasting some info from the librarian, Mrs. Hamilton, below: 

Hi Everyone,
 
I wanted to share some information about how our students can get access to e-books and audio books through LAPL. The biggest and best collection of e-books/audio books will be found through Overdrive on the LAPL website. If students have their LAPL student success library cards they can log in and get access now. 

I contacted LAPL to find out what our students can do who did not receive, or who lost their student success library cards. Here is what LAPL is advising our students to do.

If a student doesn't have a physical student success library card and doesn't know their PIN, they can call our InfoNow number at 213-228-7272, verify their name, address and school, and we will look up the student and give them their library card # and PIN. 

If students can not get their account information they can always sign up for an e-card on the LAPL website (They will need parent consent to sign up for an e-card). I created a step by step set of directions on how to get and e-card, and also created a set of directions on how to access Overdrive.

Due:

Analyzing Characterization WS

 
Analyzing Characterization WS Due Today.  Submitted to Schoology.
 
Using the link above- Watch the video (if for some reason you cannot access it, don't worry it is more enrichment than essential)  After follow the directions below.   
 
Please, first read the story, "Thank you M'am," by Langston Hughes, once for understanding and impact. Then Read the Notes and View the Link (above) before you do your second read of the story.  On second reading, please use the "Characterization Close Reading Analysis" T-Graph, documenting the evidence that details the type of characterization for each character. (This is optional, you will earn extra-credit for submission of the T-Graph(s) 5 pts for each character) If you choose not to do the ex credit, please think about the ideas in the notes and video as you do your second read.  Finally, Analyze both Characters for Characterization by completing the "Character Analyzing Characterization WS" (both sides/pages) with detail, evidence and thoughtfulness. 
 
To do an effective analysis, please include wording from the definition/notes for the "How do you know?" section.  Ex: I know that the author used indirect characterization because he SHOWS the reader that the character is motherly THROUGH HER ACTIONS, not by telling the reader she is "motherly." 
 
 

Due:

Assignment

Poem EXTRA CREDIT - 2 different opportunities Remember April is the National Poetry Month
 
1. Please choose one of the poems below and analyze the diction for tone/mood.  Please use the process that is on the ppt for the "Analyzing Setting" assignment in my website under the 3/29 date. Worth up to 10 pts
 
2. Use the same poem or a different one from the list below and write between 150-300 words describing what the poem means to you and connections you can make to our current situation of sheltering in place.  Worth up to 20 pts.  
 
If you do both, please submit them at the same time in the "Poem Extra Credit" assignment on Schoology
 
Poems to Take Shelter In 

Here is a selection of poems that were chosen from Poets.org by our readers for you to take shelter in: 

“The Days to Come” by Medora C. Addison
“Alone” by Maya Angelou
“Hope is the thing with feathers (254)” by Emily Dickinson
“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
“The Bronze Legacy” by Effie Lee Newsome
“Gate A-4” by Naomi Shihab Nye 
“Patience” by Kay Ryan
“Everyone Sang” by Siegfried Sassoon

Due:

Assignment

You know the score!!!; it's Literature Circle #4 - Reading Completed and Assignment Submitted to Schoology.  Please be sure to read the entire directions on Schoology before you post/reply.  

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Assignment

Analyzing Setting for Mood, Tone and Meaning WS-  Analyze 3 out of the 5 paragraphs on the worksheet.  You must view the Google Slide Show "Analyzing Setting for Mood" below to understand what to do (It shows as a pdf.)  Plus, I model one paragraph on the slides, so if you want, that can be one of your 3, meaning you would only have to do 2 on your own.  It is imperative that you view the Slides!! Remember, you can also find the story in your English Springboard textbook on pg 22, as well as below.

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Assignment

Responses to the Lit Circle #3 discussion questions is due today by 11:59.  Remember read the directions on Schoology completely.

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Assignment

This is optional.  I am going to host a Zoom meeting at 1:30 today. During this meeting, I am going to play an audio version of this week's story, "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh."  I will also have time to answer questions about the mood assignment having to do with this story and any other questions you may have.
 
The only thing you really need to have is the Meeting ID: 878 672 7297  after you follow the link below.  Remember this is optional.  It is for those who want to listen to the story or ask me questions.  
 
