Homework: Expository Essay is due on December 11.
Your task is to create a short but convincing expository essay about an invention, new discovery or technology that has improved our society. I expect you to spend one hour writing this essay. Please use a thesis statement that introduces the purpose and organization of your essay.

Weekly Homework: Read literature circle assignment and complete role sheet by Thursday December 10 and Thursday December 17.

Monday 30

WNB#16: Possible problems in fiction.

Literature Circle Booktalks.

Tuesday 1

Lit Circle pre-meeting:

decide team name, motto and rules.

Partner read first section.

Wednesday 2

Writing workshop: #17 Creating Character.

Individual Reading Time.

Thursday 3

Literature Circle Meeting #1.

Mini-lesson: run-ons and comma splices.

Friday 4

No School

Monday 7

Read sample fictional narrative.

WNB: #18 Beginning, Middle, End.

Tuesday 8

Reading Day.

Wednesday 9

Writing Workshop: Create draft of Fictional Narrative.

Thursday 10

Literature Circle Meeting #2

Role Sheet #2 Due.

Friday 11

In-class literary response;

please bring your novel to class!

Expository Essay due!

Monday 14

Writing Workshop: Drafting fictional narrative.

Tuesday 15

Writing Workshop: Drafting fictional narrative.

Wednesday 16

Writing Workshop: Polishing fictional narrative.

Thursday 17

Literature Circle Meeting #3

Role Sheet #3 due.

Friday 18

Writing Workshop: Editing fictional narrative. Final copy due.

Monday 21

Complete novel by today!

Create Graphic Novelette

Tuesday 22

Finish Graphic Novelette

Reminder of Reading Expectations:

Between now and January 15th, students are expected to read two books at home and during SSR that are not assigned by a teacher. Research shows clearly that students need to be engaged in reading on regular basis to improve their comprehension. Students are also expected to respond to the the link on the right hand side of this blog page: click on Karla Swiggum's Media Center Blog, then locate 8th grade Hoelscher and post a five to seven sentence paragraph detailing their reaction to the book without giving away the ending. Students are strongly encouraged to appropriately respond to other students. Students must identify the name and title of the novel to earn credit. If any student would prefer to enter the Letters About Literature Contest (also linked on the right side of this page) they are welcome to do so instead of making two blog posts. Prizes for this contest are awarded on the state and national level to the letter that most powerfully states the impact any one book has had on a student's life.

Happy Holidays! See you in 2010!