1. I can apply my knowledge of grammar rules. I can make learning goals/resolutions for 2015. I can demonstrate my understanding of the characteristics that make a hero. I can demonstrate comprehension of text.

2. * http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/englis h/eng_01.html http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/englis h/eng_01.html * Complete questions 1-4

3. * Complete the Year in Review.

4. * 1.Define in your own words the term: hero. * 2.Look up the word hero in the dictionary and write the correct definition. * 3.Compare your definitions.

5. * Think of a hero (i.e. Superman, Spiderman, The Hulk, Batman, Wonder Woman, Black Widow, etc). * Who do you feel you are most like? * Write the name of the hero at the top of your paper. * List characteristics you believe make him/her a hero. * List how you are like your hero.

6. * Find someone who has listed the same hero as you have listed. Compare your list of characteristics. You may want to add to your own list. * Now find someone who has a different hero listed. Again, compare your lists of characteristics

7. * Listen to the lyrics of the song, “I Need a Hero”, and discover characteristics of a hero. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ7fwti11RM &feature=related * As a group, list characteristics of a hero.

8. * Fold a paper into 4 squares: Square 1- superhero Square 2- well known hero (i.e. Mother Teresa, Military, etc.) Square 3- community hero (i.e. teacher, coach, police officer) Square 4- you * In each square write/draw a representation of that person and include reason(s) why they are a hero.

9. * You will be placed in reading groups. * You will read the story “The Man in the Water” pages 321-325. * Within each group, each individual will have a job. Each person must complete 1 job! * You may decided within your group if your group wants to read the text together OR have each person in the group read the text on their own.

10. * Discussion Leader: comes up with 3-5 questions about the text in order to clarify or assure comprehension for all group members * Summarizer: summarizes the text for the group to assure the same comprehension for all group members * Illustrator: will draw some kind (picture, symbol, etc.) of representation of the text * Connector: will connect the text with self or world (must illustrate/justify this connection) * Word Wizard: will create a list of words (at least 5 words found within the text) that help establish the text’s mood and justify their importance

11. * After you have read the text and finished your group work answer these questions: 1. What event is Rosenblatt (the author) concerned about in his essay? What is Rosenblatt’s purpose for writing this essay? 2. What heroic thing did the man in the water do? 3. Which two qualities of the man made him fascinating in Rosenblatt’s (the author) opinion? 4. What two forces are contrasted in the essay? 5. What is the victory of the man in the water? 6. Why were people so riveted by the disaster? 7. Determine the difference between heroic altruism and unhealthy self-sacrifice.

12. * Choose one of the statements and respond in paragraph format. * My idea of what a hero has changed in… (What way) because… * I believe a true hero is…