The Outsiders Week of September 20th

Let's get your first thoughts on The Outsiders. Here are some questions you may want to discuss:

• How realistic is the conflict between the greasers and the Socs? Are there similar conflicts between groups in your school or city?
• What do you think is causing the problems between Ponyboy and Darry?

As always, you may write on any topic relating to the book.

8th Grade: Individualism Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Individualism Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question:

The village elders want Nhamo to marry in order to appease the dead man's spirit and save the village from his wrath. Should an individual person focus on his/her own needs or make sacrifices for the greater good of the village or society?

Discussion Assignment:

1. Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, her grandmother, Aunt Chipo, Uncle Kufa, Joao, Rosa, the muvuki, and Masvita, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.
   

Due Sunday.

8th Grade: Gender Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Gender Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question: To what degree should women and girls have control of their own lives?

Discussion Assignment:

1. Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, her grandmother, Dr. Masuku, Uncle Kufa, Rosa, the muvuki, the nganga, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.

Due Sunday.

8th Grade: Progress Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Progress Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question: Which offers the greatest good to today’s Africans: traditional or more modern lifestyles?

1. Discussion Assignment:
   Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, her grandmother, Dr. Van Heerden, Uncle Kufa, Aunt Chipo, the muvuki, Dr. Masuku, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.
   Due Sunday.

8th Grade: Religion Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Religion Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question: How does your religion support and affect your life?

Discussion Assignment:

1. Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, Dr. Masuku, Baba Joseph, the muvuki, Joao, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.

Due Sunday.

7th Grade: Greek Myths Response- Sept. 3rd

Reflect on the Greek myths that we have read so far in class. Then choose one of your favorite myths, and:

1. Write one well-organized paragraph explaining an important theme in the myth. Be sure to support your ideas with specific examples from the story.
2. Read other students' paragraphs. Then respond to at least two students' ideas by replying to their comments.

This is due by Friday, September 10th.

A Girl Named Disaster- Week of August 23rd

Now that you have gotten into the "meat" of the novel, write another paragraph about your thoughts and feelings as you read. Remember to also respond to two other students' posts.

If you need help on a topic, consider:

• How does the author use the plot to examine the unique culture of the Mozambique/Zimbabwe region?
• How does the author use symbolism in this novel?

Oops! Technical difficulties!

Sorry, 8th graders!
I was setting up a new comment system on the blog, and it erased all the previous comments.
Let's postpone the blog assignment until next week. For the time being, just read the novel and work on your Writer's Circle assignment. Have a good weekend!

A Girl Named Disaster: Week of August 16

Now that you have gotten into the "meat" of the novel, write another paragraph about your thoughts and feelings as you read. Remember to also respond to two other students' posts.

If you need help on a topic, consider:

• How does the author use the plot to examine the unique culture of the Mozambique/Zimbabwe region?
• How does the author use symbolism in this novel?

A Girl Named Disaster: Week of August 9

Let's begin our online discussion of A Girl Named Disaster by examining the exposition of the novel. You may discuss any topic you like as long as it helps our understanding of the novel, the writer, or the writer's craft.
If you need help getting started, feel free to address one of the following topics:

• How does the author create sympathy for the protagonist?
• Nancy Farmer is an American writing about Africa. Does she show any bias for or against the culture she describes?

Remember to write at least one well-organized paragraph on the topic. Then respond to at least two other students' writing.

Character Discussion Board

Independent Novel Project
For this project, you will get into the mind of an interesting character from your independent novel and then write in his/her voice. Always speak in the voice of your character, and try to mimic the style and word choice of him/her.

Now think of a problem or challenge that this character faced in the novel. Imagine that he/she decides to join an online discussion group and ask other members for advice on how to deal with this problem. Then:

1. Write a post that explains the problem and any important background information. Then, ask for advice. (1 paragraph)
2. Read other members' posts. Then, write a response giving advice to at least 2 other members. (1 paragraph each)

Grading:

• Ideas/Content: 10 points
• Organization: 10 points
• Writing Style (Sentence Fluency, Word Choice, Voice): 10 points
• Conventions: 10 points

Independent Novel: Week of February 18

This week, each student should write at least one well-written paragraph in response to his/her independent novel by Monday, February 22nd.You may write on any topic relating to the middle of the novel, but make sure that your comments demonstrate careful thought and reflection. If you are at a loss for a topic, you may want to choose one of these:

• Discuss how the author develops one important theme in the novel.
• Discuss the resolution of the novel's conflict. Did the author answer all your questions, or did he/she leave you wondering? Why do you think the author chose this type of ending?
• What did you learn from reading this book? Explain.
• Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

Independent Novel: Week of February 8

This week, each student should write at least one well-written paragraph in response to his/her independent novel by Friday, February 12th.You may write on any topic relating to the middle of the novel, but make sure that your comments demonstrate careful thought and reflection. If you are at a loss for a topic, you may want to choose one of these:

• Is there a message or main theme emerging in the book? How is it shown?
• How has the author maintained or increased your interest? Consider how the author creates rising action.
• Reflect on a particular character in the novel. How is this character changing or growing?

Independent Novel-- Week of February 1

This week, each student should write at least one well-written paragraph in response to his/her independent novel by Friday, February 5th.
You may write on any topic relating to the beginning of the novel, but make sure that your comments demonstrate careful thought and reflection. If you are at a loss for a topic, you may want to choose one of these:

• What mood does the author create in the beginning of the novel? How does he/she accomplish this mood?
• How well does the author grab your interest in the beginning of the novel? Explain your answer.
• Which character most interests you? Why?
• What is the conflict in the novel? Make some predictions about what might happen next.

Enjoy your posts!