Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A cool blog

I just found this site and it has a lot of cool pictures and info about art in China (old and new). Check it out if you have time:

China Blog

Map of China

For your Ancient China project:

Map of Ancient China

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Vote for Harrison Park by tomorrow!

If you have a Facebook, please follow the link and vote for Harrison Park on the poll! We can get an additional $250 for our school garden if we get the most votes!

Vote here!!!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Letter writing help

A lot of you wanted to write a letter to the student from Pennsylvania - and here is an AWESOME site where you type in your information and it puts your letter into the right format.

Read Write Think: Letter Generator

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Just for the Hobbit Reading Group:

Here is the assignment, in case you needed to see it again:

TAG Project:
The Hobbit

Your job for this project will be to read The Hobbit independently outside of class and complete one of the following project options below:

1.

• Design and create four different book covers/movie posters for the book. Each cover/poster should be at least 16x22 inches large.
• On the back of each poster you will need to a paste a typed paragraph length explanation of the cover design.
• The designs must demonstrate what you know about the plot and characters in The Hobbit. Each cover/poster should show an important scene, character, object, or setting from the story. In other words, your posters cannot be plain words against a blank background.
• 100% of the work must be original. In other words, do not steal photos or pictures from books or the web and claim them as your own.

2.
• Type a 2-3 page long (typed and double-spaced) critique of the book. In this critique you will discuss what you felt worked well or what didn’t work well in The Hobbit. Here are some possible items of discussion: the characters, character development, humor, the setting, suspense, the poems, the plot, foreshadowing, description, the action, the dialogue, etc.
• The first paragraph should briefly overview your opinion of the book – liked it, hated it, or that it was okay.
• Each of the next three paragraphs should focus on an element of the book from the list above. Talk about the specific element and give examples from the book.
• The last paragraph should summarize your opinion and end your critique.

3.
• Choose a scene (or scenes) from the book and write a 32-line (or longer) poem. Your poem could also focus on one character, describing how they look and act.
• You can do the following for extra credit: Imitate the style of one of the poems in the book.
• Be sure to include a 1-2 paragraph explanation of which poem you imitated and discuss the poetic elements that you borrowed from it (meter, rhyme scheme, stanzas, etc.)


4.
• In 2-3 typed pages, compare and contrast The Hobbit with another fantasy or quest novel that you’ve read.
• The first paragraph should briefly overview your opinion of both of the books – did you like one better than the other or did you like both equally.
• Each of the next three paragraphs should focus on one specific difference or similarity between the two books. Give specific examples from both of the books.
• The last paragraph should summarize your opinion and end your paper.

5.

• Create a “Yellow Pages” phone and address directory of at least 25 characters in the story. Be creative!
• Include advertisements (associated with the book) and a front/back cover. You may include want-ads or classifieds if you choose.


6.
• Create 10 Record Covers for different poems in The Hobbit. The designs must be on SQUARE 5”x5” paper or cardstock.
• The images must demonstrate what you know about the plot and characters in the poems. Each cover should show an important scene, character, object, or setting from the poem. In other words, your poem cannot be plain words against a blank background.
• 100% of the work must be original. In other words, do not steal photos or pictures from books or the web and claim them as your own.

7.
• Create a series of Organizers to demonstrate your knowledge of The Hobbit. Include a Unit Organizer (and Expanded Map), at least one Frame, at least one LINCS, and Question Exploration OR Concept Mastery. These must be self-created and demonstrate thoughtful knowledge of the story. Present them in a professional folder or portfolio cover.



This project is due February 19th!!

Keep in mind that spelling, grammar, and presentation are ALWAYS an important part of your project and will be reflected in your grade.