Animal Farm Final Projects

Poems for Two Voices

Students, you did a great job on your Poems for Two Voices! I am impressed by how well you demonstrated the similarities and differences between our community and Jonas’s community.

The Giver

Last week, we started reading The Giver by Lois Lowry. We are already half-way through the book! Jonas’s community is an example of a utopia. In class, we discussed the characteristics of utopias – an ideal community/a perfect place where nothing bad ever happens. Check out the links below to learn about some modern-day utopias. Then, leave your comments for extra credit.

• http://www.acorncommunity.org/
• http://www.thefarm.org/index.html
• http://www.twinoaks.org/
• http://www.victorycities.com/

Your Opinion

In literature circle groups, you have read and discussed 4 science fiction short stories. You’ve done an excellent job of indentifying the elements of science fiction included in each story. For extra credit, respond to this post answering one (or more) of the following questions:

• Which short story do you like the most so far? Why?
• Which short story did you find the most confusing? Explain.
• What common themes/elements are you noticing in these stories?
• Which author do you enjoy reading the most (Asimov, Bradbury, or Clarke)? Explain.

Note: As you continue to write your own science fiction short story, don’t forget that the top story from each class will appear on this blog!

French Novelist Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

In class, I mentioned that the Nobel Prize for Literature was going to be awarded today. After school, I found this story online.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95547747

The 2008 Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio (a French author).

For extra credit: Read the article and respond to what you have read.

I also mentioned that this was a controversial year for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Many people believe that the award committee is anti-American and, therefore, many talented American authors are overlooked.

For extra credit: Look up information on this controversy and tell me your opinion. Is the Nobel Prize committee anti-American? Why? (Remember, you must ALWAYS be respectful)

The Twilight Zone!

Here is the link to the Twilight Zone episode we watched in class – “Time Enough At Last.” Enjoy! http://www.romeoclasses.com/TZ-timeenoughatlast.htm

Science Fiction: Ray Bradbury

Last week, we began talking about science fiction. We talked about elements that science fiction stories include (such as time travel, space travel, aliens, etc.). We also talked about famous science fiction authors and their works. In addition, we discussed science fiction in the media – TV and movies. Throughout the next couple weeks, I will be posting links to science fiction-related websites. If you check them out and share your thoughts in the “comments” section, you could get extra credit!

One of the authors we discussed last week was Ray Bradbury … my favorite science fiction author! Here are some websites where you can find more information about Ray Bradbury’s life and works:

• http://www.raybradbury.com/ - This is the official Ray Bradbury website! You can find information about Ray Bradbury’s life and books, and you can keep up-to-date on what Ray Bradbury is doing today!
• http://www.spaceagecity.com/bradbury/ - This is a great resource for students who are studying Ray Bradbury. It even tells you how you can contact Mr. Bradbury!
• http://www.raybradburyonline.com/ - This website can give you background information on Ray Bradbury’s life. It also provides links to news articles discussing Ray Bradbury and his work.

For extra credit: Check out these websites. Then, post your comments. Here are some ideas for your post:

• Tell me an interesting fact you learned about Ray Bradbury.
• Read about Ray Bradbury’s books. Then, tell me which books sound interesting to you and why.
• Tell me which elements of science fiction (ex: space travel, time travel, etc.) Ray Bradbury includes in his novels. Hint: Refer to your class notes!
• Did you find other interesting Ray Bradbury websites? Post the link so your classmates can check it out!

Welcome to 8th Grade Language Arts!

Welcome, students and parents! You are at the beginning of an exciting and important year – your last year at Walker Charter Academy! I am looking forward to getting to know each of you as we explore literature and writing together.

Throughout the year, we will use this blog as a place to communicate and interact. I will post frequent discussion questions about what we’re exploring in Language Arts. Feel free to leave a comment – your contribution to this blog could be worth extra credit. I will also update this blog regularly with homework assignments and other in-class activities. Parents are welcome to interact here as well!

Thanks so much for taking the time to check out our classroom blog! Students, get ready for a great year!