Mrs. Warner's

Madison Middle School has H.E.A.R.T.!

H - High Expectations

E - Environment in Friendly

A - All Are Actively Engaged

R - Respect For All

T - Together We Can Be Terrific

Welcome to our classrooom website. In seveth grade Language Arts we will be studying a variety of different topics related to everyday life.  In doing so, we will be using classroom novels, text books, technology, and additional resources to gain knowledge and a better understanding of literary elements, the writing process, public speaking, and reading.

Also, please know that my room is always open for guardians/parents to visit, or for use of the classroom technology. This might be useful for viewing your child's progress and even participating in some activities. We always have a blast!

MADISON CUSD #12 SOCIAL CONTRACT

As a member of the

Madison CUSD #12 Learning Community,

I agree to interact with others in the following manner:

1. Respectfully

2. Considerately

3. Responsibly

4. Attentively (as a good listener)

5. Patiently

Name: __________________________  Date: _________________   Hour: ____________

 The Outsiders

Novel Projects

DIRECTIONS:  Complete the required amount of points in each category.

Required Activities: Total 50 points

_____ 1. Read the novel and complete all comprehension questions (excluding ch. 8). (25 points)

_____ 2. Participate in class discussions about the book during class time.  (25 points)

C Layer Activities: Choose 60 points

_____ 1. Find 20 words throughout the book that are new to you.  Write out the words, a definition, a sentence, and a drawing or symbol to help you remember the meaning of the word.  Use the context of the word from the book to help you.  (10 points)

_____ 2. Read aloud a chapter with a group (three or less), each taking the part of one of the characters.  Present a page of it to the class.  (20 points)

_____ 3. Take the main components of a novel study, such as setting, character traits, theme, crises, etc. and describe where each of these concepts is shown in the book.  (10 points)

_____ 4. Hinton, the author, gives detailed descriptions of each of the characters in the book.  Choose 3 characters and write 3 paragraphs or poems about these characters.  (20 points)

_____ 5. Draw a cartoon of one of your favorite scenes in the book.  (20 points)

_____ 6. Draw a poster that would appeal to your friends and would make them want to read the book.  For example, the poster could resemble the back of the book, with pictures and a summary of the book.  (20 points)

_____ 7. Write a newspaper story about Bob, after Chapter 4.  (At least one page.)  (20 points)

_____ 8. Write a poem about family that reflects Ponyboy’s relationship to either Soda or Darry.  (10 points)

_____ 9. On poster board, create a “graffiti” collage featuring the slang words in the novel.  Include actual meanings and current slang equivalents.  (15 points)

_____ 10. Write another chapter to the book with a different ending to the story.  This chapter needs to be at least 2 pages.  (30 points)

B Layer Activities: Choose 20 points

_____ 1. Pick out 12 significant incidents in the book.  Make a timeline with the incidents and a two-sentence explanation of why they are significant.  On the timeline, put the positive incidents towards the top of the paper and the negative incidents toward the bottom. 

(10 points)

_____ 2. Do an interview with Cherry for a local radio station.  Include questions about the problems that exist everywhere and how she feels torn between the Socs and the Greasers.  (10 points)

_____ 3. Make a list of 5 "groups" in this school that are similar to the Socs and the Greasers.  What would the strengths and weaknesses be for each one? (List 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses for each group.)     (10 points)

_____  4. Design your idea of the perfect place, like Ponyboy talks about.  Include details about what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch there. You may include photos or illustrations.  Compare your perfect place to Pony's (at least 2 paragraphs).    (10 points)

_____ 5. Design an award for each main character (choose 6 characters).  Write a brief speech outlining why each character qualified for that particular award. For example: Rebel of the Year goes to Dally.    (10 points)

A Layer Activities: Choose 20 points

_____ 1. Find 3 articles on the Internet about gangs and its risks. Summarize each article in at least 2 paragraphs and then in an additional paragraph include if you agree with these articles.  Why?  Why not?   (20 points)

_____ 2. Research why juveniles commit serious crimes.  Compare the reasons you find with the causes or reasons you can infer from the book.  Use at least 3 sources.  Write a one-page explanation or prepare a 5-minute presentation for the class.  (20 points)

TOTAL POINTS EARED = 150 points