To review: Your first writing assignment, "The Beginning" (see criteria below) was due on Friday. For those that DID finish, you started on the next two tasks with that writing assignment, Peer Reviewing, and the Act One Illustration (again, all information and criteria can be found below).
Once you have completed the writing assignment, the peer review, and the Act One Illustration, you can move onto writing your first Plot Point.
Plot point one is the first step in the rising action of your story. For your protagonist, this is either their first failed attempt at solving the story's problem, or it is their first step toward it. Remember to consider each chunk of writing as its own 'mini story,' with a beginning, middle, and end.
In this assignment, the story kicks off right where your last assignment ended, your main character is now ON their journey (think of the 3 Little Pigs, this part of the story would begin with the first pig walking down the trail before meeting the farmer). Be sure to include important details and make the first major story event exciting!
You can end this writing assignment on a bit of a cliff hanger, or just before the events of Plot Point #2 begin. Again, think of the 3 Little Pigs, the author might want to end this piece of writing right after the Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house down, but before we find out if the pig is eaten, or runs away.
CRITERIA: Follow the Proper Writing Format. Double-spacing is very important in this process, do not forget. - Continue on from the moment your "Beginning" writing ends - Be descriptive as the events unfold - Include the important event of Plot Point One - End your writing leading up to Plot Point Two, but stop before this point. - Include some dialogue between characters - Minimum of two pages
Friday, May 5 2023
CW: Wrapping up "The Beginning"
Once you have completed your writing assignment, titled "The Beginning," there are two tasks that you will need to complete. Just to review, here is the criteria for this first writing assignment:
CRITERIA: Follow the Proper Writing Format. Double-spacing is very important in this process, do not forget. - Introduce your characters - Introduce the story’s setting - Establish the story’s problem, in a creative way - Write the story up to the point your character sets off on their journey - End your writing leading up to Plot Point 1, but stop before this point. - Include some dialogue between characters - Minimum of three pages
TASK ONE: Peer Review You must have a classmate read over your writing assignment, and sign their name at the top of your page (using a blue pen). If you are peer reviewing someone's writing, you are looking for the following:
1. Are some of the characters introduced? Is any description given? 2. Is the setting introduced and described? 3. Can you clearly identify the problem in the story? 4. Does the problem make sense and seem logical? 5. Does the writing assignment appear to end as the main protagonist sets off on their journey? 6. Underline/Identify any grammatical errors.
TASK TWO: Act One Illustration Drawing in landscape (not portrait) you must create a single, full-page illustration from a moment in your writing assignment. If you think of published short stories, not every moment of the story is illustrated; however, often key moments are shown in both words and a picture to help the reader visualize the story.
Consider, what is a key moment in the writing that you have completed so far? Imagine you were watching it on a TV screen and you paused at that very moment, what would you see on the screen? Think of all of the little details.
ILLUSTRATION EXAMPLE:
Here is a key moment from a previous short story. Below is the illustration that goes along with it.When he got back to his cave, he turned on his Ice-wall T.V. and the penguin news reporter started talking about a giant meteor hurtling towards the planet. The news reporter yelled at the top of his lungs for everyone to find shelter before the end of daytime which happens to be at six O'clock. The news report overwhelmed Mr. Penguin so much that he fell on the floor and fainted.
Monday, May 1 2023
CREATIVE WRITING: Writing "The Beginning"
In this assignment it is expected that you will:
1. Introduce at least a couple of the main characters, in your story - give detail and description. What do they look like, what are some of the characteristics (don’t assume the reader already knows who you are talking about).Introduce the setting of the story, again don’t assume that the reader knows where it the story takes place. 2. Take the time to describe it and “paint a picture” for the reader to enjoy.
3. Establish the problem in the story, what is the “inciting incident” that will ultimately set your main character on their journey. Remember not to make it incredibly obvious, avoid saying “The problem in my story is…” Often, using dialogue between characters is a great way to accomplish this.
4. Lastly, you will want to wrap up this section just as the main character “sets off on their journey,” before the events of Plot Point #1.
As an example, we watched the first 17 minutes of Finding Nemo and looked at the events that lead up to the "Problem" (or Inciding Incident) taking place.
Example
CRITERIA: Follow the Proper Writing Format. Double-spacing is very important in this process, do not forget. - Introduce your characters - Introduce the story’s setting - Establish the story’s problem, in a creative way - Write the story up to the point your character sets off on their journey - End your writing leading up to Plot Point 1, but stop before this point. - Include some dialogue between characters - Minimum of three pages
TASK: Your task is to create 2 - 3 Character Illustrations of the most important characters in your story. This will help you as you begin to write their journey, and help your audience visualize your story better.
