Extended Projects

Extended projects can be done in designated class time, after you finish current work, and/or at home. They are a reflection of what you are interested in and what you think is important. You are going to be responsible for at least two assignments per month. You have the opportunity to choose many of the assignments listed below and create assignments of your own. These are only suggestions. You are, however, required to complete the Vocabulary Builders section of this unit.

Extended Project Examples:
***Vocabulary Builders – 1.)Word Roots: Prefixes and Suffixes, 2.) Super Sentences, 3.) Word Web
***Use the research process described at http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/ to prepare you for all types of writing – expository, descriptive, persuasive, narrative, technical, poetic, etc. While researching, take notes on what you have discovered on the research log.
***Expository writing - you can write about the life of a famous author, actor, musician, etc. Use the writing process to complete this assignment. Hand in all drafts of the project showing revision, peer conference, self conference, etc.
*** Expository writing – you can write about any topic that interests you. Use the writing process to complete this assignment. Hand in all drafts of the project showing revision, peer conference, self conference, citations, etc.
***Persuasive writing – you can write on an issue that you feel strongly about. Use the writing process to complete this assignment. Hand in all drafts of the project showing revision, peer conference, self conference, etc.
***Research how to write a short story. Read short stories in the classroom, online, at home. Notice things about the stories and gather information about how you would write a short story from “How to” books in the classroom, online, and Writer’s Digest magazine. Create a story based on an idea or theme that you are reminded of in the book that you are currently reading or one that you have read in the past.
***Research the characteristics of drama. Start to gather information by reading plays in the classroom (Novio Boy, The Crucible, A Doll’s House, etc) Create an original play of your own.
*** Research how to write a poem. Read poems in the anthologies in the classroom, online, or at home. Notice things about the poems and gather information about how you would write a poem from “How to” books in the classroom, online, and Writer’s Digest magazine.
***Write a letter or an email (proper English) to a pen pal about a topic that you feel strongly about or in the perspective of someone else, and receive one back from that friend.
***Read interviews with an author. Write a short biography of the author based on the information.
***Create a narrative procedure to show the steps one has to take to become a published author.
***Write a letter to the author of the book that you are reading. Give your reactions to the publication.
***Update your work folder making sure that everything is entered into the list in the folder. Make sure that all comments are noted and chart is filled in.
***Write a narrative account of a significant moment in your past.


Note: You may abandon projects that are not working out by writing me a letter describing what the problem(s) is/are and why you are abandoning the project. In this letter, propose what you are going to work on next.

REMEMBER: ALL NOTES, FREEWRITES, DRAFTS, OUTLINES, EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE DONE MUST BE SAVED. THEY ARE GOING TO GO IN YOUR WORKFOLDER UNTIL YOU DECIDE WHAT TO IN YOUR PORTFOLIO.

Extended Project Procedure

1. Sign Contract and start keeping track of assignments in the table. Throughout the process you must enter all steps into the table and get the progress checked and signed off by Ms. McCloskey
2. Choose a topic/assignment/focus
3. Proposal letter in SB - you will tell me what you intend to do in your project and how you plan on getting there – the steps that you will take to get there. I will approve or guide you thinking before you do any research.
4. Research Log and Set Due Date - All research will be logged into the research log that you have a copy of or you will find in the back of the room. You will have to do some research for each project, whether it be about the structure of a short story or information on your topic.
5. Planning Page– You will do a planning page in which you outline your project. This can be done on looseleaf paper in any of the outline methods that we have discussed (box, traditional, list, etc)
6. Use the writing process to complete your project
7. “Works Cited” page – You will have to turn in a Works Cited Page
8. Reflection Page – What did you learn from this project? What did you like most about it?


Name: Class:
Ms. McCloskey Due Date:
Research Log
All research must be from valid, trustworthy websites and books.

Assignment:______________________________________________________________

RESEARCH
Where did I find my research? (Internet site or Book, publisher, city, page number, copyright)What did the research tell me? (Notes, Direct Quotations, Indirect Quotations, etc)

Name:_____________________________ Class:__________
Ms. McCloskey Date:__________

Independent Menu Contract:

I, ____________________________, agree that I will work on these assignments inside and outside of class to the best of my ability. I agree that these projects are to be done “when I am finished” with that day’s assignment. I am aware that these assignments are used as part of my homework and classwork grade. I am also aware that these projects are suggestions and I, as a learner, have the opportunity to explore other ideas with approval from my teacher. I am aware that my teacher will give deadlines to help me to fulfill this requirement during the school year. I am also aware that I need to finish 11 extension projects all together including all Vocabulary Builders, which counts as one project. All other assignments will be at your discretion.