Last Day
That's a wrap folks. Thank you for a great end to the year. It was a pleasure being your teacher. Should you need anything, you can reach me at [email protected]
Have a fantastic break!
That's a wrap folks. Thank you for a great end to the year. It was a pleasure being your teacher. Should you need anything, you can reach me at [email protected]
Have a fantastic break!
5/6 June 2017
Well folks, exams begin tomorrow. The grade book is all up to date. Please feel free to email me or talk to me in school about exam questions!
Well folks, exams begin tomorrow. The grade book is all up to date. Please feel free to email me or talk to me in school about exam questions!
2 June 2017
Today we started preparing for the final exam. First, we began by writing our own thoughts about requiring students to study Shakespeare in our discussion sheet. After, we read two opposing articles written by English teachers. After reading each article, we highlighted and wrote down the main points of the author's argument. For the last 25 minutes, we broke into a Socratic seminar and discussed the issue as a class. We took notes in our discussion sheet.
I will be checking reading ladders Sunday morning at 9am!
HW: Reading Ladder, Choice Reading (Look for Books)
Today we started preparing for the final exam. First, we began by writing our own thoughts about requiring students to study Shakespeare in our discussion sheet. After, we read two opposing articles written by English teachers. After reading each article, we highlighted and wrote down the main points of the author's argument. For the last 25 minutes, we broke into a Socratic seminar and discussed the issue as a class. We took notes in our discussion sheet.
I will be checking reading ladders Sunday morning at 9am!
HW: Reading Ladder, Choice Reading (Look for Books)
1 June 2017
Continued CRJ conferences. Today was the third day to finish up our reading ladders for the semester. The reading ladders are due Friday night, but we will not have class time to work on them tomorrow. Keep looking for choice reading books hanging around your house or locker. We start preparing for the final exam tomorrow.
HW: Reading Ladder (Friday)
Continued CRJ conferences. Today was the third day to finish up our reading ladders for the semester. The reading ladders are due Friday night, but we will not have class time to work on them tomorrow. Keep looking for choice reading books hanging around your house or locker. We start preparing for the final exam tomorrow.
HW: Reading Ladder (Friday)
30 May 2017
Welcome back! We finished the last Passion Project presentations today. After that, I gave an overview of this week. Then, we went down to the Fishbowl to start our Reading Ladders for the second semester. We will work on these tomorrow and Thursday in class. The Reading Ladder is due Friday night, but you will not have class time to complete it on Friday. Between these two days and today, you should have more than enough time to complete your Reading Ladder. CRJ conferences begin tomorrow. Make sure you are prepared and know your date! All the information is posted above. Keep an eye out for choice reading books laying around that need to be turned in.
HW: CRJs, Choice Reading, Reading Ladder
Welcome back! We finished the last Passion Project presentations today. After that, I gave an overview of this week. Then, we went down to the Fishbowl to start our Reading Ladders for the second semester. We will work on these tomorrow and Thursday in class. The Reading Ladder is due Friday night, but you will not have class time to complete it on Friday. Between these two days and today, you should have more than enough time to complete your Reading Ladder. CRJ conferences begin tomorrow. Make sure you are prepared and know your date! All the information is posted above. Keep an eye out for choice reading books laying around that need to be turned in.
HW: CRJs, Choice Reading, Reading Ladder
25/26 May 2017
Continued with presentations. Next week we will finish any extra presentations and begin reading ladders and CRJ conferences. All materials and the calendar for CRJ conferences are linked above. Have a great Memorial Day break!
Continued with presentations. Next week we will finish any extra presentations and begin reading ladders and CRJ conferences. All materials and the calendar for CRJ conferences are linked above. Have a great Memorial Day break!
24 May 2017
Day 1 of Presentations! Great work!
Day 1 of Presentations! Great work!
23 May 2017
Today was the last day to work on your visual. We start presentations tomorrow!
