2008-2009 Blog

The blog that you are currently on is from the 2007-2008 school year. To visit Mr. Gallo's 2008-2009 Language Arts blog, please visit http://mrgallo08-09.blogspot.com.

MARCH 2008 Independent Reading Assignment

For this assignment, please write a brief summary and review (4 paragraphs max: 3 for the summary and 1 for your review) of the book that you read independently during the month of March (This MUST be the same book that you listed under the March Independent Reading post). Be sure to include the title of the book and author's name, as well as information regarding the setting, characters, and plot. If your book had a surprising ending, please DO NOT give it away. Your review section should include an explanation of why you liked or disliked the book and what type of reader you would recommend the book to (ex: middle school girls who play soccer, teens who enjoy rock music, etc...). Although you are submitting this assignment online, please remember that correct grammar and sentence structure will be considered in your grade.

MARCH 2008 Independent Reading Books

Your March Independent reading book must come from Mr. Gallo's classroom library. Once you have chosen a book, please post the title and author here. ALL STUDENTS MUST POST THEIR BOOK TITLE AND AUTHOR BY FRIDAY, MARCH 28!

A Raisin in the Sun - Review Assignment

Search the internet for reviews of A Raisin in the Sun (The 2008 version that we viewed in class, starring Sean Combs - aka "Diddy" and Phylicia Rashad). Post a comment under this post describing the review. Where did you find it? Who was it written by? What was their opinion of the film? Of the acting? Of the message? After considering these factors, write your own review of the film. Do you agree with the review that you read?

You will likely see comparisons made between the 2008 film and the 1961 original (starring Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee). Based on what you read, and the clips from the 1961 film that we viewed in class (see below for a reminder), which version do you feel is more impactful and why?

impactful (adj): having a great impact or effect

In addition to your review, feel free to comment on other student responses and observations. All reviews must be posted BEFORE Friday, 3/7.

Old Man and the Sea: Book vs. Movie Discussion

VS.

Use this post to discuss your opinions on the movie we viewed in class in relation to the book. What differences did you notice? Why do you think the filmmakers decided to change the story? Did it improve Hemingway's original story? As with the below discussion on the book, you are encouraged to provide your opinions and respond to your classmates' comments. Please post at least 2 comments by the end of the day on Monday, 2/11.

Old Man and the Sea Discussion Questions

Please submit any comments or questions about what we have read in class under this posting. Feel free to respond to any comments or questions that have been submitted by your classmates!

JANUARY 2008 Independent Reading Assignment

For this assignment, please write a brief summary and review (3 paragraphs max) of the book that you read independently during the month of January. Be sure to include the title of the book and author's name, as well as information regarding the setting, characters, and plot. Your review section should include an explanation of why you liked or disliked the book and what type of reader you would recommend the book to (ex: middle school girls who play soccer, teens who enjoy rock music, etc...). Although you are submitting this assignment online, please remember that correct grammar and sentence structure will be considered in your grade. Please DO NOT include your name in your response - you will be providing your initials and class number instead (read below instructions).

To submit: Click on the "Comment" link. When the page opens, type your response in the box on the right - DO NOT include your name in the response. Once you are done entering your text, scroll down to "Choose an Identity". Do NOT enter a username or password. Instead, click the button next to "Nickname". In the Nickname box, please enter your initials and class (ex: R.G. 7-8-3). Once you have done that, click "Publish Your Comment" and you are done!

This assignment is due by the end of the day on Thursday, 1/31. Please be sure to send your submissions in BEFORE then... Good luck and have fun!

WELCOME

Welcome to Mr. Gallo's Language Arts class blog. This is a place for students to reflect on and discuss issues and topics that we cover in class. In addition, students will occasionally be required to post responses and comments to various assignments on this website. I look forward to utilizing this new and interesting method of communication with the class.

PLEASE POST ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR CONCERNS ABOUT CLASS BY CLICKING ON THE "COMMENTS" LINK BELOW THIS POST.

-Mr. Gallo