Character Illustration
For Each Character Illustration: 1. Consider their characteristics in your creation: If they are really smart, what might that look like? If they’re sneaky, how do you show that in their style? 2. Use the space, draw bigger and draw their entire body (min. 15cm tall) 3. Feel free to research ideas, but do not just draw Timon & Pumba with different names. Your illustrations must have original elements. 4. Make sure to include your character’s name as well.
Using the Proper Writing Format and the assignment title, “My Story Synopsis” complete the following tasks.
1. Provide a short paragraph (with additional details) that describes your chosen story idea. *Make sure that it touches on the story’s problem.
For example: After discovering a Polar Bear’s evil plan to wipe out his entire village, a brave little penguin must set out on his own in search of a magical crystal that could help him save his village. Along the way the penguin makes new friends and overcomes huge obstacles that stand in his way.
2. List (some) of the story’s main characters. 3. In one complete sentence, state the PROBLEM of the story. 4. In one complete sentence, state which PLOT TYPE you are planning to use.
Using Proper Writing Format, and the Title, “My Story Ideas.” List three different story ideas that you think would make a good short story. Keep each example to just 1-3 sentences.
For example:1. A smaller than average dragon joins a hockey team and after losing miserably to the dinosaur team, he becomes determined to return the following season and defeat them.
Write ONE paragraph explaining how a story of your choice (can be a book or film) uses one of the five Plot Types discussed today. Make sure to follow the Proper Writing Format, double-space, use proper sentence and paragraph structure, and print neatly.
*The Three Questions are (Please choose one to complete in a short paragraph): 1. What does this story make you think or wonder about? Explain. 2. How is this story like another story you might know? Give examples. 3. How does the author engage the reader? Explain using specific examples from the book.
Working in pairs, each group will select what they would like to research. Upon having your topic approved, you and your partner will write down five questions or areas of interest about your topic (that you want to know more about). After doing this, you will research your subject and begin the process of gathering your information. The final project will consist of three parts:
1. A Google slideshow presentation of at least 20 slides, and at least 15 informational slides. This does not mean five slides of info and 10 of pictures. (Be sure to share with both your partner and the teacher.)
2. A set of corresponding notes or outline to hand out to classmates. Give to me at least the day before your presentation in order to make copies.
3. Presenting your findings before the class/small group.
POSSIBLE TOPICS: ARMOR AGRICULTURAL PROGRESS ART WORK BANKIN BYZANTINE EMPIRE CATHEDRALS CHARLEMAGNE CLOTHING CRIME AND PUNISHMENT CRUSADES FROM THE CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE CRUSADES FROM THE MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE EDUCATION FALCONRY & HUNTING FOOD & FEASTS GAMES GENDER ROLES GUILDS & MEDIEVAL JOBS
INVENTIONS JOAN OF ARC KING ARTHUR KING JOHN (& the Magna Carta) KINGS/ROYALTY/NOBILITY KNIGHTS & CHIVALRY LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS LIFE IN A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE MEDICINE & REMEDIES MONKS & MONASTERIES MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT RELIGION SERFS vs. PEASANTS TOURNAMENTS & JOUSTING TRANSPORTATION WARFARE & WEAPONS WILLIAM WALLACE
*The Three Questions are (Please choose one to complete in a short paragraph): 1. How do you think the story will end? Explain, and use at least one example from the book to support your theory. 2. Does this story remind you of another story? Use examples from both to support your argument. 3. Pick another character in the book and consider how the story might change if it was told from their perspective. Explain
A PARAGRAPH is made up of a TOPIC sentence, SUPPORTING sentences (often around 3), and a CONCLUDING sentence. The TOPIC sentence is where we identify what we are going to be talking, along with an opinion or a "stance" about that topic.
Our SUPPORTING sentences are complete sentences that help prove or support the opinion or "stance" that we said in our first sentence.
The CONCLUDING sentence is the final sentence that wraps up and re-states our opinion about the topic, often in a creative way.
Think of a PARAGRAPH like a delicious hamburger:
TOPIC SENTENCES
A topic sentence is the opening sentence to a paragraph that gives the general idea (topic) of what the writing will be about. It needs to give broad enough information to allow for multiple subtopics and examples without being so general that it makes the purpose of the writing unclear.
Topic sentences help guide the reader by introducing the subject of the rest of the paragraph. They relate to the main idea of the entire piece of writing and present the specific topic that is the focus of a paragraph. Topic sentences provide structure to a paragraph and piece of writing as a whole.
