Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative

• Choose an important moment or event in your life.

• Select a meaningful memory to describe in your writing.

• Pick one moment and paint a picture with your words. 

• Show, don't tell!

• Use figurative language such as: idioms, similes and metaphors, personification, and onomatopoeia.

Expository Writing Presentation

Expository Writing Presentation Requirements

Please include the following in your Slideshow/Poster/Nearpod Presentation:

• Title Page

• Topic Sentence, or perhaps your entire Introductory Paragraph

• One slide for each of your Supporting Topics with details

• Concluding Statement or perhaps your entire Concluding Paragraph

• At least two photos pertinent to your writing

• Sources Cited Page

Credible Sources

Click here to learn about Credible Sources!

The 5 Step Writing Process

Here are the steps of the writing process:

1. PREWRITING- Think
_X_ Brainstorm- What do you want to do a expository writing piece on?

_X_Outline- Generate a brief outline on your topic, your three sub-topics and details for each.

_X_Research your topic. Use at least two credible online sources and one book source. Due 10/24

_X_Web/Graphic Organizer: For this step you will fill in a graphic organizer using the information from your outline and research.




2. DRAFTING- Write
_X_ Put the information into your own words, and properly cite it. Due 11/5
_X_ Construct complete sentences and form them into paragraphs. Remember, a paragraph is three-five sentences in length.

_X_ Read your writing to yourself, at least one time out loud and one time silently.



3. REVISING- Make it Better
_X_ Read it to yourself again.

_X_ Make sure that you have complete sentences. Check for capital letters for the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns. Did you use the correct punctuation, especially at the ends of your sentences? Did you indent for each new sub-topic/paragraph?

_X_ Add or take out parts as needed. Is your paper two pages long?

_X_ How is the flow? Does your paper flow smoothly?



4. PROOFREADING- Make it Correct

_X_ Read it to yourself again.

_X_ Peer Edit: Fill out a peer edit sheet, on your own writing, and then have a peer read your paper and do the same.

_X_ Read it to yourself again. Make all of the changes your peer has suggested, that make sense to you; ask questions.

_X_ Did you read it again?

_X_ Re-type all changes that you have decided need to be made, and you will have your finished product!

5. PUBLISHING-Share the finished product

_X_ Read it to the class.

_X_ Create a Keynote/Powerpoint slideshow of your paper. Make it at least 6 slides in length, including the Sources page.

_X_Add photos that help illustrate your writing.

_X_ Present to the class!

Expository Writing from Research

• Select a newspaper article about an event that has taken place in the community, state or country.
• Underline or highlight the key points and main ideas of the article.
• Write a summary of this newspaper article. A summary describes the key points and doesn't share unimportant information.
• Be sure to use your own words-avoid plagiarism!

Paragraph due in class tomorrow, September 24

Quick Writes

To start off our first round of Quick Writes, click the link!

Welcome!

Welcome to our new Eighth Grade ELA Blog!

Class Grading Scale

Please examine our class grading scale. Each assignment will fall into one of these categories.

Writing Prompts and Projects: 40%

Quizzes: 30%

Classwork: 20%

(this includes participation and preparedness)

Homework: 10%

Grades are updated every Friday on Powerschool.

Class Rules

Here are our class rules, compiled by us!

Remember to:

• Come to class prepared. This means bringing your pencil, notebook/binder, charged iPad, and planner.
  
• Refrain from calling out. Always raise your hand.
  
• When it is your turn to speak, do so in a loud and clear fashion and form.
• Do not yell, and always use your inside voice.
• Always arrive to class on time.

• Use your iPad in a respectful and responsible way.
  
• Do your own work with honesty and integrity.
  
• Ask permission to leave class. This privilege will not always be given, so don’t take it for granted!
  
• Keep your head off of the desk.
  
• Keep your hands to yourself.

Discipline Referrals:

Step One: Begins with a Verbal Warning to the student, which will be noted as such

Step Two: Student will be given a Reminder Card

Step Three: Restorative problem-solving and circle with student, and the parent/guardian will be contacted.

Step Four: Student will be referred to a Restorative Circle

Step Five: If the behavior continues, there will be a complete Disciplinary Referral