Fever 1793 Bonus Question

Historical-fiction novels are the best of both worlds. An author creates an imaginative story with original/made-up characters but also includes some interesting historical facts and events letting the reader learn about the world's history without much effort! The novel we just finished in class takes place in the late 18th Century in Philadelphia.
If you could go back in time and live during any era/time period/decade etc. besides present time, where and when would you want to live and why? Please give at least three reasons as to why you have chosen this time period as your favorite and explain your opinion in at least three complete sentences. If you accurately follow the directions, you will receive 5 bonus points that will be applied to your Fever 1793 novel test.
Please put your first name only at the end of your response so I can give you credit, but you can still maintain your privacy. You have until 3:30 PM on Monday, December 6th to take advantage of this opportunity.

Fever 1793 Internet Pre-Read Scavenger Hunt

Here are the links to help you complete your pre-read Scavenger Hunt activity based on the historical-fiction novel Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Click on a new tab near the top of the screen and then copy and paste the following links (one by one) into the web address window at the very top of the screen. Make sure to thoroughly read the information on each website to correctly answer the questions.

Question #1
http://www.history.org/history/clothing/intro/index.cfm

Question #2
http://www.who.int/topics/yellow_fever/en/

Question #3
http://westnilevirus.nbii.gov/mosquitoes.html

Question #4
http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2007_winter_spring/epidemics.html

Question #5
http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/index.html

Question #6
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1590.html

Happy reading about this intriguing event in U.S. History!

Emily E.'s Awesome Fiction Choice Book Website (click right here to check it out)!

Check out Emily's website where she highlights all the important parts of a fictional novel and reviews Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck

Creating Similes

A simile is used in "Exploring the Titanic" to show the divisions of social classes on this massive ship. Here are some of the similes 7C students created about different topics in their own lives:

"People are like music; all you have to do is listen." - Emma

"A football team is like an engine; if one part doesn't work the whole engine fails." - Matt

"Dating is like an ipod; people think they need it but some people are better off without it." - Coral

"Decisions are like a one way street; once you decide you can't turn back."-Austin W.

"Life is like a game of tag; sometimes you are it and other times you are left running." -Alexis

"Life is like the sky; it can be dark at times but you always know it will get brighter." - Emily C.

"Life is like volleyball; you don't give up until there's nothing left to fight for." - Rylie

"Life is like a race; if you run it right the prize is heaven." -Spencer B.

"Everyone is like ice cream. You can be sweet or you can be sugar-free." -Faythe

"Friends are like Skittles, all different colors but all the same inside." -Bridget

"School is like an obstacle course; it gets easier or harder as you go!" -BJ

"People are like braces; we can be bad at times but in the end it can turn out great." - Carla

"Parents are like stinky feet; you're stuck with them." -Sydney

"Life is like an elevator; it keeps going up and then it stops." - Dorisha

"People are like clocks, they have different faces." -Kris

"Friends are like balloons; if you let them go you may never get them back."- Frankie

"Life is like a day. You only have once chance to do it right." -Kialynne

"A football team is like a pack of wolves, without everyone working together you will never win." -Nate

"Life is like baseball; home is the best place to be." - Alex

"The Philadelphia Eagles are like gambling. They get something good then they lose it all." -Teddy

"My dog is like a garbage can. He will eat anything." -Lucus

"Football is like grass; you see it every day." -Lamain

English 7 Syllabus

English 7 Syllabus

Teacher: Mrs. Enos
Classroom Website: http://enosenglish7.blogspot.com
School e-mail: Laura.Enos@fpsmail.org
Room #: SW 301

Welcome to English 7! This course offers you the opportunity to grow as a writer, reader and analyzer. Whether you feel reading great literature or improving in your writing skills is important to you or not, hopefully by the end of the year you will see how applicable the issues we cover in class are connected to the topics that you will be faced with beyond this classroom experience. Remember, we aren’t all starting at the same place—our strengths and weaknesses are as varied as our personalities. Each of us can improve this year if we work together to build a strong classroom community.

Materials: A notebook or binder with paper for brainstorming, in-class activities,
homework and background notes, a folder to store your writing assignments
(don’t throw them away), and writing utensils.

