Reminder

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please remember to bring in the third notebook that I discussed in class prior to vacation and what I had on the supply list since September. We will discuss this during class on Tuesday.

421 - For those of you who've been emailing me about the Reflection Outline, here it is:

Recycling, Toys R Us and SCO Reflection

Paragraph One

·         In two or more paragraphs, describe in DETAIL our purpose for recycling. Include how we came to this decision as a fundraiser, when we commenced (began) and when we finished, the support of PS/IS 127 and the types of bottles that were acceptable and not acceptable.  Describe every “special” moment and encounter we had with people on our way to the recycling machine, during our wait (i.e. the singing and begging) and on our way back to the school.  Lastly, discuss how much money we raised from recycling and monetary donations. PLEASE WRITE THIS PARAGRAPH(S) IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF THE EVENTS THAT OCCURRED DURING THIS RECYCLING EXPERIENCE. ALSO USE AN ENGAGING HOOK IN THE FIRST LINE OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

Paragraph Two

·         Describe in detail your experience at Toys R Us (your selection of gifts, your group, etc.) and wrapping the gifts at school.

Paragraph Three

·         Describe in detail your experience at the St. Christopher Ottilie Family Shelter. Think about your feelings before visiting there. What did you anticipate would happen before arriving? What happened when you actually arrived there? Who did you meet?  What did you do there (first, second, last, etc.)? How did the children respond to your visit, your activities, the gifts and your departure? How did this experience meet your expectations?

Paragraph Four

·         Based on what you have learned and your hands on experience, how has this changed your perspective on those who continuously visit the recycling machines for a living to “make ends meet”? What will be your thoughts the next time you see people at the machines on your visit to the supermarket with your family, friends or when you’re alone? What is your attitude towards helping people, especially in our case “by any means necessary”?

Paragraph Five

·         Conclusion- How would you rate your overall experience? Explain why.  What did you like and/or dislike? What would you have liked to be added and/or taken away from this experience? What life lesson did you learn from each experience overall? What other experiences like this do you hope to have? Explain why. When you are in your warm home with family and/or friends this holiday season, what will you appreciate even more having had this experience? Explain why. PLEASE END THIS PARAGRAPH WITH A DYNAMITE CONCLUSION!

Project Based Homework Due on 1.3.12, 1.4.12 and 1.5.12

Hello,

I hope all of you are enjoying your vacation! Please do the following assignments which will be due as soon as you return.

• Please complete the Middle School ELA Holiday Packet provided by the English Department. Read all instructions and articles carefully. For the short answer questions, take details from the articles to support your response and incorporate the question into your answers. Lastly, write the essay using the writing style that I taught you in class: engaging introduction, two body paragraphs (one for each article) and a dynamite and unforgettable conclusion. DUE 1.4.12.
• Class 421 please write a reflection essay about your Recycling, Toys R Us and SCO experience using the outline provided in class. DUE 1.5.12.
• Class 421 and 412, in reference to and inspiration of the movie Freedom Writers, please write a short story about a fictitious character (make believe character) that represents either you or someone else. This fictitious character must be someone who has experienced some struggle, trial, testing, or obstacle in life that made them have heartache and left emotional scars yet somehow something happened to them that made him/her see life differently. It can also be someone who encouraged them to turn their life around. Basically the story should start off with some sort of struggle or bad experience and then gradually develop into a victorious and happy ending. It is at this point of the short story where the character beats and defies all odds that would have kept him/her down. It is at this point where anyone who said that he/she could not amount to anything in life will have to eat their words because he/she is now more than a conqueror. This character is the master of  his/her destiny and future. Please be creative and use quotation marks to identify dialogue between characters. This must be typed (12 font, Times New Romans, double spaced). Think about the WDM short stories you've read in class and the 3 "Hot Picks" (i.e. Snitch) that I provided in class to give you inspiration as to what to write about. Lastly, give your short story a catchy and creative title and it should be 2-3 FULL pages long. Due on 1.3.12. No excuses!
• Class 412 - Those students who did not complete their WDM essays, please make sure you email it to me during the break. If you are handing it when you return to school, it is your choice to either handwrite it or type it (Times New Romans, 12 font, double spaced). NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. AS YOU CAN SEE YOUR WORKLOAD IS A BIT HEAVY. THEREFORE IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO COMPLETE ALL OF YOUR WORK IN A TIMELY FASHION.  DUE 1.3.12
• Class 421 - You will receive your WDM revision lesson when you return to school. Please note however, that yours will be due on 1.5.12.
• All students who are participating in the ABrT competition need to return their permission slips on 1.3.12. Please make sure that your parents can come to the competition.
• ABrT rehearsal will be on 1.3.12 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Competition on 1.5.12 @ 5 pm-6:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH I HAVE PROVIDED DIFFERENT DUE DATES FOR EACH ASSIGNMENT, YOU MUST PROVIDE QUALITY WORK. IT WILL BE COUNTED TWICE AS A TEST GRADE AND I WANT ALL OF YOU TO HAVE A GREAT 2ND MARKING PERIOD GRADE. PLEASE PACE YOURSELF AS YOU COMPLETE EACH ASSIGNMENT. ENJOY YOUR VACATION AND DO YOUR BEST!

