2nd Quarter Reflections

We have reached the end of 2nd Quarter...can you believe it?! Now take a moment to reflect on what you have learned so far. Some questions* to consider:

- Of the books you have read this quarter, which was your favorite? Why?
- *In what area do you think you made your biggest improvements in English Language Arts? 
- *What is something you have accomplished since the new year that you are proud of?
- Where are you in your 40 Book Challenge? 
- *What has been the most challenging part of 2nd Quarter for you and what did/can you do to help overcome this?
- How have your blogs been progressing since August? 
- What strategies have benefited you? 
- What have you learned about the world? 
- How have your research skills improved?

Make sure to include a topic sentence and supporting details that fully support your main idea.

*Question must be addressed

7th Grade Book Talk

Part 1: Written Transcript

·      Tell us the title, the name of the author, and the genre.  (e.g. fantasy, mystery, realistic fiction)

·      Share a summary of the book, including:

Tell us about the setting.  Where and when did the story take place?

Who is the main character in your book?  Describe him/her.

Was there a conflict or struggle that the character had to overcome?

What was the mood of this novel:  funny, sad, exciting?

What was the theme?  (The central idea or lesson about life that the author wants to know.)

***Make sure you don’t give away too much of the plot***

·      Review your book, including:

Why did you like it?  What do you remember most about the book?

Who would you recommend this book to and why?

Why should the viewer want to go out and get this book?

·      Include a photo of your book

Part 2:  Video of your Book Talk uploaded to your blog

TKAM Comparative Analysis

You will be doing a comparative analysis of the written version of To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee to the filmed version of To Kill A Mockingbird. 

Choose two of the follow questions below for your blog this week.

1.  What do you think is the most important difference between the written and filmed version? Provide evidence with specific details.

2. How would you prove or disprove that one version of To Kill A Mockingbird is more affective in delivering its message than the other? Be sure to provide specific pieces of evidence to support your opinion.

3. What is the purpose in having different versions of a story? Think about how different versions contribute to the overall understanding and interpretation of that piece of work. Use specific concepts to support your opinion.

TKAM - Character Relationships

By the close of Chapter 9, Lee has introduced most of the major characters in the book. One way the reader comes to know these characters is through their interaction with Scout. These interactions help to show how each character resembles or differs from Scout.

Characters who reflect aspects of Scout's own character are known as alter egos. Those who are sharply different serve as foils. 

A careful study of these character relationships help to show the network of personalities in Maycomb and how they shape Scout's life.

Think about the two characters in each pair below.  Note at least two ways they are alike and two ways they are different. From there, decide what relationship each has with Scout and what effect they have on her. You only need to choose one pair to blog about.

Character pairs:
1- Dill and Francis
2- Aunt Alexandra and Uncle Jack
3- Mr. Avery and Miss Maudie
4- Miss Maudie and Calpurnia
5- Aunt Alexandra and Atticus

Format:
a. Similarities to each other
b. Differences from each other
c. Relationship to Scout
d. Effect on Scout.

Exploring Nonfiction Reader Response

reader response questions
1- Write a summary of what you read in your book recently. 

2- Copy a short passage that you found to be interesting. Explain what made it interesting for you. 

3- Explain some of the things that you have learned so far that you are not likely to forget in the near future.

Happy Writing:)

TKAM Setting

Review Harper Lee’s descriptions of Maycomb from your novel To Kill A Mockingbird.

You will be selecting a photograph that represents your idea of Maycomb, AL based on Harper Lee’s description.

Incorporating the different criteria from the Visual Literacy Guide, write a thoughtful, thorough, and well constructed response relating the photograph to Maycomb, AL.

Make sure to include:

• The image of the photograph you have selected for analysis (make sure to cite your photograph)
• Your written analysis

Theme Development

Your blog for your 40 Book Challenge this week will focus on theme. You will need to determine a theme and analyze its development throughout the novel. By looking closely at character's actions, the setting, plot events, and/or the conflict, you can identify clues that are written by the author to help teach you (the reader) a message about life or human nature. Start first by looking at your 'Universal Theme' sheet to help you get started.