Writing a Topic Sentence:
Step One: Identify the main point that you want to get across in your piece of writing. Think about the overall topic for your writing. Decide how you can introduce this idea to your readers with an interesting opening sentence.
Step Two: Identify a what and a why that connect directly to your main idea. Write a clear topic sentence by describing the what and the why of an idea that relates to your main point. State what the topic is and why it matters.
Step Three: Write a sentence using this information to create an opening statement. Compose an opening sentence to your piece of writing that introduces the main point for the entire work using the what and why structure.
*Helpful Hints*
- Be Creative:Get away from "Today, I am going to talk about..." Begin your sentence in a way that sounds confident and interesting.
- Use New Information:Create a topic sentence that gives readers something interesting to think about instead of an obvious statement (something everybody knows). When you create a topic sentence, present the information in a new way that is not just a fact statement.
- Make your topic sentence complex or compound: Compound and complex sentences make topic sentences sound stronger and more high-level. Create a compound sentence with two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction and a comma. Compose a complex sentence with a subordinate clause and an independent clause joined by a comma and a subordinating conjunction.
*Remember: A Topic sentence clearly identifies the topic, as well as the writer's "stance" or opinion about the topic. A topic sentence does not however, include any supporting details.
EXAMPLE:
Step One: Identify the main point in your piece of writing:
- Siberian Huskies are great dogs.
Step Two: Connect the What and Why to your main idea:
- What: Huskies are unique animals. - Why: They make great family pets.
Step Three: Write an opening statement, or Topic Sentence.
- Siberian Huskies are unique dogs that make great family pets.
"Jazz it up!" Use your creativity to make it interesting.
If you are looking for a great family pet, there is no better choice than the unique Siberian Husky.
SAMPLE PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE:
There is no cooler breed of dog than a Siberian Husky. For starters, even though they can get really big they actually do not eat very much. Secondly, Siberian Huskies are beautiful dogs! The final reason Siberian Huskies are so great is because they are incredibly loyal, making them a great member of the family. To conclude, Siberian Huskies are arguably one of the best breeds of dogs you can have.
*The Three Questions are (Please choose one to complete in a short paragraph): 1. What was your favourite part of the story? Explain. 2. What do you think was the most important part of the story? Give examples. 3. How does the author engage the reader? Explain using specific examples from the book.
Wednesday, December 7 2022
William the Conqueror and his Castles: Continued
1. Once you have decided on the castle that you are going to research, remember these helpful hints: a) cross-reference your information. Check a couple of different websites to ensure facts are correct. b) do not just use the information that pops up on Google, GO TO actual websites. c) the questions below are a starting point, do MORE research than just the answers to those questions.
2. When you are ready to turn your research into writing, remember: a) you do not have to write your information in the order you researched, this is where you show your skills: What makes the most sense and "flows" the best for your purpose? b) write in complete paragraphs, for example, your introduction paragraph might explain which castle you are going to talk about and share a little information about what you will share. Your body paragraphs might explain the castle's purpose and its features. c) priority one is demonstrating your writing abilities in grade eight language arts - like the criteria below, paragraph structure, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, capitals, grammar, your use of compound sentences, etc., this is all very important!
3. Once your writing is done, you need to show what your castle originally looked like. How you do this is up to you. a) Illustration - include one drawing of the castle, and one top-down layout b) build a scale model or 3D model of some sort c) create a digital 3D model d) ?
**Look below for more instructions, research questions, and specific criteria.**
Monday, December 5 2022
William the Conqueror and his Castles
PART ONE: Choose one castle built under King William's rule, to research further: Chepstow, Pevensey, Dover, London, Old Sarum, Windsor, Durham, York, Norwich, Colchester.
PART TWO: Complete the following research questions -
1. What is the proper name of the castle you are researching? 2. Where is the castle located? 3. When did construction begin? 4. When was construction completed? 5. Why was the castle built? What was it intended for, or its purpose? 6. Describe the features of the castle; layout, overall size, rooms, etc. 7. Is the castle still standing? If so, what is it used for today? if not, why not 8. Interesting information or facts about the castle you are researching.
PART THREE: Using your research, write a multi-paragraph essay about your castle. Along with your researched information, be sure to include the following criteria: 1. Proper Writing Format (Title is: "William the Conqueror and his Castles," Subtitle is "____ Castle" 2. Proper sentence structure, and proper paragraph structure. 3. Proper use of punctuation, capitals, spelling, and grammar.
PART FOUR: Recreate the castle! Use your creativity, you may create a 3D model of the castle, or create an illustration (illustration must have a picture of castle, and a top-down layout), or think of another way to re-create the castle for this assignment.
