Historical Fiction Publication

After reviewing everyone's historical fiction final drafts, I need everyone to send me a copy of their final drafts via email in the following format:

It should be a word doc. attached... do not send it to me as an email UNLESS you have a version of word that is newer than xp that my computer won't read. I also can't open word perfect. So if these are the softwares you use, please email it as an email.

It should be single spaced, justified (you can do this in the paragraph settings), 12 pt font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins (can be changed in page setup in the file pull down menu).

Your name should appear in the upper right hand corner - You do NOT need your section, just your name.

A Title should appear centered on the page on the next line beneath your name

Pages should not be numbered

Please run your story through a spell check and grammar check.

Please get it to me as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance.

Ms. Sackstein

weekend homework and other reminders

Read 3 chapters in your lit. circle books and do a double entry journal focusing on author's craft in your reader's sourcebook.

You will have a notebook check on April 18

Your constitutional powerpoint presentations are on Thursday, April 3. We will choose our winner after viewing the presentations.

Parent/Teacher conferences are Thursday night and Friday afternoon. School will end at 12. You can go home before or after lunch this week. Please make sure you have pulled your portfolio pieces and written your reflections.

compare/contrast drafts on the Revolutionary War vs the War of 1812

Yesterday, 731 started work on this essay today, 702 will. Please make sure to have a draft of an essay based on today's class work.

731 had a draft due today.

Beginning: Your intro should consider the causes of both wars and who was involved.

middle: information that shows the similarities and differences between the two wars

end: the effects of both wars... what resulted because of both wars

Here is a website that you can use to help:
http://www.brtprojects.org/cyberschool/history/ch09/cause.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~gfeldmeth/chart.1812.html

Tonights homework- interesting people

For the interesting people homework I choose James Madison not only because he was the president during the war of 1812, but because he was one of the greatest writers of that time period. He wrote the declaration of independence and the response to it each one the person who read it was so impressed he had to write a response which James Madison was asked to write and this is why I chose James Madison.

Constitution Projects

Please bring your information for your constitution projects to class tomorrow as Ms. B will be joining us for the day.

Thanks in advance.

Thomas Jefferson

I would pick Thomas Jefferson. Because he helped in this country before he died. Thomas asked Lewis and Clark to explore the west and discover the Pacific ocean.They brought along a slave name york. He was my favorite vice president ever. Sacagewea helped by pionting the way to the Pacific Ocean.






From, Anthony Drew

Tonight's homework - Interesting people

Historical fiction narrative due tomorrow with all drafts - remember to have it formatted correctly - single spaced, spell checked, grammar checked, 12 pt font, times new roman, with 1.25 margins. Your name should appear on the top right corner and your title should be centered on the page under your name...Make sure all paragraphs are indented (1 tab). If you can make sure your document is justified, that would be great too.

Post to this blog post:
Which person that we learned about in class today do you find most interesting and why?

About John Adams

From the previous days during the weekend, there is a TV series called John Adams. If you wanted to know more about him and wanting to see his actions towards freedom, independence and other issues you can watch it \. I don't know when and what day the episodes start so I'll find more info on that later. By the way.. it's rated R so I would recommend watching it with an adult.

~christina park :]

Some tips when finishing up the historical fiction assignment... check the assignment make sure you did everything you were supposed to...

Historical Fiction Short Story – For Publication

Objective: In an effort to combine the work you are doing in your literature circles, the history we learn about in class and ELA writing standards, your next creative assignment is going to be to write a historical fiction short story.

Using the details of 18th century America, you will create an original piece of fiction of at least 3 pages typed and double-spaced and no more than 5 pages.
It will contain a plot line using the plot structure discussed in class, development of at least 2 major characters (protagonist and antagonist), sensory details, historically accurate information for setting, and suspense.

Each student will tell his/her story in the third person and in the present or past tense. Each person will employ different literary devices. Focusing on tone and voice to engage the reader in the story, each author will develop a piece which will be published in a classroom anthology.

Using your knowledge of this time period and the people you have researched, you will first brainstorm and free write to get your creative juices flowing.

Once each student has a draft, we will begin the real work of revision. Breaking the writing process down into sections and development, each student will be paired with a peer partner for the revision process. You will also be conferencing with one of the teachers throughout.
Each student will have at least 3 drafts by the end of this process, but more likely several more than that. Each draft should be saved and changes will be clearly marked.

Each final draft will be turned in with all subsequent drafts and revisions including notes, brainstorms and peer revision sheets.

Please make sure to have this work in class every day.

What are some of the things you've learned while working on your historical fiction short story?

In an effort to collect some quotes from you all for the publication, please post your thoughts about working on this assignment to this blog entry...

What did you learn?

What did you like best about the assignment?

What was challenging?

Final Drafts of short stories

Your final drafts should be single spaced, 12 point font and times new roman.

Your name should appear on the top and there should be a title. Please hand in all drafts with the peer review on Wednesday.

