"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 

In the history of mankind, the concept of what constituted a childhood has been different depending on the culture and time period.  In ancient times, it was common for young children to be found working in the same positions as adults, or training for war.  

Young girls could often find themselves married off to men many years older than them, and bearing children shortly thereafter.  This was not always common-place, but it was something that existed even only a hundred years ago in some "modern" cultures.

As a teacher, I have heard students speak of how they are losing their childhood because of all the work that is heaped upon them in school or life in general. "I want to be a ___________ year old, hang with friends, not do essays all day."

So the question comes to mind;  What is considered a childhood, and are we driving it away with modern demands?  Or, on the opposite side of things; Are we merely expecting young adults to "throw away childish things."?

In some ways, this is a re-imagining of a previous prompt from the beginning of the year.  Take a look back at your previous thoughts on Homework, or demands of community service, and consider it as you write this.

While many of the students writing prompts have understood the requirements expected of them, I have felt the need to expound upon them further.

In the files section can be found a writing prompt that I typed up yesterday over the course of an afternoon.  Time management does allow you to complete prompts rather quickly, if you have an idea of what you are writing about.  Take it one page at a time, or in much better methods of thinking (250 words) at a time. Soon enough, you will find yourself complete.

All writing assignments done for homework must have a Cover Page, Outline, and if needed, a Reference page.  If they do not have this, they will not receive full credit.  

Please take a look at  the file (Example Prompt).  It is not perfect, of course, but it is what I expect.

The 8th grade is currently working on a new project, which may influence their learning and taking stock in their own ability to teach others.  Each student is tasked with reading a small portion of The Hobbit, from this, they will develop a strong presentation to give to their peers.  

More than just a teacher giving a lecture, but a real chance to be involved in their learning.  My duty, as the teacher, will be to help with the larger concepts that J.R.R. Tolkien was trying to present in his masterpiece.   What led to the development of The Hobbit, and how it has influenced our culture.

Expectations:

Much of the work will take place over the Fall Break, and students will be expected to have much of their project completed, or near completion before coming back to school at the end of the month.  The students will have been split into pairs, or trios to work on this project.  

Everyone is expected to work and contribute something to the finished assignment.

The grade for this assignment will be a significant portion of the grade for the coming 9 weeks, so not putting effort into it would be unwise.

Pairings and Chapters                                             Date Due

Chapter 1:  Christian and Gio                                         November 3rd

Chapter 2: Jasmine and Isabella                                     November 3rd

Chapter 3 & 4: Alexis and Kaylee                                    November 3rd

Chapter 5: Angelique & Becca                                         November 5th

Chapter 6: Caricia & Ricardo                                           November 5th

Chapter 7: Manny & Preston                                           November 5th

Chapter 8: David & Davion                                             November 6th

Chapter 9: Perla, Raquel, & Sara                                    November 6th

Chapter 10 & 11: Samuel & Jose                                    November 6th

Chapter 12: Omar, Brandon, & Joshua                            November 10th

Chapter 13 & 14: Jessica, Leslie, & Marcella                    November 10th

Chapter 15 & 16: Abby & Edward                                   November 10th

Chapter 17, 18, & 19: Nathanial, Nacho, & Noah             November 11th

This political season, we see all kinds of speeches and debates among the many candidates.  Some of them we can admire, others hold a sour note in our mind when they speak.  In the end though, one will stand above all others and become the next president.

You are this individual, at least as far as this writing prompt goes.

Write your inaugural address to the nation.   Keep in mind several things as you do so.

• What were some of the issues that influenced your campaign, and the election as a whole?
• What promises did you make to your constituents? 
• What positive message can you give for the future?

Take a look at some of our past presidents, and what they said in their own speeches.  President Obama himself is well known as a great speaker.  Ronald Reagan was also respected for his ability to bring people together on issues.

Length: 5 Pages

Formatting: 12 Point Font

                   Double Spaced

Due Date: September 26th (Prior to Midnight)

“Seeking the unknown is the greatest adventure, for once we find it, we are changed.”

Your topic for this prompt, is to take a leap of adventure in learning.  Find and research a topic that you had never considered before.  Write an informational essay about this topic.  Also, write a short reflection (1 paragraph) expressing your own thoughts on the topic your researched.

Length Requirement: 5 Pages
Research: 2 Sources
Font: 12 Point