Hello there, classes.    Today, your task is to work hard and have a complete, typed draft of your memoir by the end of class.  You must have a draft completed!!!  Tomorrow (Friday), we will be peer editing your memoirs so that you can revise over the weekend and make adjustments to turn in your final draft after working in the computer lab on Monday.

I have a checklist for you today so that you remember EVERYTHING I expect you to turn in on Monday.  I will bring additional worksheets in case one of yours has gone missing. 

If you have lost/misplaced/were not in class for Story Mapping last Thursday, you will need to use your time wisely because you must include it!  Story mapping can be found here. You must turn in 2 story maps with your Memoir.  For example, you could choose character mapping and setting mapping.  Or, conflict mapping and resolution mapping.  Your choice of any two.

Now, quickly before you get to work… your typed Memoir will be typed in Microsoft Word.  Let’s talk about format!  Your memoir should be 1-2 pages in length, double-spaced in 12 point font with 1 inch margins.  Your name, date, and hour should be right justified (I will explain… don’t worry!).  Your title should follow after 2 “returns” and be centered.  Then, your memoir will follow after that and be left justified (again, I will explain.)   Please LISTEN carefully so that I can explain format very quickly!!!  I want to give you all the time you need to work today.

Thank you!  -Mrs. Breen

P.S. I will be collecting “The Giver” books again during class if you have yours.  I will walk around to answer any questions after I have collected books.  Please stay in your seat and problem solve to the best of your ability.  You may ask your classmates for help.

Happy Thursday (for real this time)!  Did you notice that Mrs. Breen goofed on Wednesday and thought it was Thursday?  Oops!  Thank you, 5th hour, for correcting my mistake.  I’m surprised 1st, 3rd, and 4th missed it! Today we are in the computer lab to work on organizing and planning our memoirs.

You have 2 major tasks today.

1) Your first task is to find a picture, song, video, etc. that supports your memories about your Memoir topic. You will be able to print today, but PLEASE ask first!  Thank you!

2) Your second task is to organize the ideas for your memoir.  A few helpful tools are below!  Please take a look at both tools before you make a decision about which one to use.  You may also draw your own organizer with white paper, if you wish.  The white paper is by the printer.  Please only use ONE sheet at a time.  Thank you!

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/storymap/

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline/index.html

When you have completed EVERYTHING… you may have free time. 

Have a super mid-winter break this weekend and a Happy Valentine’s Day!!

-Mrs. Breen

Welcome back to the computer lab!  Today, we will investigate memories and their importance.  You will use the handout, “A Look at the American Memory Web Site,” to complete your classwork for the day.  The website for American Memory is here. You can also find information about This Day in History on the History Channel‘s website.

When you are finished with your handout, think about these questions and leave me a comment with your answer.

Most web sites, including American Memory, only choose one event or several events to feature.  Who or what is represented on this website? Who makes those decisions?

(P.S. You may have free time today.  I have been very impressed with your hard work the last few weeks in the lab. There are some cool games on the History Channel website. You can find them here! Check out the Ice Road Truckers Mashup or the Citizenship Quiz! Enjoy!)