The document outlines assignments and the agenda for an 8th grade language arts class, including independent reading, reflections on writing skills and reading responses over the quarter, and drafting a book review of an independently read novel. Students are asked to evaluate how their writing and reading comprehension changed throughout the quarter and consider recommending their chosen novel to others by drafting a book review using common professional characteristics such as a brief overview of the plot or themes.

1. 10­15­13 book reviews.notebook
October 15, 2013
10/15/13
8th Grade Language Arts
Assignments:
-Google Group Thread (W)
Agenda:
1. Independent Reading
-2 comments on reading response (F)
-Vocab Writing (F)
2. Reflections and Goal Setting
-Supplemental Vocab list (F)
3. Book Reviews
-Book Review Rough Draft (F or M)
*Be adding words to your supplemental vocab list
[Mrs. Slavens will check on Friday!]
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2. 10­15­13 book reviews.notebook
October 15, 2013
How did your writing skills change throughout the quarter? Focus on the pieces that went
through the writing process as well as vocabulary writing and written reading responses.
Using the two reading responses in your portfolio,
how did your reading responses improve over the quarter?
If they did not improve, why do you think that is?
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3. 10­15­13 book reviews.notebook
October 15, 2013
How do you feel about the novel(s) you are reading for Independent Reading? Would you recommend it to a
friend or family member? Why or why not? Readers all across the world rely on the opinions and thoughts of
others when choosing books to read. Your task, as a reader and a writer, is to compose a book review on one
of your independent reading novels.
What is a book review?
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5. 10­15­13 book reviews.notebook
October 15, 2013
What are common characteristics that professionals use when
writing book reviews, book jacket blurbs, and teasers?
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6. 10­15­13 book reviews.notebook
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