We will be keeping Writer's Notebooks in 8th Grade this year, which we will refer to as WNB's. These will be used for in-class writing, responses to literature, and vocabulary. Each student should buy a composition book for this purpose. Students are expected to have this notebook ready by the end of the first week, and bring it to class every day. Below you will find a description of WNB's. All students will receive a grading rubric for this ongoing project during the first week of class, and should paste it into their class binders for year-long reference.
• These notebooks are intended to be a place for you to collect and draw inspiration from. They are highly personal, and each outcome will be different than the next. They will be used for pre-writing, in-class writing prompts, and vocabulary. Writer’s Notebooks will be collected regularly. Be creative and show who you are!!!! This rubric should help you gauge your performance and our expectations for your product.
• The top row of the rubric contains questions you should ask yourself before turning in your notebook.
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE EACH GRADING PERIOD: Is my notebook unique? Does it reflect my personality? Did I experiment with different writing styles and include a variety of artifacts? Do I have all the required entries? Are all my entries complete? Is my notebook presented clearly and creatively?
WNB's will be graded according to the following aspects, which are based on the Six Traits for writing. Student grading rubrics will break this down in detail.
I am excited for a great year to come! I am new to Jackson Hole, and new to JHMS this year. I moved here this summer from Boulder, Colorado, where I recently completed my Master's Degree. I am very happy to be a part of this wonderful community, and I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you.
This blog will be a space for parents to stay connected to what we are doing in class, reading and homework schedules, and literature circle activities.
You are all welcome to email me with any questions, etc. at any time. You can contact me at: jflammang@teton1.wy.k12.us
This blog is a space for parents to stay connected to what we are doing in 8th Grade Language Arts at JHMS, and for students to discuss assignments and respond to literature. Its intention is to provide both a common platform for students, teachers and parents, and an alternative discourse forum for students.
Enrichment Options for 4th Quarter
1) Participate in Teton County Library's Teen Poetry Contest.
2) Attend and/or participate in May 7th Teen Poetry Slam!
3) Read Bronx Masquerade on your own, and attend lunch discussion group on 5/28.
4) Attend Center for the Arts Community Poetry Reading on May 28th at 7 p.m.
Writer's Notebook Prompts
WNB 15: Write a "Society Poem" about what troubles you most in our society.
WNB #14: Write a memory poem with vivid imagery.
WNB #13: Write two shape poems
Outsiders #5: Reflections on the Novel's Resolution
Outsiders #4: Who are the outsiders in your world? Describe a group of people who are marginalized or left out in today's society. Why are they isolated?
Outsiders WNB #3: In partners, create a vocabulary story using focus words.
Outsiders #2: Which gang do you like better? Why? Do you support or sympathize with either or both? Why? Use concrete details to support your response.
Outsiders #1: Perceptions of Social Isolation: Have you ever felt left out or isolated from society? Which groups do you belong to/are you exluded from? What does belonging and isolation feel like?
WNB #12: Rewrite the ending to Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains." Pick up where the fire starts in the house.
WNB #11: What makes good writing? & What makes an engaging discussion group?
WNB #10: Craft a 2-chunk paragraph in response to your novel. Use the question options from class.
WNB #9: Predict the end of your novel! Or, if you have already finished -- discuss whether your ending was expected or unexpected. Would an alternate ending have fit the novel better?
Welcome 8th Grade Students and Parents!
Welcome everyone to our 2008-2009 8th Grade blog...this is your space...