JODI HEFFNER is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Audio of "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"
Time: Mar 27, 2020 01:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://lausd.zoom.us/j/8786727297
Meeting ID: 878 672 7297
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,8786727297# US (San Jose)
+14086380968,,8786727297# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 878 672 7297
Find your local number: https://lausd.zoom.us/u/acYksfovgY
 

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Assignment

OMG!; it's Literature Circle #3- Reading Completed and be prepared to discuss :: Please go to Schoology and follow the directions for your "Literature Circle #3 Discussion."  The initial post of the discussion director is due by 3:00 pm today.  All responses are due by Friday 11:59 pm

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Assignment

Your actual work for Lit Circle #3 is due today.  Submit directly to the assignment "Lit Circle #3 Work (Role Assignments)"  on Schoology. Remember Discussion Director's need to submit questions here as well in the discussion.

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Assignment

Please submit your choice for assignment role (job) for Lit Circle #4 by today in the Schoology discussion "Choose LC # 4 Role (Job)."

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Assignment

Watch the "Mood and Tone" movie on Brain Pop, and take the accompanying quiz.  You can find Brain Pop in Clever- On the left side of the front Schoology page (Same place where you find "Renaissance" to take the AR Quizzes.  Please do this BEFORE you read this week's story.  There's nothing to submit.  I will get the score from Brain Pop.

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Assignment

Read the short story, "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" by Ray Bradbury.  This is not actually due today.  You may read it any time after you do the Brain Pop assignment to give you enough time to do the work involved with it.  See later Due Dates.  I just wanted you to notice it and have access to the story by today.  You can find the story in your English Springboard textbook on page 22 or use the attached file. 

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Assignment

"Analyzing Symbolism" Deep Thinking WS - you may write on the worksheet and submit a photo of your work, you may type out the answers and submit as doc.  Either way, try to think as critically as you can. Be a deep thinker.  In your analysis, think of all the ways the symbol was used. Ex: the chairs are symbolic of his confidence.  As his confidence breaks, he literally tosses the chair; therefore, tossing away his confidence as well.   This is due this date, but remember consider this school work.  Your literature circle #3 will be due this coming Wednesday, so just keep reading!!!!

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Assignment

Woo Hoo!; it's Literature Circle #2- Reading Completed and Assignment Brought to Class:: Please go to Schoology and follow the directions for your "Literature Circle #2 Discussion."  The initial post is due by 3:00 pm today.

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Assignment

Please choose your Lit Circle #3 Role Assignment by 11:59 today.  Please go to Schoology and follow the directions for this assignment.  It is first come, first serve, so post early.

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Assignment

Please submit your Lit Circle #2 Role Assignment to Schoology by 3:00 pm 

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Assignment

Deep Analysis of 3 Symbols - Done in Class Today

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Assignment

Read "TTH" in class- Brainstormed Symbols-  Did not analyze symbols yet, only completed 1st column

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Assignment

It's so much fun; it's Literature Circle #1- Reading Completed and Assignment Brought to Class

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Assignment

Draw 3 Symbols- Standard vs Personal Interpretation - Done and Checked in Class

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Assignment

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ethical question ws def-02272020092026.tif

Essential Question WSs (packet)

Essential Question WSs (packet) - Collected in class Thursday.  Due today if did not turn in yesterday. Remember for #2, for each scenario you should have 3 different types of ?s with one being an ethical ?. For #3, you must compose 3 ethical ?s for each scenario.

Due:

L of D #2

L of D #2- Remember definitions in your own words or from class notes are best.  Only use dictionary as last resort.  Find words on home page of Mrs. Heffner's page on Nobel's website if you didn't copy earlier.

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Assignment

Collected Film Notes today

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Assignment

AR Quiz #4- Free Choice

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Assignment

PB in CA Tall Tales presented today- REmember to put on note cared

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Assignment

Rough Draft of PB in California Tall Tale

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Assignment

With Group- Done and Collected in Class-  Use the Venn Diagrams from the previous day to aid in analysis.  Individual Venn Diagrams from Tuesday 2/4 work also collected today.

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Assignment

Create Venn Diagram using either Paul Bunyan Tall Tale or Pecos Bill with its corresponding Informational text.  Done in class Venn Diagram collected Wednesday 2/5.

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Assignment

Done and Collected in Class-  Choose one from Paul Bunyan side and two from Anecdote Selections side.  Answer all five questions for each.  If you were absent, see me if you have any questions.

