WHEN CAN I DO EXTRA CREDIT?
Quarters 1-3: One extra credit project may be completed for each quarter and must be turned in anytime before the second to last Friday of the quarter.
Quarter 4: there is no extra credit available.
HOW MUCH IS EXTRA CREDIT WORTH?
Extra credit is worth between 5-15 points depending on the quality of the work. On average, students are awarded 10 points for a well-done piece of extra credit.
All extra credit points earned will be added to the student's overall points at the end of the quarter; however, extra credit may only raise the overall grade of the student by half of a letter grade. For example, extra credit could raise a B grade to no more than a B+.
WHO CAN DO EXTRA CREDIT?
Students must maintain a grade of "C" or better overall for extra credit to be considered.
WHEN IS EXTRA CREDIT DUE?
You may turn in extra credit any time before the Friday before the last day of the quarter. In other words, one week before the quarter ends.
WHAT TYPE OF EXTRA CREDIT IS AVAILABLE?
Extra credit projects are meant to be an expansion of the course content. They are an opportunity to connect to the curriculum to other sources and experiences in an enriching and engaging way. Truly, the options are endless, but below are a few ideas.
WHERE DO I TURN IT IN?
Please turn in a physical copy of your extra credit to the extra credit bin in the back of the classroom. If it cannot be turned in this way because of its format (video, slideshow, etc.), please email me your extra credit instead.
UNIT SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES:
For each unit, specific opportunities will arise directly related to the curriculum. Here are a few. Please complete these options while we are engaged in the unit:
Where I'm From Poem--turn your poem into a video. Or create art of music inspired by your poem. You might even make your own rap song or music video. (see Google Classroom)
Tongva Historical Site--visit a historical site and write a one-page reflection on the place and its history with the Tongva. Include a photo of you at the site.
Options include:
Debs Park, Audubon Society
Rancho Santa Bonita Botanical Garden
LA Arbortetum, Tongva dwelling
San Gabriel Mission
LA River
Hahamongna Watershed Park
Olvera Street; Yaanga site
Murals of Toypurina
Los Angeles State Historic Park
Pitzer College Tongva Art
The Autry Museum
Moompetam Event at Long Beach Aquarium
See To Be Visible Map for other historic sites
Gris Grimly's Frankenstein:
Write your own 1-3 page spooky story.
Watch or read another adaptation of this classic novel. Please receive parent permission before viewing any films. Then write a 1-page compare and contrast analysis. Check out this article for possible film adaptations.
Fahrenheit 451:
Read another science fiction/dystopian novel. Write a one-page compare and contrast of the two texts.
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass:
Read another text (historical fiction or non-fiction) or watch a film that is based upon this time period of US History. Write a one-page review of the book/movie and focus on making connections to The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
Read another biography of a famous person and write a one-page review that includes a brief summary of this person's life and contributions as well as your reaction to their story and how it inspires you.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
The follow options are not tied to a unit, but implement the skills that are core to our class. They are options for every quarter (except Q4 when extra credit is not offered).
BOOK/ARTICLE/PODCAST REVIEW:
Write a review on a book, article, or podcast that you have recently read. It must be at your grade level and it cannot be something you read in school.
Include:
The title, author and genre
A brief summary
An analysis of the theme (or topic)
Your personal impression
To whom would you recommend this book/article/podcast
NEED A GOOD BOOK? CHECK OUT THESE LINKS:
LOOKING FOR A PODCAST:
ENTER A WRITING CONTEST
There are many opportunities for you to practice your writing skills and even to earn recognition for your work.
Enter your original writing in a contest. Follow the contest guidelines. Submit a copy to me for extra credit, and be sure to let me know if you earn recognition. Be sure that the contest is a legitimate one, and ask your parents before entering a contest.
Here are a few options:
South Pasadena Masonic Lodge Annual Middle School Writing Contest (look for info in the bulletin)
ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS:
UNIT POSTER: Create a picture inspired from one of the novels we have read together in class. You can draw, paint, even sculpt your art. You may focus on a character, a setting, or a particular scene. The artwork needs to be relatively large (MUST BE BIGGER THAN 8 1/2" x 11") because I would like to display it.
BOOKS ARE AWESOME: Create a creative poster that advertises the magic or words, reading, or writing.
BE THE CHANGE! Write a letter and be heard!
Write a persuasive letter to someone in charge about something you think needs to change. It could be a letter to our principal or maybe even to the president of the United States! You could even write to the Opinion section of our local paper. The letter must be typed and follow the format of a business letter. Include good reasons for your opinion. Send one copy to the person to whom you wrote the letter and another to Mrs. Jenkins. Maybe we'll even see something change for the better because of you!
Some ideas from the past:
Recycling at school
Healthy options for lunches at school
Protesting an environmental or political concern
PLAY OR FILM REVIEW:
View a play, a video, or a film that relates in theme or subject matter to our current unit of study. Write a 1-page analysis exploring the ways in which the piece connects to our unit of study and how it adds new layers to the curriculum content.
Include:
The title and producer/director
A brief summary
Connect the play/film to the unit
YOUR CHOICE:
If you have your own brilliant idea for an extra credit project, please see Mrs. Jenkins and she just might like it enough to let you do it!