Ms. Timpf and Mrs.Schafer 8th Grade Language Arts Class

Hello 8th Graders,

Here are the elements of a narrative including, definitions, and why each is important to a story.

1. Setting
   1. Definition: where and when a story takes place
   2. Setting is important because the location and time of a story affects the plot and characters.
2. Dramatic Irony
   1. Definition: when a reader knows the reasons for an event before the characters do
   2. The importance of dramatic irony is to create suspense for the reader as they wait for the moment that the character’s learn what the reader already knows.
3. Point of View
   1. Definition: how a reader “sees” and “hears” the events in a story; can be in 1st person, 2nd person, or 3rd person
   2. The importance of point of view is to allow the writer to express the emotions of all character’s or one character, depending on what the author wants the story to do for the reader.
4. Characterization
   1. Definition: the personality of a character
   2. Characterization is important because it explains a character’s personality and allows the reader to better understand them.
5. Theme
   1. Definition: the message an author wants you to learn
   2. Themes are important because they allow the author to share their thoughts with the reader, particularly about how the world works or how they view life.
6. Suspense
   1. Definition: creates a feeling of worry or anticipation in the reader
   2. The importance of suspense is to play on the curiosity reader’s feel in order to maintain interest and focus on the story.
7. Mood
   1. Definition: the feelings a reader gets through the words and descriptions in a story
   2. The importance of mood is to create an emotional connection between the story/characters and the reader.

Hello all,

Reminder! You have a comic to turn into me about plot tomorrow! Here is the assignment sheet for those that need it.

This is going to be counted as a test grade, so get it in!

Ms. Timpf

Hello!

Students, remember you have a summative assessment on Monday! It is not a test but will be a mini project that involves lots of coloring and fun! Even though it will be fun, I still need you to take it seriously, like you would a test. Please make sure to study your vocabulary and practice identifying the parts of a plot over the weekend. Watch some television with your friends! Practice figuring out the parts of a plot for an episode of your favorite tv show.

See you Monday!

Ms. Timpf

Plot Vocabulary

Plot – narrative arc of a story; what happens in the story

Protagonist – the main character in a story

Antagonist – opponent of the protagonist; stands against the main character

Exposition – introduction of a story; introduces setting, characters, and problem

Rising Action – suspense builds and the problem becomes more complicated

Climax- the turning point of the story; where the character must face their problem

Falling Action – events following the climax

Resolution – the outcome of the story; how things end up

Hello Parents and Students,

Unfortunately, I have contracted pink eye and will be absent from school tomorrow.

Students, please be on your best behavior for the substitute.You will be instructed to work independently on a vocabulary assignment about the parts of a plot. Any names left for the substitute will receive an after school Friday detention. Put your best Viking foot forward!

Parents, I apologize for the terrible timing. However, I will be absent from parent-teacher conferences as well. Please feel free to email me with any concerns or questions and I will get back with you by the end of the school week.

Thank you for your time and I apologize for the inconvenience,

Ms. Timpf

Students,

Your essays are due tonight on Google Classroom. Make sure to turn them in on time so you don’t lose credit!

Ms. Timpf

Hello 8th Graders,

At this point, you should be done with your rough draft and working on making revisions. If you are having a difficult and need additional help, please come see me during lunch or after school. I would be more than happy to help you understand whatever you need help with.

Ms. Timpf

Hello 8th Graders,

Don’t forget to complete your two sets of Cornell Notes, handwritten, and Argumentative Essay Outline, on Google Classroom. I’ll be checking it on Monday!

Email me with questions,

Ms. Timpf

Dear Parents,

If you are an AOL email user, please be aware that you may not receive email notifications due to AOL policies. We are working to resolve this issue with AOL.

Thank you for your patience while we work with AOL to make sure you get classroom notifications from your teacher.

Sincerely,

Technology Department

Hello all,

Don’t forget your “Would You Rather” Short Essay Response for tomorrow!

1. Thesis/Opening:

Must hook your reader with a thesis statement including a preview of your two-three examples

2. Evidence/Examples:

Two claims and evidence to support your claims AND include a counterclaim/rebuttal 

3. Commentary:

Explain how each claim supports your thesis

4. Conclusion:

Wrap it up by restating your entire thesis

Students,

On Friday, you received your pre-assessment essay. You must complete your task over the weekend if it was not finished in class. Your task:

• Review your common assessment writing piece
• Mark and label each part of an argument that you included
• Make annotations where missing parts should go

At the bottom of your essay, answer the following questions:

1. How does your essay compare to the sample essay?
2. What did you do well?
3. What do you need to improve?

This is due on MONDAY! You MUST bring back your essay on Monday.

Thank you,

Ms. Timpf