Link to Padlet on Recommended Reading for 8th Graders

https://padlet.com/dgalang/wg2wcipnguojs5rw

Winners of the Poetry in Performance Contest (Congrats!)

These poems were chosen for the Poetry in Performance Contest sponsored by City College! They will be published in a literary journal!

806:

 Anna Tseytlin: The Woman

Laura DePaolo: Goodbye

Joaquim Ross: The World is Changing

Petra Dijur: Paper Cage

Stella O Flynn: Untitled

Kiera O'Neill: That Plastic Bottle

809:

Amelia Poor: Amelia Poor Is

Becca Greenberg: I Didn't Know 

Marlee Newell: Untitled

Noa Goveia: Social Justice 

Alice Wu: Astronomical Creature 

813

Aya Alsabri: If Only I Knew 

Enzo Roberto: In Action 

Luna Zhang: Frail is Not a Fairy Tale 

Gabby Carpio: Words Kill the Kind 

Yael Atiae: Cold as Stones 

Syeda Muntaha: Trust 

Landen Giambalvo: January

Joaquim Ross   THE WORLD IS CHANGING

Look around 

The world’s burning

But still you hear factories churning

            You think you can do nothing

      As animals are huffing and puffing

But you still sit there 

    In your lawn chair

    Thinking of all the things you would lose

         From those big factories that make those horrible fumes

    The earth tries to give us signs

       But we blow them off with a roll of our eyes

The consequences will be severe

But people sit with their beers

While some keep on trying as hard as they can

There will always be those who like to sit down and get tan

But we must keep on going

And never stop slowing 

The earth is counting on us

To do what's right and bring harmony

To an urgency

that is certainly

Going to destroy this world

And while some may look past it

We must do better, 

because the world is fading,

and it needs our saving

Luna Zhang- Frail is Not a Fairy Tale

Mentor text: Fat is not a fairy tale

I am thinking of a fairy tale,

Soft Shang,

Powerless Charming,

Fragile Beast,

where the hero is not

muscular, brawny

showing off their strengths.

I am thinking of a fairy tale,

Cowardly Philip,

Afraiddan,

Princess and the Freak,

where the hero

has scrawny little fingers,

and body thin as a stick.

I am thinking of a fairy tale

that is unwritten,

for an unborn teller,

for a not yet conceived listener,

for a not yet won world,

where everything slender is good:

the stick, pole, string, and the hero

Mission Earth by Noa Goveia (809)

Every day, animal species are dying in vain,

Disappearing like toxic water going down a drain

Fires are burning, the seas are churning

Hurricanes are drowning us in rain

Every second, a polar bear’s home melts into a warming sea,

It won’t be long before they exist only in our memory

Our air is polluted, this can’t be disputed

Oxygen will soon be a precious commodity

What can be done, we ask in despair

Is the planet we love beyond repair?

Our generation must quickly evolve

To fix what generations before us failed to resolve

The burden is heavy, the mission is clear

Fight for the earth because the end is near

REVIEW: How to Correctly Create a Blog Post

1. Delete the messed up blogpost and start a new one.

2. Go back to the Google Doc you want to post. 

3. Select all; in other words, highlight the entire document.

4. Copy it.

5. Go go New Post in blogger.

6. In the area for the post, right click (on a pad, tap with 2 fingers to right click). 

7. Choose "Paste as Plain Text"; sometimes it says "Paste and Match Style".

8. In the title book, write the assignment such as Blog Post #1 or Extra Credit Assignment. 

9. Click on Publish in top right.

10. Click on View Blog to see how your post looks.

11. If it still doesn't work, the problem is not in our control and is a system glitch. You can repeat all the steps over again or try to manually change the lines. You can try a different device. That might help. 

Letter to Students and Parents Regarding Coronavirus and ELA

Letter Re: Coronavirus and Virtual ELA Class Monday March 16, 2020   

Dear 8th Grade Students and Families,

As you know, we as a community, a nation, and a world are experiencing an unprecedented crisis. Nonetheless, be assured that you are not alone and we, your school community, are here to support your academic, intellectual, emotional, and social needs.

First and foremost, I hope you and your families are healthy and safe and are following protocols such as social distancing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Here is a link to the DOE’s website and important updates and precautions:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update.

As of now, here is the current schedule for schools:

• Tuesday, March 17: Thursday, March 19: All staff reports. Teachers and principals participate in professional development on remote learning. 
• Thursday, March 19-Friday, March 20: Students who need it will be able to begin process of picking up the technology necessary for remote learning. More guidance to families will be sent this week. 
• Monday, March 23: Remote learning launches, with additional guidance provided throughout the week of the 23. 
• Effective Monday, March 23, Regional Enrichment Centers will be available for the children of first responders, healthcare workers, and our most vulnerable populations, with more details to follow. Additionally, remote learning will go into effect for grades K-12. DOE will support schools at all levels of readiness to deliver remote learning, and more information will be provided to families about online platforms.

