Dan Adam Lloyd…a 21st century scholar

NOVEL PORTFOLIO for John Steinbeck’s The Red Pony:

A portfolio is a purposeful collection of a person’s work, and there are many kinds of portfolios. Artists keep portfolios of their paintings, drawings and sketches. Architects keep portfolios containing their architectural plans, drawings, photographs, and sample floor plans. You are currently keeping a working portfolio of your writing. The portfolio you are creating now is a single topic portfolio.

Portfolio Requirements:
1. Written journal response to your initial reading of the novel. What things do you like about it thus far? What questions do you have for the author? List your expectations of the book. –one page, typed MLA format
2. Thoroughly written answers to the 10 Study Questions (include HO).
3. Character Descriptions—list, describe, include text support to clearly identify character (see list—10) –typed, MLA format
4. Write a letter to the main character expressing empathy/sympathy/reactions to his/her situation or plight. You must have details and events from the book to get your point across. –one page, typed MLA format
5. Write a letter to the author explaining how the book affected you. Were your expectations met? Were you deceived by the title/cover/characters? Do you have any suggestions? What were your favorite parts? You must have details and events from the book to get your point across. –one page, typed MLA format
6. Cast the novel characters for a movie or TV show and explain your choices. You may use cartoon characters, people in school, and/or actors. In other words, who would play your characters in a movie and why. You must explain the characters’ personalities and why the actor you chose fits. Demonstrate this component via a movie poster.
7. Capture the overall impression (theme, mood, setting) of the novel in a piece of art or a photograph. It must be original; it must be explained in a well written paragraph.
-Bind together with cover page.
-This project should demonstrate evidence of thought and preparation, your comprehension of the novel, as well as your “gift!” Remember, you are gifted!
-Due Date: ¬¬__Monday, 05/14/12_

-Monday, 03/26/12–Have entire novel read, reading guides & characterization chart complete
-Monday, 03/26/12–Reading Comp Test & AR Test over TKAM
-Tuesday, 03/27/12 thru Friday, 03/30/12–view video To Kill a Mockingbird (w/ Gregory Peck)
-Friday, 03/30/12–TKAM Independent Project due (assigned Monday, 03/19/12)

*Including today, only 42 school days left!

One-hundred percent of my students MET THE STANDARD with 18.8% EXCEEDING on this year’s 8th grade Writing Assessment. I am very proud of the work my students and I did on this very important state assessment. Sutton’s over-all school scores were 93% Meeting the Standard with 10% Exceeding.

By Monday, March 05, students should have read through chapter five of my favorite book of all time–Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. I will checking reading guides Monday, too!

This week we will continue our study of The Harlem Renaissance by reading various selections from our African American Literature Anthology. By Friday, you should be able to answer our Essential Questions: 1. How do we define The Harlem Renaissance? 2. Where & when did it take place? Why here? 3. What characterized the period? 4. Who were the artists & writers of the period? 5. What were their styles? How do you characterize their contributions? I hope you enjoy this week’s celbration of our African American Literary Heritage!

*This week’s writing assignment will relate to “Do The Write Thing Challenge.” Answer these questions-How has violence affected my life? What are the causes of youth violence? What can I do about youth violence? Responses should be approximately 500 to 1000 words in length. Written forms of expression such as poetry may contain fewer than 500 words. Entries must by typed in MLA format. Final Copies due Friday, 02/24/2012.

*You should have your copy of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird by Monday, 02/27/2012

We will spend approximately two(2) weeks reading, reflecting, analyzing, and enjoying one of my favorite Shakespeare plays.

Here are the journal topics for the entire play. Each prompt requires a one page–MLA format–typed reflection. Evidence of thought and preparation required.

Journal Topics for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream:
1. What contributions did William Shakespeare make to our literary tradition?
2. Why do young people in love sometimes experience conflict with their parents?
3. Do you think Egeus is justified in being angry with his daughter? Why or Why not?
4. How would you feel if someone you liked suddenly stopped liking you?
5. The sprites speak very poetically. Which image(s) presented by the sprites do you remember the best? Why?
6. How would you describe the character of Puck? What kind of mood does he create?
7. Some critics see Bottom as a fool. Others think he is wiser than he appears. What is your
opinion of Bottom?
8. What lessons about love and infatuation are Shakespeare attempting to teach?
9. Do you think that laughter is a way to deal with the tragedies we experience in life? Explain.
10. Explain quote: “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” -Puck

Make sure you have your completed original poetry anthology and be ready to recite your memorized poem Monday, January 23, 2012

Poetry Anthology Project:

*Items to include:

1. Definition of poetry—How does poetry differ from prose? –paragraph or venn
diagram
2. Name Acrostic—sentences that describe you
3. I Am Poem (HO)
4. Poetry Definitions with examples of how word is used (HO)
5. Simile/Metaphor Poem (minimum of 10 lines with at least one example of a simile &
one metaphor)
6. Cinquain (HO)
7. Concrete Poem (HO)
8. Personification (images of personification—your original work, pics/symbols, cuttings
from magazine
9. Bio Report on favorite Georgia poet—one page MLA formated research report, also
include 5 samples of the poet’s work.
10.Haiku—2 samples—2 originals

*Anthology should be typed, colorful, creative, bound, and most importantly, demonstrate your knowledge of poetry.
*This is a PROJECT GRADE (projects count 40% of your grade)

Top Five Reasons Why Students Should Study Poetry
1. Poetry supports the development of the building blocks of literacy as defined in Put Reading First and No Child Left Behind.
2. Poetry supports the development of writing paradigms, such as The Six Traits of Writing, and addresses needs to raise the standards for writing.
3. Poetry is an excellent venue to teach and reinforce discrete grammar and vocabulary skills.
4. Poetry provides a focus for reading and writing, and helps students learn how to be concise.
5. Poetry supports components defined in brain research such as the importance of searching for patterns, and is an acceptable way for students to express emotions and feelings.

A few Reminders…
1. Get yourself a copy of Cold Sassy Tree by Burns (for annotating purposes)
2. Week 2–January 9–Persuasive Essay Prompt: Should schools be in session all year round? Write a persuasive essay in which you try to persuade readers to agree with your position. Use specific reasons & examples where possible. Required: Pre-writing web or jot list, rough draft w/ obvious corrections made, & a final copy–ALL handwritten with a blue/black pen–due Friday, 01/13/2012
GA Writing Assessment is Wednesday, January 18, 2012
3. Poetry Unit begins Monday!

8th grade Writing Assessment = Wednesday, January 18, 2012

First unit of 2nd Semester = Poetry

First novel of 2nd Semester = Cold Sassy Tree by Burns

2nd period Only:
1. Final copies of original Greek Myths due Wednesday–MLA format–two(2) typed pages.
2. Must read Chpt 13 The Trojan War from Edith Hamilton Mythology Tuesday for HW and be prepared for a reading comp. quiz Wednesday.

3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th period:
1. Final copies of original Greek Myths due Wednesday–MLA format–two(2) typed pages.
2. Must read Chpt 13 The Trojan War from Edith Hamilton Mythology Tuesday for HW and be prepared for a reading comp. quiz Thursday.

ALL classess:
Final exam Friday, 12/16/11–skills based–reading comp and grammar/usage–50 multiple choice questions.