Expository Essay

Students have now revised their rough copies twice and are ready to complete their good copies. The good copy is due on Wednesday, February 8th. The following needs to be handed in:

1. Graphic Organizer
2. Formal Outline
3. Rough Copy
   
4. Good Copy
5. Rubric

I'm available at lunch time if anyone needs extra help.

Forbidden City Test

There will be a test on the novel this Friday, December 16th.

Block six assignments will be due on Tuesday, December 20th.

Homework Assignment #2

This homework assignment is due Friday, December 2nd.

Please make sure that you write your answers on a separate piece of paper and that all answers are in complete sentences.

Block Two Assignment

Due: Thursday November 24th at the beginning of class.

Your letter must be at least one page long and typed. My classroom is always open at lunch and after school if you need a computer.

Block One Homework Assignment

Due: Friday November 18th, 2011

Write a paragraph explaining how you would feel if your family decided to move to another country for a year. What would be some of the positives from this experience? What challenges would you face? Think about friends, school, language, food, culture. How would you overcome some of these challenges?

Also, I would like you to make a text to self connection for Block one.

Text to self connection - when a book you are reading reminds you of something in your own life.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• What does this story remind you of?
• Can you relate to the characters in the story?
• Does anything in this story remind you of anything in your own life?

Think about the examples from class:
*Parents saying something embarrassing
*First time on a plane
*Taking flak for something you are interested in
*Nicknames
*Being homesick

Forbidden City

We have started the novel 'Forbidden City' by William Bell. Students are expected to read the assigned reading and complete the Block assignments.

Forbidden City is the daily journal of 17 year old Alexander Jackson, whose father was a photo-journalist for CBC Toronto. Often in news report style, Alex recounts his observations and experience over the course of his adventure which would change their lives.

Block One Homework:

• Finish reading Block One (up to page 37)
• Complete Block One Assignment - Save the Last Word
• Be prepared to discuss your passages in small groups
  
• Due Wednesday November 16th, 2011
  

Book Talk Presentations

Students will be presenting their Book Talk on Friday, October 28th. I've asked all students to take their speaking cards and books home with them to rehearse!