Majestic Writing Space

We started this quarter learning about effective persuasive thesis. We know that a thesis should include a topic, claim and reasons to support the claim. A claim is an arugment: what the writer, speaker, or photographer wants you to believe. The reasons need to be convincing enough to persuade you that their claim is right.

This can be done in writing and also with pictures. Check out this website: http://www.values.com/billboards. You’ll see billboards designed to “sell” people on these important values. Instead of three reasons to support their claim, a person or image has been provided to exemplify the value.

Task:

1. Click on a billboard you find interesting on the website listed above. Look at  the image and read the text below it.

2. Post in a comment:

a. what value is named in the red box of the billboard

b. what image or person is depicted in the billboard

c. explain whether or not you think that the image is appropriate for the value it represents. Please provide three reason to support your claim.

Due: MIDNIGHT February 10, 2010

Calling all Majestics!

The Sierra Vista Gallery of Writing is calling! It needs your contribution!

The National Council for Teachers of English is sponsoring a National Day of Writing on October 20, 2009. Our school has its own gallery where we’ll collect the writing of all students of Sierra Vista and publish it online. The writing published in the Sierra Vista Gallery of Writing will show a connection with literature students have read (whether required to or not!).

Please refer to the following PowerPoint for more information: National Day of Writing.

E-mail me with any questions! Comment below and let me know what you think.

– Mrs. P

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
~ Joseph Addison  ~

Walking into the library and staring at some book covers is a difficult way to find a good story. Hearing a recommendation from Mrs. Fulleman, our librarian, a friend or classmate let’s you know right away whether a story is something in which you’d be interested.

This post is going to remain up throughout the entire school year so we can help each other find excellent books! Please help us all out by telling us about what you’re reading, especially the ones that you’ve enjoyed the most.

Besides explaining why you liked a book, your post should include:

1. The title

2. The author

3. A brief summary — but please don’t give away the end!

I look forward to discovering new titles with your help!

Mrs. P

There aren’t many times in our lives when the President has a speech geared for us, specifically. Today (Sept. 8, 2009), President Obama will speak about the importance of education.

In his speech, the President states, “Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.”

He also went on to say:

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.

After nine LONG weeks off, here we are! We’re off to a wonderful school year where we’ll learn together, grow together, and get ready for high school. This blog is going to be a tool in our classroom where we’ll respond to literature, discuss books, share research, and create a community of learners. Some of your weekly assignments will be on this blog, so please bookmark it! Encourage your parents to check it out as well. This site will be a great place for us all to stay on track during the school year.

I’m looking forward to a great year of learning with you!

All the best,

Mrs. Pennay