Mrs. Huelskamp's Language Arts

The 8th Grade has Multiple Intelligences

2011-08-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

The 8th grade class started the year exploring their multiple intelligences. First, the students took a multiple intelligences test to determine the areas of intelligence in which they showed strengths. Then, they completed a bar graph over their results and learned about the different multiple intelligences: Verbal, Logical, Kinesthetic, Musical, Visual, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic. After reviewing the ways to utilize each area while studying and completing homework, the students were assigned a project to complete in their highest category of multiple intelligence. Students created a project over their favorite book character. Some of the projects included song lyrics, sculptures, drawings, diary entries, models, and many others. If you would like to take your own multiple intelligence test, you can do this online at: Multiple Intelligence Test

KMS Book Blog

2011-04-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

Reclining on the pillows, sitting on the rug, leaning against the shelves, curling up in the desks, and even resting under the tables, KMS students are everywhere. What has students in such unusual positions? What else could it be but a good book? Students are getting caught up with great fiction, biographies, graphic novels, and nonfiction.

KMS students have found an outlet to explore their favorite books on the KMS Book Blog. On the blog, students have written book reviews, recommending their favorite books and becoming book critics.

Another way students have advertised their favorite books is through the video book trailer. Students produced videos that promoted a book of their choice. There is a link on the KMS Book Blog to view the video book trailers.

In addition, some students have felt inspired by the books that they have read and created music and art in response to these moving books. A link to the student artwork and music can be found on the KMS Book Blog as well.

To see the KMS Book Blog, and read student written reviews, see the book trailers that they have produced, and view their art and music, click on the following link:

http://www.kmsbookblog.blogspot.com/

Character T-Shirt

2011-02-22T14:45:00.000-06:00

Who's that on your t-shirt? The 8th grade literature classes analyzed literary characters by making a t-shirt. First, the students chose a paper t-shirt template. They wrote the character's name, book, and author on the front of the t-shirt. Each character was displayed on the front of the t-shirt either by drawing the character or using a picture from the internet. On the back of the shirt, students analyzed the character's traits. They wrote descriptions of the character's appearance, actions, motives, etc. In addition, eighth graders identified the character as static/dynamic, round/flat, and protagonist/antagonist, as well as described the main conflicts. Some students chose to share a little extra creativity by decorating their t-shirt in the style of the character. Students showed their artistic side at the same time that they explored the different aspects of literary characters.