Today was the last day to work on your visual. We start presentations tomorrow!
22 May 2017
It is crunch time people. Today we started with choice reading. Then, I booktalked Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff. The rest of the hour was yours to work on your visual presentation. You will have most of the hour tomorrow too to work on the presentation. The presentation should be ready to go by class on Wednesday. In addition, you should be working to wrap up your CRJs for the semester. You need 33 by the time we conference next week.
HW: Visual, Choice Reading CRJs (33)
It is crunch time people. Today we started with choice reading. Then, I booktalked Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff. The rest of the hour was yours to work on your visual presentation. You will have most of the hour tomorrow too to work on the presentation. The presentation should be ready to go by class on Wednesday. In addition, you should be working to wrap up your CRJs for the semester. You need 33 by the time we conference next week.
HW: Visual, Choice Reading CRJs (33)
19 May 2017
Today we started with some choice reading. Then I introduced the visual component of the Passion Project. I went through the expectations and gave you some ideas to get started. I demonstrated using Piktochart, and many of you decide to use it. We will have Monday and Tuesday to complete the visuals. We will present Wednesday-Friday.
HW: CRJ Catch Up, Work on Visual, Choice Read
See Google Classroom for all the resources related to the visual.
Today we started with some choice reading. Then I introduced the visual component of the Passion Project. I went through the expectations and gave you some ideas to get started. I demonstrated using Piktochart, and many of you decide to use it. We will have Monday and Tuesday to complete the visuals. We will present Wednesday-Friday.
HW: CRJ Catch Up, Work on Visual, Choice Read
See Google Classroom for all the resources related to the visual.
18 May 2017
PEER-EDITING DAY! Today you were supposed to come in with a completed rough draft of the annotated bibliography. A completed rough draft was worth 40 points. We spent the rest of the hour using the Peer-Editing Checklist to go through our rough drafts with a partner or solo. The checklist contains all the necessary elements you need to have to do well on this assignment. The final draft (edited rough draft) is due tonight. If you were not here because of the field trip, you are expected to use the checklist to proofread your essay and revise it. I hope you had a great time. Tomorrow I will introduce the visual/presentation piece of the project.
HW: Annotated Bibliography, CRJs, Choice Reading
Checklist
PEER-EDITING DAY! Today you were supposed to come in with a completed rough draft of the annotated bibliography. A completed rough draft was worth 40 points. We spent the rest of the hour using the Peer-Editing Checklist to go through our rough drafts with a partner or solo. The checklist contains all the necessary elements you need to have to do well on this assignment. The final draft (edited rough draft) is due tonight. If you were not here because of the field trip, you are expected to use the checklist to proofread your essay and revise it. I hope you had a great time. Tomorrow I will introduce the visual/presentation piece of the project.
HW: Annotated Bibliography, CRJs, Choice Reading
Checklist
17 May 2017
I was out yesterday, but you were expected to continue working on your annotated bibliographies in the air-conditioned fishbowl. Today was our last in class work day to complete our rough drafts. You rough drafts, five sources fully completed, are due tomorrow at the beginning of class when you walk in. The majority of you finished your rough drafts during the hour and that was great to see. I also did a CRJ range check for 20 Points.
HW: Annotated Bibliography, CRJs (33), Choice Reading
I was out yesterday, but you were expected to continue working on your annotated bibliographies in the air-conditioned fishbowl. Today was our last in class work day to complete our rough drafts. You rough drafts, five sources fully completed, are due tomorrow at the beginning of class when you walk in. The majority of you finished your rough drafts during the hour and that was great to see. I also did a CRJ range check for 20 Points.
HW: Annotated Bibliography, CRJs (33), Choice Reading
15 May 2017
Today we immediately started into writing our annotated bibliographies in the Fishbowl. Today you were expected to finish entry one and start two. If you are behind this point, be sure to catch up. You need a fully written rough draft when you walk in on Thursday. That means FIVE SOURCES! All resources and slides can be found on Google Classroom.
