NOVEL: FINAL DRAFT/CHARACTER WHEEL

SENIORS: Congratulations, you are done with your novel--at least for my class.  Some of you may want to continue with it on your own for publication (which would be awesome!).  Go back to Nanowrimo: there will be instructions as to how to publish your novel. 

Make sure you bring your ID upon our return on Jan.5: we will be going to the library to get copies of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

SOPHOMORES: Periods 2 and 3 finished the movie and the movie question handout.  Periods 6 and 7 created a character wheel for one of the jurors. Since it would be confusing to try to provide a visual for this assignment, please see me ASAP upon our return from winter break to make up the work.

To alliterate, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday hiatus!

 

 

GUEST SPEAKER/MOVIE

SENIORS: We had a guest speaker: a PLHS alumni who talked about Life After High School.  She covered a variety of topics, such as college expectations and needed life skills, and she answered questions from the class.

Continue with your editing because tomorrow is the last day you'll have to complete and polish your novel!

SOPHOMORES:  Periods 2 and 3 had guest speakers: PLHS alumni who talked about Life After High School.  They covered a variety of topics, such as college expectations and needed life skills, and they answered questions from the class. 
We will finish the movie tomorrow.

Periods 6 and 7 finished the movie and worked on completing the handout. 

EDITING YOUR NOVEL/MOVIE HANDOUT

SENIORS: Many of you still have not met your word count goal; you MUST reach the benchmarks to get the points.  After that, you can delete sections of your novel you don't care for.  Don't wait until the last minute to share your work with me; I don't want any surprises, nor do you as I will not accept sloppy, I-need-to-throw-something-together-at-the-last-minute writing.

SOPHOMORES: We are continuing with the 12 Angry Men movie.  If you need to review the movie, you can find the version we are watching on Amazon: you can rent it or buy it.  If you are looking for a free copy, the older, 1957 version is available online; you will be able to answer most of the questions on the handout while watching the older version.

GRAMMAR/MOVIE HANDOUT

SENIORS: We finished the grammar section in the Release Your Inner Editor packet.  Now, use that knowledge to make corrections to your novel.

SOPHOMORES: We began watching the 1997 version of 12 Angry Men.  There is a worksheet for you to fill out as you watch the movie.  See me ASAP for your copy of the handout if you were absent.  If you need to jog your memory about the play, there is a link for that on my Friday, Dec.12 blog.

GRAMMAR/INTERIM ASSESSMENT

SENIORS: Time is winding down, and your finalized, in-its-most-wonderful-condition novel will be due this Friday at the end of the period.  Remember, you still must meet your word count goal before deleting anything from your novel.  

Today, we went over grammar issues you could be having with your novel. We worked on the last three pages in your Unleash Your Inner Editor packet (pages 82-84).  Do the exercises in the packet, turn it in to me for credit, and use those reminders as you edit your novel.

SOPHOMORES: The district has mandated that you take an Interim Assessment test by Dec.19, so today seemed the least intrusive-to-instruction day that I could find.  Sorry about that and good luck on the test.

REVISION/CHARACTER CHART

SENIORS: Please focus on completing your word count this weekend.  We will be getting into grammar corrections on Monday, finalizing the novel for Friday.  We will be starting a new unit when we return from winter break.

SOPHOMORES: We spent today completing some assignments: the character chart, the questions from Act II and Act III, and revisions of the Expository Essay. If you need a copy of the play 12 Angry Men, click on this link.  If you are revising your Expository Essay, you need to reshare it with me; title it Period #, Last name, First name, Revision.
Example: 2 Smith Mary, Revision. 

BOOK REVIEW #2/ACT III

ALL CLASSES: I had a sub on Wednesday.  The assignment was to write a review based on your Independent Reading Book.  Click on this link for those instructions.  Share your review with me on Google Docs. Title it Book Review #2.

SENIORS: Besides the book review, you also needed to turn in the Unleash Your Inner Editor packet (pages 77-81).

SOPHOMORES: We finished Act III and answered the following questions in your notebook.  Title it Act III. 

1. State in your own words the argument Juror Ten makes during his monologue for the guilt of the defendant.
2. Explain why most of the other jurors turn their backs on Juror Ten during his monologue.
3. Juror four changes his vote to "not guilty" after the evidence he believes is most damning is shown to be doubtful.  What does this tell you about Juror Four?
4. Explain in detail the character traits that make Juror Three give in at the end. 

NOVEL REVISION/ACT II

SENIORS: Remember, you have to make your word count before doing deletions; I keep checking many of your novels and I'm not seeing any improvement with the benchmarks.  Don't let your grade suffer because of this!

SOPHOMORES:  We read Act II; in your notebook, under the title Act II, respond to the following: 
1. At the end of Act II, Juror Three shouts, "I'll kill him!"  What is the significance of this statement at this point in the play?
2. Suppose the defendant had had a first-rate attorney. What objective might that attorney have tried to achieve in cross-examining each of these witnesses?  In other words, what information would he have gotten or learned from these people that would have helped the defendant?
          a. the shopkeeper who sold the knife
          b. the old man who lived downstairs
          c. the woman who lived across the street


 

READER REVIEW & INNER EDITOR/DRAMA TERMS, REMINDS ME OF, SETTING

SENIORS: Friday was the due date for the second Reader Review sheet.  Today you received the Inner Editor packet (see ASAP for this packet if you were absent).  Pages 77-81 are due at the end of the period Wednesday.

SOPHOMORES: Friday you did some work in your notebook: under the title Drama Terms, copy the information on this link; under the title Reminds Me Of, look at the character descriptions on pages 1 and 2 of the play 12 Angry Men (click on this link for a copy of the play), make a list of the characters, and then think of someone in your life that is similar to each character.  Monday, we finished Act I; in your notebook, under the title Setting, respond to the questions on this link.

FEEDBACK #2/PLAY VOCAB

SENIORS: By now you have finished with the first peer edit; today you will read the novel of a different student and give that person your responses.  If you don't have a new Reader Review Worksheet, see me for one ASAP.  This worksheet will be due at the end of the period tomorrow.

SOPHOMORES: Before reading the play 12 Angry Men, some vocabulary needs to be front-loaded.  Click on this link for lists of words from the play and familiarize yourself with them.

