Weekly Assignment due 3/4/09

Choose 1 of the following for this week's assignment. As always, see me with any questions.

1. Write a journal as if you are the protagonist. You will get to know the character, how he thinks and sounds. Use the style of speaking that he does.

2. Graphic Novel: Use your artistic skills to re-create the story in a graphic novel or comic book style. Tell the highlights of the story and include an introduction explaining the work.

3. Formal essay: See weekly paper assignment options for A Tale of Two Cities and follow the format.

4. Teach the class: Lead a discussion on the themes and topics of your book. Use visual aids such as handouts or a power point presentation. Write a follow-up on what you set out to accomplish, how you think it went, and what you learned from the experience.

5. Publish a newspaper: Create a newspaper that is 3-4 pages in length. Use formatting that helps the paper look professional. Use Publishing or some other software.

6. Create a cyberguide or blog.

These ideas are adapted from Jim Burke's The English Teacher's Companion book.

See me if you have another idea. I will let you know if you have permission to try it!

February Weekly Paper

Please follow directions for writing a weekly paper (check this blog for instructions).

This weekly paper will be a review of your independent reading book, whether you have finished your book or not.

A book review has the following components:

• author's name and book title
• clear and powerful statement of your opinion of the work (ie. thesis statement)
• summarize the important points of the work (plot, characters, setting and theme)
• quoted and paraphrased material included to support the points and reactions to the book
• comparisons and connections with other similar work
• a sense of whether your audience will want to read the book
• has been proofread

Please email me at mgrady@boston.k12.ma.us if you have questions about this assignment.

The due date is Monday, February 23rd. No late papers will be accepted. Please bring the typed paper to class.