Journal Prompts for September 8-11

Welcome Ninth Graders!

Journal Prompt:  September 11, 2009

Look at the section of your syllabus called "Grading Scale."  If you can, create a pie chart that illustrates the portion of your grade each category is worth.

Then, answer these questions in complete sentences:

What category of assignments will influence your grade the most?  What category will influence your grade the least?
What do you think will be your strongest category?

Journal Prompt:  September 10, 2009

Choose a character or person from one of the books listed below:
o    The Autobiography of Malcom X As Told to Alex Haley by Alex Haley
o    A Prayer for a City by Buzz Bizinger
o    Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
o    The Chocolate War by Robert Comier

Write 10 sentences or more describing this person. What goal is this person working towards? What are his or her strengths? What are his or her flaws or weaknesses?  How does he/she handle conflicts or setbacks? In what ways are you similar to this person or character?  In what ways are you different?


Journal Prompt:  September 9, 2009


In a written response of 5-10 sentences, write about your name. You may want to consider some of the following questions:
o    What does your name mean?
o    Who gave you your name?
o    Are you named after someone? If yes, who? Why?
o    Do you like your name?
o    Do you have a nickname? If yes, what is it?
o    Do you have any stories about your name? If yes, tell it!

Journal Prompt:  September 8, 2009

Today, your first day of high school, President Obama is addressing you, the students.  In a written response of at least one page, answer the following questions the best you can:

What most stood out to about Obama’s speech, and why?  As you look forward into your last four years before college, what do you hope to accomplish? What are you most looking forward to about high school? And, what are you worried or nervous about? What can you do this year to make sure that your grades and school work stay on track? What activities, sports, clubs or organizations would you like to join? What do you expect from me as your teacher to help you reach your goals and succeed this year?