FEEDBACK/JURY DUTY QUESTIONS

SENIORS: You should have completed the first Reader Review Worksheet and given it to me.  Tomorrow you will start the second Reader Review Worksheet with a different partner.  Many of you still haven't finished your word count for your novel: this is still a requirement.  Your final grade will go down significantly if you don't complete your word count, so keep writing!

SOPHOMORES: What is involved with the jury system?  Answer the questions on this link and electronically share your responses with me.

PEER EDITING/CATEGORIES

SENIORS: During this week, you will be providing feedback to two other classmates, and those classmates will be providing feedback to you.  There is a handout to fill out for each classmate, one of which will be due at the end of the period on Wednesday and the other will be due at the end of the period on Friday.  If you have been absent, please see me right away.

SOPHOMORES: Look at the handout with the boxes of words on it; these words have been organized based on the letter of the alphabet that they begin with.  Now it's time to think about how these words connect to each other.  On a Google Doc, reorganize the words into different categories; find connections within the words and title each category based on that connection.  For example, you could create a category titled JOBS and then list any words on the handout that fit: JOBS--attorney, bailiff, judge, stenographer.  Some categories will have many words, some not so many.  Some words might appear in more than one category.  Look at the words, see relationships, create categories, title those categories, and share with me on Google Docs.  When you share this with me, title it Period Number (2, 3, 6, or 7), Last Name, First Name, Categories. 

REVISION/AGREE-DISAGREE & WORD BOXES

WELCOME BACK!  I hope your Thanksgiving Break was restful and productive; mine certainly was.

SENIORS: As it is December 1st, Nanowrimo is officially over.  Congratulations to those of you who completed your word count.  Now we move on into making your novel better through revision and editing.  For this entire week, two other students from class will be looking at your novel (as you will be looking over theirs), making suggestions and noticing things that need fixing, clarification, or elaboration.  Your goal today (or tonight as the case may be) to prepare your novel for the eyes of others.  If there is a part of your novel that you would prefer that others not see (i.e., graphic nature or too personal), then print out your novel and delete the parts you don't want to share.  Bring that hard copy to class tomorrow.

SOPHOMORES: We're beginning a new unit: Drama.  We will be doing a Readers Theatre presentation of the play 12 Angry Men as well as watching a video version.  In order for you to understand the playwright's message, you should have some knowledge of what is involved with our justice system.  There is a handout you need to fill out.  I cannot create a link for it, so see me ASAP for your copy. 

NANO/EXPOSITORY

SENIORS: The last week of writing for Nanowrimo is approaching; unfortunately, it arrives during Thanksgiving break--that might be a help to some of you as you might have extra time to write.  The rest of you will need to find the time.  The last day to input your novel into the Nano word validator box is Nov. 30; it shuts down and will not accept any more words starting Dec.1.

SOPHOMORES: Your Expository essay was due at the end of the period today.  If you haven't finished it, you have homework over Thanksgiving break.  We will begin a new unit when we return from break.


                                                      HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !       

NANO/HIGHLIGHT & EASYBIB

SENIORS: I need to see what you are writing; many of you still haven't shared your work with me.  It doesn't have to be finished; share it with me now.  Perhaps you think you shared your work, but I didn't receive it.  So, try again.

SOPHOMORES: To avoid confusion as to what you should highlight and identify in your Expository essay, here is the list for you to follow:
1. Three types of evidence (Be specific--Is it a statistic? A quote from an authority? What?)
2. Two types of text structure (Just the first few words, not the entire thing)
3. At least one example each of Logos and Ethos.
4. Your hook (What kind?)

Some of you are having problems with creating your Works Cited page.  First, my advice is to use Easybib; that will save you many headaches.  However, some of you are experiencing problems with the "looks" of the Works Cited page; mainly, that everything is aligned to the left margin and you're not being allowed to indent.  Here are some instructions on how to fix that; there are two different sets of instructions--pick the set that works for you. 

1. Highlight the line that needs to be indented
2. Control C
3. Delete
4. Tab
5. Control V
                                                                   OR
1. Click the cursor at the end of the line above the line you want to indent
2. Hit the Enter key (that makes the cursor go to the line you want to indent)
3. Hit the Tab key   

NANO/EXPOSITORY

SENIORS: I know it's tough, but you need to push through!  Give yourself time to write every day--don't just rely on class time to reach your word count. Thanksgiving break is coming up; some of you will be able to take advantage of that and some of you won't--plan your time accordingly.

SOPHOMORES: As you look through your notes and craft your essay, make sure you are checking the prompt: remember, there are certain requirements that have to be present in order for you to receive a good grade.  Ask yourself these questions: Do I have an example of logos?  Do I have an example of ethos?  Do I have three different types of evidence?  Is my essay written in MLA style?  Have I created a Works Cited page?  Have I cited my sources correctly?  The due date for full credit is this Friday, Nov.21, at the end of the period.  Of course, if you need to, you can continue to work on your essay after that time, but it will be late and your score will drop one grade.

For a sample Works Cited page, click on this link. 

If you've lost your copy of the prompt, click on this link. 

NANO/IN-TEXT CITATIONS

SENIORS: I know you've probably "hit a wall" with your writing, but you must persevere.  I've looked at a lot of advice from professional writers, and the one piece of advice that keeps coming up is to take your characters somewhere else, or put them in a different time of their lives.  It doesn't have to have anything to do with the plot that you have established.  The purpose is to shake things up in your mind now so that you can continue with your novel later.

Remember to always do two things every time you write: 1) Share what you've written with me on Google Docs, and 2) Copy and paste what you've written into Nano's word validator box.

SOPHOMORES: Many of you are using information from websites.  Click on this link for examples of how to write in-text citations from the internet.  For all other examples, go to the November 7 blog and click on the link.

NANO/HOOKS & STRUCTURE

SENIORS: Continue writing your novel.  You should try to write more than you normally would, as next week is Thanksgiving break and you might not have the time then.  Of course, some of you might be able to use the break to really "take off" with your writing; just be aware of this big chunk of time coming up and how might be able to use it to your advantage.

I'm still checking Nano packets, so bring yours tomorrow.

SOPHOMORES: At this point, you should have most, if not all, of your research done.  Now is the time to start crafting your Expository essay.  There are a couple of ways to go about this.  Some people like to begin at the beginning, so click on this link for the list of "hooks" authors use to introduce their topics. 