The final should be spell checked, grammar checked and should have no stray marks as it is the one that will be put into the publication.

If you don't hand your story in on time, you won't be a part of the publication.

Reminders

Don't forget to bring signed Permission Slips with $45 cash on Monday...

Make sure you have your short stories in class for Monday and Tuesday as we will be working on them in class. This is your opportunity for final touches before they are due on Wednesday.

Your drafts of your compare/contrast essays are due on Tuesday. Make sure you attach all your work to everything... written drafts and notes with the typed one you will be turning in.

Everyone celebrating Easter, Happy Holidays...

Washington/Adams Compare Contrast essay

Beginning: Define what makes a good president... what qualities and actions. Who will you be comparing and contrasting, what will be the basis for the comparison/contrasting?

Middle: Specific qualities of each person with examples for each of them that relate to what makes them a good president... what did they do? how did the people feel about their tenure in office? What happened as a result of their presidencies?

End: Who was the better president based on the evidence provided in your essay? Sell it to the reader. Make a final case for why the president you think is the better president is...

http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/washington - info on Washington's presidency

http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/adams - info on Adams' Presidency

Philadelphia Here We Come

We will be going to Philadelphia on May 7th by bus. Permission slips were given out today.

Please make sure to return signed permission slips and $45 cash on MONDAY, March, 24th.

Please make sure to get to school the day of the trip no later than 6:45 so that the bus can leave on time at 7AM.
.
Looking forward to this exciting opportunity

Homework due on Tuesday -

Write a draft of a compare/contrast essay on Washington's and Adams's presidencies. Use the notes from class today as well as what you know about these two presidents. Please don't look for outside sources. This is a way for me to assess your understanding of these first two presidents.



Your draft should be typed and double spaced.

Constitution Powerpoint Group Projects - Due April 3rd for presentation in class

Town hall presentations are on April 14th... our winning presentations from each class will attend to present their power point

We have to send our winners to Teaching Matters by April 7th... We will be working on selecting a winner onThursday, April 3rd. Every group will be presenting... each member of the group will present their slide... you will get an individual grade and a group grade as well as a presentation grade (3 grades)

This is a persuasive project... make your side convincing...

No more than 6 slides which means each group member should take 1 slide... (The cover doesn't count as someone's work)

Slide 1 - Title slide - Title, not just topic, names and World Journalism Preparatory School

Slide 2 - Background info and definition of issue - present the issue for or against

Slide 3 - Current events -How it relates to the constitution- what amendment is it using? - present the issue for or against, cite at least 2 cases happening in the news recently-

Slide 4 - Opposing view - the opposite of what you have decided your group is supporting and refute it (or reconfirm your point of view)

Slide 5 - Conclusion and Recommendation - to persuade the audience to take your side... they need to take action

Slide 6 - Works Cited (Source page)

Images: put the source of the image below the image or on the source page, but all images must be cited.

Revolutionary War Blog Reminders

To any and all students who received a personal email from me stating that your work still needed bibliography, reflection or process reflection... Please make sure to complete the assignment or the current F will stand...



If you aren't sure if you still should continue working on your blog... look at teacherease, if you received an F, the answer is yes. I spoke to many of you individually, some still haven't turned in anything. This was your first major assignment in the 3rd trimester, please do your work.



It will be just one more thing to make up with your second trimester work if it doesn't get completed.



Thank you in advance.

Tonight's homework -

Read 2 chapters in your literature circle book and do a double-entry journal in your reader's sourcebook focusing on making inferences about setting and/or characterization.

Also look for foreshadowing clues - foreshadowing is when the author gives clues about what will happen later.

Be prepared to talk about this in class tomorrow.

MAKE SURE YOU WRITE IT DOWN IN YOUR READER'S SOURCEBOOK.

Reminders and new due dates

Make sure to bring all missing work as soon as possible...



Your Historical fiction short stories should be with you always in class this week.

The final draft with all other drafts will be due on Wed. 3/26



Please continue doing research on your constitutional issue projects... bring research on Wed. as Ms. B will be here to continue work on it.

Stacey--> missing blog post make up hw [Standards]

I think one standard that I have mastered this year is my writing skills and my vocabulary. I didnt have a wide range of vocabulary before but this year I got better and better. However, I need to improve in my freewriting because I often get stuck.

Heres a website with the amendments

it is a A Summary of United Nations Agreementson Human Rights
http://www.hrweb.org/legal/undocs.html
also this website
http://www.classbrain.com/artteenst/publish/bill_of_rights.shtml

Missing work for my "N" students...

Class work and project writing work are starting to accumulate for the 3rd trimester.

Many of you owe me great quantities of work from the second trimester.

Please make a point to come see me about setting up a time line and goals to accomplish this make up work.

I want to see everyone succeed over the last few months of school and completing all work is a part of that process.

Constitution Project

Continue doing research on your constitution projects



http://constitution.teachingmatters.org/



log in: humanities7

password: humanities7



looking forward to hearing what you have found.

