Setting up the entriesGet your spiral ready!!!!! 

Most entries will have two parts. This side will have a summary, a paraphrase, or a passage from the novel. Put passages in MLA format.

The second part of the entry will be your response. You will interpret, evaluate, make connections or explain on this side.

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Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Monday 25 January 2016.Create a T-chart on the page.

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well-written.

Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #).

Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage.

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Entry #1:Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Tuesday 26 January 2016.Create a T-chart on the page.

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that contains information about the protagonist.

Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #).

Talk about what you know about the protagonist so far. Name the protagonist. Use complete thoughts—casual voice. What do you imagine this character looking

like? What do you imagine this character acting like? What would be good about being this person’s

friend? What do you want to know about this person

that you don’t know so far? What is the main concern or challenge the

protagonist faces?When you finish writing, begin to read at

your last personal stopping point.

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Writing/gradingRemember!!!!

Show your thinking and the connections you make to your reading. The more you write, the more I see what you understand!

Practice citing textual evidence.Grading on numbered entries:

Less than half a page; minimal connections = 5 points (50%=F)

Half a page; connections to reading=7 points (70%=C-)

Full page; strong analysis/connections to reading=10 points (100%=A+)

When you finish writing, work on word study. It is due tomorrow.

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Entry #2Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Wednesday 27 January 2016

ON THE LEFT SIDE ON THE RIGHT SIDEFind a passage in the pages

that you have read so far that contains information about an authentic historical detail, like furniture, clothing, food, transportation, or something that represents that time period.

Copy the passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. “Do it like this” (Last #).

Tell what you have noticed about the setting so far.

*What are you learning about this decade/time period?

*What would you like about living in the 1930’s-1940’s?

*What would be hard about living then?

*How does this fit the non-fiction information we have read? Make a connection.

Word study when you finish! It is due tomorrow.

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(START THIS AS SOON AS YOU FINISH YOUR SKILLS QUIZ) Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Thursday 28 January 2016.Create a T-chart on the page.

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well-written.

Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #).

Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage.

When you finish, READ until the bell.

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Entry #3Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Thursday 28 January 2016Think about the part of the story that you just read.Put yourself in the position of the protagonist of your

story. Imagine what he/she might be feeling or thinking. Write a journal entry as if you were that character. START WITH A CLAIM. Describe the situation and explain your thoughts and feelings.

Write over half a page.Keep reading when done! By the end of class tomorrow,

you should be 1/3 or more through your book! Keep up!

***This assignment could be used as the writing assignment for the final project.

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Checking in passage:Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Friday 29 January 2016.Create a T-chart on the page.

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well-written.

Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #).

Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage.

If you finish before we do, read.

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Entry 4: Friday 29 January 2016Think of three significant events in the book you

are reading now. These can cover one chapter or several chapters.

Choose a passage to represent each one. “When Carter met Lexie at the CCC Camp, he was

surprised to see a girl there” (Martin 7) .“Carter grimaced at the thought of what lay ahead

for him on the work crew” (Martin 145).“Returning home was sweeter than anything Carter

imagined it would be. The last traces of dust were being replaced with shoots of wheat springing up in rows as far as he could see” (Martin 297).

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Entry 4: Draw a sketch for each of your passages. Color your sketch and/or add background. Add the passage and citation from the book to show where you got the idea for each sketch. Be sure the events are in order! When you finish, read.

“When Carter met Lexie at the CCC

Camp, he was surprised to see a girl there” (Martin 7) .

“Carter grimaced at the thought of what lay ahead for him on the work

crew” (Martin 145).

“Returning home was sweeter than anything Carter imagined it would be. The last traces of dust were being replaced with shoots of wheat springing up in rows as far as he could see” (Martin 297).

Spirals will be collected on Monday! Be sure you have every day from this week in your spiral! If you need to make up a day, see me to look at a hard copy or check our class web site/Q3 assignment page!

*50% minimal; no color; stick figures*70% details; some color*100%=color; background; lots of detail

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Checking in passage:Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page —Monday 1 February 2016.Create a T-chart on the page.

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well-written.

Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #).

Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage.

When you finish, read until the bell.