If you're having trouble thinking of a start to your essay, think about how you are going to organize your information: look at your evidence and appeals to see if you can figure out which text structures to use.  Find the text structure handout you received at the beginning of this unit to help you.

Remember, the due date for this essay is Friday, Nov. 21.

NANO/EXPOSITORY ESSAY

SENIORS: Keep writing!  If you get stuck, look through your Nano character packet and your notebook (you did several short writing assignments that you might be able to rework into your novel). I'm still checking Nano character packets; so if I haven't seen yours, remember to bring it to class tomorrow.

SOPHOMORES: Keep working on the research for your Expository Essay.  I am still checking notebooks; so if I haven't seen yours, remember to bring it to class tomorrow.

NANO/EXPOSITORY RESEARCH

SENIORS: Continue working on your word count goal of 10,000 words by Saturday, Nov. 15, 3 pm.  In order for you to receive credit (or at least partial credit) for that goal, you must also share your work with me.  Remember, when you share, the title must be: 1 Last name First name, Nano.

SOPHOMORES: I spoke with many of you during class about your topics; some of you are in good shape, while some of you need to clarify what you're trying to accomplish.  Remember, this essay is about the importance of your topic, not just random facts or a "how to" paper.  

I also started a Notebook Check which will continue all this week, so remember to bring your notebook to class every day. 

BENCHMARK #2/EASYBIB

SENIORS: You are now moving on to the 2nd benchmark of creating 50% of your novel by 3pm on Saturday, Nov. 15.  Many of you are way behind with your word count; you must give yourself time to write!  Even if you don't have any ideas, look at the assignments you've done--try using something from them.  Look at the List of Lists at the back of your Nano packet and use some of those suggestions.  The bottom line is you must keep writing!

There will be a Notebook Check on Wednesday, Nov. 12; there will be a check of your Nano packet on Thursday, Nov. 13.  I won't get through all of the notebooks and packets, but everyone needs to be ready just in case I collect yours on that day.

SOPHOMORES: Creating a Works Cited page can be difficult and confusing.  There are websites that can help you with that; the one I would try first is called Easybib.  Here is the link; give it a try.  If that one doesn't work for you, there are other websites, many of them free of charge.

There will be a Notebook Check on Wednesday, Nov. 12.  I won't get through all the notebooks on Wednesday, but everyone needs to be ready just in case I collect yours on that day.

POSTING YOUR NOVEL ON NANO/IN-TEXT CITATIONS, WORKS CITED PAGE

SENIORS: After every writing session, you should post your novel from Google Docs into Nanowrimo.  Here is a link on how to do that.  I will be checking your word count starting at 3 pm tomorrow (Saturday).  I also need to read what you are writing, so share what you have with me.  Remember to title it: 1 Last name First name, Nano.

There will be a Notebook Check starting on Wednesday, Nov.12.  Here is a link to the titles of the assignments.

SOPHOMORES: When writing an Expository essay, it is important to cite your sources; this prevents plagiarism.  It doesn't matter if you are using a direct quote or you are paraphrasing, you must cite your source.  Here is a link to help you.  Another requirement is the creation of a Works Cited page.  Here are some links to show you what that looks like: Link #1; Link #2.

Sometimes, it is helpful to summarize an article in order to understand it and find out if it will be useful to you.  Pick any of the articles we've read so far (Green Day, Baseball Palaces, Hospital Hand Washing, Peta Sues Seaworld, Fast Food), reread it and share with me a summary.  Use this template to write your summary.  Remember to title your work correctly when sharing with me: Period  Last name  First name, Summary  (2 Jones Joe, Summary). The due date for this assignment is tonight at 6pm.

Lastly, there will be a Notebook Check starting on Wednesday, Nov.12.  Here is a link to the titles of the assignments.

NANO/EXPOSITORY PROMPT

SENIORS: Keep those fingers flying!  I'll be checking for that first benchmark this coming Saturday at 3pm.

SOPHOMORES: You received the prompt for the Expository Essay; you can click on this link for an overview, but see me ASAP for your own hard copy as there is information on the back of the handout that you need to fill out.

Start thinking about a topic for your essay; your topic choice is due Monday, November 10.

Here is the link to introductory hooks.

For those of you who received a low grade on your Narrative, here is how you can improve it: 1) Look on the Oct.13 blog; on it is a link to all the elements of a story that should be present and identified.  2) Look on the Sept. 19 blog; on it are two links that list or illustrate MLA style.  3) Look at my comments on your narrative and make your corrections.  4) Since I delete work after I grade it, you will need to reshare your story with me, and you will need to put a new title on it.  Here is what that title should look like: 2 (your period) Jones (last name) Joe (first name) Revision (what are you sharing with me)---
2 Jones Joe Revision
Revisions must be shared by November 14; I will not look at any revisions after that date.
   

NANO/COUNSELOR PRESENTATIONS

SENIORS: Stay focused on your novel writing; if you get stuck, look through your Nano packet--the list of lists at the back of the packet can help you conquer your writer's block.  The Nanowrimo website also has some good advice.

SOPHOMORES: The counselors were in the classroom today with helpful information on what you need to do to be successful in high school and beyond.
 

NANO/TEXT STRUCTURE: CAUSE-EFFECT; FAST FOOD

SENIORS: Keep writing!  Don't let your "inner editor" tell you that what you're writing is no good; you'll fix it in December when we get into revising and editing.  The important thing now is to get those ideas out of your head and into your novel.

SOPHOMORES: The class worked on the last of the text structures: Cause-Effect.  All of the following work goes into your notebook under the title Fast Food. Look at the graphic organizer for Cause-Effect on the Five Expository Text Structures handout.  Using that graphic organizer (draw it in your notebook), read this article (here is the link; don't forget to read the information in the side box) and transfer the information from the article into the graphic organizer. After that is complete, go over the article again, reading for appeals and evidence.  Write down examples and label them.

Examples: "It's like something a mad scientist would come up with." Pathos
"McDonald's is the largest purchaser of potatoes in the United States." Fact

Try to find at least one example for each type of appeal and each type of evidence; if an example isn't there, don't worry about it.
 
 

NANO 25% GOAL/TEXT STRUCTURE: DESCRIPTION--PETA

SENIORS: You're working on your novel for Nanowrimo, shooting for the goal of having 25% of your word count goal (5,000) by this Saturday.  Remember, it's not important to start at the beginning of your story; start at any point that is vivid in your mind.  You can puts events in their proper order later.  Just keep writing!

