Today was a reading/glossary day. You should have at least three words in your glossary.
After reading time, we started a new writing project. We learned earlier this week about the importance of having good characters in any plot. We are going to look more closely at a specific character of your choice as we complete a character analysis essay.
Today we worked on the pre-writing for this essay. First we brainstormed about the characters we could choose. Then we answered the questions on this worksheet:
Name______________________ Class period_____________
Character analysis worksheet
To analyze something means to break it down into parts in order to understand how it works. When you analyze a character, you examine what the character says, does, and thinks in order to gain an overall understanding or insight into him or her.
Choose a character we have read about in class or in your individual reading. Answer the following questions about your character. You will be writing a 5-paragraph character analysis on your character during the next few days in this class, so include as much detail as possible in order to have enough material. Use the rubric below when considering which details to include. Remember, choose your character carefully. The more interesting the character, the more you’ll have to write about.
Character_______________________________ from ___________________________.
What does your character look like?
How does your character behave?
What is important to your character?
What does your character think?
How do other people in the story respond to your character?
What is the character’s conflict?
What it the most interesting/exciting thing about your character?
RUBRIC:
A good character analysis:
• Uses an attention-getting opener
• Identifies the character, the work, and the writer
• Includes a thesis statement
• Cites specific details that support the thesis
• Is organized clearly
• Summarizes the main idea in its conclusion
We will continue with the five steps of the writing process as we work on this assignment.
It turns out we DID do something while you were gone ;)
Email Mrs. Cheney
shannon.cheney@besd.net
If you send me an email to my district address, please put your name in the subject bar. Emails from unrecognized sources are filtered to a spam folder in my school district's system. I look through my spam folder every day, and if your name is in the subject bar, it is easier for me to retrieve your email. Thanks.
Hope to hear from you soon!
If you send me an email to my district address, please put your name in the subject bar. Emails from unrecognized sources are filtered to a spam folder in my school district's system. I look through my spam folder every day, and if your name is in the subject bar, it is easier for me to retrieve your email. Thanks.
Hope to hear from you soon!
When is this due?
January 21
Journal--12 entries
Glossary--16 words
Book report
Journal--12 entries
Glossary--16 words
Book report
Spelling/Vocabulary list, 8th
- omen
- banishment
- elder
- smirk
- feigned
- cowering
- depositions
- skiff
- sparse
- shrouded
- moseyed
- brandished
- moron
- sullenly
- corny
- smoldering
- barrage
- spewing
- defiant
- inferno
Links
8th grade disclosure document
I am looking forward to spending this trimester with your student in 8th grade language arts. We will be enjoying our time together through reading, writing, and learning to use the English language effectively.
Reading
We will be reading one novel and one play as a class this trimester. I also encourage students to discover the joy of reading good books on their own. We will go to the library once every two weeks to check out books, and I will give class time (15 minutes) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for reading. Each student is expected to bring a book to class on these days. The students will earn a reading grade based on their participation and behavior during reading time.
Writing
We will be following the writing process to complete several writing assignments this trimester. The writing process requires students to complete multiple steps before they turn in a finished project. I will generally require students to have an adult read and evaluate their drafts based on criteria I provide. Your feedback will help your student see how they can improve their writing.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If a student plagiarizes any work, he/she will earn a zero on the assignment and a referral to the office. Plagiarism means “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.” (http://www.dictionary.com/) Close imitations most often happen when a student cuts and pastes from an internet source and then changes a word or two here and there while claiming it as his/her own work. When students are assigned to write, they must write their own sentences and paragraphs; they must form their own ideas. If I suspect a paper is cut and pasted, it is easy for me to search the internet to find evidence. Please do not allow your student to plagiarize.
Language
I teach the correct use of written and oral language in my class. Students will be expected to use correct grammar in their writing as well as during oral presentations. Students will be required to give at least one oral presentation during the trimester.
Materials
Students are to come to class prepared. Students should have a spiral notebook for a daily journal/glossary. We will write every day, and it is best if students have a spiral notebook used ONLY for their journal/glossary. Students are also to bring a pencil or pen to class as well as the book they are currently reading. Students who come unprepared will receive a reduction in their citizenship grades.
Makeup/Late Work
You will be given two late-work vouchers to use during the trimester. I will only accept late work if it is accompanied by a voucher. If you use them all up the first two weeks of the trimester, you will not receive additional vouchers. Use them wisely. You may turn unused vouchers in at the end of the trimester for extra credit.
For your convenience, I am now on the internet: http://mrscheney.blogspot.com/. I do my very best to post every day. I post assignments, resources, notes, helpful hints, and upcoming due dates on my webpage. There is also a link to the SIS student login page, so students can easily check their grades. I encourage all students and parents to check my blog when there is an absence, as there will be far more detailed descriptions of what you missed there than I can provide in the minute or so before or after class.
Grading Scale
I will grade on the following scale:
93-100% = A 90-93% = A- 87-89%= B+
84-86% = B 80-83% = B- 77-79% = C+
74-76% = C 70-73% = C- 67-69% =D+
64-66% =D 60-63% = D- 0 –59% = F
Class Rules
My class rules are posted in my room. We have gone over the rules in class. If you have any questions about the rules or any of my policies, please contact me. I do my best to answer all emails within 24 hours. You are welcome to visit my classroom at any time.