English 8 - Gonterman - 3(A)-3(A) Assignments

You will have Wednesday, Thursday, and some time on Friday to work on your first draft. 

HW: Continue to work on Speech

Due: Day 2

Follow these steps to create a thoughtful, polished gift for a teacher who has made a difference in your life.
Step 1: Brainstorm & Draft
In your composition book, write a few rough drafts. Your poem must follow the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure:
Line 1: 5 Syllables
Line 2: 7 Syllables
Line 3: 5 Syllables
The Goal: Show specific gratitude or appreciation for a current teacher or a past teacher from 6th or 7th grade.
Step 2: Selection & Final CopyPick your favorite draft from your composition book.Use the half-sheet of printer paper that you got in class.Front Side: Write your haiku CLEARLY.Back Side: Include the delivery information:
To: [Teacher’s Name]
From: [Your Name]
Step 3: Illustrate & Polish
Since these will be delivered directly to the teachers, make them look professional and heartfelt!
Decorate the front to bring the words of your haiku to life.
Use color, neat lettering, and meaningful illustrations.
Ensure the final product is clean and "gift-ready."
Note: Be specific! Instead of just saying "you are nice," try to mention something unique about their class or how they helped you grow.

1) Review the Prompt 

2) Review Annotations & Reminders
3) Use your outline to complete the Comparative Essay in class today. 

Don't stress and do your best! 

Congratulations on completing your Essay Unit!!!

🖨️ Homework: Print and Bring Your Best Essay to Class!
Hi everyone!

Look back through the essay's you have completed in the Writers Workshop Unit. 

Pick the piece of writing you are most proud of and that you feel represents your best effort.

Print a hard copy of this essay. This will be displayed at open house. 

Due: Start of Class on Day 1

Due at the start of class on Day 3

Hi readers,

This reminder is only for the people who are scheduled to deliver their Book Talks on April 22nd. 

Required Email Action:
Email Requirement: You must check your email for a message from Mrs. Bateman.
Action: Read, review, and reply to her email. This response is required!
If you are NOT giving a Book Talk on this date, you can ignore this assignment.

I can't wait to hear all about what you are reading! 

Happy reading, 
 Ms. Sharkey

Homework | Two Parts of your HW to Complete in your Comp Book: 
   → Part 1: Comparative Visual Organizer
   → Part 2: 1 Page Write Long in Comp Book

Details: 
   → Part 1: Comparative Visual Organizer:
Brainstorm time. You’re going to be comparing two texts. You need to start by identifying important similarities and differences. Two protagonists who have the same hair color is not an important similarity. To find out what is important, start by identifying:
→ the main themes
→  the main conflicts
→ the emotional journey and development of the protagonist. 
→ overarching mood and tone of each piece
→ topics in each piece 
You can start by making a chart, bulleted side-by-side list, venn diagram, etc. and then write long to grow your ideas. Your essay will gain depth as it progresses. Your ideas get bigger and better and more clear as your write, so use this time write until you figure out which of your ideas are the most amazing, intriguing, and brilliant. Note: this step is about showcasing your mastery of two separate texts - ones we have worked with for weeks - and your ability to make creative connections between them.

   → Part 2: 1 Page Write Long in Comp Book:

Write about trends - similarities and differences you notice from your visual organizer.  
Elaborate and expand on those similarities and differences. 
Decide whether it would be better to write a comparative about craft or about theme!

Today you will produce the Craft Essay in class. 

Please use the following directions to guide you during the writing process. Manage your time so that you are able to produce the entire four-paragraph essay during the course of the class period. 

You May Use:

Outline (turned in on GC) (feel free to unsubmit, but leave attached on GC - it will not be marked "late")
Essay Graphic Organizer (turned in on GC) (feel free to unsubmit, but leave attached on GC - it will not be marked "late")
Any other writing tools/notes in your comp book
The physical stories - either the hard copies (if you have them in your possession) or you may use the electronic versions (in the Story Bank post on GC)
The spellcheck tool on Google Docs
The Annotations + Reminders Doc (attached on this assignment post)

Reminders:

Only Annotation: --> Underline any counterargument and corresponding rebuttal. 
Proofread your writing before submitting! 
You need to manage your time; keep an eye on the clock, as you should be averaging about 20-22 minutes per paragraph. If you are a very thorough/detailed writer, do your best to get down all of the main basics for each paragraph first, then return to each paragraph to enhance each with greater detail. Find a balance between quality and quantity. 
If time, review the rubric!
submit the assignment on GC!!!

Today you will be working on your Craft Essay Outline. 
If you did not finish your Craft Organizer, you need to finish that first before you start on the Essay Organizer.

You will work on this assignment today and you will be writing the Craft Essay in class on Day 3. 
You will be able to use all of your notes from this outline.
HW: Finish Craft Essay Outline - this needs to be done and ready to use during class on Day 3.

Hi readers,

This reminder is only for the people who are scheduled to deliver their Book Talks on April 1st. 

Required Email Action:
Email Requirement: You must check your email for a message from Mrs. Bateman.
Action: Read, review, and reply to her email. This response is required!
If you are NOT giving a Book Talk on this date, you can ignore this assignment.

I can't wait to hear all about what you are reading! 

Happy reading, 
 Ms. Sharkey

1) Mentor Craft Essays: 
Read through the three essay samples of Craft Mentor Essays in the attached document.  
Pay attention to their claim, how the revisit/reinforce their claim throughout the entirety of their essay, and how they crafted their claim to be focused, yet specific. 
2) Craft Essay Organizer (Planning):
Complete this organizer. It will help to formulate ideas you will later use when you construct your Craft Essay Outline and then Final Essay. 
-->You should be able to finish this before the end of the class period.  Whatever you do not finish does become homework.
--> If you finish early, you are to work on homework for a different class or read your IR book.