HW: CRJs, Annotated Bibliography, Choice Reading
Today we immediately started into writing our annotated bibliographies in the Fishbowl. Today you were expected to finish entry one and start two. If you are behind this point, be sure to catch up. You need a fully written rough draft when you walk in on Thursday. That means FIVE SOURCES! All resources and slides can be found on Google Classroom.
HW: CRJs, Annotated Bibliography, Choice Reading
12 May 2017
Started with some choice reading. We began our annotated bibliography portion of the unit today. The goal for today was to have your top 5 sources cited and moved into the template. I will be checking organizers and thesis statements this weekend. We will be writing our bibliographies next week Monday-Thursday. If you did not meet today's goal, catch up this weekend. CRJ CHECK ON WEDNESDAY
HW: Annotated Bib Set Up, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides
Started with some choice reading. We began our annotated bibliography portion of the unit today. The goal for today was to have your top 5 sources cited and moved into the template. I will be checking organizers and thesis statements this weekend. We will be writing our bibliographies next week Monday-Thursday. If you did not meet today's goal, catch up this weekend. CRJ CHECK ON WEDNESDAY
HW: Annotated Bib Set Up, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides
11 May 2017
Today we had shortened hours due to the assembly. This was our last day to finish research in class. If you have not completed your research, make sure you work on it tonight so you are ready for tomorrow. You should have 8 sources. We also wrote thesis statements today (you can still submit yours through Google Classroom before class tomorrow). Tomorrow we begin the writing portion of this unit!
HW: Source Gathering, Thesis Writing, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides posted to Google Classroom
Today we had shortened hours due to the assembly. This was our last day to finish research in class. If you have not completed your research, make sure you work on it tonight so you are ready for tomorrow. You should have 8 sources. We also wrote thesis statements today (you can still submit yours through Google Classroom before class tomorrow). Tomorrow we begin the writing portion of this unit!
HW: Source Gathering, Thesis Writing, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides posted to Google Classroom
10 May 2017
Today we got right to work with research. Our initial research needs to be completed by the end of the hour tomorrow. Remember, we're writing thesis statements tomorrow based off of our research. The target for today was to have 5-7 sources completed in your organizer. If you are not at this point, make sure you do some research tonight to stay on track. All of the resources you need are on Google Classroom. The CRJ check is on May 17th.
HW: Source Gathering, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides
Today we got right to work with research. Our initial research needs to be completed by the end of the hour tomorrow. Remember, we're writing thesis statements tomorrow based off of our research. The target for today was to have 5-7 sources completed in your organizer. If you are not at this point, make sure you do some research tonight to stay on track. All of the resources you need are on Google Classroom. The CRJ check is on May 17th.
HW: Source Gathering, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides
9 May 2017
Started with choice reading and a booktalk (Tristessa by Jack Kerouac). Then we learned about searching techniques and about the database we will use to find our scholarly article (General Reference Center Gold). We spent the rest of the hour gathering sources. We need to have 8-10 different sources completed by Friday. We will work on thesis statements over the next couple days. You should be at 4-6 sources today. If you aren't take some time tonight to catch up.
HW: Source Gathering, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides
Started with choice reading and a booktalk (Tristessa by Jack Kerouac). Then we learned about searching techniques and about the database we will use to find our scholarly article (General Reference Center Gold). We spent the rest of the hour gathering sources. We need to have 8-10 different sources completed by Friday. We will work on thesis statements over the next couple days. You should be at 4-6 sources today. If you aren't take some time tonight to catch up.
HW: Source Gathering, CRJs, Choice Reading
Slides
8 May 2017
Today, we started with choice reading, and then I booktalked The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I passed back driving question and met with those that needed some redirecting. We enrolled ourselves into Google Classroom and started our Source Gathering Organizer. We should have completed 1/2 sources today. We will use Google Classroom throughout the unit to keep our resources organized.
