Eighth Grade
Lessons and Resources - June 8th-June 12th
Focus: Book Shout-Outs and Recommendations
Directions: Add books you read during remote learning on the Padlet.
Padlet Instructions:
1. Click here to go to the Library Padlet.
2. Click the pink + at the bottom right corner.
3. Add a new post. Share a book you read during remote learning.
Padlet Information:
1. Click here to go to the Library Padlet.
2. Click the pink + at the bottom right corner.
3. Add a new post. Share a book you read during remote learning.
- Include the title and author
- Brief summary and/or why you liked the book
- Add your first name, last initial, and room number
- Add a picture of the book cover (optional)
Padlet Information:
- New posts will appear at the bottom of the Padlet. Scroll down to view your post.
- Editing: If you need to edit your post, click the pencil icon that will display when you hover over your post. After making changes, then click outside the box to save your updates.
Zapata Students Checked Out 18,316 Library Books!
If you have questions about library books, please email Ms. Hlousek at [email protected]
Lessons and Resources - May 25th-June 5th
Focus: Career Research and Exploration
Directions: It is never too early to start thinking about your future. Research TWO possible careers using the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Research Website: Occupational Outlook Handbook - www.bls.gov/ooh/
Take Notes on the Following:
Complete this assignment in Google Classroom. Email Ms. Hlousek at [email protected] if you have questions.
Research Website: Occupational Outlook Handbook - www.bls.gov/ooh/
- Research TWO possible careers
- Search for occupations/jobs that might interest you
- Explore Occupation Groups on the left side to view related occupations in certain career fields
- Use the search fields at the top center to find occupations based on education level or pay
- Browse occupations
- Once you pick an occupation, then make sure to click on each heading (ex. Pay) to read and learn more.
Take Notes on the Following:
- Occupation/Job Name
- Job Description – What would you do in this job?
- Work Environment
- Education / Training / Certification Needed
- Work Experience Needed
- Salary (median yearly pay)
- Job Outlook (information about the future of the career/job)
- Similar Occupations
- Why is this a good career choice for me?
Complete this assignment in Google Classroom. Email Ms. Hlousek at [email protected] if you have questions.
Lessons and Resources - May 11th-May22nd
Focus: Podcasts
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a recording of audio discussion about a specific topic, like science or history or travel, that can be listened to on a device. Podcasts can vary in length. Some podcasts are long, sometimes an hour or more. Others are less than 10 minutes. Some podcasts are about news and come out each day. Other podcasts tell stories. Lots are funny. Some feature people having conversations. Many podcasts are educational: They teach listeners about a specific topic. Think of a podcast like a tv show....but without the video! Like a tv show, podcasts also have episodes. Some podcasts are about the same topic and the episodes build on one another, like a tv show. Other podcasts might be about the same topic or theme, but a listener can skip around and tune in to any episode to follow along. Podcasts can be found on iTunes and Spotify but are sometimes hosted on websites.
A podcast is a recording of audio discussion about a specific topic, like science or history or travel, that can be listened to on a device. Podcasts can vary in length. Some podcasts are long, sometimes an hour or more. Others are less than 10 minutes. Some podcasts are about news and come out each day. Other podcasts tell stories. Lots are funny. Some feature people having conversations. Many podcasts are educational: They teach listeners about a specific topic. Think of a podcast like a tv show....but without the video! Like a tv show, podcasts also have episodes. Some podcasts are about the same topic and the episodes build on one another, like a tv show. Other podcasts might be about the same topic or theme, but a listener can skip around and tune in to any episode to follow along. Podcasts can be found on iTunes and Spotify but are sometimes hosted on websites.
Activity 1: But Why Podcast - A podcast from the Vermont Public Radio that tackles questions from kids.
Directions:
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Activity 2: Listen to another podcast
Directions: Click on the links below to explore a different podcast. Then listen to at least one episode of a new podcast.
Additional Informational Podcasts:
Directions: Click on the links below to explore a different podcast. Then listen to at least one episode of a new podcast.
Additional Informational Podcasts:
- Stuff You Missed in History Class - The title speaks for itself. Learn about people and events that are often overlooked in a typical history class.
- The Past & The Curious - History is amazing. The stories from our collective past have the power to transform people today. It is our goal to share true stories of inspiration, humor, and the incredible achievements of all types of people, many of which are sadly under-shared, and to do so in an easily accessible and diverse manner.
- StarTalk Radio - Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about all things space: stars, planets, humans in space, and so much more. He also interviews a lot of amazing people, from Buzz Aldrin to Alan Rickman.
- The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel - A scripted mystery series with a voice cast of actual middle schoolers, a gripping, suspenseful plot, and interactive tie-ins, this story about an 11-year-old searching for his missing friend.
- The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified - Listen as world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots, outwits crafty villains, and goes after The Big Story. Eleanor’s pursuit of truth takes her into orbit, out to sea, and even to the halls of Congress! Her adventures are entertaining and informative.
- Flyest Fables - Episodes follow the main character, Antoine, a boy who is bullied, who finds a magical book that transports him to another world.
- This American Life - Each episode of This American Life centers around a theme. Most are journalistic at the core, but some are comedic. This podcast is hard to generalize, especially after over 600 episodes. But the number of episodes, and it’s massive popularity, should speak for itself.
