Welcome to the 8th Grade Challenge class. This summer while enjoying yourself I also expect you to keep your brain engaged and active. To help facilitate this activity I am enclosing a reading list. This list was developed by Everett Public Schools and is on the district web site if you lose your copy.   However I have made some modifications to drop some of the lower level reading materials and replace some out of print materials. To do this I have replaced some of the eighth grade list with some from the 9th grade list. I have also included some classical options for students desiring a more traditional reading list as well as some newer popular materials. http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/reading/Summer%20Reading%20List
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In addition to expecting you to read the books, I also expect you to complete the following assignment, which will be collected the first week of school next September. You are required to read a total of three books from the enclosed list, at least one of which must be non-fiction. You must choose books you have not previously read.
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This assignment is to help you enhance your abilities in the following learning standards as well as inform me of areas of possible concern.
- Build vocabulary through wide reading
- Demonstrate evidence of reading comprehension
- Understand and apply knowledge of text components to comprehend text
- Read to learn new information
- Read for literary experience in a variety of genres
- Develop interests and share reading experiences
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The culminating writing activity will be completed in class. However, you are required to bring notes (described as followed) to class. You will turn in your notes to me with the writing assignment.
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Book notes:
- A description of the main character(s): You should write one paragraph for each of the main characters. Each paragraph should describe both physical characteristics and personality traits of the main characters. For the non-fiction book describe of the focus of the book and characters of importance. You should write one paragraph describing the topic, the structure of the book (how it is organized), people who may be important in the understanding of the story, and what field or discipline it describes.
- A description of the setting: In a detailed paragraph, you will need to explain where the action of the story takes place. This is possible even with the non-fiction books.
- A list of the main events: As you make this list, try to place the events that occur in chronological order. This works with the non-fiction books as well except Eats, Shoots and Leaves, which will require a discussion of problems discussed.
- An explanation of the conflict: In a detailed paragraph, you should identify problems that the characters face. How do the characters react to these problems? How do the characters resolve these problems or conflict? For the non-fiction book describe the same information for the individuals discussed, the historical events that occurred or the problem addressed in the book.
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For each book, record title and author of the book you are writing about. Each book is to be reported on a separate sheet of paper. All work must be typed or written neatly in blue or black ink. This assignment will be counted as 5% of your grade for the first trimester; half from the notes take on the books, half from the in-class assessment.