HW: CRJs(9A), Source Gathering, Choice Reading
Slides w/ Google Classroom Codes
Today, we started with choice reading, and then I booktalked The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I passed back driving question and met with those that needed some redirecting. We enrolled ourselves into Google Classroom and started our Source Gathering Organizer. We should have completed 1/2 sources today. We will use Google Classroom throughout the unit to keep our resources organized.
HW: CRJs(9A), Source Gathering, Choice Reading
Slides w/ Google Classroom Codes
3/4 May 2017
We have started our final unit of the year: the Passion Project! Yesterday, we brainstormed topics for our projects after choice reading and practicing vocab. I handed out the unit overview and introduced the schedule. Today, we started with choice reading and reviewed the practice vocab quiz from yesterday. The main focus of today was developing our DRIVING QUESTION. The Driving Question is the heart of our research and is due by the end of the hour tomorrow. We also have a vocab quiz tomorrow (our last of the year).
HW: Vocab Study, Choice Reading, CRJs
Slides
We have started our final unit of the year: the Passion Project! Yesterday, we brainstormed topics for our projects after choice reading and practicing vocab. I handed out the unit overview and introduced the schedule. Today, we started with choice reading and reviewed the practice vocab quiz from yesterday. The main focus of today was developing our DRIVING QUESTION. The Driving Question is the heart of our research and is due by the end of the hour tomorrow. We also have a vocab quiz tomorrow (our last of the year).
HW: Vocab Study, Choice Reading, CRJs
Slides
2 May 2017
Today we started with choice reading. Then we talked about passion and what it meant. We watched a TED talk and analyzed how we could pick up on the speaker's passion. After that, we did a series of rapid fire prompts to get you writing what might be going on in your mind. Tomorrow, we officially start the passion project unit and we will figure out our topics. Very exciting. I won't see 1st and 3rd hour tomorrow :(.
HW: Practice Vocab, Think about Topics, CRJs, Choice Reading
Today we started with choice reading. Then we talked about passion and what it meant. We watched a TED talk and analyzed how we could pick up on the speaker's passion. After that, we did a series of rapid fire prompts to get you writing what might be going on in your mind. Tomorrow, we officially start the passion project unit and we will figure out our topics. Very exciting. I won't see 1st and 3rd hour tomorrow :(.
HW: Practice Vocab, Think about Topics, CRJs, Choice Reading
1 May 1
Happy May Day. Today we took a break to catch our breaths. I booktalked Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. We then had a read/write in. Many of us finished multiple CRJs.
HW: Choice Reading, CRJs, Vocab Study
Happy May Day. Today we took a break to catch our breaths. I booktalked Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. We then had a read/write in. Many of us finished multiple CRJs.
HW: Choice Reading, CRJs, Vocab Study
28 April 2017
Today we finished the SAT writing unit. You all worked very hard and I'm proud of you. On Monday, we'll celebrate.
HW: CRJs, Choice Reading, Vocab Sheet Due Monday
Today we finished the SAT writing unit. You all worked very hard and I'm proud of you. On Monday, we'll celebrate.
HW: CRJs, Choice Reading, Vocab Sheet Due Monday
27 April 2017
This was day one of the final assessment for the SAT writing unit. In class, we read and annotated the article "The Digital Parent Trap." We had the hour to plan out our essays. Tomorrow we write the final essay in class. You can use your outline, annotated article, and any other resource you want while writing the essay. The outline is included in your final grade for the essay.
HW: Finish Planning Your Essay, Vocab Sheet Pushed to Monday
Link to Organizer with Extra Help
[email protected] if you need any help. I will also be available in the morning before school.
This was day one of the final assessment for the SAT writing unit. In class, we read and annotated the article "The Digital Parent Trap." We had the hour to plan out our essays. Tomorrow we write the final essay in class. You can use your outline, annotated article, and any other resource you want while writing the essay. The outline is included in your final grade for the essay.
