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/

Welcome back to school!

So, Eighth Graders, you have accomplished your mission of finding this page. Let everyone know you are here by posting: What is your favorite kind of reading material and why do you like it?