Chasing Vermeer: Group & Silent Reading

We are moving into reading the text out loud to each other, helping each other comprehend the text, and then practicing silent reading this week.

Our goal: we want to complete the book within 2 weeks!

In order to do this, we will be reading at home as well as in class. As we work through the various strategies of reading, take notes and summarize each chapter. 

Picasso & Quiz on Characterization

Characters in Chasing Vermeer

Character comparison: Petra & Calder

Key vocabulary:
Character: can be either minor or major characters in a story. The people that participate in the story.
Protagonist: the main character in a story.
Characterization: characterization is determined by what a character: does (actions), says (dialogue), thinks (thoughts), and by description (details).

Using Visual Details

Using the description of the characters on the these pages, select one of the characters introduced in chapter two of Chasing Vermeer:

Petra

Ms. Hussie

Take 10 minutes to sketch one of the characters using the description in the book. Then, write the words from the passage/text that helped inspire your original sketch.

Let's continue listening and reading the story.

Book One: Chasing Vermeer

Our first class novel will be the mystery Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. Lexile: 770.

Vermeer was a famous painter. Some of his work is posted here.
The Girl With a Pearl Earring, The Milk Maid, and The Art of Painting:

As we listen to the book read aloud, please complete the work required of you.

Welcome!

Welcome, Class of 2018!

ELA 9: Ramp Up is additional instruction supplementing your academic classes, primarily through helping you improve your reading, writing, and literacy (vocabulary/grammar, etc.) skills.

Each day you will be expected to read independently or in small reading groups (book groups). Additionally we will engage in a plethora of literacy techniques that will improve your academic skills. This week is all about getting to know you a little better, so that I can design a plan that works for you.

Let's start by reading a short essay. You may choose either essay (or both) to read. After reading silently, we'll pair up, analyze a bit, then discuss these articles as a class and see if anything resonates with you.

After that, we'll discuss the fine points of the class. Please sign your name on the portfolio given to you, and complete the short questionnaire.

Finally, as an end to our class you will be asked to write a short essay response and turn this in as your "baseline" writing piece so I can get to know your thinking and writing a little better.