Regarding our beloved ELA class, I will continue to challenge and enrich, shape and mold your malleable minds (underline the alliteration in the sentence ;-), from the safe confines of my own home. Remember, there will be many glitches and malfunctions along the way, many uncertainties - but that is natural. More importantly, this will be a fun academic adventure, as long as we all work hard and push through difficulties. Any change and difficulty allows opportunity to better ourselves and to grow in positive ways.


YOUR WORK FOR A WEEK:

Tuesday March 17

• Homework from last week due today:
• Complete and submit SLC reflection letters to us on Google Classroom and have parents email us to confirm (GC).
• Show your parents the letter regarding the ELA test and have it signed then send us a picture of the signed letter or just have parents email us. However, we do not know what is going to happen with the ELA test, but we will prepare for it regardless. 
• Read and annotate the poem and song for the compare and contrast essay (handout given to you on Friday; also available on GC). 

Writing Prompts (first write in a Google Doc; then copy and paste as plain text into blogger.com; in your post, title it Writing Prompt #1):

1. Write a list of questions and answers. What are your big questions about life and the world at the moment? You could start off with What if.. Then… or write 2 columns: question in the left column and answers in the right.
2. What song or movie helps you through difficult times? Write about 1 or 2 of them. Explain and give examples.
3. Write a rant - a written form of speaking or shouting at length about something you have strong feelings for (usually anger or frustration).
4. Write your own version of Imagine by John Lennon. What does your ideal world look like?
5. Write a letter to someone about your life. This could be to a friend, family member, or your future self.

Wednesday, March 18

• Read the Test Prep Packet on GC, pp. 3-6. Then, write an outline of the compare and contrast essay. Add to Google Classroom assignment. Due by 4pm Wednesday, March 18.
• Independent Reading: Read at least 30 minutes a day; this includes your classwork, Project REAL, and homework. Maintain your reading log.

Thursday, March 19

• Independent Reading: Read at least 30 minutes a day. Maintain your reading log.

Friday, March 20

• Independent Reading: Read at least 30 minutes a day. Maintain your reading log.
• Write 2 annotations on any signpost. The annotations should include: 1. Evidence (Quotation + citation), and 2. Elaboration - 2-3 sentences. This is due on Fridays on Google Classroom. 
• Blog Post Assignment #1 - due today: Choose any prompt from the following list; write 1 page, double-spaced. These are meant to be creative and personal writing reflections. The criteria are: 1. Write authentically and meaningfully; choose a focus you care about.  2. Be creative and intentional about the structure. You can write poetry or prose (paragraph format). 3. Be detailed and specific. 4. Write clearly and correctly.

Monday, March 23

• Independent Reading: Read at least 30 minutes a day. Maintain your reading log.
• Mindful Monday - answer the Google Question in Google Classroom; then read and respectfully and compassionately respond to one another’s answers

Tuesday, March 24

Independent Reading: Read at least 30 minutes a day. Maintain your reading log.

Keep in touch. Let me know how you are doing. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me.

May the Force Be With You, and May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor.

Ms. Galang, dgalang@k051.org

SLC Reflection and Letter

8th Grade ELA Student-Led Conference Reflection March 12, 2020

Student’s Name: __________________________
My goals in ELA are: (list 2-3)
I will meet these goals by:
1.




2.




3.





Student’s Signature: _____________________________

Dear 8th Grade Families,

I hope you are all healthy and doing well. Since Student Led Conferences were canceled, I want to go over a few things regarding keeping up-to-date on how your children are doing in ELA.

Check Pupil Path grades. These are accurate for the 3rd marking period so far; grades fluctuate throughout each semester. If there are any mistakes or questions regarding grades, please email me.
Remember, students should lead conferences with their parents. Please have your children read their SLC reflections to you. Ask them questions about how they are doing and what they specifically need to do to improve in each class.
Be aware of certain events and activities coming up:
Pennies for Patients Fundraiser and READathon - see notices that went out. Please help your child raise money by March 31.
NYS ELA Test March 25-26. A letter with more information will be sent soon.
If you and your children wish to communicate further, email me today, and I will respond as soon as possible. My email is dgalang@k051.org.
Complete the bottom of this, sign, and return it by Monday March 16; you may also email this to me. This will count as an accountability grade.

Parents - please check off all that apply:
My child led a conference with me regarding ELA.
I would like to meet with you on a Tuesday morning between 8 and 8:40am. I am available _________________.
I would like to schedule a phone conference one day after school (3pm Tue, Wed, Thur, or Friday) I am available on ___________________ (dates).
I currently have no questions or concerns.
I have some questions, comments, and/or concerns:


Parent’s Signature: ____________________________  Date: ____________

Thank you for your support and understanding. 

Creative Writing Club + Writing Contest

So many of you are gifted writers! You've written creative picture book stories, poems, and essays.
Come share your work and write about new ideas!

Creative Writing Club will meet Thursdays, Rm. 103, 8:05-8:40.

Also, submit your work to the Ned Vizzini Teen Writing contest by March 31:
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/teen-writing-contest

MOMA Trip - Extra Credit Assignment due March 20

Learning Targets for MOMA trip
Students will explore the theme of society and politics in 3-5 works of art, engage in collaborative discussions, and take notes to prepare for the blog post they will write.

