Out of Class Reading Assignments

The second installment of the out of class reading assignment is due this Friday, January 18th.  After reading a book, a student must complete one of the following summary activities:

• Create a collage!
  
  Using pictures and words from magazines and newspapers, students can create a collage that shows the characters, setting, plot, and theme of the book. Students can also create a digital collage at www.glogster.com.
• Rewrite the ending!
  
  
  In at least three full paragraphs, rewrite the ending of the story. For non-fiction texts, students can create a short creative story based in the events of the text.
• Create a diary!
  
  
  Using details from the text, students can become one of the characters and create a diary of at least ten entries that tells the character’s thoughts and feelings throughout the story.
• Redo the book jacket.
  
  
  Design new front and back covers for the book. Draw the images and include a write up about the book on the back cover.
• Create an illustrated timeline.
  
  
  Choose the ten most important events in the text and create an illustrated timeline of pictures and words that explains the main ideas in the book.
•  Interview the main character.
  
  
  Students can pretend that they are a talk show host and that the main character is their guest. Students will write out the interview complete with the questions asked and the answers the main character would likely give.
• Create a cartoon version of the book.
  
  
  Students will identify the most important events in the text and then recreate the story in a cartoon version appropriate for younger children.
  
• Students should think about whether or not they would recommend the book they read to other students.  Students should write a complete review of the book summarizing the main events and explaining whether or not they think other students should read the book.  Students can then share their review by videotaping it or posting it at Share What You’re Reading at http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/swyar.
• Design a movie poster.
  
  
  Students can imagine that their book is being made into a movie. Students will design a movie poster that illustrates and important scene from the book and persuades people to see the movie.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Review the Elements of an Effective Persuasive Essay

Reviewing the Elements of Persuasive Writing crossword puzzle game » make crossword puzzle

Extra Credit Opportunity

Help create a WORDLE for persuasive writing. 

A WORDLE is a cloud of words on a related topic.  You can see one above created for our ELA classes.  Earn ten bonus points by listing ten words related to persuasive writing.  Don't forget to write your name with your response.

All responses must be received (with your name) by Thursday, January 10th at midnight.

Reiewing Our Notes on Persuasive Writing

Out of Class Reading Assignment

Just a reminder that the summary activities for the out of class reading assignment for the second marking period are due on Friday, January 18th.  If students have questions on the assignment or need assistance, they should see Mrs. Earl for a lunch pass.

Persuasive Writing Unit

Seventh grade ELA students began a persuasive writing unit today.  Students will investigate a variety of persuasive writing pieces and then research, write, edit, and publish their own piece of persuasive writing.

Students will have the opportunity to choose one of the following topics to research and then write about:

• Should teens be able to buy violent video games?
• Should students be paid for having good grades?
• Should cell phones be allowed in middle school?

Happy 2013!

Mrs. Earl would like to wish all of her students and their families a happy and healthy 2013!