Reminders and Dates

2nd draft of the historical fiction stories are due on Monday, 3/17. The first draft and all other work should be attached underneith.



All Blog make-ups and/or redos are due NO LATER THAN Monday, 3/17. The grades you currently have will stick if you don't make up the work...



Also, if you have an N for the second trimester, please start or continue to make up missing work from that time. If you don't know what you are missing, please see me.

Philadelphia Field trip planned May 7th

We will be going to Philadelphia on May 7th. It's a Wednesday. Our tour begins at 10, so we will have to leave early. When I have the specifics, I will let you know.

I will try to get permission slips out by Wednesday.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY - #70, 08

World Journalism Preparatory School

May 7, 2008
GUIDED TOUR of HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA with THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION MUSEUM

7:00 a.m. - Group leave time from World Journalism Prep School, 3465 192nd St., Flushing, NY 11358


10:00 a.m. - Approximate arrival time in Philadelphia. Arrive at the* new Philadelphia Visitor Center Transportation Area, located on Race Street. This is the NEW motor-coach loading and unloading area in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district. Please note that the bus will not be accessible during the day so remember to bring your lunch with you as you exit the bus (lunch space has been reserved for you at the National Constitution Center at 1 p.m.) 1 Guide in Colonial Costume will meet your bus at the Transportation Center and will lead you through the Historic Section on your 3-Hour Tour from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. Sites of Interest include: Franklin Court - the Liberty Bell Pavilion, Christ Church, Elfreth's Alley, Congress Hall, Carpenter's Hall and Independence Hall. All sites are first come/first served.

1:00 p.m. – Guide will drop you off at the National Constitution Center. Lunch space is reserved for your group at 1:00 p.m. The National Constitution Center is located at 525 Arch St., Independence Mall (near the Transportation Center). GROUP LEADER: Check in at the Group Sales Desk. Students and Chaperons will enjoy the “Freedom Rising” Show at 1:30 p.m., after lunch, and then explore over 100 multi-media and interactive exhibits in this museum that is devoted to the United States Constitution and the freedoms and responsibilities that empower us as citizens, and as a nation!

3:30 p.m. - Back on Bus at the Transportation Center (same place you were let off in the morning). We hope your had a great time in Philadelphia - the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection!

6:30 p.m. -Approx. arrival time back at the school, depending on traffic.

This itinerary is tentative and subject to change. Times are tentative and based on road conditions, traffic, weather and the punctuality of all Group Participants. Gotta Go Tours is NOT responsible for late arrivals at sightseeing destinations or for pick-ups and return times for conditions beyond our control.

Weekend homework and reminders

This weekend you need to complete your American Revolution Essays... attach all prior drafts. Final drafts without earlier work will NOT be accepted.

Read the first 10 amendments from the Constitution on the "Constitution Explained" handout. Make sure to make notes, highlight and ask questions.

Monday and Tuesday are the days for the State Math Exams... please come to school on time. Eat a good breakfast and make sure to bring number 2 pencils and pens. You will not be able to read or talk once testing has begun. Regular class activities will resume once the testing period has ended.

Reminder - Historical fiction short story drafts

ARE DUE TOMORROW.... this is just a draft. It should be typed and double spaced... if you have any hand written work, it should be attached to the typed copy.

to reiterate:

1. First draft (not finished or polished)
2. Typed
3. double spaced
4. 12 pt font
5. Times New Roman
6. 1.25 inch margins or 1 inch margins

Tonight's homework

Please re-read "The Constitution Explained" - the hand out given in class today. Just the first 7th aricles (the first full page and a half)... don't read the amendments

• Highlight and make notes
• Write down any questions you have about the first 7 articles to be addressed in class tomorrow

Check your emails...

Some students need to resend their blog projects to me.

Thanks,
Ms. S

Creating Character

We talked about Characte
r in class today and how author's create characters. As you craft your stories consider what roles you want your characters to play...

Will your protagonist be a round, dynamic soldier?

Will your antagonist be a static, flat enemy?

Review the qualities of these characterizations and try to craft interesting characters.

http://web.mala.bc.ca/guppy/crewlink5/unit_three.htm - more reading on the subject

Beginning your historical fiction story

Brainstorm first... don't worry about right and wrong

freewrite without consequence... get it on the page without judgment

then draft... the first draft is not final draft, so don't get hung up on perfection...

http://www.orcutt.net/othercontent/sfds.pdf - Anne Lamott on first drafts... a very good read.

Upcoming due dates to be aware of:

Historical fiction short story first draft due on Friday, March 7 (this week)

Final drafts of the Revolutionary War essays due on Monday, March 10 (1 week from today) - all earlier drafts should be attached to the final underneith with all notes.

April 14th is the Town Hall meeting for teaching matters where one of our teams will compete for the a prize (Constitution assignment led by Ms. B).