Happy Halloween...

Happy Halloween from your friendly racoon.

OMG... what happened 2 my register!?!

On Wednesday, I'll collect the following from you:

1) Your first draft (with your hand-written register revisions); and
2) Your second draft (typed, double-space, Times New Roman).

Some of you were finding the difference between informal and formal register challenging today.  Here is a more complete explanation of both (with sample passages) that should help you focus on the conversational, opinionated tone you need to use in your op-ed revisions.

In the Beginning... Our Bible Reading Begins

Today we will begin our reading of the Bible.  We only have a select number of book copies, so please use this link if you have a laptop.

For homework, you need to prepare for your spelling and vocabulary quiz on Monday:

spelling - "o" and "p" from your list

vocabulary roots -
pot - power (potent, omnipotent)
pac - peace (pacify, Pacific)
ortho - straight, correct (orthodox, orthodontist)

Drafting your Op-Ed Article

Using your pre-writing from today's class, print out an objective news article from one of these newspapers that you would like to write an op-ed article on in response:

The New York Times
The BBC World News

Your article should relate to one of the following themes from Persepolis: women’s rights, fear, power, politics, religion, torture, revolution, capital punishment, human rights, government oppression, globalization, family or education.

Next, write your draft op-ed (length - 1 page, font - New Times Roman, double-spaced) using objective and subjective statements to persuade your reader to share your opinion.  I will collect your drafts at the beginning of next class in preparation for our next Writer's Workshop.

Let's Form Some Opinions

For next class, read these newspaper articles about Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year old blogger.

Pakistani Activist Shot - October 9, 2012
Portrait of the Girl Blogger - October 10, 2012

Post an opinion response on your blogs.

Our next spelling quiz will be on Tuesday for "m" and "n" words on your list and the following Latin root words:

mis - hatred (examples - misogyny, misanthrope, misandronist)
pseudo - false (examples - pseudonym, pseudoscience)
ver - truth (example - veracity, verify)

Persepolis Week

I hope you enjoyed the break and the opportunity to read a graphic novel.  We'll be spending this week examining and discussing the novel.

Today you will receive your graded Epic Hero Comic Book.  You need to review the feedback I have provided on your Google Document and write a reflection.  I invite you to attend an opportunity period if you would like to improve your grade.  I will meet with you during opportunity period, but be sure to have completed your revisions and Google Doc reflection, so we can spend the time discussing your writing.

On Friday, we will discuss Persepolis.  Come prepared to discuss the questions you selected in class.  Use your close reading skills to reread select passages and quotes that might help us gain a deeper appreciation for the novel.

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR COMIC BOOK GRADE?  COME VISIT ME DURING OPPORTUNITY PERIOD ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON WITH THE FOLLOWING TASKS COMPLETED:

1. Visit your Google Doc for detailed feedback. (If you are not sure you have access, email me today, and put “Google Doc link” in the subject line.  I’ll send you the link.)
2. Write a reflection on the Google Doc.
3. Come to opportunity period tomorrow – You must bring your revisions and have completed your Google Doc reflection.  

Sample revision (to be written on a separate sheet) –

      Original Circled Issue – You where dead.

Revision – You were dead.

Fall Break Assignments

I am looking forward to reading your comic books over the break!

Your assignments over the break are as follows:

1) Read Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi; and
2) Post reading blog responses for the following chapters: The Veil, Persepolis, The Sheep, The Passport, and The Dowry.

Reminder for Friday

Comic books DUE!

Please bring your copy of Persepolis to class.

Final Week for Comic Books

We will be finalizing our comic books this week.  They are due Friday, and for Wednesday, you need to revise and edit your book based on the peer feedback you received today.

You will also want to keep the rubric in mind as we approach the due date.