• Reading/Writing Workshop

    For World Literature

    Building Bridges
     
    I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear...Nelson Mandela
     
    No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin, or his background, or his religion.  People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite...Nelson Mandela 
     
    I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed...for to live free is not merely to cast off ones changes, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others...Nelson Mandela 
     
    1.  Why do we hate?
    2.  How can we stop others from committing hate?
    3.  How do we make a peaceful world? 
     
    This class will focus on the themes of the tolerance and coexisting in the World. The first half of the semester, we will read and study Samir and Yonatan by Daniella Carmi.  This is a fictional story about two boys who bridge the gap between Jews and Muslims.  

    The class will be set up in a reading/writing workshop with specific assignments that must be completed with the reading.

    Reading Journal - You will keep a reading journal of your notes from your book.  In your journal, you can use any note taking system that you like (Cornell notes, poem, song, draw picture, flow chart, mind mapping, outlining, character analysis, plot analysis). (Competency 1)

    Literature Group - After we read in class, we will work in a literature group to speak about the novel (competency 4). 

    Classroom Discussions - After you have met in your literature groups, we will discuss the book aloud (competency 5) 
     
    PBL - While working on the book, we will also be preparing a real-world project.  This project is called Raise Awareness Project (RAP).  For the project, you will create an awareness program using social media for a special cause that you feel needs to be addressed in the world today.  More details will follow in a few weeks.   (Competencies 1, 3, 5, and 6) 
     
    SECOND 9 WEEKS
     
    You will complete a research project on whatever topic you choose.  
    • Do you have a hobby that you would like to explore?
    • Are you curious about anything?
    • Do you want to write a novel?
    • Have you ever thought about starting a "cause" greater than yourself?
    Research - Next, you will need to write an informational essay.  Before writing, you will need to research.  Research will include picking the topic/thesis, choosing your sources, validating your sources, brainstorming ideas and questions, taking notes, and creating an outline. You will need to meet with me to receive approval on your topics for these essays.  Also, the essay must include a works cited page and at least three (3) internal citations each.  Research will include using three sources (of course, one of the resources is the book).  You will need to complete an annotated bibliography and a works cited page.  Three internal citations must be in the essay or it will not be graded. (Competency 3)

    Research Paper – You will write one informational essay.  See above for details;  It will be typed, 12 point font, in MLA style.  (Competency 1, 2, and 6)

    Presentations - You will present the PBL and the informational paper and talk about what you have learned through reading and writing (Competency 5)

    Tentative Calendar 

     

     

     

    Week 1

    Basics – Syllabus, MLA Header for all papers, Noredink, Quizlet, Get their emails and parents emails, Gmails, SLOs

     

    Week 2

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups; Class Discussions

     

    Week 3

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups; Class Discussions

     

    Week 4

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups; Class Discussions; RAP

     

    Week 5

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups; Class Discussions; RAP

     

    Week 6

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups;Class Discussions; RAP

     

    Week 7

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups; Class Discussions; RAP

     

    Week 8

    Read; Take notes in journals; Literature groups; Class Discussions; RAP

     

    Week 9

    Current Events; Presentations

     

    Week 10

    Research Project

              

    Week 11

    Research Project

     

    Week 12

    Research Project

     

    Week 13

     Research Project

     

    Week 14

     Research Project

     

    Week 15

    Research Project

     

    Week 16

    Study for finals

     

    Week 17

    Study for finals

     

    Week 18

    Finals; Presentations

     

     

    Grades  

    Grades will be based on the six competencies for English (defined by the State of Georgia and Henry County District).  The six competencies are:

    Competency 1                     Analyzing                  30%

    Competency 2                     Writing                      20%

    Competency 3                     Research                     20%

    Competency 4                     Collaboration                5%

    Competency 5                     Speaking                     15%

    Competency 6                     Language                     10%

    Materials Needed

    ·        Journal

    ·        Folder

    ·        Paper

    ·        Pencil/Pen

    ELECTRONIC POLICY –

    As we are a technology school and use laptops in our classroom, I do want to reiterate that there is no need for cell phones, earbuds, Ipods, or any other form of technology in the room.  In the past several years, I have found that these devices are counterproductive to my students and create an unnecessary temptation.  As parents have learned over the past several years, there is a dark side to technology.  This dark side can lead to bullying, cheating, sexual issues, and many other forms of distractions.  We are a wireless school and do our best to block inappropriate sites, social media, etc., but our children are savvy users and can find ways to access this information quicker than we can always shut them down.  Please...Please...help me enforce the rules for the safety, security, and a positive learning environment of our children here at Hampton. 
     
    Please note :  Research has proven that electronics, including phones, music, and video games are detrimental to learning.  As the students already have a learning disability, it is best that they are not distracted by these tools.  Thank you for all you do and for being positive role models for our future!