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR! : )

Project Based Homework Due 12.12.11

Ms. Karipas's Class 412 - Please have your first draft of your Theme Analysis Thesis Paper written on loose leaf. Please skip a line after each sentence for editing purposes on Monday. Bring your trusty multi-colored pen and flash drive to school to be prepared for typing in class next week.

Miss. Nicholson's Class 421 - Please make a list of 10 movies that you believe teaches life lessons and/or are very educational (basically it makes you think about life situations, people, the world, etc. differently)

421 - Please remember to bring in your permission slips signed. Someone left their permission slips in the classroom today after dance. Please note that you were given TWO permission slips. In addition, we need 5 CHAPERONES in order to go to the trip on December 19th. On that day, we will be split into groups and going our separate ways. Therefore, it is imperative that you tell your parents IMMEDIATELY so they can notify their jobs.

Class 412 Homework and Class 421 Reminder

Hello All, : )

This is a reminder to Class 8-412 that your Salvation Army Reflection essay is due on Monday. As directed on the paper, it must be typed, 12 font, Times New Roman and double spaced.

Reminder: Class 8-421 Girls, please bring in your black skirts on Monday.

Project Based Homework Due Saturday @ 8 p.m.

 Hello 421,
Your complete essay including an engaging introduction, three body paragraphs with three detailed pieces of evidence in each paragraph and a DYNAMITE conclusion is due Saturday, December 3 at 8 p.m. via email attachment. As mentioned in class, if you are having internet problems, please type your work and save it on a flash drive and be prepared to print it at school. Please make sure that you saved it properly so as to avoid any problems at school. If the problem is not internet related, please handwrite your essay on loose leaf and be prepared to type it on Monday. Either way, there are ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSES!

If you are having trouble, please let me know and I will do my best to help you.

Below is the three step model to support you as you write your conclusion. I know that all of you are going to write STELLAR essays and I cannot wait to read them. ALL of you are promising writers and you all have your own unique writing style. Someday, I will buy your novel or poetry anthology collection at Barnes and Nobles. : )

My famous 421 authors, please read below...
}Step 1- State 3 examples of how W.D.M. and the movie proved the point of your thesis.
}Step 2- In a short sentence, explain the purpose that the author and the director of the movie (Chazz Palminteri) wanted the audience to see or learn about the theme.
}Step 3- Think outside the box. If WDM and Chazz Palminteri were your teacher, what would he say to you about life and your theme?

Sample Conclusion:

                    The racial and social divides, going into hiding and being caught in the middle are three ways in which Myers and Palminteri demonstrate human misunderstandings. Myers and Palminteri wanted their audience to understand the depths of the human mind and their behaviors. They used real life situations and conflicts rather than unrelatable problems to describe settings and people. If Myers and Palminteri were my teacher, they would say that in life we should take the time to know people’s hearts before we judge them by their actions.

If you are having difficulty figuring out how to begin your conclusion, please feel free to use the sentence starters below.

Dynamite Conclusion Sentence Starters:

                The ___________________, _____________________, _________________ are three ways in which Myers and Palminteri demonstrate ___________________________________. Myers and Palminteri wanted their audience to understand________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________. They used ________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________. If Myers and Palminteri were my teacher or mentor, they would say _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________.

