Twitter

This block saw a new project in English 8. Students are using twitter to tweet summaries of  Rime of the Ancient Mariner. If they don't currently have a twitter they can create an account for free or they may turn the assignment in on paper. 

A tweet is only 140 characters - that's letters, numbers, punctuation, and spaces - long. No more. (For example: the last two sentences make up 99 characters.) So, it isn't very long. This poses a creative writing challenge. They must accurately give the story and relevant details, but they have to also keep it short.

You can also tweet me:  @Mrs_McClanahan

Out with the Old...In with the New

Block one of English 8 ended on a bit of a whimper.  Too many students chose not to turn in final papers/projects for my liking. They'll get another chance, but they should have just done it the first time.


Block 2 is beginning! So far the class is shaping up to be huge and full of characters. Hopefully, this means we'll have a fun block and get lots of work done. I really don't want to chase after research papers this block.

Formal Outlines

Now is not the time to waste. We are getting down to the wire with our research / literary analysis paper. Friday students were given the task to draft and formalize a complete outline of their entire paper. The general response was something along the lines of "OMG!" Apparently, they are a bit stressed out about this whole thing. However, there is no need to stress. The due date for the final paper is three weeks away and if students meet the small deadlines in-between they will have no problems meeting the final due date.

Students, just remember to breathe, relax, and get your work done!

What we're reading..

Part of the English 8 requirements is a 5-8 page research/ literary analysis paper. This last Friday was our first due date. As part of your on-going tasks, please leave a comment below sharing what novel you chose.

Pre-Test Day

Day 2, the students are already focused and on-task. This pre-test should go smoothly. Even the extra "buddies" from bring-a-friend-to-school day couldn't distract them!