We are now in the process of drafting our snapshot moments.  Today we looked at how the author Elie Wiesel slows down time in his writing by using the countdown strategy.  We discovered that this strategy would work well in our own writing pieces.  

Homework for Friday: Students have been reading during SSR and hopefully at home.  On Monday, they were given a reading response assignment, which is to be completed for Friday.  It requires the answering of 5 questions in short paragraph-long responses (2-3 sentences).  This is to be completed on the book they've been reading during SSR.  If they've recently completed a book, they are welcome to do the assignment on that book.

ELA 8: Today we chose topics for our snapshot moments. Don't forget the "reading like a writer" assignment is due tomorrow.  Some helpful hints:  when commenting in the margins, you can include why you think the author chose that strategy, how that strategy adds to the piece, or why you think it's effective.

Social Studies 8: Today we presented our pitches for how we would like to spend money on the outdoor parts of our school.  We also began a new assignment, which has students working in groups to research the platform of a political party.  Students will be presenting this information during Friday's class.  On Monday we will hold our own school vote!