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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, September 26, 2014
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
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
Thursday, September 25, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, September 22, 2014
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.
Friday, September 19, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, September 15, 2014
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.
Friday, September 12, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, September 8, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, September 5, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
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.
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.
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