*The Three Questions are (Please choose one to complete in a short paragraph): 1. What does this story make you think or wonder about? Explain. 2. How is this story like another story you might know? Give examples. 3. How does the author engage the reader? Explain using specific examples from the book.
Once you have completed your Bayeux Tapestry Illustration assignment, please add it to your Digital Portfolio, under Grade 8 Literacy.
1. Include a proper title: Monday, November 28 - Literacy - The Bayeux Tapestry 2. Add photo evidence, make sure it is a clickable link (and that you have changed the share settings of your photo) 3. Complete a reflection: a. What was the purpose of the assignment, or given criteria? b. What part of the assignment are you most proud of? why? c. Write a paragraph summarazing the events that we have discussed thus far. *hint* from 330 to December 25 1066
**Remember, this is a Humanities assignment; grammar, punctuation, sentence structure DO matter.
Monday, November 21 2022
PART ONE: Complete Yearbook Write-Up & International Week Survey
Mrs. Ito and the Yearbook Passion Exploration have asked that all grade 8 students take some time to fill out a short questionnaire for the yearbook.
Please take some time to thoughtfully consider your answers. Make sure you fully explain/answer the questions, and that you keep it school appropriate (Remember, your name AND email is attached to your answer... being "silly" or trying to be funny will not get you anywhere, it will simply be disregarded and you'll have to explain yourself)
Next week is International/Multicultural Week! Mrs. Coape-Arnold has asked that students take a moment to fill out a very short survey (it's one question) sharing where in the world your family comes from.
Please take a moment to thoughtfully (Consider capitals and spelling!) complete the survey.
330 – Emperor Constantine effectively splits the Roman Empire in two. Leaving the Western Roman Empire centered around Rome, and the Eastern Roman Empire (Later being known as the Byzantine Empire) centered around Byzantium (Later being known as Constantinople). This really set in motion "The Fall of Western Rome."
410 – Magistrates of Constantine III are expelled from Britain, permanently removing Britain from the Empire's rule. It is left to be ruled by locals for a short period before falling under Anglo-Saxon rule.
410 – THIS MARKED THE BEGINNING OF ANGLO-SAXON RULE OF BRITAIN
486 – Franks defeated the last Roman authority in France, also permanently removing themselves from the rule of the Roman Empire.
Late 400s – The Western Roman Empire has essentially collapsed beyond repair; however, the Eastern Roman Empire remains for centuries to come.
820 – Viking incursions on the coast of France increase in frequency, resulting in some permanent colonization.
920 – Vikings have established themselves in Northmannia (Northern France). Known as the "Land of the Northmen," later being shortened to Normandy.
1035 – Duke William ascends to the Norman Throne upon the death of his father. Duke William quickly set his eyes on the English throne, across the English Channel.
PART TWO: The Middle Ages (Wrapping up our understanding of Social Stuctures)
"Over the whole manor the crop was a heavy one - wheat, barley and oats, all to be safely garnered, according to long custom, by the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. Everyone was needed that year to bring the harvest home... the oxen came and went, dragging the loads to the barnyard for threshing... the work seemed endless. Roger said he must wait till the harvest home to tell his father of his decision to become a monk.
'Wait till Michaelmas, wait till the fruit's in,' Medley urged.
'And then wait till Martinmas for the last root and berry, I suppose!'
They were resting on a great pile of last year's straw, out of the barn to make way for fresh. 'Come on, you gurt grummut,' growled Roger in the voice he had not used a long while now. 'Give over grizzling, do, and get thee armed-up. There's a nau won wi'out a battle.' An extract from Barbara Willard's novel. The Sprig of Broom.
Reading good historical novels is a brillant way to learn about the past. We remember the details because we enjoy finding out what happens to the people and how their story ends. The lives of Medley and Roger, boys of about 12, and Roger's sister Catherine, in the Middle Ages is very different from yours, although they are very similar to us as people.
Click the link below to see ten of the most important differences if you had been 12 in the Middle Ages!
1. What would you find most surprising/hardest to get used to? 2. Are all of these differences evidence that life was harder? 3. Are their potential positives to life in the middle ages? 4. Consider the Social Classes, how might life have differed for children in other social classes? What similarities might there have been?
*Please CLICK HERE to see a Student Example of what your completed questions should look like. *Please use Google Maps to identify and label the necessary parts of the map.
*The Three Questions are (Please choose one to complete in a short paragraph): 1. Where and when does the story take place? Describe. 2. What is the moral or theme of the story? What do you think it COULD be? Explain using examples. 3. Would you recommend this story to someone else? Why or Why not? Use evidence from the book.