January 30th (A day) and 31st (B day)

Today was a book group reading day. Refer to the reading schedule to figure out what you need to read.

After reading, everyone wrote 3 discussion questions (opinion questions about your book that you'd like to discuss with your group). Then, we had our first book group discussion. Points were given for being on-task and participating. Points were docked for not talking, not listening, texting, etc.

January 26th (A day) and 27th (B day)

After some reading time, we reviewed the citation and formatting guidelines.  Then, students had time to research. The assignment for the day was to check off research notes (with at least 4 sources).

January 24th (A day) and 25th (B day)

Today was our first book group reading day. We met with our groups and did the first day's reading. You can see the reading schedule here.

January 20th (A day) and 23rd (B day)

Today we reviewed plagiarism and how to avoid it. If you were gone, please review the powerpoint here. We also reviewed how to tell whether or not you need to cite something. You can review that here.

Then, we read this article and talked about it.

January 18th (A day) and 19th (B day)

Today was a research day. We went over how to take notes as you research and how to tell if a site is reliable or not. If you were gone, please stop by before or after school and I'll show you how to do these things.

Don't forget, permission slips for your book group choices are due next time!

Research Resources (Jan. 13th and 17th)

Dear Class,

Here are some resources for you as you do your research today. Remember, you have two research goals today.

1. Pick out your top three book choices for the book group.
2. Decide on a topic for your research project.

Book Choices
You can find the powerpoint I showed you in class last time here.
Another resource is this pinboard that shows you each of the books.

 On this board, you click on the picture of a book and it will take you to that picture's page. 

 If you click on the picture of the book again, it will take you to the Goodreads page for the book.

 This page gives you a summary, and, if you scroll down, you can see other people's reviews of the books. These can help you get a sense of whether or not you would like the book.

Remember to fill out your book choice worksheet/permission slip completely so that your parents can get a good idea of what you want to read. They are due next class period.

Research Topic
Remember that your research topic does not have to be the same one as the book you read. You can choose any topic you like as long as...

• It's school appropriate.
• It represents a culture outside of the United States.
• The aspect of culture you choose is relevant to the current time (so, no ancient civilizations/ruins unless they play a big part in the culture right now).
• It is specific.

If you're not sure where to start, think of a place you're already interested in traveling to or learning about. You can start by researching a country or region (say, China) and look for interesting traditions, festivals, foods, etc. that you could focus in on.

You can use any reliable websites your want for your research.  Here are some places where you can find some ideas and information.

• National Geographic- Obviously, this site has a lot of reliable and up to date information
• If you want to look up the National Geographic videos specifically, like the ones we watched in class, you can click here, then look under "Travel & Culture Videos."
• Culture Grams- This is a collection of cultural information.
• World Book Encyclopedia- Great source for general facts about a country/culture.

When you've chosen your topic (which you'll have to stick with, so choose carefully!), fill out the approval form and turn it in to the basket.

Please work hard, stay on task, and be good for the sub! I really appreciate that I can trust you guys to be good even when I'm not there. You're the best!
-Mrs. Harrell

January 11th (A day) and 12th (B day)

Journal: Brainstorm some places you'd like to travel to and cultures you're interested in learning more about.  Why would you choose those ones? 1/2 pg.

Today,  we talked out our research project and got an outline of the requirements.  We also went over the different options for book groups. Remember, if you have a book that you'd like to suggest, you have to

1. Find a book that takes place/teaches about another culture.
2. Find at least 2 other people who will read it with you.
3. Get it approved by Mrs. Harrell.
4. Get your own copies of the book from a bookstore or library.

Next time, you will be choosing your top three book choices and your research topic, so be thinking of those!

January 9th (A day) and 10th (B day)

Journal: Describe the most interesting place that you have traveled to. How was it different from here?  1/2 pg.

Today we discussed culture and looked into a few world cultures. Come see me if you were absent to watch the clips.

January 5th (A day) and 6th (B day)

Today we took the term 2 final. Remember, you have to pass this test to get a passing grade in the class. If you were absent, you must come take is by next Wednesday. I will be going out of town, so I will be submitting grades on Thursday afternoon.  Please do it asap!

January 3rd (A day) and 4th (B day)

Today we reviewed for the final, which we will take next time. You can find the test review here or in the assignment tab. It will be due next time before we take the test.

We also shared and turned in Book Review #4. If you were absent, or didn't have your review today, remember that the deadline for all work for this term is Friday, January 6th.

Then, we had some advisory time to get caught up on any missing work before the end of the term.