With bologna sandwiches and candy bars from Windrixville, chocolate cake from the Curtis brothers' household, and popcorn and Pepsi from the Nightly Double drive-in theater, 8th graders enjoyed book-based snacks as they watched the movie adaptation of THE OUTSIDERS. The snacks were grounded in three different story settings and the gold color scheme of the tablescape was inspired the famous words of Johnny: "Stay gold, Ponyboy." 8th graders compared and contrasted the movie to the book throughout the movie!

To reinforce characterization in their E.L.A. class novel, THE OUTSIDERS, 8th graders dressed up as either a Greaser or Soc. As East-side Greasers, students wore basic attire, like jeans, white or black t-shirts, and leather jackets. And as the West-side, affluent Socs, 8th graders chose preppy clothes that were crisp and put-together.

For a nostalgic return to Aaron Blabey's children's book series and grade-level literary discussion on dramatic irony, onomatopoeia, and genre-specific text features - like emanata - 7th and 8th graders attended a private screening of the new 2022 animated movie, THE BAD GUYS, at Merrick Cinemas 5.

To bring to life the characterization of Mr. Shark and his role as the "master of disguise" in THE BAD GUYS book series and the new 2022 animated movie, 8th graders received a paper doll version of Mr. Shark and created their own disguised character in a photo challenge!  The activity prepared students for their E.L.A. class field trip to see the movie adaptation of THE BAD GUYS. 8th graders also analyzed dramatic irony, reviewed comic text features (emanata, onomatopoeia, etc.), and read the first four books in the ongoing 14-book series to prepare! As a nod to Mr. Piranha's comfort food in the book series, the winner of the "Disguise Mr. Shark!" challenge received a gift card to Taco Bell and an award certificate!