- Freakonomics Radio - A podcast created by the co-author of Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics, Stephen Dubner invites listeners to explore the hidden sides of everything. And, given his almost 300 episodes on topics ranging from Millionaires vs. Billionaires to How to Win a Nobel Prize, he is well on his way to talking about everything.
- Youth Radio - Youth Radio is a podcast for teens, published by teens. It was created to showcase the power of young people as makers of media, technology, and community. It brings the teen perspective to issues of public concern.
- Serial - Sarah Koenig tells one story, told week by week. The first season covers the true story of Adnan Syed, convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Baltimore. The problem: Adnan cannot remember what he was doing the day of the murder. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s someone claiming that he helped Adnan hide the body.
Additional Resources:
Learn how to create your own podcast! NPR has created a helpful resources: Starting Your Podcast: A Guide For Students - NPR
If you are interested in more podcasts, see the 25 Best Podcasts for Kids from Common Sense Media
Learn how to create your own podcast! NPR has created a helpful resources: Starting Your Podcast: A Guide For Students - NPR
If you are interested in more podcasts, see the 25 Best Podcasts for Kids from Common Sense Media
Lessons and Resources - April 27th-May 8th
Focus: Poetry
"I used to be afraid of poetry. I thought it was some secret code only certain people were supposed to understand… But I know now that poetry belongs to all of us."
Jacqueline Woodson, Author, Young People's Poet Laureate, 2015-2017
Activity 1:
Directions:
Directions:
- Read "How to Read a Poem" by Edward Hirsch or How to Read Poetry from Book Riot.
- Explore poems featured on the Poetry Foundation website and select one poem that interests you. Browse by topic, form of poetry, time period, and region. Search Teen Poems and Children's Poems
- In the Google Classroom Assignment, write a reflection including: what spoke to you in the poem, how did you feel when reading the poem, and what you interpreted the poem to mean.
Activity 2:
Directions: Create Your Own Book Spine Poetry
Directions: Create Your Own Book Spine Poetry
What is Book Spine Poetry? Book spine poetry falls into the category of “Found Poetry," poems made up of text taken from different sources. Instead of writing from scratch, you “find” it by arranging book titles to make a poem. This type of poem can be serious or funny, just like in regular poetry.
Directions:
- To make a book spine poem, look for books you have at home with titles that spark your interest.
- Either gather these books together or write down the titles. You don't have to have a large number of books at home, you can also write down titles of books you've read before.
- Review the titles. How do these titles connect or flow together? Is there is common theme?
- Pick 4-6 titles. Move these books around in a stack with the spines together so that the titles are like the lines of a poem.
- Continue to arrange the book titles until you find the “lines” that connect or go best together and sound like a poem.
- Take a photo of your work and upload to the Google Classroom Assignment.
Lessons and Resources - April 13th-24th
Focus: Write. Right. Rite. - GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story - Jason Reynolds
Directions: Complete the first Write. Right. Rite. creative writing prompt from author Jason Reynolds to keep your imagination alive!
Writing Prompt 1: Create an award for yourself. This can be an award, an honor, or a medal.
This has to be a new award that doesn't already exist.
Brainstorm & Include:
Complete this assignment in Google Classroom. Email Ms. Hlousek at [email protected] if you have questions.
Author Jason Reynolds created the ‘Write. Right. Rite.’ video series of short clips that offer fun and engaging prompts to help spark young people’s imaginations, which in turn will spark their expression. Read more here.
Writing Prompt 1: Create an award for yourself. This can be an award, an honor, or a medal.
This has to be a new award that doesn't already exist.
Brainstorm & Include:
- What is the award?
- What is the name of this new award?
- What is the criteria? What's required to win?
- Why should you win this new award?
- Bonus - Drawn, sketch, or design what this award looks like.
Complete this assignment in Google Classroom. Email Ms. Hlousek at [email protected] if you have questions.
Author Jason Reynolds created the ‘Write. Right. Rite.’ video series of short clips that offer fun and engaging prompts to help spark young people’s imaginations, which in turn will spark their expression. Read more here.
Watch: Writing Prompt 1: Create an Award for Yourself
Watch: Introduction
Jason Reynolds, seventh National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, presents his new series "Write. Right. Rite." as part of his "GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story" platform. Video from The Library of Congress.
Read: Click here to learn more about Jason Reynolds from the "About" section of his website.
"HERE'S WHAT I PLAN TO DO: NOT WRITE BORING BOOKS. So, I'm a writer. And when I say I'm a writer, I mean it in the same way a professional ball player calls himself an athlete. I practice everyday and do the best I can to be better at this writing thing, while hopefully bringing some cool stories to the world. The stories are kinda like my slam dunks. Except, I'm dunking words. In your FACE! Ha!"
What's the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature?
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature raises national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. The national ambassador is selected for his or her contributions to young people’s literature, the ability to relate to kids and teens and dedication to fostering children’s literacy in all forms. The selection, made by the Librarian of Congress, is based on recommendations from an independent committee comprising educators, librarians, booksellers and children’s literature experts.
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature raises national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. The national ambassador is selected for his or her contributions to young people’s literature, the ability to relate to kids and teens and dedication to fostering children’s literacy in all forms. The selection, made by the Librarian of Congress, is based on recommendations from an independent committee comprising educators, librarians, booksellers and children’s literature experts.
Check This Out:
"The minute that you read one of my books, you and I are friends. We know each other. That means you know there's somebody in the world who is thinking of you."
Jason Reynolds, Author, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2020-2021