Jeopardy Review Game

Here's a link to a Jeopardy midterm review game.  Enjoy! 
http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/usergames/Dec201150/game1324044064.php


Don't forget to study for all exams!

Friday - 2a and 3a (full day of school)
Monday - 2b and 3b (11:30 dismissal)
Tuesday 4a and 5a (11:30 dismissal)
Wednesday - 4b and 5b (11:30 dismissal)

Study Guides

You will have two exams for me.  On A Day, you will take your grammar and writing exam, and on B Day, you will take your literature exam.  We will work on these study guides in class from Monday, December 12th to Thursday, December 15th.  Here are copies in case you misplace yours:

English Midterm -
hughesMidterm English Studyguide



Literature Midterm -
litmidguide



Graphic Organizer to go with Poem on Literature Study Guide -
FISHBONE

Hunger Games Projects due Friday December 9th!

Make sure your projects are thorough, and that you show me your critical thinking skills!!

Here are your options:

1. Construct a tourist brochure for one of the following locations in the novel (or choose your own location). Your objective is to encourage people to visit this place. Be as accurate as possible (though you may add details that may not have been disclosed in the novel, as long as it doesn’t take away from the facts in the story). Make sure to include:
-illustrations that accurately depict what this location looks like
-description of what the location is like
-reasons why people should choose your location as a travel destination
(you can be sarcastic or do this as a parody, if you’d like)
Locations (or choose one of your own):
-District 12
-The Capitol
-The Arena

2. Choose at least three meals from the novel and research the history & symbolism of the foods. Relate them to the story. How does the symbolism of the food foreshadow or reveal information about an event or character?

3. Compare/contrast the 74th annual Hunger Games with another reality TV show, such as Survivor. (You should choose a TV show you are familiar with for this project.) Make sure to include the following:
-How the two “shows” are alike
(include the before/after, such as the interviews, training, presentation of victors, prizes, etc.)
-How the two “shows” are different
(include the before/after, such as the interviews, training, presentation of victors, prizes, etc.)
-Contrast the contestants’ interactions with one another (alliances, strategy, etc.)
-Discuss the roles behind the scenes (mentors, coaches, family members, etc.)

4. Create a marketing campaign for one of the tributes. The goal is to get as many sponsors as possible, so make sure to focus on the character’s skills and strengths. Your campaign should include three of the following:
-30 second TV commercial (script)- REQUIRED
-Magazine advertisement
-Press release article
-Billboard poster

5. Read about the Greek myth of Theseus, and how Crete demonstrated its power over Athens by demanding that 14 Athenian children be given up to the Minotaur every seven years. (Some sources say every nine years.) Then compare the story with The Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins was inspired by this myth as she was writing. Can you find sources of her inspiration in the story? Based on your research, predict what will happen next.
Helpful Sources:
http://www.mythweb.com/encyc/entries/theseus.html)
http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/greek-mythology.php?deity=THESEUS
http://greece.mrdonn.org/theseus.html
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/religion/myths/theseus.htm

6. Research at least three different types of plants from the novel. Learn about their history & symbolic significance. Relate them to the story. How does the symbolism of the plant foreshadow or reveal information about an event or character?

7. Write an historical article detailing Panem's history, wars, etc. and infrastructure. Explain the relationship between the different districts and what resources they use to survive. Include an analysis of the Capitol's power over the other districts and the nature and function of the Hunger Games. You may have to infer some of this information from what we learned in the novel.

8. Pretend you are Atala, the head trainer of the Games. Create a survival guide for the tributes. Using accurate information from the novel, you must include:
-A list of supplies (10 minimum) and the benefits of each one
-A list of the best strategies to survive the Games
-Pictures or other visual aides
This can be done in the form of a slideshow presentation, a brochure, or a video.

9. Re-read the Meadow Song Katniss sings to Rue. Critique it as a poem, looking for symbolism and other literary devices and clues or foreshadowing. After your critique, think about songs from your childhood. Choose one to compare with the Meadow Song. Are there any similarities? Critiques should be at least one page each. Then write an original children’s song or poem that reference themes, events, characters, or symbols.

10. In Hunger Games, there are creatures called Mutations (Mutts). These are animals that have been genetically altered to create an animal that could be used as a weapon. Two examples of this are the Jabberjay (which later mated with the mockingbird to become the Mockingjay) and the Tracker
Jackers (killer wasps). Create five “animal weapons.” Choose animals from a variety of groups
(birds, mammals, insects, etc.). Describe the new animal (appearance, habitat, food, lifespan) and what purpose it has as a weapon. Cite researched facts to back up your creation. Include illustrations.

