Character analysis essays

This week, we have been working on character analysis essays for "Rikki-tikki-tavi" by Rudyard Kipling.

We've worked on writing effective thesis statements and then gathering solid textual evidence to support our thesis.  Students received an essay planning sheet, and we are now drafting a detailed plan for our paper.

This process is entirely modeled writing - I am writing the paper, and students are following along and writing with me (FYI - this is an excellent opportunity to boost grades, as this final draft will count for a test grade in both Reading and Language Arts!).  Students will be responsible for listening, following along, asking questions when they don't understand, and typing the final draft according to MLA format.

Our next character analysis essay, which will be on Langston Hughes' short story "Thank You M'am," will allow students a little more independence and opportunity to show me what they learned.

Then, on Thursday, October 27, we will have our school wide mock writing assessment, where students will read a brief selection and write a timed character analysis essay for a test grade in Language Arts. 

All of this should have us ready to rock and roll on essays for The Outsiders by SE Hinton, which we will begin promptly after the mock writing assessment!  I look forward to teaching this novel so much each year - it is a treat to see students' excitement and creativity on assignments related to this selection.  We always have phenominal and challenging discussions that make us all THINK, and I'm sure this year will be no exception!

Parents AND students - if you have ANY questions or concerns about your child's progress, please don't hesitate to call or email.