HW: Finish Essay Organizer
Due: Day 1

Homework Assignment: Symbolism Deep-Dive
Due Date: Day 3

Identification
First, find one or two symbols that appear repeatedly in your chosen text.
Note: You are exploring these symbols to understand the author's craft; you do not necessarily have to write about "symbolism" as the primary technique in your final Craft Essay.
Writing Task: "Write Long"
In your composition notebook, write at least one full page titled: "Symbolism in __"title of the short story that you chose"__
Your analysis should address the following three pillars:
1) Appearance & Context: Describe how the symbols physically appear in specific scenes. What are the characters doing when these symbols surface? How do the characters feel about the symbol and how do they react to it?
2) Authorial Goal: Why did the author embed these specific symbols into the text? What "hidden" layer are they trying to communicate without saying it out loud?
3) Overall Effectiveness: What is the effectiveness of the symbols for the overall text, characters, and reader?
- The Characters: Do the symbols represent a character's growth or internal struggle?
- The Reader: What emotional response or epiphany does the symbol trigger in us?

Quick Tip for your Write Long:
If you're feeling stuck, try the "Action → Abstract" method. Start by describing the physical Action involving the symbol (e.g., “The character keeps dropping their keys...”) and then pivot to the Abstract meaning (e.g., “...which represents their loss of control over their domestic life.”)

Directions: 

Use the table in your copy of the "Craft | Collecting Craft Moves" document to collect craft moves from the text you have chosen for your Craft Essay. The text you choose must be different from the one you chose for the Theme Essay.
 Focus on the two craft moves you appreciate most being used by the author or the two you appreciate the author using well/‘craftily’.  Hopefully these occurrences of craft moves you will document are connected to a key scene, a key moment of characters interacting, or an essential part of the plot.  
There is one brief example added in the organizer for you to reference. → See the bottom of the doc for a reminder list of craft moves and authorial goals. 
→ At a minimum, please find and describe 3 different instances of each craft move being used. (A minimum of 6 rows - at least 3 entries for each craft move will be complete)

Due: 
Odd: 03/23/26
Even: 03/24/26

Happy writing, 
Ms. Sharkey

1. Transform your Body Paragraph Graphic Organizer (Outline) into your Final Draft
-Take all of the components from your organizer and reformat them on the attached doc "Theme Essay | Final Draft"
-Essentially, get rid of the graphic organizer, so your fresh Final Draft doc looks like two gorgeously crafted Body Ps. 

2. Read --> Edit --> Revise
-After crafting your two GORGEOUS Ps, then spend some time reading through your draft. Think: Do things make sense? How is the flow of your essay?  Are things organized? What is missing? What needs to improve?
-After reading through, fix things! Edit! Revise! Build up your essay to be stronger!

3. Rubric Review
-Take a look at the rubric. 
-Compare the rubric criteria to your essay product! 
-Consider: How would you score? What can you do to make your essay stronger?
-Spend some more time revising!

4. Annotations + Reminders
-Super Important: complete the required annotations requested of you (these can be found on the doc titled, "Theme | Final Draft Annotations and Reminders")
-Review the reminders given to you. 

5. PRINT OUT ESSAY (Hardy Copy)
-Your final draft is due at the start of class on Day 3 this week. 
-Print out a hard copy of your essay, as you will physically turn this in (in addition to submitting on GC).

→ You will continue to work on your Theme Essay on Day 2 of class. 
→  Your final Theme Essay is due at the start of class on Day 3. 

HW: None. If you are far behind on your draft, you may work on it at home if needed, but you will have the entire class period on Day 2 to work on it.

Hi readers,

This reminder is only for the people who are scheduled to deliver their Book Talks in March. 

Important Details for Presenters:
Location: We will meet in our English classroom. 
Date: 
Odd - 3/16/26
Even - 3/17/26 
Required Email Action:
Email Requirement: You must check your email for a message from Mrs. Bateman.
Action: Read, review, and reply to her email. This response is required!
🚫 If you are NOT giving a Book Talk on this date, you can ignore this assignment.

I can't wait to hear all about what you are reading! 

Love, 
 Ms. Sharkey

Hi literary essayists, 

Your homework is to finish your Theme Essay Outline. 

Due Dates: 
Odd: Monday 3/16
Even: Tuesday 3/17
Happy writing, 
=) Ms. Sharkey

WW | Craft Moves Write Long (HW)

Write at least one page in your comp book about at least two different craft moves used in your chosen text for your Theme Essay. 
For each craft move, identify at least 2 instances of that craft move being used by the author. (So 4 instances of craft moves in total, highlighting 2 different types - ex: 2 instances of similes and 2 instances of sensory details.) 
Title for the entry: WW | Session 3 - Craft Moves Write Long (HW)
Find essential scenes/events FIRST. 
Then look for specific recurring and noticeable craft moves in those scenes! Write LONG about those scenes. 
Your writing should feel like 4 mini CERs (C) you construct a claim about a craft move being used; E) you cite the specific quote; R) use reasoning to connect the craft move back to your theme statement and make connections about why/how the author incorporated that craft move in their writing. 
As you are writing your CERs, consider and reflect on: What is the main theme of the text? In your writing, consider how the theme is supported or highlighted by the craft moves used by the author. 
Tips & Tools: 
Find craft moves - use the literary devices/craft moves cheat sheet!
This entry in your comp should relate to your HW entry about theme.
Use phrases/sentences like: 
These craft moves highlight the theme of the text because the words demonstrate how…
The author’s descriptive language demonstrates the idea that…
This connects to the idea that…
This is significant because...
This indicates to readers that…
The author uses...to illustrate...
Happy writing, 
Ms. Sharkey

Homework: Theme in Three Scenes

Your Goal: Prove your story's theme by using three specific scenes as evidence. 
I can write one strong theme statement about my chosen story.
I can find 3 scenes that show this theme.
I can explain how each scene connects to the theme.
What to Do (In Your Comp Book):
1) Title the page: HW: Theme in Three Scenes
2) Theme Statement: Write one clear, powerful theme statement for your story (the one you're using for your Theme Essay).
3) Find Your Evidence: Pick 3 scenes from the story that strongly show your theme.
4) Analyze Each Scene: For each of your three scenes, write one solid paragraph that answers these two questions:

What happens? (Briefly summarize the scene.)
How does it show the theme? (Explain the connection between the scene's events and your theme statement.)
Quick Tips:
If you find a better theme idea while writing, go back and revise your theme statement.
Use the attached slide deck and your writing prompts for help.