Reminder - 421 Only

Class 421 students! ABrT Dress Rehearsal Thursday!

Girls please bring in a black skirt on Thursday! YES! There are places you can go to that sells black skirts. Please note that it should not be tight, spandex, or see through. It should be knee length and enough material in the skirt (A-line cut) that if you were to spin in a circle your skirt would create an umbrella effect. If you live in the neighborhood of the school, please go to Junction Blvd. Stores such as, Danice, Pretty Girl, Rainbow, Mandee (if there is one over there), and other stores like these should sell these types of skirts. Also, if all else fails, you could go to a uniform store such as Cookies or Young World for a black skirt.

Gentlemen- please bring a white button down long sleeve shirt, black belt, black slacks and black dress shoes on Thursday.

Project Based Homework Due 11.30.11

Hello All,

I'm sorry if you came by the classroom to come and see me or ask for something, but as you know I am  sick and I left early to go to the doctor.

Anyhow, the body paragraphs are due tomorrow. I gave everyone only one sheet because that was all that printed. Sorry! However, please write your first paragraph on the worksheet and follow the same format on loose leaf. You could photocopy the worksheet I gave you if you don't want to go through all of that trouble! Thanks Samuel Leon for the idea : ) Whatever is easier for you! Just complete ALL THREE body paragraphs.

If you are having trouble writing it, please let me know! Email me a preview of what you wrote and I will try to help you!

Also, I really heard great introductions in class today. So email your fellow classmates who are "writers in the making" for their advice as well.

Lastly, what is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

For more information about thesis statements, please visit http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-paper/thesis-statements

Project Based Homework

Hello All!

I appreciate and admire the responsibility that most of you are showing by emailing me about your uncertainty of the homework. Please write your "fantabulous" "dynamite" engaging introductory paragraph either on loose leaf or in your writer's notebook. This is your draft that we will take a look at as a class with the rubric.

If you are just starting now, start backwards (thesis). First think about what life lesson all three have in common and what is it specifically teaching you about. You simply cannot say that it is teaching you about love. What exactly about love is it teaching you? For example, In Myers' short story "Kitty and Mack: A Love Story" and novel Dope Sick and Palminteri's movie A Bronx Tale, it teaches that true love can withstand every trial and obstacle in life no matter what the social, emotional or physical barriers you may encounter.

The sentence highlighted above is the life lesson that I believe ALL THREE teaches and what specifically about love that I think the author and director wanted me to learn. This should be the LAST SENTENCE(thesis) in your introductory paragraph

What does that mean? All I have to do now is find a lyric to a song, a quote, thought provoking question, or something I created on my own that matches what my thesis is talking about as my FIRST SENTENCE (engaging hook) for my introductory paragraph. Then explain what my hook means in THREE SENTENCES!

Please follow the introductory paragraph example in the Power Point print out  I provided in class today.

Project Based Homework Due 11.28.11

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

By this time, most of you should have already finished or close to finishing the short stories or novels from WDM.

Based on class discussion, the prevalent themes in Walter Dean Myers are love, war, friendship, trust, change, choices, life, perseverance, pride, manhood, sacrifice and hope just to name a few.

For the themes I listed above, please do the following:

• select one theme that you feel is the strongest theme in two of Walter Dean Myers' literature.
• find five quotes online that represent the message or life lesson that Walter Dean Myers is teaching in his stories.
• Your selection of quotes can be funny, serious, thought provoking, a line from one of Walter Dean Myers stories or a line from one of your favorite songs.

For example, if I chose friendship as a main theme in "Kitty and Mack: A Love Story" and Sunrise over Fallujah,  one of my quotes would sound like this "A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

Please note that this is only one quote. You need to have a total of five quotes for one theme only.

For websites with quotes, please visit, http://www.brainyquote.com/, www.friendship.com.au/quotes/  and please feel free to find other websites with quotes or lyrics to songs.

Email me if you have any questions!

Reminder for Next Week's Events

1. Monday, November 21, 2011- All 8th Grade- Cap and Gown Picture day at 9 am sharp. Ladies and Gents be camera ready. : )

2. Monday, November 21, 2011 - Class 8-421 - Trip to The Salvation Army in Queens. Please bring your signed permission slip if you have not done so already. If not, have your parent write a signed letter allowing you to come.