Assignment:
MOMA Blog Post: After attending the museum on our class trip, create a blog post on 1 or more of the works of art you focused on during the tour. Include:
- What is the work of art (title and artist) and what does it look like (details and medium)? Include an image. Copy and paste from the Internet. You can find an image of the work on MOMA.org.
- What does it make you think, feel, know, and wonder?
- How was the trip valuable overall? How can looking at art be applied to your lives?

If you did not attend the trip, use the free pass and go. Choose a work of art that you like. Take a picture of it, with you in the picture. Follow steps above to write a blog post.

DUE FRIDAY March 20

8th grade book recommendations

 Ms. Galang’s Reading Recommendations for 8th Graders

Level 4: very challenging; 3: somewhat difficult; 2: moderate; 1: easy

The Real World (memoirs that teach real life lessons): 4: Educated by Tara Westover Born a Crime by Trevor Noah The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer Becoming by Michelle Obama The Glass Castle by Janette Walls 3: A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah  March 1-3 by John Lewis Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi  2: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson Girl Code: Gaming, Going Viral by Andrea Gonzalez and Sophie Houser 1: El Deafo by Cece Bell Smile by Raina Telgemeier https://bookriot.com/2017/07/12/3-ya-theme-ya-memoirs-read-asap/	This Is America (learning about American culture and history): 4: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin Books by John Steinbeck:      Of Mice and Men      The Grapes of Wrath      Travels with Charley Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward An American Marriage by Tayari Jones Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri 3: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 2: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton 1:  Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (1967) Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Writing about the World: 4: Pachinko by Ming Jin Lee Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi 3: We Should All Be Feminists  and Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Persepolis + all other books by Marjane Satrapi Cont’d Writing About the World: 2: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak The Diary of Anne Frank 1:  When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Refugee by Alan Gratz The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney https://bookriot.com/2018/10/12/historical-fiction-books-for-middle-school-readers/	The Struggles and Survival of Young Characters: 3: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer 2: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson  Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys  Cont’d Struggles and Survival of Young Characters: Wonder by R.J. Palacio Sold by Patricia McCormick Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson Books by: Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green , Sarah Dessen, Jodi Picoult  1:  George by Alex Gino The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper Blended by Sharon Draper Front Desk by Kelly Yang The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden Count Me In by Vasha Bajaj
Life Is Poetry: Ariel by Sylvia Plath American Sonnets by Terrance Hayes The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom By Margarita Engle Paint Me Like I Am: Teen Poems from WritersCorps, Ed.by Bill Aguado and Richard Newirth The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur Indivisible: Poems for Social Justice Ed. by Gail Bush and Randy Meyer Words Under the Words: Selected Poems by Naomi Shihab Nye 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East by Naomi Shihab Nye Nuyorican Poets by Miguel Algarin (Editor), Bob Holman (Editor)  Read any collections by: Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson Walt Whitman, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nikki Giovanni	Fantasy, Supernatural, and Sci-Fi: 4: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 1984 by George Orwell The Martian by Andy Weir 3: Akata Witch and Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor American Gods by Neil Gaiman 2: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle  The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare Graceling by Kristin Cashore The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Giver series by Lois Lowry The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Illuminae by Amie Kaufmamn and Jay Kristoff Cont’d Fantasy, Supernatural, and Sci-Fi: 1: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling Chronicles of Narnia  by C.S. Lewis https://www.readbrightly.com/best-young-adult-fantasy-books/
Nonfiction: 3-4: Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehesi Coates We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 2: The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly The Borden Murders by Sarah Miller Children of War: Voices of Iraqi Refugees by Deborah Ellis 1:  In Their Own Words: Harriet Tubman by George Sullivan Nathaniel Hale’s Hazardous Tales Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers https://bookriot.com/2019/02/04/must-read-ya-nonfiction-books/	Crime and Mystery/Thriller: 3-4:  The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 2: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead Books by April Henry       Girl, Stolen       The Night She Disappeared Shattering Glass by Gail Giles Time Bomb Hardcover by Joelle Charbonneau One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus  We Were Liars by E. Lockhaart Theodore Boone 6-book series by John Grisham 1:  The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan The Secret Series by Pseudonymous Boch
Books Adapted into Film: 4: The Princess Bride by William Goldman The Life of Pi by Yann Martel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton Cont’d Books Adapted Into Film 3: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien A Wrinkle in Time by Margaret L’Engle Divergent by Veronica Roth 2: Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (made into His Dark Materials TV show) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling The Giver by Lois Lowry The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Wonder by R.J. Palacio 1: Coraline by Neil Gaiman The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Holes by Louis Sachar	Challenging Texts and Classics: 3-4: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Cont’d Challenging Texts and Classics: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Animal Farm by George Orwell The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 2: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli 1:  Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery   Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Books On Deck (Books I Want to Read): Research titles on this list. List titles that sound appealing to you, and list at least 5 books you want to read. (Title and author)	Reading Goals and How You Will Reach Them (what topics do you want to learn more about and research; what genres do you want to read; when and how often will you read; how will you obtain books...):