This is a reminder that your "Forgiveness" Sketchnotes are due Day 3 this week.

This is a reminder that your "Forgiveness" Sketchnotes are due Day 2 this week (Wednesday 3/4).

This is a reminder that your "The Knowers" Sketchnotes are due Day 1 Next week.

1️⃣ Reading Check: “All Summer in a Day”
📍 Located in Formative
Make sure your copy of the story is completely put away before starting.
Log in to Formative and complete the Reading Check when instructed.
Work independently.
Take your time and show what you know.
This is a 10-point product grade.
When you finish, move immediately to the next assignment.


2️⃣ ASIAD WW | Sketch Notes 🎨📝
As soon as you finish your Reading Check, begin your Sketch Notes.
Directions:
Use the piece of printer paper provided.
Create visual sketch notes that show your understanding of All Summer in a Day.
Include key ideas, themes, symbols, important events, or character insights.
Combine words + visuals (not just drawings, not just writing).
🎨 You may use any coloring materials from the back table to make your work thoughtful and visually clear.
Stay focused, use your time wisely, and take pride in your work.

✅ Use the link attached to this assignment to complete the following steps:
1)🧍 Complete 1 self-assessment
2) 👥 Complete 1 assessment for EACH group member
3) 🔁 Submit the form multiple times (one submission per person)

Remember: 
 💬 Be honest and thoughtful in every response
🔒 Only your teacher will see your answers
* This assignment is worth 20 process points. Your peer assigned letter grade from each of your team members will be averaged. (Example: Sharkey receives a B, B+, A-, and a C+ from her group.  The estimated grade would be a B+ and added to Powerschool for a grade out of 20 process points). 

When finished: 
☐ 📖 Read your Independent Reading (IR) book quietly

This is a reminder that your "All Summer in a Day" Sketchnotes are due Day 3 this week.

📚 Book Club Summative Projects — Due Day 3 This Week

Both your Individual Character Fold and your Team Design Task are due Day 3 this week.
Odd periods: Thursday, 2/12
Even periods: Friday, 2/13
🔍 Individual Character Fold — Reminders
Read the directions carefully.
The examples shown are from previous years and are for inspiration only — they do not meet this year’s requirements.
As long as you include all required information (listed in the directions), it’s okay if your sections are in a different order than the example.
🎨 Team Design Task — Reminders
Share your slides with me before the due date so they’re ready to present.
If you’re using Canva, email me the shareable link.
 Words of Encouragement:
You’ve all been working hard on these projects, and it shows. Use this final stretch to polish your work and show off your thinking and creativity. Ask questions if you need help, stay focused, and trust the work you’ve put in. Be proud of what you present—I’m excited for your classmates to see what you’ve created! 💪📚
 
Your proud teacher, 
💛Ms. Sharkey

Hi learners,

This reminder is only for the people who are scheduled to deliver their Book Talks next week. 

Important Details for Presenters:
Location: We will meet in the library. (There will be a sign on our classroom door to remind you.)
Date: Your Book Talk is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th.
Required Email Action:
Email Requirement: You must check your email for a message from Mrs. Bateman.
Action: Read, review, and reply to her email. This response is required!
🚫 If you are NOT giving a Book Talk next week, you can ignore this assignment.

I can't wait to hear all about what you are reading! 

Love, 
 Ms. Sharkey

📚 Book Club – TEAM Meeting 5 (Turn In / Mask as Done to Show Completion)

Due: Before our next 90 minute class (On Block Days)

This assignment is a check-in to show me that you completed your Book Club Meeting document from this TEAM meeting. 

What you need to do:
Finish all parts in this Book Club document.
Mark this assignment as done (turn in).
This Meeting Doc. is due before our next 90 minute class (Block Schedule Classes).
There is plenty of time to finish in class today if your group stays focused.
Study hard, play harder, and be the best friend you can be (to everyone). 👍

Happy reading, 
❤️Ms. Sharkey

Hello readers,

Please follow the steps below to complete today’s work. Pay close attention to the requirements for each section.

------------------------------------------------------
1) 💻 IXL Practice: “Non-Fiction Book Study”

Grade 7 (Review)  – Lessons 3 + 4
☐ Open Lesson 3: A Night to Remember (Part 1) 
☐ Work until you reach 85% OR 20 minutes 
☐ Open Lesson 4: A Night to Remember (Part 2) 
☐ Work until you reach 85% OR 20 minutes

🎯 You are done with IXL when: 
☐ I reached 85% on the lesson 
OR 
☐ I worked for 20 minutes

------------------------------------------------------
2) 📸 Turn In Your Work: Screenshot Your Scores
☐ Go to your IXL Dashboard 
☐ Click Grade 7 
☐ Find K – “Non-Fiction Book Study” 
☐ Take a screenshot of your scores 
☐ Upload the screenshot to this assignment

⏰ If not finished in class: 
☐ Complete as homework (Due: Day 3 this week)

------------------------------------------------------
3) 📖 If You Have Extra Time: Book Club Reading
☐ Read the next assigned section of your Book Club book 
☐ Complete your summary Post-its

------------------------------------------------------
🏠 Homework & Reminders
--> Everything below is due by Day 3 this week.
Book Club: Keep up with your assigned reading and your Post-it note summaries.
Pack Your Bag: Bring BOTH your IR book and your Book Club book to class on Day 3!
Finish IXL: If you didn't finish, these two lessons should be finished at home.
Happy reading, 

Ms. Sharkey

📚 Book Club – TEAM Meeting 3 (Turn In / Mask as Done to Show Completion)

Due: Before our next 90 minute class (On Block Days)

This assignment is a check-in to show me that you completed your Book Club Meeting document from this TEAM meeting. 

