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Robert Uhl » Class Updates

Class Updates

We have wrapped up our dystopian literature unit, and students are now hard at work composing argument essays on a topic of their own choosing. So far, they've developed a claim and reasons, conducted some research, and have written drafts of two to three body paragraphs. They are currently working on composing a counterclaim/rebuttal paragraph to give the opposing side a fair hearing. We are aiming to have these essays finished in the next couple of weeks.
 
Meanwhile, students continue to learn Greek and Latin roots and affixes, and they have also been studying grammar and parts of speech (nouns, verbs, conjunctions, adjectives, and adverbs) through the process of sentence diagramming.
 
Finally, students will soon be receiving an assignment for which they will be asked to memorize and recite to the class a poem of their choosing.
Students have finished a total of five notebook entries in which they have analyzed various elements of fiction, including plot, conflict, setting, character traits, theme, and literary devices in one or more short stories. They are now about to begin their final projects for the unit, in which they will combine those analyses in a single essay or visual presentation. Their projects will be due by the end of the month.
 
They have also been working on editing and proofreading skills, along with daily vocabulary exercises.
 
For those of you who were unable to attend open house last month, I wanted to reiterate my expectations for students' independent reading. Students should:
 
  • Bring a book to every ELA class and study hall
  • Strive to read about 100 pages per week (This is a rough number that is going to vary depending on the student and the book)
  • Build a reading routine at home (You can help with this by giving reminders, reducing distractions, and providing the structure to encourage independent reading)
  • Choose books that interest them
  • Choose appropriately challenging books (neither too easy nor too difficult)
  • Abandon books that don’t hold interest or that are too easy/hard
  • Listen to audiobooks, if desired, in conjunction with (not as a replacement for) reading
  • Ask for help with any of the above if needed
 
Thank you, as always, for your support at home. Please get in touch any time with questions or concerns.
 
Enjoy the beautiful weather!