This document outlines the spring break blog project assignment for the book A Thousand Splendid Suns. Students will read the book over break and respond to two discussion topics on their blog using the TEAR paragraph format. They will also comment on two other student blogs. The assignment has multiple parts that must be completed by certain due dates, including creating a blog, making two blog posts responding to discussion topics, commenting on two other student posts, and a timed writing assignment upon returning from break. This project incorporates technology and aims to prepare students for college and workplace expectations.

1. Blog ProjectA Thousand Splendid Suns

2. Spring Break Blog ProjectOver the break, you will be reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by KhaledHosseini. I will be posting three discussion topics to my blog. You will pick two of the three topics to which you will respond using the TEAR paragraph format.You will write a total of two TEARs.

3. Reasoning for BlogThis project will help to prepare you for your timed-writing assignment upon your return from Spring Break. Incorporating this technology is imperative, as you will be expected to collaborate and present information electronically in the real world.The idea is… English and technology will help you in college AND in the workplace.

4. Assignment OneFirst, you must create your blog by completing the following steps. To complete this assignment, follow these steps. 1.Go to my website: http://www.mrsgonzalesapenglishivclass.blogspot.com/(you can also find the link on my Elsik AP English IV class page). 2.You may want to become a follower of my blog to make movement between blogs easier for you. 3.Look at my blog archives, and follow the directions to the assignments. You will receive an “other” grade for creating your blog, and posting the link to Assignment #1.

5. Assignment TwoYou will be expected to respond to two of the three topics on your own blog, and post comments to two other student’s blogs by Tuesday, March 20, 2012.This will be a minor grade. You must complete this step before moving on to step three.

6. *Blog Helpful Hints*As we work throughout the week, we may encounter kinks we have not worked out yet. If you run into a problem, email me, or post a comment to my blog, and I will do my best to address the issue. Issue # 1: Enabling your blog to accept comments- A). Click on Settings, then the Comments tab, then change "Comment Form Placement" to "Full Page." B). Click on "Save Settings" at the bottom of the page, and double check your Blog to make sure people can now add comments.

7. Assignment Two Example PostAssignment #2 R. Student5th periodInsert Topic choice #1 here. Insert TAG it + tone word, and thematic statement of the TEAR paragraph. Continue discussion with evidence and analysis here.

8. Assignment ThreeChoose one blog from two different students from assignment #2. Take a look at the Blog Entry Rubric on my class webpage, and decide what score you think the response should receive. You will comment on these two blogs with the following: A. Your initials and your period number. B. The score they should receive. C. One strength and one weakness that should be addressed.You will then post a comment to the assignment two blog with your first initial, last name, and your period number. You will post the links to both comments you made. Your 2 posts will be a minor grade.

9. AssignmentsDue Dates The Dialectial Journal (10 entries) and Theme Chart (5 entries) will be due on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.Blog assignments 1, 2, and 3 will be due by Tuesday afternoon. I will LOCK the comments section on Tuesday, March 20, at 3 pm. Happy blogging!

10. Grade RecapDialectical Journal & Theme Chart (Other Grade)Blog Assignment #1 (Other Grade)Blog Assignment #2 (Minor Grade) Blog Assignment #3 (Minor Grade)Timed Writing (Major Grade)