The term CONVENTIONS is defined as "the control of grammar, usage, mechanics, spelling, sentence formation, and format." Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on improving grammar, usage, proofreading, and punctuation skills. Improving these skills is an ongoing process continuing throughout the remainder of the year. In Mr. B's Conventions Center, all students do the "write" thing!
Commas & Capitalization
It doesn't hurt to review all those rules you heard a million times but never really learned.
The Semi-Colon and Colon
When to use them and when not to.
Proofreading Tips & Tricks
Taking that extra step to make sure you are doing the "write" thing.
Agreement
Making sure your pronouns agree with their antecedents and your subjects agree with their verbs.
Punctuating Sentences
Emphasis on punctuating clauses and phrases.


Welcome to THE TERMINATOR! The only test so difficult, they named a movie after it. Each student on Team 7-0 will take a Grammar and Usage Mastery Test which will evaluate the ability to properly proofread and make use of the many grammar and usage tips and tricks learned in class. This test will be administered during the Third Marking Period. Do well, or "I'll be back!"




Author Rick Riordan vists Holicong and Team 7-0.

Mr. Bartosiewicz
and Mr. Riordan

Allusions Journal
During the month of February students will participate in an independent reading activity for the novel The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. During this time they will independently read the novel and build a journal containing the many allusions and references to Greek and Roman mythology found in the book. Every time a new reference to mythology is found in a chapter, the student will record that reference on a creatively designed page with any other allusions or references found in that chapter.





PERCY JACKSON
AND THE OLYMPIANS
Join the adventures of Percy Jackson and his modern demigod friends as they fight mythological monsters and the forces of the titan lord Kronos. Learn about the author, play games, and explore the world of mythology.		  




Each student will read and experience Animal Farm by George Orwell. Students will discuss various historical quotes and relate these quotes to the novel and to historical events. Emphasis will be placed on the further development of the skills and processes of essay writing and on responding to themes in literature. Students will also participate in a webquest to determine the relationship between the characters and events in Animal Farm and the leaders and the events of the Russian Revolution. Remember, "Four legs good; two legs bad."





After reading some of the most creative moralistic children's literature ever written and examining many of Aesop's Fables, students will be offered the wonderful opportunity to create something unique and original, The Pop-Up Children's Storybook. Using computer graphics, personal artwork, "hide and seek" doors, "Jack-in-the-box" visuals, and background scenery, each student will write a children's story with a moral and bring the children's story to life as a three dimensional reading experience. Students will be limited only by their own imaginations.



Vocabulary Sites
Vocabulary List
The vocabulary list for the unit. Make sure to study the spelling and definition of each word.
Vocabulary Practice Site
Learn your vocabulary by practicing with flashcards or playing an educational game.

Internet Activity Sites
Animal Farm Literary Elements
Novel Analysis-Animal Farm
Animal Farm Character Profiles
Metaphor Analysis
Animal Farm and History
  




Students will read the Pulitzer Prize winning play The Diary of Anne Frank written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The play is a reenactment of events from the diary of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who hid with her family from the Nazis. This play is an insightful portrait of courage, dignity, and perseverance. Students will be offered opportunities to respond in writing to the tragedy and triumph of the human spirit as exemplified in the play.

We Remember Anne Frank
A wonderful Scholastic Books website with information on Anne and her family, interviews with her childhood friends and protectors, and stories of courage during the Holocaust.

Anne Frank Online
A well designed site maintained by The Anne Frank Center containing an Anne Frank timeline, summaries of the major events in Anne's life, excerpts from her diary, and an extensive Frank family photo album.



Students will participate in an online research activity in search of men and women who are worthy of being labeled "Righteous Among the Nations." These true heroes risked their lives to protect, hide, or in some way aid those who suffered persecution during the Holocaust. Our goal will be to create a Team Magazine containing the stories and photos of those men and women who risked their lives to save others during the Holocaust.