Analyzing how Text Can Reveal Character Traits

Students are reviewing ways that character traits can be revealed in a line of text.  Students have worked hard to characterize the main character in Monster, Steve Harmon, and defend this characterization.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Our new novel, Monster. Will Steve be found innocent? Did he really commit the crime? What will happen next?

Getting to Know Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers is the author of the novel, Monster, that we will begin reading this week. Learn more about Walter Dean Myers by using the links below:

Congratulations, Josh!

Congratulations to Josh L.B. who did a great job in the spelling bee and will be representing our school district in the regional competition. We know he will do great! Get more information at http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/01/top_35_finalists_advance_in_the_post-standardwcny_spelling_bee.html

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King by remembering his words!

Reviewing Effective Introductions and Conclusions

Good writers know that a strong persuasive essay begins with an effective introduction.  Review the strategies below to create your own strong introduction or utilize them to improve the introduction you already have.



Good writers also know that you need to leave your reader with a final thought in a strong conclusion.  Review the strategies to create an effective conclusion below:

Transitions

Don't forget to add transitions to your persuasive writing to aid in organization.  You want your reader to clearly understand your claim and all of the evidence to support it.  Using transitions effectively can help with this.  Use your handout from class or see below:

Investigating Child Labor in the Modern World

     In preparation for creating a persuasive speech on child labor in modern times, students have been analyzing the following related articles:

• "China Says Abusive Child Labor Ring Is Exposed" at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/asia/01china.html?ref=childlabor
• "Illegal child labor in Mexico puts food on tables of Americans" at http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/05/09/20080509childlabor0509.html?nclick_check=1
• "Children Toil in India’s Mines, Despite Legal Ban" at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/world/asia/in-india-missing-school-to-work-in-the-mine.html?ref=childlabor
• "Inquiry Finds Under-Age Workers at Meat Plant" at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/us/06meat.html?ref=childlabor&_r=1&

Students can also watch the following videos that give additional information:

Our New School in the News

Check out our new building on the news:

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/01/syracuses_hw_smith_school_reopens_after_a_30_million_renovation.html