Month: April 2013

Hopefully you’ve already come up with a topic for your research report because we are going to be in the computer lab to start research. If you are not yet finished your book trailer you can do that first but don’t spend anymore than 15 minutes on it.

Remember, all of your instructions are included in a handout that is written using report format. You can get a digital copy of it here: Research Report.

You should start by making a list of the different headings that you need to research. Please see the “planning” section of your report for more instructions.

I’ve also created a link that contains a good selection of resources to help get you started with your research. Before heading down to the lab we’ll talk about what makes a reliable website. You will only have two research periods so use them well.

Today you’ll be focusing on report-writing. There will be a handout with a sample report and some questions to answer. You can get a digital copy of it below (but you’ll have to scroll down until you get to page 5).

This is due at the end of the period.

business letter and report files

Today we’re blogging in room 211.

We’re actually going to do something a little different today. Rather than blogging, you’re going to make a movie trailer for your novel. 

Choose at least 10 photos/pictures that help to give a viewer a sense of what your story is about. Focus on pictures that illustrate character, setting, conflict, and major themes. Go beyond the literal: eg/ a literal interpretation of Crank would show pictures of crystal meth. That’s boring. Be more creative. 

You should also include text that helps give the viewer information. eg/key words, phrases, character names, the title. 

If your book has already been turned into a movie, don’t use any footage, images, or actors from the movie. Make an original interpretation.

You can use Photopeach or Animoto to make your trailer. Both sites will give you a finished project that you can embed on your blog. I will show you how. 

Book club day. Today we’re also going to be looking at conflict in the novels and complete a concept map for them.

A couple of modifications:

We actually did Monday’s work today. On Monday I introduced your research report assignment. If you were away, there is a digital copy here:

Research Report

You’ll have time at the start of class today for reading and working on your questions for this week’s book club meeting.

Then we will discuss different persuasive techniques. You will return to your two articles on violence in the media and identify at least 4 persuasive techniques and explain which ones were most and least effective and why.

If you did not yet post your blog from last Friday you must do it before Wednesday’s class.

Today you will be blogging about your novel.

Book club day! Today we’re going to start off by talking about how to make inferences. Then you’ll get into your book club groups. In addition to your discussions, there will be a worksheet you’ll need to complete in your groups dealing with narrative voice.

We were supposed to have an assembly this period but it got cancelled so instead we have an hour and a half to make sure your literature circle questions are ready for tomorrow and finish your “examining both sides” article analysis.

Log on to http://www.barkersbookclubs.ning.com/ and check the main page for the your blog topic. Blog posts must be at least three well developed paragraphs (or the equivalent). Please refer to your handout for additional criteria.