1. Meet a Friend and Write Their Story
Original Lesson Created and Presented by Michelle Martin

2. Learning Targets:
In today’s class, I can introduce a classmate to the class. I will do this by selecting at least five questions to ask my classmate. Then I will write a strong paragraph using the information gathered from my interview. I will use correct structure, capitalization, and punctuation. I will check my work using a checklist. Then I will introduce my classmate by reading my paragraph out loud to the class.
W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
SL.7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
SL.7.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate

3. Pair up
Take ten minutes to interview your partner. Remember, pick five questions from the interview questions on the next slide.

4. Interview Question Choices
What is your full name?
Were you named after anyone?
Where were you born?
What kind of pet do you have?
What is your favorite color? Why?
Who is your favorite music group?
What is your favorite pastime or hobby?
What are your favorite magazines, books, and/or websites?
What scares you more, spider or snakes? Why?
What is your favorite cartoon? Why?
Who is the most influential person in your life?
Do you have any siblings (brothers or sisters)?
Do you like school?
What is your favorite thing to talk about?
What is your favorite thing to write and learn about?
If you weren’t at school, what would you be doing?

5. Write Student Sample - by Zoe
Use your interview questions to write a paragraph or letter of introduction about your new friend.
Student Sample - by Zoe
I have a new friend, her name is Michelle. Michelle likes to eat a snack during Mrs. Martin’s class, because she gets hungry. She only eats at home. Michelle has a twin brother named Robert. She also has three sisters. Four wheeling is one of her favorite things to do. She is fourteen years old and in the 8th grade. My favorite thing about Michelle is that she has a kind heart and sticks up for her friends. I hope you have enjoyed meeting my friend Michelle.

6. Checklist for paragraph Introductions
_____ I included at least three interesting facts about my friend.
_____ I indented my paragraph.
_____ I wrote in clear, complete sentences.
_____ I capitalized the first word of every sentence and placed a period at the end of each sentence.
_____ I spelled everything correctly.
Use your finished product to introduce your new friend to the class.