Newsletter - Geneva Joint 4 - Woods School

Newsletter

Middle School Language Arts

Middle School Language Arts

Middle School Writing –All classes are working on anthologies for judging. This year’s theme is “Aha.” Seventh grade will learn to write summaries and will be writing a short research paper on the early beginnings of Indians on the North American continent. Seventh grade has begun their Honor Stray. As of this writing, the students are somewhere in the wilderness of the west. Each day I receive writing from them so I know all is well, parents, so don’t worry.:)

Eighth grade is reading the novel Outsiders and will write a news article based on an event in the novel.

Sixth grade will write personal narrative paragraphs. Then begin to prepare for “How to” speech.

Middle School Literature –All three classes are preparing for their oral book reports.

Grammar –The middle school students are on their third week of MUG Shots. Here grammar rules are applied to incorrectly written sentences. All classes are learning correct noun usage as well as the mechanics of possessives and appositives.

BOOK CHAT QUESTIONS

1. What were your feelings after reading the opening chapters of the book? After reading half of the book? After finishing the book?

2. Did this book make you laugh? Cry? Cringe? Explain your reaction.

3. What connections are there between your life and the events in the book? Explain.

4. What are the best parts of the book? Why? What are the worst parts of this book? Why?

5. What was the author saying about life and living in this book? Explain.

6. What parts of this book seem more believable? Why? What parts seem more unbelievable? WHY?

7. Do you like the ending of the book? Why or why not? Do you think there is more to tell? What do you think might happen next? Would a sequel be needed to finish the story?

8. What do you feel is the most important word in the book? The most important passage? The most important element (feeling, an event, decision)?

9. In what ways are you like any of the characters? Explain.

10. Do any of the characters remind you of friends, family members, or classmates? Explain.

11. What character could you like to be in the book? Why? What personality traits of this character would you like to acquire? Explain.

12. What would you and your favorite character talk about in your first conversation? Begin the conversation.

13. Do you think the title fits the book? Why or why not? Explain.

14. What makes you wonder in this book? Why? What confuses you in the book? Explain.

15. Did one or two of the events in the book surprise you? Explain.

16. Has this book helped you in any way? Explain.

17. How would you picture the author of this book? Why would you picture him or her this way? What questions would you like answered after reading this book? Explain.