11. As shocking and barbaric as the Hunger Games seem, they are quite similar to the times of the Roman Empire and the gladiators. Make comparisons of the Hunger Games society and customs to three of the following:
-The Roman Empire and the gladiators of the Coliseum
-The Marathon Dances during the Depression Era
-A slave plantation
-Modern-day television games such as Survivor

12. Are you a fan of graphic novels or comic books? Take five chapters from The Hunger Games and create and design a “comic” depicting those Chapters in at least 25 frames. Please include visuals, dialogue, and captions – as appropriate –remember this is a comic book. You can create it with paper and pen/pencil or use design software such as Comic Life, Microsoft Publisher (or in Word or Powerpoint), Adobe InDesign, or iWork’s Pages or Keynote.

13. Almost everyone appearing in the story has some responsibility for the deaths of those who participate in the Games. In your opinion who is most at fault (including--but not limited to--the participants, those in charge of the Games, or those who watch the Games on television)? In the role of a prosecutor, write your closing argument convincing the jury that the person on trial should be held accountable for the deaths. Give at least THREE examples evidencing your point as to who is at fault. Remember, you must be persuasive.

Hunger Games Fun

COULD YOU SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN, 

IN THE WILD, 

WITH EVERYONE FIGHTING AGAINST YOU?

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence.

If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Hunger Games Schedule

Here a glimpse into the rest of the semester.  If you miss a day, you must catch up with your reading on your own, and come to class prepared.  Take care of my books!

Wednesday 11/09 - Chapter 1 in class, Chapter 2 for homework
Thursday 11/10 - Chapter 3 in class, Chapter 4 for homework
Friday 11/11 - Chapter 5 in class

Monday 11/14 - Chapter 6 in class, Chapter 7 for homework
Tuesday 11/15 - Chapter 8 in class, Chapter 9 for homework
Wednesday 11/16 - Chapter 10 in class, Chapter 11 for homework
Thursday 11/17 - Chapter 12 in class (Cap. and Vocab. Quiz), Chapter 13 for homework
Friday 11/18 - Class Reenactment of Hunger Games

Thanksgiving Break 11/19 - 11/27

Monday 11/28 - Chapter 14 in class, Chapter 15 for homework
Tuesday 11/29 - Chapter 16 in class, Chapter 17 for homework
Wednesday 11/30 - Chapter 18 in class, Chapter 19 for homework
Thursday 12/1 - Chapter 20 in class, Chapter 21 for homework
Friday 12/2 - Chapter 22 in class , Class Reenactment of Hunger Games

Monday 12/5 - Chapter 23 in class, Chapter 24 for homework
Tuesday 12/6 - Chapter 25 in class, Chapter 26 for homework
Wednesday 12/7 - Chapter 27 in class (Vocab. Quiz)
Thursday 12/8 - Reading Quiz on Part III of HG
Friday 12/9 - Reading Project Due (100 pts.)

Study Guide Week 12/12-12/15

Final Exams
Friday 12/16 - 2A and 3A exams
Monday 12/19 (Dismissal at 11:30) - 2B and 3B exams
Tuesday 12/20 (Dismissal at 11:30) - 4A and 5A exams
Wednesday 12/21 (Dismissal at 11:30) - 4B and 5B exams

Prevent Crime in Schools

Students, due to the unfortunate event at our school today, I would like to remind you to take a minute to save the Crime Stoppers phone number into your phone.

Any individual with knowledge of a crime occuring in or outside of school can and should call Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867) or 1-888-723-STOP(7867) to relay their tips, clues, or other information. You will remain ANONYMOUS.

Let's keep Westdale Middle and Baton Rouge safe.

Independent Reading Projects

Students, your independent reading projects are due Friday October 7th.  You are to use one of the books you've read this nine weeks to complete the project.  I've met with all of you regarding your project, and answered questions, but if you need further help, email me at ahughes2@ebrschools.org.

Here are the project descriptions:

Independent Reading Enrichment Projects


As part of your Independent Reading requirement, you will have one enrichment project due per nine-week grading period. This project will be based on one of the books you read as part of our daily Independent Reading practice that nine-week period. You can choose from the ideas listed below or speak to Miss. Hughes about other options. Each day the project is late your project will be deducted 10%. The entire project is worth 100 points. You will be graded according to creativity; effort; neatness; understanding and knowledge of characters, plot, and theme; and connections made to the literature. You will choose from this list each nine-weeks, but you cannot repeat any prompt. So be thoughtful when selecting which project you wish to complete this nine-weeks.

1. Interview one of the characters about the story or about anything relevant or appropriate to the character, asking questions in your voice and giving answers in the character’s voice.

2. Turn the story into a comic strip using the proper format of images and dialogue or captions. Include 10 or more frames.

3. Rewrite the ending of your book. Your ending should be five or more pages long and fit with the characters, theme, and plot portrayed in the book and the author’s language.

