English 8

Today we began class with a guided discussion about the themes of the novel The Giver. We discussed how the author wants the reader to understand that, as sad as it may seem, pain, conflict, and discontent are an important part of the world. We also learned that, for example, conflict helps us to better understand peace or that without pain there can not be bliss.

We then began watching most of the movie Pleasantville and discussed the similar theme that exists.

Students ended class with a 'reader response' piece of writing that was turned in as they left.

Friday is the final Giver test and next Tuesday morning is the final exam

English 8

Today, Friday January 15th, students were given a quiz on chapters 10-12 of The Giver.

Then students worked on a blue worksheet entitled "Struggles within and Without" -- here students focused on both predicting what will happen in the last section of the novel, and also the concept of conflict in writing.

Students also read quietly and worked on the Final Exam Review booklet that I handed out last day.

Homework: read to end of chapter 15 by Monday. Finish novel by next Wednesday. The Giver test next Wednesday.

English 8

Homework: Read chapters 7, 8, and 9 for Thursday's class. Also, complete the worksheet on capitalized and coined words from The Giver.

English 8 - January 11th

- Today Meagan, the Teacher Assistant, did a lesson on 'The Ceremony of Twelve'. They discussed what it would feel like and what it was like to go through this ceremony. All were given numbers (instead of names to make it fair) and Assignments (careers) from the novel The Giver.

- We also did a chapter 4 - 6 quiz today.

English 8

Today we began with a discussion around the concept of 'Sameness" from the novel The Giver. We discussed both the advantages and disadvantages of the pursuit of sameness both in the Giver and in our world.

We spoke about "paying taxes" and how that applies to the novel.

Students then had 20 minutes to complete the backside of the sheet we did last day (the exercise where we listed all the rules that have to be followed). Here is what the assignment is: Pretend that some or all of the rules your group listed on Handout 4 have been abolished. Imagine that you are a stranger who is walking past the school. you hear a great deal of noise coming from the inside of the school and begin to get a little curious. Write a description of one or more paragraphs in which you (the stranger) describe what you experience. Remember to use all the tips I've given you about creative writing!

This writing was handed in at the end of class.

Homework: be prepared for a quiz on chapters 4-6 next day. Prepare for the Ceremony of Twelve which will take place in Monday's class.

English 8

Today we reviewed our first quiz from The Giver and we reviewed last day's discussion regarding ego-centrism and dystopian fiction as a genre.

Then we learned about 'drawing inferences' from the moods that people are in or from the moods that are created by authors. We worked on a sheet that reinforced this from The Giver.

We read quietly.

We examined our school rules. Later we'll relate this to our novel The Giver.

Homework: read chapters 4, 5, and 6 and be ready for a quiz on Friday's class.

PS. Joe, I hope you're feeling better soon!

English 8

Students were reminded to ensure that they have all of the words of the week written down. (14 so far).

Homework: Read to page 19 of our new novel The Giver.

Today we learned that dystopian fiction is a genre within the category of science fiction. We also familiarized ourselves with the term 'Chronological plot'. The novel we're study, like our own minds, does not follow a straightforward chronological pattern.

English 8