Mrs. Muhammad's ELA Blog

Mrs. Muhammad's ELA Blog

March 22, 2008 12:06 PM
by Fonda Muhammad

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry -- Understanding Theme

As you know, theme is the message that a writer is trying to communicate to the readers. There are many themes that Mildred D. Taylor, author of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, attempts to get across to her readers. Some of these messages include: understanding and being aware of: racism and social injustices; demonstrations of: dignity and courage; the importance of: family and land.
Your Task:
Write a three paragraph literary analysis on the message that you received after reading the novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Be sure to include relevant details from the story to support your writing.How does the poem, at the beginning of chapter eleven, connect to the theme? Avoid using personal pronouns in your writing, and proofread endlessly. Be certain to blog in no later than 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Respond to at least one of your clasmates' blogs no later than 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26.

40 comments

February 24, 2008 1:41 PM
by Fonda Muhammad

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry "NAME THAT CHAPTER"

Reflect on chapters 4-7. Give each chapter a title along with a 5-7 sentence summary of the major event that happened in each of these four chapters. Being concise will be one of your greatest challenges. Here is one way you you might want to set up your blog. The example I have written is from chapter 1.
Chapter One -- "The Logans Take a Stand"
In chapter one, the Logan children begin a new school year. When Little Man receives his book from Miss Crocker, he refuses to accept it. He sees, on the inside cover, what the Board of Education thinks of African American children. Due to its deplorable condition, as well as the words written on the inside cover, Little Man stomps on the book and will have nothing to do with it. Cassie stands with him and refuses to take her book, too. After whipping the children for their acts of insubordination, Miss Crocker goes to Mama Logan expecting her to further reprimand Little Man and Cassie. Instead, Mama takes a stand demonstrating how much she understands her children's feelings by covering the offending inside covers of all the seventh grade books in her classroom.
In your responses, be sure to do the following:
*Identify each chapter, and give the chapters a title.
*Write a concise summary of the major event in each chapter.
*Use details from the story to support your summary. (No more than 7 sentences.)
*Proofread for spelling, capitalization, grammar, and word usage.
*Respond to at least one of your classmates' blogs.
This writing assignment is due Monday, February 25 by 10:00 p.m. Don't delay, get started today!

89 comments

February 10, 2008 7:37 AM
by Fonda Muhammad

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry -- The Big Debate

In 1954, the Supreme Court of the United States voted to end segregation. The justices said, "In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education . . . To separate children from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone."
Blogging Debate Ques. #2: JUSTIFIABLE SEGREGATION?
What does "affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone" mean? How are Cassie, Stacey, and TJ's hearts and minds affected by going to a segregated school? Do these African American children feel inferior in any way? Is segregation ever justifiable?
Mike, Andrea, Deanna, Bobby, Amanda, Matt, Max, Kailey, Rachel, Sumeet, and Julie, you will argue Debate Question #2.
Finish reading Chapters 2 and 3 this weekend. Make your blog entries no later than 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 10.
Include specific details from the novel to support your answers.
On Monday, be prepared to take a 10-question quiz covering Chapters 1-3.
Know the definitions of the 22 words. Be prepared to apply these vocabulary words by Tuesday.

24 comments

February 10, 2008 7:38 AM
by Fonda Muhammad

ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY -- THE BIG DEBATE

In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the Logan children are furious because of all the times Ted Grimes, the bus driver, purposely embarrasses them. As a result, Stacey, Cassie, and their brothers set out to get even. Consequently, they damage the Jefferson Davis school bus.
Blogging Debate Ques. #1: JUSTIFIABLE DAMAGE?
Were the Logans' actions justified? Is it ever justifiable to purposely ruin other people's property?
Pelin, Caira, Andrew, Allie, Kevin, Jessica, Nicole, Tyler, Gabby, Nikki, and Joe you will argue Debate Question #1.
Finish reading Chapters 2 and 3 this weekend. Make your blog entries no later than 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 10.
Include specific details from the novel to support your answers.
On Monday, be prepared to take a 10-question quiz covering Chapters 1-3.
Know the definitions of the 22 words. Be prepared to apply those vocabulary words by Tuesday.

23 comments

February 4, 2008 7:34 PM
by Fonda Muhammad

3 CLUES -- THE VOCABULARY CHALLENGE GAME

In this game, students take turns selecting a vocabulary word from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. The first student will give clues, one by one, about the word until someone in the class can guess the word. No more than 3 clues will be given for any word. Since we are using this thread of our blog to play the game, I will give the first clue. The first student to guess the vocabulary word will not only get the game point, he or she will give the next clue. I will check the blog, periodically, to see how the game is going and to give updates. Your vocabulary words follow, along with the first clue. NOTE: Be sure to look the words up before starting to play.
Clue #1: fancy
Look at your choices below, and figure out which word is a synonym to Clue #1: fancy.
When you think you know the answer, blog in. Your response must be posed as a question. Example: What is . . .?
Here are the vocabulary words from Chapters 1-3:
1. corduroy 2. exasperation 3. admonished 4. ornate 5. dense 6. loitering 7. temerity 8. tantrum 9. resiliency 10.flirting 11. lynched
12. meticulously 13. concession 14. raucous 15. pensively 16. outwit 17. tormentor 18. knell 19. venison 20. imperiously
21. stealthily 22. trudge
GOOD LUCK!

115 comments

February 1, 2008 8:27 PM
by Fonda Muhammad

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Read Chapter one of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Prepare one thinking map describing one of the characters that you meet in Chapter one. Here are your choices: Cassie, Stacey, Little Man, T.J., Jeremy, Mama Logan, or Miss Crocker. Write a brief characterization on the back of your thinking map. This writing assignment is due Monday, February 4.

BE SURE TO BLOG IN BY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, NO LATER THAN 10:00 P.M.

Which one of the characters, from Chapter one, demonstrates the ability to handle his or her fears in the face of danger? After reading chapter one, I am certain you were aghast by several events that took place. Explain some of the events that horrified you. In your responses be sure to:

*Remember your audience. (Anyone can read what you have written.)

*Remember your voice tone. (In your first blog, you kept your tone formal and delved into the topic of courage. I am proud of you!)

*Explain your ideas clearly.

*Include details from the story.

*Identify and explain how at least one character demonstrates courage.

*Elaborate on some of the events that shocked you.

*Make sure your responses are no longer than 10 - 20 sentences.

*Check your conventions: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and word usage.

78 comments

February 1, 2008 5:04 PM
by Fonda Muhammad

TOPICS THAT MAKE YOU GO. . .HMMMM

I would like for you to put on your thinking caps, and ponder the topic of courage. What is it? What makes a person courageous in the face of tragedy or danger?
In your responses, be sure to:
*Explain your ideas clearly.
*Give examples of people you know or you have read about who have demonstrated courage.
*Check your conventions: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and word usage.
After you post your comments, be sure to respond to at least three other people.

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