SOPHOMORES: The focus was on the text structure of description.  You will need to get a copy of the article from me ASAP so that you can do the annotations that I require. 

NANO BEGINS TOMORROW!/SEQUENCE & PROBLEM/SOLUTION

SENIORS: Last-minute preparations abound! Fill out that packet so you have ideas for your novel, the writing of which begins TOMORROW!!!  Your word-count goal is 20,000 words; there will be a benchmark of 5,000 words for each week.  Each benchmark will be worth 100 points; if you don't reach your benchmark, you'll get a %.  For example, if you reach 2,500 words at the end of the first week, you'll receive 50 points.  Write your novel in Google Docs, then copy and paste into the Nano box; there will be an automatic word count of what you paste.  Happy Writing!

SOPHOMORES: We covered the text structures of Problem/Solution and Sequence.  Click on this link for the directions for Problem/Solution; click on this link for the directions for Sequence.  Click on this link for the Hospital article.  Click on these links for the Green Day article; Page 1 and Page 2.

NANO PREP/TYPES OF TEXT STRUCTURE, BASEBALL PALACE:COMPARE/CONTRAST

ALL CLASSES: Due to my absence, there was no blog on Wednesday.  This blog will cover both Wednesday and today.

SENIORS: Continue working in your Nana packet: the more areas you complete, the less stress you'll have come this Saturday.

SOPHOMORES: Wednesday-- You received two handouts. The first handout, titled Five Expository Text Structures and their Associated Signal Words, is for you to keep so that you can refer back to it during this unit. The second handout didn't really have a title; it was a worksheet that gave you some practice with the five structures.  See me ASAP to get your copies of both handouts.

Thursday-- The focus was on the text structure Compare/Contrast.  Click on this link for the directions.  Click on this link for the article you should read. 

NANO STUFF/SUMMARY FORM

SENIORS: In order to get started with Nano, you need to fill out some forms. Click on this link to get started.  See me if you have any problems.

SOPHOMORES: Today's focus was on the different types of evidence.  In your notebook, titled Matching Evidence, click on this link and write the answers (also in your notebook).  Then read the article on these links; Page 1 and Page 2.  Find one example of each type of evidence in the article and write that example in your notebook right underneath your previous answers.

NANO PACKET/BIAS

SENIORS: I distributed a packet that will help you organize your ideas and your time for Nanowrimo.  Please see me ASAP for this packet.  You will be working with it all this week in preparation for your novel, the writing of which begins this Saturday!

SOPHOMORES: How do you detect bias in writing?  How do you keep bias out of your writing?  The following exercise will help you: click on this link and read the article Kids are Kids. Then, in your notebook under the title Bias, make a list of words and phrases that are emotionally charged, that make you feel that the author is trying to persuade you.  After you finish with the list, pick any 4 sequential paragraphs and rewrite them in a neutral tone.

PROSE RHYTHM/HOW DO WRITERS INTRODUCE IDEAS?

SENIORS: Click on this link for information about prose rhythm.  Then, go back into your action sequence from yesterday and rewrite parts of your story incorporating both short and long sentences; make sure that the sentence length supports the idea you're trying to get across.

SOPHOMORES: How do writers introduce ideas? With that question as your title, copy what is on this link in your notebook.  After that, you will need to come to my room during an Advisory day to complete the assignment as it has several parts and is too complicated to relate in a blog.

CONTINUATION/TEXT FEATURES & MAIN IDEA

SENIORS: Finish the assignment from yesterday and share with me; due at the end of the period.

SOPHOMORES: There were handouts that, due to their format, I was not able to create links for on this blog.  Please see me ASAP and ask for the following handouts: 1) Text Features, 2) Rattlesnake Rustlers, and 3) Main Idea.

ACTION & DIALOGUE/EXPOSITORY POWER POINT

SENIORS: I've read a lot of boring fight and sports scenes.  Look over what's written on this website, including the comments.  Do you agree or disagree with what you read?  What will you try to avoid if you write a fight/sport scene?

Next, go back to yesterday's blog and read the sections from 7 Craft Lessons titled Write a Thrilling Action Sequence and Use Dialogue to Create Conflict.  Then, click on the link to the writing exercises and follow the directions for Write a Thrilling Action Sequence and Use Dialogue to Create Conflict.  Start off with two characters talking and arguing with each other, which then escalates into an action sequence.  Write about a page and share it with me on Googledocs; title it Action.  

SOPHOMORES:  Today we start a new unit: Expository Writing.  Click on the link to this power point and take notes in your notebook on the differences between Narrative, Expository, and Persuasive writing.

7 CRAFT LESSONS: SETTING & APPEARANCE/FLASHBACKS & FINAL DRAFT

All classes: My apologies for not having a blog entry yesterday, the first day I've missed this semester.  I promise to do better.

SENIORS: Add two writing exercises to your notebook, based on the handout I gave on Monday.  See me for the handout or check out these 3 links: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3.  Read the section called Describe a Place.  In your notebook, under the title Setting, follow the exercise instructions on this link for writing a setting. Concentrate on creating significant details, and your writing should take up, roughly, a page.  Then, read the section called Develop a Character's Interior Life and, in your notebook, under the title Appearance, follow the directions on the Writing Exercises link.  Again, concentrate on using significant details, and write for, roughly, one page.

SOPHOMORES: Many of you are trying to incorporate a flashback into your story; however, some of the flashbacks that I've been reading need more development. Click on this link to review what should happen with a flashback.  Look back at Marriage is a Private Affair and The Bracelet to refresh your memory on how flashbacks were used in those stories. The rest of the class time was used to work on creating your final drafts which was due today at the end of the period.

MOTIVATION/PEER EDIT

SENIORS: What is motivation?  What motivates a character's actions in a story? Click on the following links to read a short story that has been divided up in numbered paragraphs.  Link to page 1; link to page 2; link to page 3.The entire story is written from the point of view of one character; we never see or hear the other character(s).  In between each paragraph, create the character(s) that our protagonist is responding to.  What makes him or her respond the way s/he does? Click on this link to see an example of what your work should look like.

