Reading, Writing and Thinking. . . Oh, my!

What happens in our English classroom during the day? Lots of reading, writing and thinking that's what! Take a look inside our classroom. . .

How to Write an Essay

Watch this video if you need help remembering how to write the introduction, body or the conclusion of an essay. Sometimes it is hard to remember what goes into the introduction and how and where to write the thesis. What goes into the body? Lots of facts and examples to prove your point. How many sentences is the conclusion? What do I write there? For answers to any or all of these questions watch this video to review "How to Write an Essay."

Better Writing Tip

One way to become a better writer is by reading. Take a look at how published authors begin their writing. How does the book or story start? This is called a LEAD. The author leads us into the book and grabs our attention immediately so we will continue reading the book. Well, that is the idea anyway. Why are we sometimes drawn to certain authors and repelled by others? Maybe it is the way the books begin. Always read the first page of a book you are thinking of checking out. Does it appeal to you? Does it lead you into the story and make you want to read more? Great! Check out the book and you will probably read it all the way through to the end. If it is luke warm and you can take it or leave it, leave it. You are not excited enough to comtinue. Find a book that you cannot put down (even in math class)! When you write, make the reader want to continue reading what you have to say. Make your lead so interesting that the reader cannot put down your writing.

Teenagers, Sleep and School

What time should school begin? Seventh graders are researching teen brains, sleep patterns, and success/progress in school. They are writing multigenre research papers in the form of letters to their middle school principal, Mr. Rentoule, with the results of their findings and with suggestions on what they think should be done to find the perfect time to start the day of a teenager in school. Hmmm. . . wonder what the best school starting time is for middle school and high school students? Stay tuned for results of their findings which will be published right here.

Taking Sides

Why is it important to look at all sides of a situation before making a decision? That is the question seventh grade students are tackling at the moment. What happens when people make hasty decisions? Maybe we can all make better choices and long term decisions after weighing all of the facts and by looking at examples other people have made in the past.

Relationships 101

What makes a healthy relationship? Eighth grade students are exploring this question for the next few weeks as they read the book The Pigman by Paul Zindel, participate in discussions with classmates (and parents hopefully), and journal while thinking critically about relationships. We all engage in countless relationships daily. How do we handle negative ones and maintain healthy ones? Maybe students can make some realizations about who provides healthy, happy, constructive relationships in their own lives and what can be done to eliminate or change unhealthy, negative relationships.