4. Turn one of the stories you read into a poem. Your poem should be at least 35 lines long.

5. Pretend your book is being turned into a movie. Propose a plan for actors you would cast for the main characters with a brief explanation why. Also, create an outline for what plot events you would edit out from the script for time’s sake, and any scenes you would add for the audience’s understanding or enjoyment.

6. Create a movie/slideshow with music, images, and recordings of quotes that represent the plot, themes, symbols, and characters. (iMovie, Photostory, Audacity, etc.)

7. Create a soundtrack for the book. Choose songs that fit with the mood of plot events or theme of the book. Provide a short explanation explaining how each song fits in with the book. You will turn in a CD with at least 10 songs burned on it.

8. Create a prequel or sequel to your book. This should be at least five typed pages and fit with the characters, theme, and plot portrayed in the book and the author’s language.

9. Create a scrapbook for one of the characters of your book using events and other characters from the story. Your scrapbook should have at least six pages including four of these five components: images with captions, event/entertainment stubs or posters, letters, diary entries, or newspaper articles from local newspaper. Be colorful and creative.

10. Create an advertisement for your book. The advertisement can be an original poster and a commercial you perform in class, or a commercial you create using computer media software.

11. Rewrite the story as a picture book for young children. Use simple language and include images appropriate for young readers. Your story should be at least twenty pages long.

12. Make a newspaper about the book or set in the same city as the book’s main setting. Include at least five parts of a newspaper: comics, advertisements, weather, news stories, feature stories, letters to the editor, obituaries, editorials, sports, etc.

The Outsiders Test!

You have a test on The Outsiders on Monday.  Study the characters, basic plot information, quotes, and themes we worked on in class.

Original Book Cover

Leather Jacket - Greaser Wear

1960's Corvair

Madras Shirt - Socs Wear

Fun Fact: S.E. Hinton was in high school when she wrote The Outsiders.  It only took her a year and a half to write it, and it is rumored that while she was writing  it, she earned a grade of a "D" in her Creative Writing class.  Ironic?

LITERATURE QUIZ!

4th and 5th Blocks will have a Literature Quiz on "The Great Rat Hunt" and Dreams from My Father on Monday.

3rd Block will have a Literature Quiz on "The Great Rat Hunt" and Dreams from My Father on Tuesday.


STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!

from Dreams from My Father

We read an excerpt from Obama's Dreams from My Father today.  Want to learn more about our president?

Weekly Writing Due 8/19

This week's weekly writing is focussed on family.  Write about a cure/remedy your family swears by, a story about a big important move, or describe your family's most notorious member!  Make sure you write 200 words neatly (or type it).  I can't wait to read about your families!

The Great Rat Hunt

We read our first short story: "The Great Rat Hunt" by Laurence Yep!  Make sure you fill out your "Rat Hunt" notes handout so that you're able to study for a quiz you might have on Monday! ;)

If you need to re-read it, it's on page 120 in your green Literature textbooks.  You should all have your green Literature and Red Grammar books at home.  They can stay at home for the remainder of the school year.  I have a set of books in our classroom so that you don't have to lug those heavy books back and forth.

Make sure you turn in your Weekly Writing by Friday.  I'll post the topics tomorrow as a last-minute reminder.


Rat Hunt Notes Handout (in case you lost your original):

Multiple Intelligences and the Writing Process

We'll be exploring the writing process for the next couple of days, especially when it comes to the many different ways we all go through it.  We took a multiple intelligence survey on Thursday, and are now using our learning strengths to create an example of how we go through the writing process.

Reminder of the Basic Learning Process:
1. Prewriting - selecting and exploring a topic
2. Drafting - turn prewriting into sentences and paragraphs
3. Revising - add details, check for clear ideas
4. Editing - proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation
5. Publishing - create a finished project and share it

Check out this video about an elementary school in Georgia that structures education around the idea of multiple intelligences.  Let me know what you think!  Do you think this is a good idea?

Welcome to Ms. Hughes's Class!

What a great school year this will be! I am so very excited to get to know all of you and begin our reading and writing adventures!

I will post our daily activities on this blog, as well as websites for further learning, homework assignments, and other fun things I think you'll enjoy.

If you miss a day of class, it would be to your advantage to check the blog and write down everything you need to make up. You know my policy on make-up work - it's YOUR responsibility, not mine.

Parents and Guardians, although making up missed work and completing all homework assignments are the students' responsibilities, this blog is also for your benefit in case you want to take a peek inside the daily grind of our class!

This year is going to be a lot of fun. We'll be covering biographies, nonfiction, humor, mystery, poetry, the novel, and my favorite - drama!! There is a lot of room for interesting topics and fun activities, so I'm pumped to get started!

See you in class tomorrow!