What you need to do:
Finish all parts in this Book Club document.
Mark this assignment as done (turn in).
This Meeting Doc. is due before our next 90 minute class (Block Schedule Classes).
There is plenty of time to finish in class today if your group stays focused.
Study hard, play harder, and be the best friend you can be (to everyone). 👍
OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT (Challenge): SEE ATTACHED DOC FOR INSTRUCTIONS
Happy reading, 
❤️Ms. Sharkey

📚 Book Club – TEAM Meeting 2 (Turn In / Mask as Done to Show Completion)

Due: Before our next 90 minute class (On Block Schedule Days)

This assignment is a check-in to show me that you completed your Book Club Meeting document from this TEAM meeting.

What you need to do:
Finish all parts in this Book Club document.
This Meeting Doc. is due before our next 90 minute class (Block Schedule Classes).
There is plenty of time to finish in class today if your group stays focused.
Study hard, play harder, and be the best friend you can be (to everyone). 👍
OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT (Challenge): SEE ATTACHED DOC FOR INSTRUCTIONS
Happy reading, 
❤️Ms. Sharkey

📚 Book Club – Meeting 1 (Turn In to Show Completion)

Due: Today by the end of the day

This assignment is a check-in to show that you completed your Book Club Meeting 1 document.

What you need to do:
Finish all parts of Meeting 1 in your Book Club document.
Meeting 1 Doc. is due by the end of class today.
If anything is not finished by the end of class, it becomes homework.
There is plenty of time to finish if your group stays focused.
After you finish:
When you are done with the Book Club Doc. #1, quietly move on to reading your assigned Book Club pages.
Important:
Click “Turn In” on this assignment once your Meeting 1 document is complete.
Turning this in lets me know you finished your Book Club work.
Stay focused, work together, and use your time wisely 👍

Happy reading, 
❤️Ms. Sharkey

Hello readers,

Please follow the steps below to complete today’s work. Pay attention to the requirements for each section.

1) 💻 IXL Practice: ‘Novel Study’ (Grade 7 - Review) 
Click the links below to complete these four short IXL lessons in class today:
J.1
J.2
J.3
J.4  (depending on how well the class is working) 
🎯 The Goal: You are finished when you reach a score of 85% OR you have worked for 20 minutes on each of the four short lessons. 

2) 📸Turn in Your Work: Screenshot Completed Lessons
Once you have achieved either 85% or higher (OR have spent 20 minutes) on that specific lesson, take a screenshot by: 
Go to your Dashboard.
Navigate to Grade 7 and find the "J" Novel Study section.
Take a screenshot of your scores.
Upload that screenshot as a picture to this assignment post.
⏱️ Finished Early, Now What?
1. 📝 Catch Up On Homework: You can use this time to get caught up on your Book Club reading and post-it summary or work on homework from another class. 
2. 📖 Independent Reading: Read your IR book.
3. ✨ Extra Credit Poster: If you are all caught up in every class, you can work on the favorite word mini-poster if you have not already done one or want to finish one that you started. 
🏠 Homework & Reminders
Everything below is due by Day 3 this week.
Book Club: Keep up with your assigned reading and your Post-it note summaries.
Pack Your Bag: Bring BOTH your IR book and your Book Club book to class on Day 3!
Finish IXL: If you didn't finish J.1 through J.4 in class, they should be finished at home.
Cheers, 

Ms. Sharkey

Today in class, we will be completing a Summative Reading Check for the Memory and Meaning Unit. 



This assessment checks the reading skills we practiced in this unit. It also checks your understanding of the texts we read.
 20 questions that are auto-graded (Multiple choice and interactive questions).
You will read 2–3 short excerpts from those texts.
Do not do Tab 2 or Tab 3. 
Worth 10-20 product points (Based on whole class performance).  
Thank you for all of your hard work and respectful engagement in this Unit. 
Keep on keeping on! 

Happy reading, 
Ms. Sharkey

🎨 EXTRA CREDIT ALERT! 🧠
Greetings!
 
An optional opportunity to boost your grade with 10 extra points before the quarter ends is now available: The "Favorite Word" Mini Poster. Project!

Show off your vocabulary and creativity by illustrating one of your most-loved (or detested!) English word.

Click the link below for the full directions to get started! 👇

Due Date: [December 18]

Hi Everyone,
This reminder is only for the people who are scheduled to deliver their Book Talks next week. I can't wait to hear all about what you are reading!Important Details for Presenters:
Location: We will meet in the library. (There will be a sign on our classroom door to remind you.)
Date: Your Book Talk is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17th.
Required Email Action:
Email Requirement: You must check your email for a message from Mrs. Bateman.
Action: Read, review, and reply to her email. This response is required!
🚫 If you are NOT giving a Book Talk next week, you can ignore this assignment.