HW: Finish Planning Your Essay, Vocab Sheet Pushed to Monday
Link to Organizer with Extra Help
[email protected] if you need any help. I will also be available in the morning before school.
26 April 2017
Today we started with choice reading. I booktalked The Rose that Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur. We familiarized ourselves with how the SAT essay is graded. We then looked at three example SAT essays and graded them. Tomorrow we begin our end of the unit assessment. Tomorrow, you will get a new article and have all hour to plan and outline your essay. On Friday, you will write out the essay in class.
HW: Vocab Sheet, Choice Reading, CRJs
Slides
Today we started with choice reading. I booktalked The Rose that Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur. We familiarized ourselves with how the SAT essay is graded. We then looked at three example SAT essays and graded them. Tomorrow we begin our end of the unit assessment. Tomorrow, you will get a new article and have all hour to plan and outline your essay. On Friday, you will write out the essay in class.
HW: Vocab Sheet, Choice Reading, CRJs
Slides
25 April 2017
Today we started with a long period of choice reading. I then booktalked The Tempest by William Shakespeare. After, we reviewed body paragraphs and thesis statements that other hours had come up with. You all are doing a great job at explaining how the evidence helps build the author's argument. We ended class by watching a TED talk and pulling out the strategies the speaker used to persuade. We will write a mock intro to the SAT essay tomorrow.
HW: Vocab Sheet (Friday), Choice Reading, CRJs
Slides
SAT Intro Worksheet
Today we started with a long period of choice reading. I then booktalked The Tempest by William Shakespeare. After, we reviewed body paragraphs and thesis statements that other hours had come up with. You all are doing a great job at explaining how the evidence helps build the author's argument. We ended class by watching a TED talk and pulling out the strategies the speaker used to persuade. We will write a mock intro to the SAT essay tomorrow.
HW: Vocab Sheet (Friday), Choice Reading, CRJs
Slides
SAT Intro Worksheet
24 April 2017
Today we started with some choice reading and student booktalks. I also did a booktalk on Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty. Then we recieved a new vocab list that is due Friday. The button for the Quizlet is above. Our main focus today was drafting quality thesis statements and body paragraphs for an SAT style essay.
HW: Vocab Sheet, Choice Reading, CRJs
Today's Slides
Today we started with some choice reading and student booktalks. I also did a booktalk on Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty. Then we recieved a new vocab list that is due Friday. The button for the Quizlet is above. Our main focus today was drafting quality thesis statements and body paragraphs for an SAT style essay.
HW: Vocab Sheet, Choice Reading, CRJs
Today's Slides
21 April 2017
We had some student led booktalks today. Then we choice read for about ten minutes. We read a new article called The Case for the Gap Year. We worked in groups to find examples of the six strategies we learned about yesterday. After highlighting and annotating the articles, we started a descriptive outline for the article. We are learning to go from just summarizing evidence, to proving why it matters.
HW for the Weekend: Finish descriptive outline if you didn't in class, CRJs, and choice reading.
Link to Article
Link to Descriptive Outline
We had some student led booktalks today. Then we choice read for about ten minutes. We read a new article called The Case for the Gap Year. We worked in groups to find examples of the six strategies we learned about yesterday. After highlighting and annotating the articles, we started a descriptive outline for the article. We are learning to go from just summarizing evidence, to proving why it matters.
HW for the Weekend: Finish descriptive outline if you didn't in class, CRJs, and choice reading.
Link to Article
Link to Descriptive Outline
20 April 2017
Today I did a booktalk on The Things They Carried. We did 10 minutes of choice reading. Our main focus today was on learning the six major ways authors build arguments. We annotated and labeled examples of these strategies in an article called Early Bird Gets the Bad Grade. We took notes off of the slides and wrote them in the organizer. I will attach links to those files below.