SOPHOMORES: Today you gave and received some feedback from a peer in the class. Try to concentrate on identifying the different elements of a story that we have been talking about.  Click on the following 2 links for lists of what should be in your story.  First link; second link. Remember, this story is due Tuesday, Oct.21.  If you don't think you'll be finished with your final draft on that date by working on it just in class, then you have to work on it as homework.

Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey; it's for our WASC certification, so it's important for the school.  Thank you, and here is the link.

BATHROOMS & GOOD VILLAINS/COMMAS

SENIORS: Two assignments to go in your notebook. The first, titled Bathrooms, was a 7-minute freewrite describing different bathrooms you've experienced.  After writing, go back and circle the concrete details and underline the significant details.  If you find that you don't have any significant details, put some in.

     The second assignment, titled The Good Villain, asked you to find a good quality in a bad person.  The idea behind this assignment is to write realistic characters: everyone is not all good, nor are they all bad.  Click on this link to see the specific directions for this writing exercise. 

SOPHOMORES: We did more review work on commas; due to the format of that handout, I am not able to put it on my blog.  Please see me ASAP for a copy.  The rest of the period was devoted to working on turning the rough draft of your short story into a final draft (due Tuesday, Oct. 21).

PSAT

ALL CLASSES: The PSAT was administered today.  Seniors, keep thinking about ideas for your novel; Sophomores, continue working on the final draft of your short story (due Tuesday, Oct. 21).

SCARY TIME/COMMA SPLICES

SENIORS: More practice with concrete and significant detail.  Click on this link for the work you should put in your notebook under the title Scary Time.

Tomorrow is the PSAT for Sophomores (and some Juniors), which I have to proctor in my room.  Go straight to the Big Gym and make contact with anyone who looks like they're taking attendance.

SOPHOMORES: There was a mini-lesson on comma splices. Click on this link for practice you should put in your notebook under the title  Comma Splices. The rest of the period was dedicated to revising the rough draft of your short story.

Remember, tomorrow is the PSAT; go to your assigned testing room instead of your regular 1st period class.  The PSAT lasts from periods 1-4.

FIRST DRAFTS/ROUGH DRAFT DUE

SENIORS: In your notebook, under the title Freewrite Weekend, spend 5 minutes writing about anything that pops into your mind about this past weekend. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, syntax,etc.--just keep the pen moving, without stopping, for 5 solid minutes. 

Also, you read an article that gave some good advice about writing a first draft. You were to annotate for every paragraph, including the text feature at the top of the page giving information about the author. Due to its format, I couldn't put the article on my blog, so get a copy from me ASAP.

SOPHOMORES: First, we reviewed MLA format. I will be taking 5 points off of work not shared with me in MLA format. Next, I showed you how to find old information on past blogs (type the keyword in the search box located in the upper left hand corner).  Lastly, you had time to finish your rough draft, due at the end of the period today.  Don't forget to highlight and identify the elements I'm looking for in the rough draft.  In case you've forgotten, here is the link to what needs to be present.  Also, when you highlight, pick ONE pastel color; I find it distracting when I read papers that have bold, multicolored highlights. 

CONCRETE AND SIGNIFICANT DETAILS/ROUGH DRAFT

SENIORS: You worked in your groups of 4 to rewrite a paragraph using significant details.  Here is the link describing the difference between concrete and significant details.  That link also has the paragraph that needs revision.  Put the revised paragraph in your notebook under the title Concrete and Significant Details.

SOPHOMORES: You had class time to work on the rough draft of your short story. Here is the link (again) for what needs to be present in the rough draft.  Besides having those elements present, you need to highlight and identify where they appear in the rough draft.  You won't need to highlight and identify dialogue because that will be obvious due to punctuation.  You might not have a clear theme yet that you can highlight; so for that, just write your theme at the bottom of the rough draft.

Also, in order to make your descriptions more vivid, I introduced the techniques of using concrete and significant details.  Here is the link for examples.  Ignore the paragraph that begins, "I was quite poor..." 

DEFINITION OF FICTION/EPIPHANY

SENIORS: First you had a focused freewrite. Here is the link to the directions.  Then, in your group of four, you read an article about the definition of fiction, discussing with your group what you agreed with and what you disagreed with.  Here is the link to the article.  We finished by making a whole class T-Chart, listing the observations of the groups.

SOPHOMORES: Today you worked with the concept of the epiphany, that time in a character's life when s/he has a sudden realization. Create a Google Doc, then follow the directions on this link and share with me. The rest of the period was devoted to working on the rough draft of your short story which is due Monday, Oct. 13.

BOOK REVIEW

All classes: Today you wrote a book review based on an Independent Reading Book that you are reading or have read.  The review needed to be three paragraphs long, based on prompts.  Here is a link to the prompts.  The book review was due at the end of the period.

SHOW UP FOR WORK/SHOW AND TELL

SENIORS: What kinds of commitments do authors need to make?  Read the article Show Up for Work and answer some questions.  I can't put the article on my blog, so get a copy from me ASAP.  However, here is a link to the questions.  Put the answers in your notebook under the title Show Up for Work.

SOPHOMORES: We went over what I expect to see in both the rough and final drafts of your short story.   Here is a link to that information.  Your rough draft is due Monday, Oct. 13. We also went over the concept of writing known as Show and Tell.  Here is a link that gives examples of the differences between showing a reader what is happening in a story and telling a reader what is happening. Also, if you don't have any ideas for a short story, here is a link to some prompts that might help.

STORY IDEAS

ALL CLASSES: We worked on creating a well of story ideas for your next big assignment.  If you are a Senior, that assignment is writing a novel for Nanowrimo; if you are a Sophomore, that assignment is writing a short story.  Ideas can come from anywhere; they can come from your experiences, your interests, your triumphs, your sadnesses--or they could come from something you learned about/from someone else. They can be based on fact or fly out of your imagination.  Most everyone will have a different starting point, so don't worry about comparing yourself to what others are doing; each of you will have your own process.
     In your notebook, under the title Your Turn (Seniors) or Ideas (Sophomores), "Write down 10 things that might possibly serve as story ideas, drawing from things that happened to you over the past week--people, emotions, thoughts, situations.  Nothing is too big or small, cosmic or microscopic.  Then, review your list and pick the idea that looks the most promising for a story.  The right idea will probably give you a buzz when you see it.  Then list several ways in which this idea might be turned into a fictional story.  Will your idea result in a brilliant story?  Maybe, maybe not.  But you'll probably discover how plentiful ideas can be." (Writing Fiction, Gotham Writers' Workshop Faculty, 12).

