The Diary of Anne Frank

Here is a very interesting video about Anne's life. Click on the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qyXocJvm6k

Shakespeare's "Hamlet" Resources

Try using these helpful resources as you review the play.

Please post a comment about how you are reviewing the play, and what resources you have found helpful. Post additional useful resources in your comments as you find them.

Sparknotes: "No Fear Shakespeare" resources for "Hamlet":

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/

Quizlet: Use existing flashcards to review, or make your own:
https://quizlet.com/subject/Hamlet/

Watch this short, funny video to review the play's plot events:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sejE19qL_SM

Full movie production of "Hamlet" courtesy of "The Paramount Vault" by Paramount pictures. Used with permission. Length: 2:14:27. The character "Hamlet" is played by Mel Gibson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkAmMq3i3Hc

Farewell to Manzanar

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is considered to be one of the most significant violations of civil rights in American history. 

Write about what you have learned about this event by including information to answer the following questions. Add your own additional thoughts and ideas as well.

What led to Roosevelt's decision to intern Japanese Americans? What was the response from the public? Did Americans feel safer this way? 

What would life have been like in an internment camp? How did the Japanese Americans feel about this situation? How did this affect their view of America? How did this affect their ability to seek an education, get jobs, etc. after their internment?

What changes occurred in American law and civil rights as a result?

What else can you say about this time in history? What comparisons can you make to other times in history?

November News

Choose one of the news articles from the current issue of Upfront Magazine. Write a response to the article of your choice based on your answers to the following questions:

What did you learn that you didn't know before reading the article?
What is your opinion on this issue and why?
What other comments do you have about this week's magazine?

After writing your response, leave some comments on the seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students' blog responses.

Buzzing for the Spelling Bee! Fun Resources!

Here are some resources to help you practice for the GIS Spelling Bee!


On the Scripps National Spelling Bee website, www.spellingbee.com, you can sign up for free resources to help you prepare for the Spelling Bee, including additional word lists and extra practice. 

The link for this page is:
http://spellingbee.com/wordclub

Another great site I found provides Spelling Bee practice by combining spelling, vocabulary, and reading skills. 
https://www.learner.org/interactives/spelling/

Another fun, interactive spelling game is 
http://www.arcademics.com/games/spelling-bees/spelling-bees.html

Dictionary games:
http://myspellit.com/
http://www.wordcentral.com/
http://www.merriam-webster.com/

I have played all these games myself! They are all fun and challenging, and there is something for every level. 

Post some comments about which practice activities you used. What did you think of these activities? Which ones are the most helpful? What other ways are you practicing for the Spelling Bee?

Happy Spelling!

Challenges of Young Immigrants Living in the USA

In the story "My Favorite Chaperone," you read about Maya, a teenager from Kazakhstan, who must adjust to life in high school while balancing her family responsibilities and adhering to her parents' values. Young immigrants often face many difficulties as they adjust to their new environment. What are some of these difficulties? What should they do to adjust? What are some important things they should keep in mind that might make it easier for them? Include a detailed response with examples. You can share anecdotes from people you know, things you have read about, or personal experience.

Visit the link below to view a Prezi presentation about young immigrant stories:

https://prezi.com/6qylk5y1qrnw/book-review-the-first-crossing-stories-about-teen-immigrants-by-david-gallo-book-review-project/