Last week, students worked really hard on completing their argumentative/research essays on a topic of their choice. They chose the topic, did all of the research for the topic using credible sources, took notes, created a works cited page, and then wrote the argumentative essay with minimal assistance. I even had one student say, "Ms. Toll I didn't believe you at the beginning of the year when you said that essays would get easier, but you were right! This essay is so easy!" That comment made my week! It is now my turn to grade them. I try to do this ASAP to get the students as immediate feedback as I can; however, it still takes about 15 minutes to read, comment, and assess each essay. Here are some of the top essays that I have assessed so far!
This week, students are going to start Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. We will begin with a pre-reading activity to get them acquainted with the author and the time period it was written, which definitely influences the themes within the novel. After the pre-reading activity, we will begin reading by listening to the audio recording and/or partner reading to improve their listening and speaking skills and their fluency. This book will definitely be guided and explicitly taught with a study guide in order for students to understand the depth of the novel and write the literary analysis essays at the end of each part. 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observed
Tuesday
Fahrenheit 451 Pre-Reading Guide and Slidedeck
Wednesday
Fahrenheit 451 Pre-Reading Guide and Slidedeck
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
*Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level of 3.5+ for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (3/10 and 6/2). Please see the AR Log for more information. GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Friday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