FINAL DRAFT/WORK REVIEW

SENIORS: Your final draft was due today at the end of Period 1.  I will be reading them over the weekend.  Start thinking about story possibilities as we will begin preparing for Nanowrimo on Monday.

SOPHOMORES: We reviewed many past assignments.  It is important to understand the techniques authors use to create interesting stories as we will begin the process of writing your own short story on Monday.  

You may still turn in missing assignments for partial credit.  Check Gradebook to see if there is anything you need to do.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

DRAFT/TILTED NAKED WEIRDO

SENIORS: Continue working on your paper, getting it into final draft form for this Friday.  Also, I passed out a flyer about Senior Ads for the Yearbook.  If you were absent or lost your copy, see me.



 SOPHOMORES: Why do we write?  That question gets answered in the article we read today titled Tilted Naked Weirdo.  Due to its format, I can't create a link for that article, so you'll need to get a copy from me; however, here is the link to the questions you need to answer (put the answers in your notebook under the title Why We Write).

FINAL DRAFT/YES-NO

SENIORS: You are now in the final push to finish your letter or statement.  The final draft is due at the end of the period this Friday.

SOPHOMORES: Today we talked about diction and tone.  Click on this link for part of the assignment which you will share with me as a new document.  Click on this link for the other part of the assignment which you will share with me as a new document. Both of these assignments are due tomorrow by 6pm.

GRAMMAR PRETEST/PLOT ROLLERCOASTER

SENIORS: To help you recognize grammar errors in your writing, you took a grammar "test."  Due to the format of the test, I'm not able to put it on my blog, so see me ASAP for a copy.

Continue working on either your letter of introduction or personal statement. It will be due this Friday at the end of the period.

SOPHOMORES: Continue working on the story chart; it is due tonight at 6pm.  Also, remember when you did Nanowrimo?  Remember the "plot rollercoaster"?  Here is a link to remind you.  Identify the different elements of a plot for each story on the story chart.  All you have to do is list the elements and identify when they happen in each story.  So you are looking for 
1.exposition  2. inciting incident  3. rising action  4. climax  5. falling action  6. conclusion

Example: The Bracelet  1. exposition--the history of the gifts  2. inciting incident--the gift of the diamond bracelet 3.etc.  This list is due Wednesday at 6pm. 

PEER EDIT/STORY CHART

SENIORS: Today your rough drafts were edited by your peers.  Keep working on your drafts, remembering that the final draft is due by the end of the period this Friday, Oct. 3.

SOPHOMORES: You worked in groups today, filling out a chart to identify the different elements in the 4 stories we've read.  Here is a link to that chart.  What you don't finish becomes homework.  The due date for this assignment is Tuesday, September 30, at 6pm.

DRAFT/THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

SENIORS: Continue working on your rough draft.  On Monday I will ask you to share it with me and print a hard copy to do a small read around.

SOPHOMORES: Read Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken.  Here is a link to the poem.  What is the theme (message) of the poem?   What is the symbolism?  Read the poem carefully, as the meaning isn't as clear as it looks.

I will be doing a notebook check on Monday; make sure you have everything we've done and that everything has the right title.

Here is a list of what you should have in your notebook:
Freewrite #1
True/False
Review Terms
Strength/Needs
The Flowers questions
Marriage is a Private Affair Vocab
Roadrunner cartoon questions
Why Should Characters Struggle
Dialogue
5 Senses Chart 
Imagery Examples
Imagery Paragraph
Reminiscing
The Bracelet Vocab

DRAFT/THE BRACELET

SENIORS: Continue working on the rough draft of your personal statement (college) or letter of introduction (career).  The draft is due Monday; it must be typed and ready to share on Google Docs.

 SOPHOMORES: You are now ready to read The Bracelet.  Click on this link for the story. Copy and paste the story on to Google Docs.  You might notice that there are embedded questions.  Answer them on the document as you read, then share with me on Google Docs.  This assignment is due tonight by 6pm.

DRAFT/"THE BRACELET VOCAB"

SENIORS: You began composing the draft of your letter of introduction (if you're going into the work force) or your personal statement (if you're going to college).  You will have class time Thursday and Friday to compose and ask for advice.  The rough draft your writing needs to be typed by Monday, September 29.

SOPHOMORES: Our next short story uses the protagonist's memories to create the theme.  To help understand that concept, I want you to do the following (in your notebook). Click on this link for the directions.  After that, we need to front-load some vocabulary.  In your notebook, under the title The Bracelet Vocab, follow the directions on this link. 

LETTER FRAMEWORK/IMAGERY EXERCISES

SENIORS: I distributed a packet to help guide you in the writing of your letter of introduction or personal statement.  See me for your copy of the packet ASAP.  We will be working on drafting your letter/statement; the rough draft will be due Monday, September 29.  It must be typed on Google Docs so you can share it with me.

SOPHOMORES: The next short story we will be reading uses a lot of imagery to get its theme across. So today we focused on different imagery exercises; all of the work goes into your notebook.  The first assignment is titled 5 Senses Chart; click on this link to see the format.  Try to pick examples that bring back memories; but if you can't complete the chart that way, use current examples.  The second assignment is titled Imagery Examples. Click on this link for that assignment and follow the directions.  The last thing was did is titled Imagery; read the paragraph and list the words that mentally stimulate one of your five senses and identify which sense is being stimulated (basically, it's the same directions for Imagery Examples). Click on this link for that paragraph.

FILL OUT THIS FORM!

ALL CLASSES: I need information from you, no matter what period you're in.  Fill out this form and submit it to me immediately.

FAQ SHEET/CONFLICT CREATES GROWTH ESSAY

SENIORS: I continued with the notebook check while you surfed the web to create a personal FAQ sheet.  You will have Monday to continue with the search as there are a wide variety of websites for you look over.  There are questions you will need to answer; click on this link for some of those questions.  You will need to see me for the FAQ sheet.

If I didn't get to see your notebook because you were absent, make sure the absences are excused so that you can still receive full credit.