Agenda:
Writing Assignments: This will entail journaling, writing reflections,
formulating discussion questions, brainstorming, outlining, and essay writing. A
variety of genres (descriptive, narrative, research-based, persuasive, and poetry)
will be covered with a strong emphasis on descriptive writing to prepare you for
next year’s State-Wide 8th Grade Writing Assessment.

Reading: We will examine a variety of authors and a variety of literary genres:
novels, fictional short stories (including realistic-fiction, myths, legends, folktales), poetry, non-fiction, and drama.
Novel schedule:
-1st quarter = Fiction Choice Reading Book & Project
-2nd quarter = Class Novel: Fever 1793 (Historical-Fiction)
-3rd quarter = Nonfiction Choice Reading Book & Project
-4th quarter = Class Novel: Touching Spirit Bear (Adventure)

Quizzes: Vocabulary, reading, and grammar quizzes will be given periodically with the purpose of holding you accountable for keeping up with reading assignments and checking your comprehension and understanding of the information being learned in class.

Texts/Exams: Tests will be given at the completion of each novel or unit. There
will always be an in-class review and study guide given prior to the test.



Homework Policy
Philosophy:
- developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (2005) found on http:// www.netc.org/focus/strategies/home.php

• Homework provides time outside of the classroom for students to practice and deepen their understanding of the content being presented in class.
o Homework is meant to be set at an appropriate level based on a student’s prior knowledge or level of exposure to specific content.
• Regardless of student ability or prior coursework, the amount of time students actively and attentively devote to homework increases their achievement.(Keith & Cool, 1992)
• Feedback will be given along with a grade for all turned in homework assignments. I make an effort for assigned homework to not be “busywork” but to possess quality/purpose in your child’s learning experience.
• Parent Involvement:
o Parents should set regular time frames, a place to focus, and clear expectations for where and when their children will work on homework.
o Encourage the following skills with your child throughout the school year: responsibility, confidence, persistence, goal-setting, and planning.
 Facilitate homework completion, not teach content
o Encouraging healthy study habits supports learning. Not only will your child see and feel the reward for his/her efforts, but they will grow in their ability to effectively handle areas of difficulty (Bempechat 2004).

Grading: assignment grades are based on total points—every assignment counts
• A = 100% - 93%
• B = 92% - 86%
• C = 85% -78%
• D = 77% -70%
• F = 69% - Below
• You will receive two days for every one day missed of class to make up any homework that was given/assigned the day of your absence.

Late Homework: If your homework is not completed at the time it is due, you may turn it in the next day at the beginning of class, completed, for a maximum score or 80% (C). If the assignment is turned in more than one day late, but completed, before the end of the unit, then the student can earn up to a 70% (D-/passing). A student can turn in completed-late work up until the end of the quarter, but if we have moved on to a new unit, the highest grade that can be earned at this point is a 50%/half credit.






Extra Credit:

• Bonus point opportunities will be given before most quizzes and tests on review days. This may come in the form of an online discussion question (in such a case, lab time would be provided for the students to completed this task if he/she so wishes) or through an in-class review activity.

• If there are events at the school/community that are English-related, then extra credit towards your final grade will be developed as both an opportunity for continued learning and a way to improve your grade in class.

• There cannot be any missing homework in the grade book in order to receive extra credit points.


Procedures/Rules:
• Tardiness: If you arrive late to class, you must have a legitimate pass from a FMS staff member.

• Etiquette: It is important that all students treat one another with kindness and respect. The Student Handbook clearly defines the four levels of misconduct and corresponding disciplinary actions. The rules of the Student Handbook will be enforced at all times in this classroom. Lunch detentions will be administered if there is continued misbehaving after the first time a minor offense was addressed. Please respect the learning environment to avoid any such consequence. If the misbehaviors continue both the counseling department and parental units will be contacted in order to best address the issue.

• Leaving the Room: Restroom and water breaks should be taken care of during the five-minute passing period. I will make exceptions if you have special needs or are not feeling well, but please let me know at the start of class or ask for a pass.


Overall: Practice good listening skills, fully participate, and most importantly—HAVE FUN!




____________________________ _____________________________
Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

I’m looking forward to an exciting 7th grade year!