HW: Choice Reading (9a: 24 CRJs)
Article
Slides
Organizer
Today I did a booktalk on The Things They Carried. We did 10 minutes of choice reading. Our main focus today was on learning the six major ways authors build arguments. We annotated and labeled examples of these strategies in an article called Early Bird Gets the Bad Grade. We took notes off of the slides and wrote them in the organizer. I will attach links to those files below.
HW: Choice Reading (9a: 24 CRJs)
Article
Slides
Organizer
19 April 2017
Today we took the English 9 Content Vocabulary Quiz. Then I booktalked 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place. That is one of my favorites! Then we read an article that we will be working with tomorrow called Early Bird Gets the Bad Grade. We are working towards writing a SAT style rhetorical analysis essay around the end of next week.
HW: Choice Reading and CRJs
Today we took the English 9 Content Vocabulary Quiz. Then I booktalked 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place. That is one of my favorites! Then we read an article that we will be working with tomorrow called Early Bird Gets the Bad Grade. We are working towards writing a SAT style rhetorical analysis essay around the end of next week.
HW: Choice Reading and CRJs
18 April 2017
Today we started with some choice reading and student book talks (WARNING, IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE YOUR BOOK TALK FOR THE SEMESTER YET, IT IS UP TO YOU TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO DO IT). Then we reviewed for the vocab quiz tomorrow. The big focus today was using what we learned about the rhetorical appeals yesterday and applying it today. We watched a documentary on Line 5 (oil pipeline) and found examples of ethos, pathos, and logos. The advertisement analysis is due tomorrow.
Today we started with some choice reading and student book talks (WARNING, IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE YOUR BOOK TALK FOR THE SEMESTER YET, IT IS UP TO YOU TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO DO IT). Then we reviewed for the vocab quiz tomorrow. The big focus today was using what we learned about the rhetorical appeals yesterday and applying it today. We watched a documentary on Line 5 (oil pipeline) and found examples of ethos, pathos, and logos. The advertisement analysis is due tomorrow.
17 April 2017
Today we started a new unit on SAT writing. We reviewed the three rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos. We reviewed different advertisements for these appeals. Remember that we have a vocab quiz on Wednesday and the review sheet is due tomorrow. You also were given a homework assignment that is due on Wednesday. You have to identify the strategies used by three different advertisements (we did the first on Proactiv) and the target audience for the advertisement.
HW: Vocab Study Sheet, Advertisement Analysis, Choice Reading, CRJs
Link to Today's Prezi
Link to Ad Analysis
Today we started a new unit on SAT writing. We reviewed the three rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos. We reviewed different advertisements for these appeals. Remember that we have a vocab quiz on Wednesday and the review sheet is due tomorrow. You also were given a homework assignment that is due on Wednesday. You have to identify the strategies used by three different advertisements (we did the first on Proactiv) and the target audience for the advertisement.
HW: Vocab Study Sheet, Advertisement Analysis, Choice Reading, CRJs
Link to Today's Prezi
Link to Ad Analysis
14 April 2017
COFFEEHOUSE FRIDAY. Thank you everyone for diving deep into a discussion about the "single story" today. If you were not here and need to get credit for your quick write, just come see me on Monday with it. This weekend you should catch up on your reading (with all this testing and schedule changing, we didn't get that much time to read in class), work on CRJs (if you're in 9a), and complete the English 9 Content Vocabulary list that is due Tuesday. VOCAB TEST OVER THOSE WORDS ON WEDNESDAY!
Link to the vocab study guide
COFFEEHOUSE FRIDAY. Thank you everyone for diving deep into a discussion about the "single story" today. If you were not here and need to get credit for your quick write, just come see me on Monday with it. This weekend you should catch up on your reading (with all this testing and schedule changing, we didn't get that much time to read in class), work on CRJs (if you're in 9a), and complete the English 9 Content Vocabulary list that is due Tuesday. VOCAB TEST OVER THOSE WORDS ON WEDNESDAY!