Homework Instructions:

Please complete the 4.4 Solo activity located in the following section of Amplify:
Unit: Memory & Meaning
Sub-unit: 4
Lesson: 4
Activity: Solo (You can find this in Tab 7)
Due Dates:

Odd Periods (3 & 5): Monday, December 15th
Even Periods (2, 4, & 6): Tuesday, December 16th

Homework Instructions:

Please complete the 4.3 Solo activity located in the following section of Amplify:
Unit: Memory & Meaning
Sub-unit: 4
Lesson: 3
Activity: Solo (You can find this in Tab 9)

Homework Instructions:

Please complete the 4.2 Solo activity located in the following section of Amplify:
Unit: Memory & Meaning
Sub-unit: 4
Lesson: 2
Activity: Solo (You can find this in Tab 8)

Due Dates:
Please submit your work by the beginning of class on your assigned day.
Odd Periods (3 & 5): Monday, December 8th
Even Periods (2, 4, & 6): Tuesday, December 9th

Homework: Complete the 4.1 Solo on Tab 7.

For the Solo activity: 
You will read an excerpt from the graphic novel Maus. In this section, Vladek explains how life in Poland changed for Jewish people, including rising violence and fear.

Sensitive Content: The poem includes vivid and disturbing images from Kimel’s experiences. Some of this may be upsetting. We will have time to talk about your reactions and questions. At the end of the lesson, we’ll discuss why studying these events helps us recognize the dangers of hatred and prevent similar actions in the future.

Homework: Complete the Solo for Sub-Unit 3, Lesson 3 on Tab 8

Your homework after the lesson for Sub Unit 3, Lesson 2 has two parts:

1) Finish CER Write on Tab 5
-This was started in class.

2) Solo on Tab 9
-Complete the Solo for Lesson 3.2. 

-Due: Day 1 after break.  Hopefully you used your time wisely in class when you were given time to work on your CER, so it should either be done or close to being finished. Try to use your Flex time on Thursday and/or Friday to work on whatever is left of your CER and then work on your Solo. 

For homework you have two tasks to complete:

1) Finish your CER Write on Tab 5
-This was started in class and may have already been completed. 

2) Solo on Tab 9
-Complete the Solo for Lesson 3.1

Homework: 

1) Finish the green compare/contrast sheet from class (this is the one you worked on with your partner to compare Irene Butter and Alfons Heck).  
--> Note: Any absent students are excused from this task. 

2) Lesson 2.2 Solo
--> Tab 8 of Lesson 2.2. 

Will discuss in class on 10/30 or 10/31! 

You are invited to participate in this school-wide donation drive, although it is not required.

Homework: Finish Tab 4, then complete the Solo for Sub-Unit 2, Lesson 1.

Today during our short 24-minute period, you will be completing the Solo for 1.1.  You will need headphones in order to listen to the paired audio connected to the assigned readings.  

Due: Day 3

If you borrowed my classroom Chromebook and took it home in your bag, please email me :)

Attached is the corresponding Graphic Organizer for "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl. This is to be started in class and finished for homework, due Day 1.

For absent students: Read the attached PDF of the story (audio is linked on the top of the document), then complete the Organizer.

Please bring your Frankenstein book to school on Wednesday, as we will be able to return them to the Library when we are there for Book Talks.  

If you do not have your book with you on Wednesday to return, you will then need to return it on your own time to the Library.

After reading "The Red Fox Fur Coat" in class on Day 1, you will complete this for homework, due: Day 2.

This is a reminder for those scheduled to do Book Talks next week.  Your Book Talk is Wednesday 10/29.  You have also received an email from Mrs. Bateman; please make sure to read, review, then respond to the email, as that is a requirement.

If you are NOT scheduled to deliver a Book Talk, please ignore this reminder.

This is a friendly reminder that your Socratic Seminar is on Day 3 of class.  

You should have at least 5 of the 11 questions prepared and ready on your packet.  Reminder to anyone filling it out electronically, you have committed to printing out your packet, so make sure to do that prior to our class period. 

Also, for those struggling to finish the packet in a timely reminder, remember: that has been your ONLY homework all week.  You were provided the packet in class on Day 1 and no other homework has been assigned this week.  Additionally, most students had anywhere from 10-30 minutes in class on Day 1 to work on their packet.  You packet needs to be completed by Day 3 of class. 

During your Frankenstein Reading Test on Wednesday you will be listening to various audio passages.  Please bring headphones/earbuds in your backpack for Wednesday's class.

Completed in class on Day 1 (10/20 or 10/21).  


If absent, DO NOT complete at home.  Reach out to Mrs. Gonterman to arrange a make up time. 

It is highly recommended that you proofread your work and compare your completed work to the CER Checklist (attached), prior to submitting your completed work. 

After you finish your CER, use whatever time remaining to work on your Socratic Seminar packet. 

This was started in class and may even have been finished in class.  If not finished in class, you are to finish your CER for homework. 

The Solo for Lesson 14 is not a required assignment.  

Reminders for Next Week:

Day 1: In-Class CER. 
--> Nothing to prep ahead of time. 

Day 2: Frankenstein Reading Test
--> Multiple choice on Amplify. As long as you paid attention to the overall book and its plot/characters/main takeaways, you should be set. 

Day 3: Socratic Seminar
--> You will receive your group assignment and packet with your SS questions on Day 1 of class and will have all week to prepare responses to your assigned questions. 

Note: All three of these assignments are 'product' scores. 

-Make sure your CER from Lesson 13 is done, prior to beginning the Solo. Most likely you finished the CER in class. 
-Complete the Solo on Tab 9 of Lesson 13.
-Reminder: Vocabulary Test on Wednesday! Be ready :) 

In class on Day 3 we finished Lesson 12. For homework, you will complete the Lesson 12 Solo on Tab 8. 

Today you have a guest teacher.  Please be on your best behavior, be focused, and work independently.  Sit in your regular assigned seats. 