3. Tuesday, November 22, 2011- Class 8-421 - Trip to the Finance Museum with Mr. Forte.

4. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - remainder of 8th grade classes will be on a trip to The Salvation Army at the following locations (Harlem Location: 8-412, 8-420, 8-461) (Queens location 8-417). Please bring in the signed permission slips if you have not done so already.  If not, have your parent write a signed letter allowing you to come.

5. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - Last day to submit all high school applications to Mrs. Cruz! Please submit them to her prior to this date. If you wait until the last minute, hand it to her prior to leaving on your trip Wednesday.

Enjoy your weekend! :)

Significant and thought provoking themes in A Bronx Tale

      In Chazz Palminteri's movie, A Bronx Tale, there are many themes that arise from this one hundred and twenty two minute film. One of the main themes I believe is prevelant, is that of trust. Sonny, the protagonist in the movie, develops a trust relationship like none other with Calogero (a.k.a "C") that he does not exhibit with any of this gangsta associates. In the eyes of Sonny, it is either his way or the highway, or at times you are placed "in the bathroom". If you do not meet up with his standards, trust and loyalty, you cannot be a part of his circle. However, "C' wins Sonny over when he does not rat him out during a police line up for the murder of a "bat raged man" in the beginning stages of the plot of the movie.  It was at that moment, that one little nine year old boy, who according to his father, "did a good thing for a very bad man", won the trust of a man of crime. It is also intresting to see how trust plays out in this movie. Calogero falls in love with an African American girl, and Sonny allows "C" to use his car for a date to make a "good impression". As "C" says, "Sonny, you don't let anyone use your car." Although Sonny was not "C's" biological father, he did what any caring father would do for a son after his own heart who is at the age of raging hormones and a love sick heart.

  One of the highlights of the movie, "C" asks Sonny in the car, "Don't you trust anyone?" Sonny, bluntly says no. It was at that pivotal moment that "C's" influence affected Sonny.  He realized that it was not all about him. Sonny thought that he lost his trust in "C" and that he turned on him and wanted him killed when he found a bomb under the hood of his car. Through the sobbing and pleas of Calogero, he realized what he was doing. It was at that moment he turned his thinking from selfish to self less.

By: Miss. Nicholson

Project Based Homework Due 11.21.11

Please do the following:

After watching A Bronx Tale, make a list of 3 major lessons about life that you believe the director is teaching you.

Select one of the three major life lessons you listed. Then write a paragraph using three or more examples from the movie to explain in depth why this life lesson is important in the movie, in the world we live in, and to you.

Please post the above response on the blogspot. Type your name and your response. Do not write it on loose leaf!!!!

Lastly, for book clubs, please do the following:

• 8-421- from the WDM novels you selected in class, please read it from cover to cover. On loose leaf, identify and list three important themes or three similar themes from this novel that we discussed in A Bronx Tale. Explain what it means and its significance to the story by using three pieces of evidence from the text to justify your reasoning.
• 8-412 - please read the following short stories from WDM's 145th Street Short Stories: "Big Joe's Funeral", "The Fighter", "Monkeyman" and "Block Party- 145th Street Style". All page numbers are listed in the table of contents. On loose leaf, identify and list three new themes or three similar themes from these short stories that we discussed in A Bronx Tale. Explain what it means and its significance to the story by using three pieces of evidence from the text to justify your reasoning.

If you have any questions, please email me but please do not wait until the last minute.

PLEASE NOTE THAT HOMEWORK IS STILL DUE EVEN IF YOU HAVE A TRIP!!!!

Project Based Homework Due 11.14.11

There is no written or typed homework due on Monday the 14th. However, I do encourage you to continue reading independently. Pick up a magazine, book, newspaper, iPad, etc. and read, read, read.

Do not forget the vocabulary section of your reading notebook. By the first week of December, you should have a total of 20 words. This should include the words I provide in class as well as the unfamiliar words you have identified in your independent reading books.

To further explore and analyze theme, on Monday, I will hand out a movie permission slip to be viewed later in the week. Please note that the theme essay book review will not be due until I feel you are more prepared for it.

