Hi 8-1 and 8-2 families!
We are looking forward to hosting parents for Student Led Conferences next week! Please sign up for an hour block on Dec. 5 (1:30-4:30 and 5:30-7:30pm) or Dec. 6 (8:30-1:30pm) and come check out what we have been working on in Math, Science, and Humanities. These are hands-on, student-guided stations so please make sure your child comes with you!
In Humanities this week we have been working on wrapping up our Renaissance stories. The criteria for success that we have agreed on is:
Introduction/Rising Action
- establish character and character traits (age, appearance etc)
- establish setting (year, place, season, etc)
- get main character to where they need to be for the action
Main Action
- relay a conflict/struggle, either internal or external between character and self, or someone else
- conflict/struggle needs to show what the character values/believes/hopes/wants/fights for, etc.
- balance between action (something I would see happening on stage) and dialogue (we have talked a lot about how to write dialogue in class)
- should be moment-to-moment description of 5-10 minutes in real time
Falling Action/Ending
- back to calm things happening on stage
- maybe character reflection
- can hint about the future or future plans
- much less exciting
- conflict does not need to be resolved, just needs to end for today.
These stories are typed and live in Google Drive so students can work on them at home, adding, revising, or editing. The initial copy of the stories is due (printed) on Tuesday Dec. 4th. We will be looking for parent input on these stories next week before we publish our final draft.
We have also been spending a lot of time with the Medici family of Renaissance Europe. The PBS series that we have worked through in class is available on YouTube (Medicis- Godfathers of the Renaissance) if students have missed any parts. We will be having a short test on these concepts on Thurs. Dec. 13th. Students will be provided with a study guide with some sample questions and have some study notes to bring home in preparation.
Thanks for your ongoing support and we hope to see you all next week!
