8th Grade: The Challenge of Heroism

This six weeks we will focus on the word "challenge" and examine heroes:  in our personal lives, in literary work, and in the world at large.  You will be introduced to the archetype of the hero's journey and will view various examples of heroes through that archetypal lens.  After exploring heroism, we will then examine the challenges of society as we encounter texts in which individuals take great risks as they struggle to do what they think is right.

What does the word hero mean to you?  Describe someone whom you consider a hero.  **You do not have to provide their name.**  What qualities does this person possess?

Post by October 26

6th Grade: Changes in Your World

It has been said that the only constant in the world is change.  During the first six weeks, we explored how each of you have changed or learned from your experiences.  This six weeks, we will explore how the world around us changes.  We will identify the challenges and choices that you each have made in meeting these changes.  Through fiction, nonfiction, print and nonprint texts (movie clips!!!), we will see how others have dealt with the choices and the opportunities that change can present.

My question to you is this...

What kinds of changes in your school, your community, your country, OR your world are taking place right now?  Explain the change and how it might effect people.

For example, right now our country is undergoing the process of presidential campaigning and elections.  Come November, our citizens will decide who it wants to lead our country.  Depending on who wins, our country could face many political and economical changes which could effect all citizens of this country.

Post by October 26th.

7th Grade: The Giver Response #1

Explain the concept of “sameness” in the novel, The Giver. What is something good that it creates in the community? What is something bad that it creates? Give appropriate examples to support your response.

8th Grade: Analyzing Humor

How do the writer and director create humor?  Write a well developed analytical paragraph that examines the elements of humor-comic character(s) and situations-and the level(s) of comedy in the text.  Explain the intended humor.  Use examples from the text we have studied in class to support your ideas, and use humorous vocabulary words in your analysis.  Post by Friday, September 21st. 

6th Grade: Welcome back to school!

Welcome students to your class blog.  This is going to be an exciting year full of learning.   This blog is our very own online learning community where we can share our ideas and thoughts throughout the year.  So in the spirit of learning, my question to you is this:  If you could learn one thing, what would it be and why? 

For example, if I could learn one thing it would be to play the guitar.  Although I am not musically inclined, I love music and I love the sounds of the guitar.  My brother taught himself while he was in college and failed to teach me within a few short lessons.  I believe he told me that I was not "coordinated" enough.  I would love nothing more that to sit around a campfire and play music for my family and friends. 

So again, what is one thing you wish you could learn and why?