SOPHOMORES: We went over how to write in MLA format; click on this link and this link for examples.  Using MLA format, write a 2-3 paragraph essay describing which character from Marriage is a Private Affair grew the most (this is in keeping with Dan Barden's claim that conflict creates growth).  Click on this link for a template that will help you guide your thinking. If you need to refresh your memory about the story, the link to that is on last Friday's blog.

HOLLAND'S THEORY/WHY CHARACTERS STRUGGLE

SENIORS: In continuing the deliberation as to whether you should go to college or start your career, click on this link to determine your personality type.  Follow the directions on the website; feel free to browse.

SOPHOMORES: Why should characters struggle?  Read this article to find out; here is the link.  Once you've read the article, formulate a response; here is a link to a template to help you organize your thoughts.

4 Article Jigsaw/Roadrunner

SENIORS:  You got in your groups, and each group received a different article to read and then share with the class.  What was learned went in your notebook under the title Jigsaw Notes. I'm not able to put those articles on my blog; so if you were absent, see me during Advisory to make up the work.

SOPHOMORES: We went over the annotations (time shifts, character clues, conflicts) you discovered for Marriage is a Private Affair.  Make sure your annotations are complete and that you share your work; I'll be checking for that on Thursday, September 18.

After that, we continued the discussion about conflict by watching a cartoon and answering some questions.  The questions, along with the answers, go in your notebook under the title Roadrunner.  Here is the link to the questions.

Letter to a Trusted Friend/Marriage is a Private Affair

SENIORS: Continuing with your self-evaluation on your readiness for life after high school, write a letter to a trusted friend.  The instructions for this assignment are on this link.  Once you have finished writing the letter, go over it for grammatical errors and then share it with me through Google Docs.

SOPHOMORES: Continue with your annotations on the short story Marriage is a Private Affair.  So far, you have annotated for time shifts and character clues.  Now look for the different types of conflict.  When you have completed the annotations, answer the questions that are at the end of the story.  The link to the story is on the Friday, September 12 blog.

Confusion/Marriage is a Private Affair

 SENIORS: We spent a lot of time in metacognitive mode today with three different writing assignments to put in your notebook.  Here is the link to the first assignment; here is the link to the second assignment; and here is the link to the third assignment.  Read them and follow the instructions.

SOPHOMORES:  We began a new short story titled Marriage is a Private Affair; you will find a copy of the story on the Friday, September 12 blog.  Copy the story into Googledocs, and, using the space provided along the right hand side, annotate for shifts in time and characterization clues.

Remember to bring your Independent Reading Book (IRB) with you every day.

Intellectualism/Marriage is Private Affair Vocab

SENIORS:  We discussed the concept of intellectualism; what does it mean to be an intellectual, and could negative connotations of that word be keeping you from considering college as part of your future life-path?  Here is a link to the article.  As you read, stop from time to time to write down your thoughts: questions, agreements, disagreements, observations, ideas, comments, stories, things the text reminds you of--whatever.  Put those thoughts in your notebook under the title Intellectualism Stop and Jots.


SOPHOMORES:  We're focusing on a new short story, but before reading, you need to front-load some vocabulary.  Here is the link to the vocab work.  

We'll be reading this story a few times to pick up the different techniques an author can use to make a story interesting.  Here is the link to the story.  Read it first without stopping just to get familiar with the characters and the plot. We'll pick it apart on the next reading.

SENIORS: Some of you missed class today due to the special meeting in the PAC.  Here is the work you need to make up:

1. In your notebook, under the title Less Than Perfect, follow the instructions on this link.  Since we can all find many times when we were "less than perfect," try to pick a time in which you experienced significant personal growth.  What you write about here could be something that you could use in the letter you're going to write at the end of this unit.  Remember, you're trying to impress a potential college recruiter or employer.

2. We did some pre-reading vocabulary work.  You'll need to get the notes from a friend; put those notes under the title Vocab in your notebook.

3. The next article we'll be reading is a bit long, so get a head start on it; here is the link.


SOPHOMORES: Keeping in mind the concept that a character can have an "inner life," read the short story on this link.  When you have finished, answer the questions on this link.  Put your answers in your notebook under the title The Flowers Questions and formulate your answer so that I can know what the question was.

SENIORS: The class began with a notebook entry.  Under the title of A Trusted Opinion, follow the instructions on this link.

Next, read the article on this link.  In your notebook, under the title T & Q for Perez Reading, answer the questions on this link.

Lastly, there was a chart to fill out.  Click on this link to see what is involved with the chart.


SOPHOMORES: You read the short story Salvador, Late or Early; here is link to the story.  In your notebook, under the title Strengths and Needs, create a T-Chart; on the left side, list Salvador's strengths, and on the right side, list Salvador's needs.  There some questions for you to answer; find them on this link.

SENIORS: 

You did some "personal inventory" to get you thinking about your future. Do all of the following in your notebook under the title Activating Prior Knowledge.

First read Things to Think About on this link.

Next, read Activating Prior Knowledge on this link and answer the questions that pertain to you.

Then, look on this link for a list of words. Pick 10 words from the list that you feel describe you. When you are finished, add 5 to 10 words of your own.  By now you should have 15 to 20 words; rank them in order of which words represent you the most accurately.

Finally,  read Making Predictions and Asking Questions on this link and answer the questions.

Your homework is to share your word list with someone you trust and get their feedback: just how accurate were you with your choices?

SOPHOMORES:

We reviewed some literary terms from last year; you probably have a friend in one of my classes, so get the notes from them and put them in your notebook under the title Literary Terms.

We began the short story Salvador, Late or Early.  Here is a link to the story that you should read.  We will continue with the story tomorrow. 

SENIORS AND SOPHOMORES

You received your Netbooks today with the task of sharing your  All About Me essay on Googledocs.  If you didn't finish, it is HOMEWORK, or you can work on it during Advisory tomorrow.  The DEADLINE for sharing your essay with me is Wednesday.  When sharing your work and naming that file, there is a format you must follow: your period number, your complete name (even if it's hyphenated), and the title of the assignment.  Here is an example: 7 Gardham Jennifer, All About Me.  I will not grade any work that is not sent to me in that format.

Also, make sure you bring your INDEPENDENT READING BOOK with you everyday from now on.