Email me if you have any questions at thereadingcafe@aol.com


Enjoy your weekend! : )

Theme Essay Outline Due 11.10.11

Theme Essay Outline

The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave. In fiction, the theme is not intended to teach or preach. In fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself. For example, one of  the themes in “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” is about the value and worth of a prized possession, in “Kitty and Mack: A Love Story” one of the themes is about love and sacrifice and in Street Pharm, Snitch and Homeboyz you probably can see themes of street survival and trust. I am confident that in all books you have read, there are much more. In your fictional novels that you are reading, try to figure out ONE theme that the author wants you to understand. When you figure that out, support your opinions with three pieces of evidence from the text.

Introduction

• Opener/Attention getter:   Select a quote from a favorite song, a line from a book, or a quote you found online, that represents the theme that you believe the author wants you to understand.
• Explain the quote in two complete and well thought out sentences.
• Thesis:  Using the author’s name and title of their book, briefly state why the theme you have identified is important. Please do not give away too much information. Leave the rest to be further explained in the body paragraphs.

Body paragraph:

• Topic sentence:  Name the first story, give a brief summary, and suggest the theme.
• Concrete detail: Offer a detail from the story that will begin to suggest the theme.
• Commentary: Explain how the detail sets up the theme.
• Concrete detail:  Offer a detail that helps the theme become clear.
• Commentary:  Explain how the detail makes the theme clear.
• Concrete detail: Offer a detail that helps the theme become clear.
• Commentary: Explain how the detail makes the theme clear
• Closure: Be very clear here about the story’s theme and why/how it might be of use of a reader

Conclusion

• Return to theme of the story—restate what you said about your theme in the introduction here.
• Discuss why this is a strong theme—tell why by making connections to your own life experience, something you know happening in our world today, or to another book you have read.
• Attention Grabbing Closing: try to connect the theme you have identified by closing the essay with a thought provoking question related to your theme.

Project Based Homework Due 11.7.11

List 10 life lessons that every teen should know and carry with them throughout their life. For example, every teen should learn how to respect themselves, elders and their superiors, for one day they too may be in a leadership position where they will want that respect in return.  Due Nov. 7.

Reminder: Book Review # 3 is due on Nov. 10th. The focus for book review # 3 will be on theme. You can use Street Pharm, Snitch, or Homeboyz. If you have not finished, you can still write a review based on what you have read thus far.

Book review # 4 will be due on Nov. 21st. The focus will be on tone and you must read a poem. It can be from your favorite poet, a poem you wrote, one of your friends poems, or the lyrics to your favorite song.

Please make sure that you take a book review outline from the tray. In addition EVERYONE SHOULD FOLLOW THE OUTLINE WITH THE LIST OF NAMES AND DATES THAT I HANDED OUT ON DAY ONE. IT CLEARLY STATES WHEN EACH BOOK REVIEW AND VOCABULARY WORDS ARE DUE. IT ALSO STATES THE NAMES OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VOCABULARY WORDS AND THOSE DUE DATES.

PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REMINDING YOU. THAT IS WHY I TOOK THE TIME TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DUE DATES AND THE STUDENT NAMES IN AN OUTLINE. IF YOU DO NOT HAND IT IN ON THOSE DUE DATES YOU WILL LOSE POINTS WHICH MAY RESULT IN A ZERO.

Project Based Homework Due 10.31.11

Hello All,

To continue our exploration of stereotypes you will extend this week's homework by writing a poem about the negative stereotypes associated with your culture.

Your poem only needs to be two stanzas and four or more lines in each stanza. Please keep it somewhat short but it should not be too short.

The first stanza should have a creative way to describe the negative stereotypes said about your culture.

The second stanza should have a creative way to describe how you are above these negative stereotypes, how you or people you know have overcome these stereotypes (i.e. Martin Luther King Jr.), and/or how your life experiences does not fit the negative "label" society has placed on your ethnicity.

Lastly, there should be a "catchy" creative title and it should be written on loose leaf!

An example will be shown in class tomorrow!

Email me before Friday if you need any assistance!

Don't wait until the last minute!!!!!