Touching Spirit Bear

Please answer any one of the following three prompts using complete and detailed sentences. Your response should be a solid paragraph in order to receive the bonus points on your future novel test (3 points).

1. If there was a portion of the novel Touching Spirit Bear that you would like to rewrite, what would it be and why? Why do you think that scene needs to be improved and how do you think your idea would make the story better?

2. Rumor has it that the rights have been purchased to eventually turn Touching Spirit Bear into a movie. Who would you cast for the characters of: Cole, Garvey, Cole's parents, and Peter? Justify your cast for this movie (describe what parts of the character would match with the chosen actors).

3. Out of the three novels we read this year as a class (Fever 1793, Touching Spirit Bear, and Wednesday Wars) what was your favorite read and why?

Homework Policy

Mrs. Enos’ Homework Policy
English 7
Philosophy:
- developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (2005) found on http:// www.netc.org/focus/strategies/home.php

• Homework provides time outside of the classroom for students to practice and deepen their understanding of the content being presented in class.
o Homework is meant to be set at an appropriate level based on a student’s prior knowledge or level of exposure to specific content.
• Regardless of student ability or prior coursework, the amount of time students actively and attentively devote to homework increases their achievement.(Keith & Cool, 1992)
• Feedback will be given along with a grade for all turned in homework assignments.
• Parent Involvement:
o Parents should set regular time frames, a place to focus, and clear expectations for where and when their children will work on homework.
o Encourage the following skills with your child throughout the school year: responsibility, confidence, persistence, goal-setting, and planning.
 Facilitate homework completion, not teach content
o Encouraging healthy study habits supports learning. Not only will your child see and feel the reward for his/her efforts, but they will grow in their ability to effectively handle areas of difficulty (Bempechat 2004).

Grading: assignment grades are based on total points—every assignment counts
• A = 100% - 93%
• B = 92% - 86%
• C = 85% -78%
• D = 77% -70%
• F = 69% - Below
• You will receive two days for every one day missed of class to make up any homework that was given/assigned the day of your absence.

Procedures/Rules:

• Late Homework: If you homework is not completed at the time it is due, you may turn it in the next day at the beginning of class, completed, for a maximum score or 80% (C). It may still be turned in for a passing grade if completed two days after the original deadline for a 70% (D-). If completed work is turned in three days after the deadline to the end of the quarter, the student can earn a maximum of 50% on the assignment.



Extra Credit:

• Bonus point opportunities will be given before most quizzes and tests on review days.

• If there are events at the school/community that are English-related, then extra credit towards your final grade will be developed as both an opportunity for continued learning and a way to improve your grade in class. There cannot be any missing homework in the grade book in order to receive extra credit points.

Graphic Organizer

While reading "Amigo Brothers" the two main characters, Felix & Antonio were compared and contrasted through the following chart during the climatic point/fight in the short story.

ROUND FELIX ANTONIO
_________________________________________________________________________
One
(begins on line 216)





_________________________________________________________________________
Two
(begins on line 250)





_________________________________________________________________________
Three
(begins on line 298)






________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday Wars Connection

In the novel Wednesday Wars, that I read to you to begin class, the protagonist/main character, Holling gave Mrs. Baker, his English teacher, tips/advice on what to do and not do in the classroom ("don't roll your eyes, don't cross your arms, and use code words when a student does something really well/praise them"). What is an important piece of advice you'd give to teachers that you feel would improve your education as a student(seriously) and why.

For example, please avoid suggestions such as: "Give me an "A" even if I don't turn in my homework." What do you feel is missing right now that you would like to see more of, or teaching practices that you think need to be changed/eliminated altogether. Make sure to support your opinion (please shoot for a 2-3 sentence response at least in order to elaborate on your ideas).

What book have you read this year that you think every 7th grader should read?

What book have you read this year that you think every 7th grader should read?

I'm currently reading Pendragon by D.J. MacHale (the first book in the Pendragon series --there's ten books total), because one of my students suggested it to me. She's even letting me read her own personal copy! Even though the fantasy genre has never been my favorite, this book is great! The narrator (teen boy perspective) speaks and thinks in a very blunt/matter-of-fact manner that is extremely down-to-earth, refreshing, and hilarious to read. What should I read next?