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Entry #5Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral—Monday 1 February 2016. Do the entry.(When you finish writing, read from your last personal stopping point.)

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that contains some really great description. Copy the passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. “Do it like this” (Last #).

1. Paraphrase the passage. Say it in your own words.

2. Explain what you were thinking and feeling when you read this part.

3. Describe the picture you see in your mind.

4. As best you can, sketch what you imagine that to be like. Include a background.

At the end of today’s block, leave your spiral on the back table—open to the one page you would like graded for quality from entries 1 to 5. You will get a score for entries completed and a score for best entry. (no spiral/paper only=10% penalty)

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Which entries will be graded?1. Protagonist description (last Tuesday)2. Setting and problem description (last Wednesday)3. Journal entry from protagonist’s voice (last Thursday)4. Story map—three events in order (last Friday)5. Paraphrase, explain, describe. (Today!)

Take a last look over these entries and select your best one. *This entry should be your best/most thought provoking work.

Correct all obvious errors. Add as much as you want before the bell rings.

Grading on numbered entries:Less than half a page; minimal connections = 5 points (50%=F)Half a page; connections to reading=7 points (70%=C-)Full page; strong analysis/connections to reading=10 points

(100%=A+)

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Checking in:—Tuesday 2 February 2015 Pick up your spiral from the round table.

With an assigned partner— If you could pick one word

that would really fit your protagonist, what would that word be? Why would it fit? Use examples from the text to illustrate why that word would fit this character. Each partner share a word and the situation that proves that trait.

When you finish, return to your own work space. In your spiral, make a bulleted list of 10+ words that describe your character.

READ

brave resourceful musicalambitious cheerful hard-working endurance loyal/good

friendhonest

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Entry #7Turn to a clean sheet in your spiral notebook. Add the day and date.

Tuesday 2 February 2016 Think about a character in your novel that you admire. Think

about the experiences he or she has had in this novel. Consider our unit questions:

How does external conflict affect us?How do individuals demonstrate perseverance?What character traits help us face challenges?Write a note to the character telling him/her what you admire

about the struggles he/she had to face in this story. What happened to this person that made you admire him/her? Write about the traits this character showed (determination,

bravery, etc.) What would you have thought/felt if you were that person? Would you have handled the situation differently? Tell that

person why or why not! Make your note at least half a page long. (If you want to add a

passage and citation from the novel, you could.) Let the character know why you admire him/her!

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2 February 2016Hi Carter,I’m reading about your adventures in the book Dust Memories. It seemed like it was such a hard time for you and your family. Farming would have been so discouraging with no rain ever and having so many crops fail. I thought it was awesome of you to leave home to find work at a CCC camp. I didn’t know the government had special work camps for boys during that time. I think it would have been scary to leave home and work on your own. You did not make much money and most of it was sent home to your parents. I use my money for candy and movies so that really made me think about how hard times must have been. “Carter wrote a letter to his mom and encouraged her to buy shoes for herself with part of the money” (Martin 78). You must have felt discouraged sometimes when you didn’t even get to see the money you were earning. I admired how unselfish and hard-working you were. I wish I were more like that. You were a hero to overcome the difficulties of living during the Dust Bowl. Sincerely, Mark W. Studentson

The date should line up with the closing and signature.

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Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page —Wednesday 3 February 2016.Create a T-chart on the page.

On the left side: On the right side:Find a passage in the

pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well-written.

Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #).

Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage.

If you finish before we do, read.

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Entry 7: Wednesday 3 February 2016Create a crazy collage in your spiral. Draw

anything and everything that reminds you of this book. See if you can fill a whole page. Include some things that represent the characters, some things that represent the setting, and some things that represent the events. 5=50%; 7=70%; 10=100%

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Entry #8/ Thursday 4 February 2015Turn to a clean sheet of paper. You will need a whole sheet. Add the day and date.Think about the following

questions: Can all challenges be

overcome? Is the historical time

period of your novel more challenging than your own?

How do people in real life triumph over trials?

What advice would you give to a middle school student who is having a hard time?

What character traits have helped you in your trials?

Think of a claim, such as— All challenges in our life cannot

be overcome for several reasons.

It is more challenging to live now than in the 1930’s or 1940’s.