Project Based Homework Due 10.24.11

Due: 10.18.11 - Please bring in headphones and your iPod, or phone with your music on it for tomorrow's class. Make sure your headphones are compatible or able to be plugged into a laptop.

Due 10.24.11 - Please search online for a list of NEGATIVE stereotypes associated with your gender and your race. For example, women are gossipers, men are lazy, African Americans eat watermelon, fried chicken and Kool Aid.On loose leaf, write the top three stereotypes for your gender and the top three for your race. Lastly, take a "2.5 X 3.5" mugshot/headshot picture of yourself using your phone. The actual size is a wallet size picture which must be printed. I will show you an example in class.

As always, if you have any questions please email me!

Reminder!! Due Monday 10.17.11

Hello,

All homework must be handwritten, on loose leaf and answered in question and answer format. You can incorporate the question into your answer. Also if you do not understand a particular word in any of the questions, please look it up online.

DO NOT EMAIL ME YOUR HOMEWORK!

CLASS 8-412- ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE A TRIP TO N.Y.U. TOMORROW, YOU MUST HAND IN YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE BUILDING! I TRUST YOU ENOUGH TO DESIGNATE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR CLASS TO COLLECT YOUR HOMEWORK AND BRING IT TO 421.

ENJOY AND BE SAFE!! : )

Re: Project Based Homework Due 10.17.11

In connection to "Thinking outside the Box" with Walter Dean Myers literature, please answer the following questions using three details from prior knowledge as supporting evidence for your claims.

1. What are the stereotypes associated with your race?

2. Where do you think these stereotypes originated or came from? Explain why. Please think outside the box.

3. Do you believe that everyone in your race fits under this stereotype category? Explain why.

4. Why do you think these stereotypes still exist today?

This is not an essay! I repeat!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is not an essay! Only question and answer format!

Reminder!!!

Hello All!

Please read the corrections below!

Please note that the following is due on the following days:

1. Tuesday - Bring in on your flash drive a video recording of you talking about your most prized or favorite possession/object using the five questions posted on the blog site.

2. Wednesday - Bring in the object of your most prized or favorite possession to class. If it is a person or animal, please bring in a picture.

Project Based Homework Due 10.11.11

In connection to the Walter Dean Myers Unit, we will be examining and analyzing themes in his literature.
Since Monday is a holiday, for next week Tuesday, please bring in an object that you hold dear to your heart. This could be anything (i.e. remote control, console for your Playstation). However, please note, that it should not be too personal that you could not talk about it with your class or too big that it could not fit into your book bag.

THIS IS NOT A WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT!!!!!!! I REPEAT!!!!!!!!! THIS IS NOT A WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT. YOU MUST VIDEO TAPE YOURSELF TALKING ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE AND DEAR OBJECT, SAVE IT ON YOUR FLASHDRIVE AND BE PREPARED TO SHOW IT IN CLASS ON THE SMART BOARD.

The questions you should have in mind as you prepare for your oral presentation are the following:

1. What is your favorite, dear and most prized possession that you are presenting?

2. Why is it so dear to you? What significance does it have to you, your culture, etc?

3. How is this object a reflection of your personality or who you are as a person?

4. How do you react when someone attempts to take your possesion or does not treat it the way you do?

5. How would your life be affected if you lost this object or did not have it around you?

Project Based Homework Due 10.3.11

Since we are beginning our new unit on Walter Dean Myers next week, to introduce you to his works you will do a mini research about his life and the books he has written. This assignment is to have a proper heading, handwritten on loose leaf and you must skip a line for editing purposes.

Please answer the following questions in ESSAY FORMAT ONLY:

1. What challenges did Walter Dean Myers experience growing up? (i.e. school life, at home, etc.) Why? How did he overcome them?

2. What was Walter Dean Myers motivation to write the type of stories, tales and poems he published? (list some books, poetry, etc. as evidence to support your answer)

3. Based on your research, what types of life lessons do you think you will read about in Walter Dean Myers books? Why? What do you think you will learn from these lessons and how can you apply them to your life?