1) IR (20)
-Read your IR Book silently for 20 minutes. 
-Your guest teacher will let you know when the reading period has concluded. 
-You should have an IR book in your possession because 1) it's a block day and 2) we just went to the library on Day 3 last week and you should have checked out a new book then.  

2) IR Tracker (5)
-Complete a new entry into your IR Tracker.  

3) Review the Class Announcement in your 'Stream' 
-Review the announcement made at 6:55pm on Sunday by Mrs. Gonterman. 

4) Frankenstein | Lesson 13 (65)
-Log onto Amplify. Go to Lesson 13. 
-Take out headphones so you can have them to listen to the audio while reading. Borrow from the hanging caddy behind the television, if needed; if you borrow, make sure you return them to their original home by then end of the period. 
-Tab 1: Launch the Vocabulary App.  Spend ~7 minutes doing vocabulary in the app. 
-Tab 2: Complete the reading and the questions on pages 1 + 2.  Whenever it says to discuss, you will think about the question independently to yourself in your mind. 
-Tab 3: Complete questions 1 + 2. Respond thoughtfully. Your written response should be at least 4 sentences in length. 
-Tab 4: Read the passage and contemplate the questions in your mind. 
-Tab 5: Complete pages 1-4.  Your response to each question's written response should be a minimum of 3 sentences, with the only exception being Question 2 on Page 4; there you will create a list of general topics. 
-Tab 6: CER Write. Compose a fortified CER. Whatever is not finished in class, becomes Part 1 of your homework due Day 2. 
-Tab 7: Skip. 
-Tab 8: Complete the Exit Ticket. 
-Tab 9: Solo - Complete the reading and questions for the Solo. Most likely you will not get to this during the class period and it will need to be completed for homework. 
-Tab 10: Skip.....unless you would like some extra writing practice :)

If you finish all of the above, including the Solo, that is impressive and makes Mrs. G wondering if you actually spent the appropriate amount of time and care on your CER and the other written responses, especially on Tab 5..... With that being said, if all of the above, including the Solo are done before the end of the period and time still remains, read your IR Book silently. 

This is a reminder to complete your Lesson 11 CER.  This was worked on during the class period, so you should only need a few minutes to finish the lesson, if any time at all.  

The second part of your homework is the Solo for the same lesson.  

Today you have a guest teacher. Please be on-task and focused this period. 

Reminders:
-Book Talks are Day 3 of class. 
-Vocabulary Test for Volumes 1, 2, and 3 is Day 1 next week. 
-Q1 closes this Friday.  Any and all late work needs to be in by Friday 10/10; any email to Mrs. G regarding late work needs to be sent by 5pm Friday. No late work will be accepted after this due date/time. 

Lesson Overview:

1) IR Tracker and Book Talk
-If you have any reading and/or completed IR books that need to be entered into your IR Tracker, please do that now. 
-If you have a Book Talk on Day 3 this week and need to work on your Book Talk, please spend some time working on your Book Talk. 

2) Lesson 11 Homework (Due: Today!): Finish!
-Due today is your Lesson 11 CER (Tab 6) and Solo (Tab 9).
-If you have not finished either or both, please spend this time working on the homework.  
-Make sure both are done by the conclusion of today's period. 

3) Review and Compare CER Rubric with Lesson 11 CER
-Review the attached CER Rubric. 
-Compare your finished CER to the rubric. 
-Decide if you need to go back and revise/improve your CER. 

4) Missing Work
-Check Powerschool to see if you have any missing work for English; if you do, work on the missing work!
-Once you check your English work, see if you have any missing work in any other class; if you do, work on the missing work! 

5) Study for Vocabulary Test
-Review your completed slidedecks for every volume; these are the slidedecks you finished for homework for each Volume (1, 2, and 3).
-Review the Gimkits - see the new 'materials' posting on GC.  There you will see some Gimkits included for Volume 3, in addition to 1 and 2.  
-Remember, you still have access and can practice vocabulary using the previous Volumes 1 + 2 Gimkits on GC; the ones you used to practice for your Volume 1 and Volume II quizzes.
-If you choose to play a Gimkit with another peer(s), please be focused and play calmly and quietly; use headphones, if needed!  Remember: others may not be playing Gimkits at this point in the period. 

6) Read IR Book
-Once finished with all of the above, if there is still time remaining in the period, read your IR book, if you have it today.  
-If you don't have your IR book you may borrow one from the in-class library or you may work on homework for a different class.
-You may not go to the library to check out a book as there are Book Talks going on for a different teacher.

This is the second part of your homework after Day 1 of class.  Finish the Solo for Lesson 11 on Tab 9. 

The first part of your homework is your CER, so please make sure that is done before you work on the Solo for the lesson. 

Introduced in class on Day 2 (10/1) and due Day 1 (10/6 or 10/7). There are 9 vocabulary words in total for you to identify, practice, and master. All of these vocabulary terms appear in Volume 3 of Frankenstein.  At some point in the future you will be assessed on your mastery of these vocabulary words. Do a bit here and there - spread out the completion of this over a few days.  

Due: Day 1 (10/6 or 10/7)

After finishing our Socratic Seminar on Day 3 (10/2 or 10/3) for homework you are to complete the Lesson 9 Solo. 

Due: Day 1

Assigned Day 1 (9/29 or 9/30) and due Day 3 (Thurs or Fri).  Printed packet was handed out on Day 1.  You will have work time in class on Wednesday to work on the Socratic Seminar questions.  If not finished on Wednesday, you are to finish for homework.  This packet will be used during the seminar discussion on Day 3 of class. 

Attached is the electronic version of the packet.  You may fill it out electronically, as long as you commit to printing it out as a hard copy, as you will not have access to your laptop during your seminar; you must have a hard copy of your responses.

This is the second part of your homework for Lesson 8, which was completed in class on Day 3 (9/25 or 9/26). 

