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News Room
Apr, 2010 English Department News grades 7-10
Here is what grades 7-10 English teachers and students are doing these days.

 

Grade seven students are starting to explore the world of children’s literature.  After having read a number of novels, plays, stories, and poems this year, grade seven is working on a project to write their own piece of literature for children.  With the help of their teacher, Mira Nammour, the girls are studying meaningful works of children’s literature, relevant authors, and the components that go into writing a good piece of children’s fiction.  Their goal is to work individually or in small groups to write their own piece of fiction and present it in class.

Grade eight students are continuing to enhance their curriculum as they read an additional novel this month.  Marcella Nazzal is guiding them in reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  The purpose is to encourage students to read for enjoyment and have fun while doing it.


Grades seven and eight are in the midst of a spelling bee competition.  Last Saturday, over 70 girls participated in the after-school event.  The group was narrowed down to the “top 20.”  The top 20 girls were given a new list of spelling words to study for the championship bee at the end of this week.  Prizes will be given to the top three winners.


Grades seven and eight (and 11 IB English B) are participating in a cross cultural exchange with two public schools in Chicago.  Teachers in Chicago and ASG are preparing video and powerpoint presentations about life in Amman to share with each other.  The exchange will take place at the end of April and early May.  The goal of the project is to help students in each country to understand and appreciate their peers in another part of the world.


Grade nine language students are finishing group debates this week.  The topic of their debates included questions such as: “Does Hollywood culture positively or negatively influence teens?”  “What is the value of women working outside the home vs. being housewives?  Pros and cons.”  “Is it ethical to do medical/science experiments on animals?”  Techniques for effective listening and speaking during debate were emphasized.


Grade ten students are preparing for the end of the year and entrance into either IB or Tawjihi programs.  They are working hard to complete language and literature curriculum in preparation for their exams.
 
As always, students are encouraged to read, write, and practice oral speaking skills in the context of literature and language curriculum.  All grade levels are working on writing stories and poems that will be submitted for publication in Al Shomou' student magazine.  In addtion, all grade levels are working on English oriented "water projects" for our Green School portfolio effort.