ALTHOUGH THIS IS RESEARCH, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM PLAIGIARISM (I.E. COPYING WORD FOR WORD FROM A RESOURCE YOU DID NOT GIVE PROPER CREDIT TO IN YOUR ESSAY). IT IS ILLEGAL AND IT IS AGAINST THE SCHOOL'S  DISCIPLINE CODE BOOK'S RULES AND REGULATIONS. YOU WILL BE WRITTEN UP AND SUFFER CONSEQUENCES IF THIS OCCURS!

Class 8-421, please remember to write the reflection essay about your first ABrT class with Ms. Jenna. She wants it Monday morning!!!

Project Based Homework Due 9.26.11

To continue our exploration of self, culture and our environment, in a full, typed, 12 font, Times New Romans, doubled spaced essay, you will explain the following questions using your prior knowledge and personal experience:

I. How does culture and environment (in which you live) influence who you are as an individual? Basically, think about how you were raised, your culture, close family and friends, school, religion, neighborhood, etc. has shaped you into the person you are today. Provide 3 or more detailed examples. Explain why for each.

II. How does culture and environment influence what author's write about? Think about what books you have read in the past and what evidence of cultures (i.e. Hispanic/African American) and the environment (i.e. discrimination, stereotypes) are described in the books of your favorite author(s). Provide 3 or more detailed examples. Explain why for each.

III. How does culture and environment influence the media in terms of what is produced in magazines, billboards, television, movies, the web, newspapers, your community,etc.? Think about how some of what you see around you (violence, discrimination, cultural stereotypes, etc.) is reflected in the media and entertainment. Provide 3 or more detailed examples. Explain why for each.

This essay must include an engaging introduction and a strong and clever conclusion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me M-F before 7 p.m.

As mentioned in class, PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOMEWORK IS (i.e. Sunday at midnight), THAT YOUR COMPUTER IS NOT WORKING OR THAT YOUR PRINTER RAN OUT OF INK.

DO NOT BRING A FLASH DRIVE INTO SCHOOL WITH YOUR UNPRINTED HOMEWORK! IT MUST BE PRINTED, SIGNED BY YOUR PARENT AND READY FOR EDITING ON MONDAY'S!


ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSES!!!

Project Based Homework

The author’s purpose is generally to entertain, to persuade, and to inform the reader.  However, in order to be able to achieve their goals they must also intertwine their personal experiences into their writing.  Culture and environment are two other elements an author subconsciously adds to his writing.

We are all authors of our life stories. We use our personal experiences and influences from our culture and environment to generate our stories.

In a four paragraph essay, explain how the three elements…experience, culture, and environment establish you as an author. Include 3 details/examples for each element and you can also make reference to how your favorite author uses all three.

Remember all typed assignments require a complete heading, title, double spaced, and typed in Times – size 12.

1. Please use details to explain what you know about most if not all cultures. Explain why and how these cultures and our environment is evident in the books you have read and the assignments you have been completed throughout your school years.

Please note that this assignment may be revised over the week so please check this website periodically.

2. Make sure all supplies are in by Wednesday, September 13, 2011. I will do a final check of everyone's supplies. Your supplies are considered a homework grade because it is needed to complete future and soon approaching assignments.

3. If you have any questions please email M-F before 7 p.m.

Project Based Homework

Welcome Class of 2012!

Please be advised that the following P.B.H. is due this Monday September 12, 2011, first thing in the morning on top of your desk.

1. For your project, select 5-6 images (google images) that represent EACH of the following: how you see yourself as a person, how others view/think of  you as a person, how do you view the world post-9/11 (has it changed or remained the same) and lastly, what role can you play to keep the memory alive of the deceased heroes and the countless others that passed away on that tragic day.

If you are confused about the amount of images you should print it should be a total of 20-24 images or more depending on the size of them.

2. Complete or revise the essay that you begun in class by adding more details and insights/thoughts to the questions posted on the SMART board in class. These are the same questions stated in number one above. The images you select are pictorial representations of your essay. Your essay is the verbal representation of your images. Basically your essay explains your images. An example of a sample essay will be shown to you in class on Monday

3. Make sure that ALL supplies and signed papers are brought in MONDAY!!!!!!!
Thank You!  :)

4.

The Reading Cafe

People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors. - - Edmund Burke

Please respond to this quote. Based on the learning stations and your own knowledge, what does this quote mean to you?