SENIORS AND SOPHOMORES

I need a writing sample from all of you.  The title will be  All About Me, and the subject will be...you.  You are limited to three paragraphs, so you need to think about what is important.  There is a variety of ways to organize your thoughts: past, present, future; home life, school life, personal life; there is no wrong way to do this.  Have a final draft ready by Monday because then you will type your essay on a Netbook and share your essay with me through Googledocs.

SENIORS AND SOPHOMORES

Textbooks were issued today, and you worked on your Six Word Memoir.  If you didn't finish it, that is your homework to bring to class on Friday so that it can be displayed.

 SENIORS AND SOPHOMORES

The first thing you did today was to create a name tent.  Fold a piece of paper in half; in the middle (big and bold) write your first name.  In the upper left-hand corner, write an adjective that describes yourself; in the upper right-hand corner, write a hobby or interest that you have; in the lower left-hand corner, write a goal or aspiration; and in the lower right-hand corner, write either your favorite or least favorite class. Click on this link to see an example.  Click on this link to see another example.

The next thing was you wrote in your notebook.  Under the title, FREEWRITE #1, write for 5 minutes without stopping.  The goal is to keep your pen moving by writing down whatever comes to your mind.  You are not creating a character; you are not trying to be clever.  Let go and let whatever enters your mind flow onto the paper.  Spelling and punctuation do not count; if you make a mistake, don't bother to correct it: just keep writing.

After that, we played a game called TRUE/FALSE; under that title, in your notebook, write down 6 things about you that could be either true or false.  See if one of your friends can tell which are true and which are false.

Finally, we watched a short video titled Six Word Memoirs by Teens.  Tomorrow, you will be writing a six word memoir about yourself.  Here is the video to get some ideas.

Remember, tomorrow you are getting your textbooks from the library; bring your ID if you have it; if not, don't worry about it, the librarians have a Plan B.

Welcome Back Seniors!

This is my blog, and here is a link to the syllabus for this class. 

Make sure you bring a notebook for tomorrow, and look for an Independent Reading Book (due Monday, September 8).

The Netbook Agreement is due by Friday, September 5 for full credit.  Make sure both sides are signed.


Welcome Back Sophomores!

This is my blog, and here is a link to the syllabus for this class.

Make sure you bring a notebook for tomorrow, and look for an Independent Reading Book (due Monday, September 8).

The Netbook Agreement is due by Friday, September 5 for full credit.  Make sure both sides are signed. 

Last Poem Due, Presentation Practice, Due Dates

Your last poem is due today; by this time, all of your work should be turned in.  Tuesday is the last day I will accept late work.

Remember to bring all of your textbooks tomorrow, as we will be returning them to the library.  If you have an Independent Reading Book from my classroom, I will collect that on Tuesday as well.

Your poem presentations will be due on Tuesday.

Notebook checks will be done while you are taking the final.

Book Review, Due Dates

Your book review is due today.  Click on this link for ideas on how to respond, then share your review with me through Googledocs.

Your last poem will be due on Monday, and we will begin poem presentations.

Bring all of the textbooks you won't be needing for finals on Tuesday, as we are scheduled to do a book return on that day.  I will be collecting your Independent Reading Books on that date as well.  Also, we will finish the poem presentations.

Poem Due Today

Today is the due date for one of your poems; it could be any of the three that you are required to do: the slam, the sestina, or the sonnet.

Tomorrow, you will have class time to write your book review.

Monday, the last poem is due and we will begin the poem presentations.  Remember, you can pick any of the poems you've written, you don't have to have it memorized, but you do need to present it with some feeling.

Work Your Poems; Poem Presentation to Class

Today was a work day; tomorrow, one poem of your choice is due.

Keep reading your Independent Reading Book, as you will write your book review on Friday.

Think about which poem you'll want to present to class; we'll start the presentations on Monday.

SONNET information, helpful websites, and due dates.

Today you turned in either your slam (shared electronically with all the required elements highlighted and identified) or your sestina (written on the handout).  The other poem will be due on Thursday.  The last poem will be due on Monday (which will probably be the sonnet).  Friday, you will have class time to write a book review.  We'll have the presentations of your poems on Monday and Tuesday.  The schedule for finals is as follows:
Wed., June 11 Periods 3 & 4; Thur., June 12 Periods 6 & 7; Fri., June 13 Periods 1 & 2.

We began work on the sonnet.  There are two handouts, so get those from me if you were absent.  There are some helpful websites: for an overview of the different parts of a sonnet, click on this link; for help with dividing words into syllables or finding which syllable gets stressed, click on this link or this link.

Poetry Work Session

Today was a work day for either your slam or sestina; one of these poems will be due first thing tomorrow, your choice.  Share the slam poem with me on Googledocs, or turn in the sestina handout with your poem on it.

Due dates: Slam or sestina tomorrow.

                  Start collecting your textbooks to return to the library on Tuesday, June 10.

                  If your Independent Reading Book is from my classroom, I will need that 
                  returned to me by Tuesday, June 10.  If I don't get the book back, I will give
                  your name to Mara, the finance office lady, and she will put your name on the
                  Indebtedness List.

"Immortality"; Work Session

Today was dedicated to working on the Slam and/or the Sestina.  For inspiration, we watched Rudy Franscisco present his poem, "Immortality" (you can find it on YouTube).

Remember, with the Slam poem, make sure you highlight and label all of the required elements before you share it with me.

SESTINA

We set the Slam poem aside temporarily and began work on the Sestina poem.  I passed out two handouts to help with the Sestina, so if you were absent, get those handouts from me upon your return to class.

 Due date: You have a choice: you can turn in either the Slam or the Sestina on Tuesday.

Slam Poem Writing Advice, "Love Poem Medley"

I collected the annotations on Shooter, and distributed a handout with some advice for writing poetry. If you were absent, you will need to get that handout from me as it is in a format that I can't link to my blog. 

We then watched Rudy Francisco present his slam poem, Love Poem Medley (you can see it on YouTube) and pulled out examples of conceit, allusion, pun, and imagery.

The rest of the class time was used for getting started on your slam poem.

Today is the absolute final deadline for the Nature of Man Synthesis essay.  Share whatever you have, even if it isn't finished; some points are better than none.

There is no HW tonight.

Limericks and Rhyme Scheme

What happened today: 1) I collected the Literary Terms handout, 2) I discussed rhyme scheme using limericks---this will be on the final BTW, so click on this link if you were absent, and 3) You had class time to work on annotating Shooter, which is due tomorrow.