Four R's

The 4R's writing project will see us to the end of our writing class!  Below you will find the attachment with the timeline for completing each stage of the assignment.

If you happen to have "writer's block" as you try to figure out how each of these qualities show up in your lives, remember you shouldn't be thinking along the lines of a straightforward essay, but rather conceiving of a narrative that depicts some way in which an "R" as had an effect on you.  "Responsibility" can be more than just household chores and homework (although a narrative could be constructed around these things--humor could easily be employed to illustrate your relationship to these things), responsibility can refer to holding oneself accountable for one's actions, feeling regret, taking action, or feeling responsible for the actions of others, just to name a few things.

Try to think outside the box, and do this through the prewriting you do this week.  If you would like to listen to the full story that we listened to on This American Life,  it may inspire you.  Click on the play button by the story entitle "Resurrection."  This author really learned about responsiveness as he came to understand his relationship to his brother.

Attached here is the 4Rs assignment with the due dates.  Be well and keep writing!

A Samurai's Tale Final Essay Prompt

Hope that everyone had a relaxing and fun spring break.  Welcome back.  Here is the final assignment for Haugaard's A Samurai's Tale.

Write a short essay (3-5 paragraphs, TYPED) about the main character of A Samurai's Tale, Murakami Harutomo, that answers this question:


What quality of character does Harutomo possess that allows him to overcome each obstacle in his life?  


REMEMBER to support your claim (the quality you claim he possess) through examples from the book. These do not have to be direct quotes (but can be), and you should cite the page number to which you are referring.  This essay will be scored on how well you support your claim, not whether your argument is "right" or "wrong"; you will prove this via the strength of your writing!!


THEN...

Compose a haiku that describes the essential qualities that a samurai must possess, as you have interpreted from your reading of this book.  Remember that a haiku is a poem that consists of three lines, the first having 5 syllables, the second having 7, an the third having 5.  Make it good (!) and study Taro's poetry in the book to get ideas of the tone you are looking for.  Please center the poem at the end of your essay.

DUE MONDAY,  APRIL 2ND.  

Hey Girls!!

Here is a link to April 3rd Science Workshop for 7th and 8th grade girls at Sonoma State!  Looks pretty cool...don't tell the gentlemen about it.

Samurai Chapters 8-12

Really enjoying A Samurai's Tale!

Here are the next round of questions.  As always, four thoughtful responses to comprehension questions, and one thoughtful response to an interpretive question.

DUE DATE: March 14th, this Wednesday.

Medieval China and/or Japan Project

DUE April 17th!!!!!!!

Here is the link to the document for our next projects.  Students, you have many choices here for what you can do to demonstrate your learning for China & Japan.  Do your best to make a decision by this Wednesday, 3/15, on which project you will do.  Take note that you can also make up your own project.  They all must have two elements: an "artifact" and a 3-5 page research paper!  If you do think of some thing else besides what's on the grid, see me asap to confer and design you project.

Check this posting periodically, as the document might be modified.  There are links embedded into the doc that might help you, and I may add some more as time goes on.  Enjoy.

Samurai's Tale Chapters 5-7

Glad that, for the most part, students had an easy time retrieving the homework from the blog!  Keep up the good work.

Here are the questions for A Samurai's Tale for chapters 5-7.

DIRECTIONS: Choose four comprehension questions and one interpretive question.  Answer them in complete sentences with proper grammar.


DUE DATE: Friday, March 9th.

Taoism vs. Confucianism PPT

Here is the PowerPoint on Taoism & Confucianism.  Study it & enjoy!

There may be a question based on this information on tomorrow's test!

Samurai's Tale HWK

STUDENTS: Your Homework is to pick 4 "Questions for Comprehension" (written in regular type) and 1 "Question for Interpretation" and thoughtfully respond in complete, grammatically-correct, sentences.  View Questions Due Tuesday, March 6th.

TCM with Cara Ortiz, LAc-to-be!

Last Tuesday my wife Cara came in with her apprentice, Izzie Bee and gave a presentation on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  The students had a great time and, as I understand, were very interested in the topic.  Here is her Power Point Presentation on TCM.

STUDENTS: study this ppt!  There just MIGHT be a question having to do with TCM on our test on China this Wednesday!!

Friday Night at the Grange

Bravo to the incredible acts at the REACH Talent Show.  7th graders rocked the stage!  So great to see everyone and what a beautiful event.  We will have pics and video up on the blog as soon as we can.  Thanks to all that helped put it together, and congrats to Felicia and Brandon, who, against all odds, pulled it off!  You guys were great up there.

Raven Good Cookie Drive

Ask your kiddos about the "Raven Good Cookie Drive."  A flyer went home yesterday and it's a big opportunity to raise much-needed $$$ for REACH!  Students will pre-sell bags of ready-to-bake cookie dough for $15 to friends, family, and neighbors.

Thanks!

Persuasive Letter Rubric

View Rubric

Here's the rubric to help guide in the writing of your persuasive letters.  Grading will be based on this!

Spelling Test Moved

Hi all--

Moved the spelling test to tomorrow 3/2!