First Unit Test

So far we have studied elements of the narrative: character, setting and plot. The unit test will cover concepts from class notes and learning centers. Stories on the test include "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto, "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury, and "Ribbons" by Laurence Yep. There are 18 questions, a mix of multiple choice and short answer.


What to study:

Class Notes
Learning Center Activities
Unit Quizzes
Unit Study Guide
Review the Stories

All students are welcome to stay for study help 3:35 to 4:15 p. m. If students can come before school, I will sign a morning pass as early as 7:45 a. m. Ask for the pass the day before; otherwise, the before care facilitator will not allow you to come to my classroom.


The 8th grade test will be held Friday September 10, and the 7th grade test will be held Monday September 13.

Binder Organization

Designate a section in either your core class or language arts binder for this class. The first page of the section is the "Table of Contents." We will keep track of our assignments in the order you complete the assignments. Here are the assignments that are graded and should be in your binder so far:

Page 1 "First Day"
Page 2 "Group Skills"
Page 3 "Reading Pretest: Recycle"
Page 4 "Character Notes"
Page 5 "Character Pretest: Infer About People"
Pages 6, 7, 8, 9 "Character L.C.'s" (Introduce a Partner Speech, William Wilson, Ribbons and Seventh Grade)
Page 10 "Character Quiz"
Page 11 "Setting Notes" (Infer About Time and Place worksheet)
Page 12 "Context Clues: The Test"

Let's begin

Our first unit is "Narrative Studies." First we will determine how a writer crafts a character; second part is setting and finally plot. There will be a quiz for each part (character, setting and plot).

In addition to reading text, we will present character interpretations in theatrical presentations. Students will choose a short interior monologue from a book, play, poem, film or song and present it in front of the class. I must approve the monologue before August 19. Here are some suggestions:

Average Girl by Emily Osment (song)
selection from Witness by Karen Hesse (book)
I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes (poem)

You may post a monologue selection for approval. Post the title, text type (book, poem, song, from a movie or play) and the author.

Welcome!

In a "Reading and Rhetoric" course we will interpret traditional text in books, essays and poetry, as well as peer presentations and popular media (films and music). Below are the academic requirements.

Students are expected to read every day for at least 30 minutes; they will record the pages read and a brief summary every week.

Every class meeting students will receive instruction on reading skills, cooperate and participate in small groups for skills practice, and present skills mastered.

Skills mastery includes quizzes, unit tests and presentations.