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Assignment

Text Dependent Paragraph- Prompt "Is PB a Tall Tale Hero?"  - You must use Tall Tale hero characteristics for the reasons and the tall tale for evidence.  Please attach template to your paragraph.

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Assignment

Literal Hyperbole Drawing- Use only a hyperbole from the worksheet (yours or already printed) or from the Paul Bunyan story.  Illustrations should be in color and neat.  The Hyperbole should be written on the front in pen or marker (not pencil).

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Assignment

If you have not finished the Hyperbole Drawing, please bring what you have already, to class today.  There may be time to work on it. 

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Assignment

Reading Book Check in Class Today!!!!  Bring a book, and just keep reading.

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Assignment

Meet in Front of Library Today

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Assignment

Last Day for any AR Quizzes : No points will count after this day!!!!!

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Assignment

Choose Novel Essay to Grade in Class and Collected Back Today - See me if you were absent

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Assignment

AR Quiz #3 on Night

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Assignment

Finish reading sections 7-9 of Night by Monday 12/9

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Assignment

Compose and collect Timed Write #3 see me if you were absent

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Assignment

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Assignment

Collect Agenda #6 (week of 11/11 - 11/18)

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Assignment

Finish reading sections 4-6 of Night by Monday 12/2

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Assignment

Compose and collect Timed Write #2 see me if you were absent

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Assignment

Tentative Due Date for the "Annotated Bibliography: 8th Grade Research Project"  - Start looking at a variety of sources that may answer or connect to your Essential Question.

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Assignment

Finish sections 1-3 of Night by Wednesday

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Assignment

Compose and Collect Timed Write #1 See me if you were absent.

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Assignment

Fill out your Plotting through Memories one Track at Time Worksheet with major events leading to Elie's arrival at Auschwitz

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Assignment

Powerpoint: Building a Thesis Statement

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Assignment

Create an Identity for yourself and for Elie as you read chapter 1

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Assignment

Cover Book

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Assignment

Collect Agendas #5 (week of 10/28-11/4)

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Assignment

Bibliographic Entry Practice wkst

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Assignment

Reading Packet for Night by Elie Wiesel and Background Info

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Assignment

Practice Assess and Reflect - -- Remember to use your notes and to ASSESS the source and REFLECT on the content.  Note:  This is due for those that uploaded to Schoology.  I have not been able to access them to grade.  PLEASE PRINT OUT BY THIS DATE. 

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Assignment

AR Quiz #2- Free Choice  Meet in Front of Library

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Assignment

Web Page Credibility Checklist (CARS)

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Assignment

Sample Essential Questions

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Assignment

Research Project Powerpoint
  • Essential Questions
  • CARS

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Assignment

Single paragraph on Author's Perspective. Select one of the three poems we discussed in class.

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IMG_8086.jpg IMG_8087.jpg IMG_8085.jpg

Assignment

Collect "Author's Perspective" Graphic Organizer -Prospective Due Date- All work will be done in class unless you have been absent.

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Assignment

AR Quiz #1- Per 1,5, & 6 - Author Project Novel    Per 3 & 4- Free Choice - All meet in front of library.

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Assignment

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Assignment

Theme Worksheet #1 (TWS#1) - For "Charles"
 
Period 3 & 4 will finish in class on Wednesday 9/25.

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Assignment

Donation Letter Tear-off

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Assignment

Culturally Relevant "Where I'm From" Poem-  Collected Today if Not Previously Turned IN  

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Assignment

Collected Agendas for Week of 9-2/9-9- Check "Calendar" section (right side, green shaded box) on the home page of my page of Nobel's website if you were absent or are missing any.

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Assignment

Collect Annotated Article-  Done in Class today

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Assignment

"My Grandmother Washes Her Feet in the Sink of the Bathroom at Sears" Poem and questions

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Assignment

Vocab Quiz #1--Study, Study, Study

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Assignment

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Assignment

Expository Paragraph Due
 
Click above to access video
 
Which of the characters do you feel was the most powerful in the Avatar episode? Using evidence from the story to support your decision, respond in a well- developed expository paragraph that includes a topic sentence, evidence, explanations, and transitions. Be sure to provide at least  two examples from the episode to support your answer.

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Assignment

Reading book due in class.

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Assignment

Signed Syllabus