May 9, 2016

Dear Rising Ninth Graders:

Ah, the sweet respite of summer: sun, fun, and exciting destinations.

I invite you to join me on a fantastic voyage this summer…

There is no frigate like a book

To take us lands away,

Nor any coursers like a page

Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of toll;

How frugal is the chariot

That bears a human soul!

~ Emily Dickinson

In the 9th grade you will embark on a literary journey alongside medieval heroes such as Beowulf, Sir Gawain,and Roland. You will examine what it means to be a great leader, and marvel at what makes a great story. Before you venture out with these courageous liegemen, however, you must undergo training in the code of chivalry. To introduce you to these ideals, you will read part I of The Once and Future King. After reading, you will complete the attached assignment. I look forward to hearing about your adventures when we return in August.

Have a restful and relaxing summer!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Maravilla

~Hic iacet Arthurus, rex quondam, rexque futurus~

Here lies Arthur, king once, and king to be.

Reading Assignment –The Sword in the Stone Journal

  • Purchase or make a journal. You may purchase a bound journal for around five dollars in the bargain section at Books-a-Million, or you may make a journal by covering a composition book or similar type of notebook with the material(s) of your choice. Strive for neatness and creativity.
  • After reading“The Sword in the Stone,”create entries in your journal that highlight Wart’s education to become king. You should write in first person as though you are Wart. Please avoid plot summary; rather, you should fill in the gaps with what you think Wart might be thinking along his journey.
  • Helpful tips:
  • Grab the reader’s attention. Use interesting adjectives and strong verbs, and above all, correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Include key events from all of Part I.
  • Illustrate with drawings or sketches. You may also include mementos such as one might find in a scrapbook.

Please bring your completed journal and be prepared to present it on the first day of class. This assignment will count as your first test grade.Please see the attached rubric for a guide to how I will grade the journal assignment.

I look forward to seeing your work!

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions:

Mrs. Maravilla

813.997.3120

The Sword in the Stone – Journal Rubric

Student: / Excellent / Average / Poor / Score
Length/ Organization (20 points) / Each entry is over 1⁄2 page. Information is in the correct order and shows a logical thought progression. (20-15) / Each entry is 1⁄2 page. Information is in correct order, but is disconnected. (14-9) / Each entry is less than 1⁄2 page. Information is not in the correct order, and shows no logical pattern.
(8-0)
Content
(30 points) / All information is correct and thorough; Lists specific events and dialogue; Covers the entire scope of Part I. (30 - 20) / Most information correct;has few references to specific events and dialogue
(19 - 9) / Many errors and no references to specific events and dialogue
(8 - 0)
Spelling/ Grammar
(10 points) / Entries have few if any spelling/grammar errors.
(10-9) / Entries have 1 to 2 errors per entry.
(8-6)
/ Entries have many spelling and grammatical errors. (5 - 0)
Creativity – Writing
(20 points) / Entries have many details and descriptive elements.
(20 - 15) / Entries have only a few details and cover only basic information.
(14 - 9) / Entries show little if any creative thought and have few details.
(8 - 0)
Creativity-Appearance (20 points) / Much effort was spent decorating and/or illustrating the journal. Appears that student devoted a great deal of time and care to creating the journal. (20-15) / Some effort was spent decorating and/or illustrating the journal. Could have been assembled in very little time.
(14-9) / Little or no effort was spent to make the journal aesthetically pleasing; appears to have been hastily assembled at the last minute.
(8 – 0)