Direct+Instruction+8th+Grade


 * Welcome to 8th Grade Direct Instruction Language Arts! **

Your 8th grade Direct Instruction Language Arts teacher is looking forward to meeting and working with you. We hope you have a fun and relaxing summer that includes lots of reading for pleasure. To begin our year together, we are asking that one of your summer reads is a book we have selected that will become part of our 8th Grade Curriculum of Studies. If you have any questions about this assignment prior to the beginning of the school year, please contact the OJRSD 5-8 Special Education Supervisor, Geoff Ball, gball@ojrsd.com.

Sincerely, Learning Support Department




 * BOOK TO READ:** //Chasing the Falconers// //(On the run#1)// by Gordon Korman


 * WHERE TO FIND IT:** You are welcome to get your own electronic or paper copy of the book or borrow one from a nearby library. If you have any trouble securing a copy, copies will be available in the main office of the Middle School (after July 1st, please call ahead).


 * PURPOSE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT:**

To provide a common reading experience that will serve as the basis for our first book discussion as a Language Arts class, and

To develop a deep understanding of a common text that can be studied from different viewpoints in a variety of classes.


 * [[image:MS Bullet.png width="56" height="56"]]BEFORE YOU READ:** Here is a summary of the plot of //Chasing the Falconers (On the run#1)//:

Aidan and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison, unless Aidan and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? Right now they're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country...with plenty of tests along the way. (Amazon.com)


 * [[image:MS Bullet.png width="57" height="57"]]AFTER YOU READ:** Develop a list of //__seven questions__// you would like your Language Arts class to discuss about this book.

__Your questions MUST:__
 * Relate directly to the text
 * Allow two people to express different points of view
 * **EXAMPLES OF GOOD TEXT-BASED DISCUSSION-QUESTION STARTERS:**

Did you agree with (insert character’s name) decision to… How do you think (insert character’s name) might react if… Who do you feel was the hero of this story, and why? || __Your questions SHOULD NOT:__
 * Have one right answer
 * **AVOID QUESTIONS SUCH AS THESE, WHICH HAVE ONE RIGHT ANSWER:**

Did (insert character’s name) die at the end of the story? Where did this story take place? What is the name of the author of this story? ||
 * WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FALL:**


 * Bring your __seven questions__ to Language Arts class.
 * Your teacher will explain how we will use your questions for a whole-class discussion of the book and give you the date for the discussion.
 * You may be eligible to win some prizes for your hard work!