I know two people who have used effort and determination to overcome their challenges.

Middle school students should try four things when they have a problem.

Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges.

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Entry #8/ContinuedSet up an essay with topic sentences (yellows) on the left and (reds) on the right. (Tomorrow we will do a writing assignment on the back.)Claim: Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges..First, when I have a

challenge, I ask others for help.

Having a positive attitude is another way I deal with challenges.

Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty.

Mom with sibling problemDad with mathMr. Newby with schedule

Not giving up in mathPutting positive quotes on

my binder

Going in for extra math helpDoing my math homeworkMaking a better effort to be

nice to my brother

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Entry #9: Essay Day Two Friday 5 February 2016Choose one of your supporting ideas (yellows). Claim: Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges..First, when I have a

challenge, I ask others for help.

Having a positive attitude is another way I deal with challenges.

Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty.

Mom with sibling problemDad with mathMrs. Haener with schedule

Not giving up in mathPutting positive quotes on

my binder

Going in for extra math helpDoing my math homeworkMaking a better effort to be

nice to my brother

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Entry #9/Continued—Day Two 13 February 2015 On the back of your paper, write an informative paragraph on just that one supporting idea.

Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty. In my math class, I went in and asked Mr. Wester for extra help. He had me come in at lunch. I didn’t like missing time with my friends, but it helped so much. I was surprised how much better I did after only a few lunch times. I also made a time for doing my math homework after dinner every day. Even though I missed a few times, I stuck to my schedule almost every day. By the end of two weeks, my math grade was a high B. I was surprised but happy. Math isn’t the only place I have put forth effort. My brother was making me mad all the time, so I worked hard to be patient with him. I also tried to spend time doing something fun with him every weekend this month. Before long, he stopped bugging me so much. Working hard has been a big part of overcoming my challenges.

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Entry # 10 (Monday 8 February 2016) Find a new page in your spiral notebook; you will be writing a letter in correct letter format—Include today’s date as part of your letter.Prompt: Think of a part of the novel that you have read so far

that is really well written. Why was it so effective? Did it pull facts together, make you laugh/cry, or give you an “AH-HA” moment? Did you learn something about the historical time period?

Write a letter to the author, to me, or to a friend explaining what you think was well done. BE SPECIFIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell what “worked” for you! Adding a passage and citation would be fabulous! Use correct letter format and shoot for 180+ words (about ¾ page handwritten). If you write to me or to a friend, recommend the book to us.

(Sample/next slide)At the end of today’s block, leave your spiral on the back table

—open to the page you would like graded from last week.

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8 February 2016Dear Mr. Martin,Your book Dust Memories was a great read! The Great Depression was such a hard time for American farmers and you really captured that in your book. I liked following Carter as he left home to find work at a CCC camp. I didn’t know the government had special work camps for boys during that time. I think it would have been scary to leave home and work on your own. The boys did not make much money and most of it was sent home to their parents. I use my money for candy and movies so that really made me think about how hard times must have been. “Carter threw his last few pennies in his pocket and headed out the door for town” (Martin 78). Carter must have felt discouraged sometimes when he didn’t even get to see the money he was earning. My favorite part of the book was the ending. I liked how you showed the hope of the future when the Dust Bowl was recovering.Thanks for writing a book that teens (especially guys) everywhere would enjoy. I hope to read more of your books in the future. Sincerely, Mark W. Studentson

The date should line up with the closing and signature.

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Which entries will be graded?1. Letter to a character (last Tuesday)2. Crazy collage (last Wednesday)3. Essay organizer (last Thursday)4. Essay (last Friday)5. Letter to the author. (Today!)

Take a last look over these entries and select your best one. *This entry should be your best/most thought provoking work.

Correct all obvious errors. Add as much as you want before the bell rings.

Grading on numbered entries:Less than half a page; minimal connections = 5 points (50%=F)Half a page; connections to reading=7 points (70%=C-)Full page; strong analysis/connections to reading=10 points

(100%=A+)

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Checking-in: Tuesday 9 February 2016Get your spiral from the round table. Start a new page…Create a story map or timeline of your book.

Use at least five sketches and a label for each event.  

Bud takes off on his own.