Complete the Solo for homework after you finish your CER on Tab 7.

This is the first part of your homework.  Most likely you have already finished this in class on Day 3 (9/25 or 9/26), but in case you have not finished crafting your CER, please finish for homework.

Greetings, 
Today you have a guest teacher.  Please be focused and work through the following independently:

1) Lesson 7 Solo
-If you did not finish your Lesson 7 Solo - reading and response questions - please work on that first. 
-If you need to listen to the audio, please use earbuds to listen to it independently. 

2) IXL Tasks
-Goal: Reach at least 85% or spend no more than 20 minutes on each lesson. 
a) X. Synonyms and Antonyms: Lesson 1 - "Choose the Synonym"
b) X. Synonyms and Antonyms: Lesson 2 - "Choose the Antonym"
c) BB. Context Clues: Lesson 1 - "Find Words Using Context"
     
--> These IXL task are linked directly to this assignment post. Use that link to go directly to the assignments on IXL. 

3) Screenshot Completed Lessons
-> Once you have achieved either 85% or higher (or have spent 20 minutes) on the lessons, go to your Dashboard, then to Grade 8 and the 'X' "Synonyms and Antonyms" Section and 'BB.' "Context Clues" Sections.  Take a screenshot of your scores, then add that screenshot as a picture to this assignment post.  Try to take one screenshot that includes both sections 'X' and 'BB'.
--> If not done by the end of the period, this becomes homework Due: Day 3 (Thursday or Friday).

--> If you finish your IXL tasks before the bell, work on homework for a different class or read your IR book.

In class on Day 1 (9/22 or 9/23) we completed Tabs 8 and 9 of Lesson 7.  If you did not finish these two slides, you need to finish before starting on the Solo.  For homework, complete the Lesson 7 Solo on Tab 10.

After finishing Lesson 5 on Day 3 of class, the following needs to be completed:

1) CER Write on Tab 9 of Lesson 5

2) Solo on Tab 12

3) Study for your Volume II Vocab Quiz
-Volume II Vocab Quiz is on Day 1 next week. 
-Gimkits to help you study will be available in a separate posting on GC.

Introduced in class on Day 1 (9/15 or 9/16) and due Day 3 (9/18 or 9/19) There are 8 vocabulary words in total for you to identify, practice, and master. All of these vocabulary terms appear in Volume 2 of Frankenstein.  At some point in the future you will be assessed on your mastery of these vocabulary words. Do a bit here and there - spread out the completion of this over a few days.  

Due: Day 3 (9/18 or 9/19)

For homework you will complete the Lesson 3 Solo on Tab 11.

This is a friendly reminder that your Volume I Vocabulary Quiz is on Day 3. Please make sure to review the Gimkits that have been provided to you on GC and also the slidedeck you created last week for homework.

This is the first part of your homework. Finish your CER on Tab 7 of Lesson 2 - for most this was started in class on Day 1. 

This is the second part of your homework.  The Solo can be found on Tab 10 of Lesson 2.

8C: Science & Science Fiction > Sub-unit 1 > Lesson 1 > Solo

The attached link will bring you directly to the Solo for the lesson. 

For each of the included vocabulary terms, you will review the definition and synonyms, then you will craft your own sentence using the vocabulary term and include a picture/visual connected to the term.  The visual you choose is meant to help you familiarize yourself with the term and to help you remember it as we move forward throughout this first volume of Frankenstein; the visual is most likely going to be a related image you find online.

Due: Day 3 (Thurs or Fri)

Completed in class on Friday 8/29.  

If absent, please do not complete at home and connect with Mrs. G upon your return next week.

Mrs. Gonterman is out sick today.  Please review the following lesson overview for the class period.  Work well, independently, and stay focused.  This is an independent work period.  If you still need to finish your i-Ready 'Reading' Diagnostic, please work on that instead of working on the IXL tasks detailed below. 

1) 6-Word Memoir | Personal Creation
-This is due today.  Read the following options and decide which option/scenario you fit given your completion level for this assignment:
Option 1: If you have completed it on time and it is ready to turn in. Please write your first and last name in a small but visible manner in the bottom right of the illustrated side of your card creation (the side that has the 6-word memoir and illustration). Then, turn it in to your period's turn-in tray.  Note to P3 students: temporarily you are still turning your work into the P1 tray.  
Option 2: You completed your illustrated side with the 6-word memoir, but have previous to this very moment emailed Mrs. G so she can print your 100-word memoir.  Unfortunately since she is sick, she cannot print your 100-word write up today. So what is going to happen is that you will hang onto your completed card, Mrs. G will print the 100-word memoir on Thursday (hopefully, as long as she is back) and you will then turn it in on Thursday.  Your assignment will NOT be marked late.
Option 3: You simply have not finished the assignment.  Lucky for you, you happen to get a day extension because of Mrs. G's absence.  Have it ready to turn in on Thursday. Instead of working on the following assigned IXL assignment right now in class, you will work on your Memoir assignment - either the card with the illustration, including the 6-word memoir, and/or the 100-word memoir creation posting on Google Classroom.  Since you will not be working on your IXL tasks in class today, those become homework due Thursday for you.  

2) IXL Tasks
-If you are a student who falls into either the Option 1 or Option 2 category above, you will spend the remainder of the period working on the following IXL tasks.  -Goal: Reach at least 85% or spend no more than 20 minutes per lesson. 
--> IXL Tasks - Grade 8 | Vocabulary:
a) Lesson 1: Words with Pre-
b) Lesson 2: Words with Re-

--> These two IXL tasks are linked directly to this assignment post. Use those links to go directly to the assignments in IXL. 

3) Screenshot Completed Lessons
-> Once you have achieved either 85% or higher (or have spent 20 minutes) on the lessons, go to your Dashboard, then to Grade 8 and the 'V' "Prefixes and Suffixes" Section.  Take a screenshot of your scores, then add that screenshot as a picture to this assignment post.
--> If not done by the end of the period, this becomes homework Due: Day 3 (Thursday), although you should have plenty of time to finish these two lessons in class today.


--> If you finish early, work on homework for a different class or read your IR book.

After completing your brainstorm - the one introduced at the start of class on Say 1 - select your favorite one of the six brainstorms you just completed.  You will now construct a tiny memoir - only 100 words. 

Remember: Writing a story about an event in your life in only 100 words is challenging; it forces you, as a writer, to be as concise as possible, while at the same time weaving figurative language and vivid imagery into your story. Your story, though brief, should have an exposition, rising action, a climax, falling action, and a resolution, although not necessarily in that order. Furthermore, any of these pieces may be intertwined; all of these authorial choices are yours to make. Let us get to know you through a moment - a singular moment - in your life. Create a mood for your readers: It can be scary, embarrassing, fun, silly, sad… it’s up to you. 

Next Steps:
1) Write your 100-word Tiny Memoir on the doc attached to this assignment post. 
--> It may be slightly less, but no more than 100 words. 
--> Proofread - make sure it makes sense, flows, has a mood and/or tone that the reader can easily navigate. 
2) Print out your completed Tiny Memoir
--> If by chance you do not have a printer, you may either: handwrite your Tiny Memoir or have Mrs. G print it out before class on Day 2 and then glue your 6-Word Memoir visual that you already created. 
3) 6-Word Memoir
--> Decide how you can summarize or capture your Tiny Memoir in only 6-words in order to create your 6-Word Memoir.  (You should have written this at the top of your 100-word doc). 
--> Write your 6-Word Memoir on one side of your paper.  Your Tiny Memoir (100-word creation) will be on the other/backside of your paper. (Hopefully this is printed out and glued on, but if needed, it may be hand-written in a lighter pen that will not bleed through to the front)
--> Create an illustration that corresponds to your memoir and brings it to life - add pizzazz! (Recall the examples shown in class on Day 1)
--> Your final product should look polished - any lead pencil should be written over with pen, etc.  


Due: Day 2 

This is a reminder to bring your IR book starting Day 1 this week!

For homework, you will be finishing the "Tiny Memoirs Summaries" handout we started in class.  Please complete the hard copy by hand.  An electronic copy is also attached to this assignment post in case you lose your physical paper copy and need to print another.  

Due: Day 1 of class

For this assignment, you will create a short video introducing yourself to Mrs. Gonterman. Use whichever recording app you would like, as long as Mrs. G can clearly see and hear you; it is recommended that you do a screencast directly on your Chromebook. Once completed, attach your IntroTok video directly to this assignment. 

In your video response please answer/speak to the following:

1) State your full (first and last) name.  If you are comfortable in sharing, please share your preferred personal pronouns. 
2) What are some of your hobbies or interests? What brings you joy?
3) What is your best trait or characteristic? What is something about yourself that you are most proud of?
4) What do you feel like is the most challenging trait or thing about yourself? What is something you struggle with or wish you could do differently?
5) What is something that you hope to accomplish this year? (This could be school-related or not!)
6) Optional: Is there anything else you feel like Mrs. G would benefit from knowing in order to better support your success? Anything about you? Anything about your family? Anything about your learning needs? etc.

Completed in class on Day 1. 

We completed this prior to writing the draft of our Tiny Memoir. 

Make sure to bring your charged Chromebook and an IR book all week during your i-Ready Diagnostic.

The course syllabus was out as a hard copy in class on 8/18 or 8/19.  Please read it, review it, then sign it with a parent/guardian.  The signed cutoff sheet on page 5 is due on Day 3 this week (Thursday 8/21 for P. 3 + 5 or Friday 8/22 for P. 2, 4, 6).

This is just a reminder that your finished hexagon is due on Day 1 next week, in case you did not turn it in by the end of class on Friday. 

Enjoy your weekend!

1) Review the attached slideshow. There are some questions from the slideshow that I want you to ponder, as you will be responding to them at the end of the slideshow.
2) After reviewing the slideshow, copy and paste, then answer the following in bold as an 'answer or response' to this Google Classroom question post.

1) What traits/qualities/interests do you possess that you’re proud of and makes up your identity?
2) What if someone spoke about your traits/qualities/interests in a hateful way? How would that make you feel? Why?
3) What are things you have seen or heard on campus that could be hurtful? How does it make you feel? How does this affect everyone on campus?
4) What are ways you can stand up to hateful words?

__________________________________________________________
3) After posting your response to the 4 above questions as an answer to the 'Question' post, please grab a blue paper off of the stool in front of Mrs. Gonterman's desk. Read through and complete the worksheet. Be thoughtful and give care to your responses.
4) Once done with the worksheet, you will get a white hexagon from the table with the gongs.
--> On that hexagon, you will pick your 6 favorite "sides of yourself" and write them on each side of the hexagon.
--> In the center of the hexagon, you will write your full first and last name.
--> You will then design/color/illustrate the hexagon in whichever way you desire that helps to represent who you are as a person.
--> Whatever is not finished before the end of the weekend becomes homework, so work diligently and be focused. If you finish by the bell, please turn it in to the P1 turn in tray under the clock (yes, I know you are P3, not P1, but I still need to fix the numbering on the trays, so for today we shall pretend you are P1 :) ).
--> There are coloring materials on the back table under the clock to the left of the boxes of composition notebooks. BORROW as needed, then return the materials in an organized manner.
--> Use the attached picture of Mrs. Gonterman's sample for reference of how yours may look when finished (forgive her terrible drawing skills, as she mostly knows how to draw hearts and one type of flower!).