Link to the vocab study guide
12/13 April 2017
I saw you on one of these days. Big things to remember: WE HAVE A COFFEE HOUSE DISCUSSION ON FRIDAY (TOMORROW). You need to come to class with at least a page prepared and ready to talk. If you need to see the prompts again or the TED Talk, check out this week's slides using the button above. If you were absent, make sure you watch the TED Talk and get your page written. I will be giving credit for both the writing you did and participating in the discussion. In other news, the Content Vocabulary Quiz has been moved to next week Wednesday. I will pass out a study guide tomorrow that will be due next week. I want you all to ace this!
TED Talk: www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en#t-1103508
I saw you on one of these days. Big things to remember: WE HAVE A COFFEE HOUSE DISCUSSION ON FRIDAY (TOMORROW). You need to come to class with at least a page prepared and ready to talk. If you need to see the prompts again or the TED Talk, check out this week's slides using the button above. If you were absent, make sure you watch the TED Talk and get your page written. I will be giving credit for both the writing you did and participating in the discussion. In other news, the Content Vocabulary Quiz has been moved to next week Wednesday. I will pass out a study guide tomorrow that will be due next week. I want you all to ace this!
TED Talk: www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en#t-1103508
11 April 2017
Today, I didn't see most of you because of the PSAT. I only saw 5th hour for a shortened time and we did a couple book talks, some choice reading, and caught up on CRJs. Make sure you study up on the English 9 Content Vocabulary
Today, I didn't see most of you because of the PSAT. I only saw 5th hour for a shortened time and we did a couple book talks, some choice reading, and caught up on CRJs. Make sure you study up on the English 9 Content Vocabulary
10 April 2017
Happy first day back from break. Today in class we got to know each other. This week will be a bit awkward due to testing. I will see some of you three times and some of you four times. The big focus this week should be mastering the English 9 Content Vocabulary words. We will be having a quiz over them on Friday or next week sometime. It will count as an assessment grade, so make sure you're prepared. There is a link to a quizlet posted above. Reminder: You should be at 21 CRJs by Friday.
Happy first day back from break. Today in class we got to know each other. This week will be a bit awkward due to testing. I will see some of you three times and some of you four times. The big focus this week should be mastering the English 9 Content Vocabulary words. We will be having a quiz over them on Friday or next week sometime. It will count as an assessment grade, so make sure you're prepared. There is a link to a quizlet posted above. Reminder: You should be at 21 CRJs by Friday.
2 April 2017
Hey! This is Mr. Meston. I hope you are having a great Spring break. Be sure to keep up with your choice reading and CRJs! I look forward to meeting you all, like really really meeting you all, next week. Have a great break and if you need to reach me, here's my email: [email protected]
I'm binge watching the Netflix version of Thirteen Reasons Why.
Hey! This is Mr. Meston. I hope you are having a great Spring break. Be sure to keep up with your choice reading and CRJs! I look forward to meeting you all, like really really meeting you all, next week. Have a great break and if you need to reach me, here's my email: [email protected]
I'm binge watching the Netflix version of Thirteen Reasons Why.
23 and 24 March 2017
Today in class we had some choice reading and student book talks. Then I explained the Sociogram assignment and answered questions. The goal for this assignment is to demonstrate the relationships between all the characters in Romeo and Juliet WITHOUT using words, but rather with symbols. The sheet tells you all the characters who should appear on your sociogram (you're welcome to add more, if you want), but remember that the relationship between the characters is key to the work. Create this on an 8x11 piece of paper--NOT a posterboard!
This is due Monday
You had time in class on Thursday and Friday to work on these while you watched the end of Romeo and Juliet.
Click HERE to see some more examples.
Today in class we had some choice reading and student book talks. Then I explained the Sociogram assignment and answered questions. The goal for this assignment is to demonstrate the relationships between all the characters in Romeo and Juliet WITHOUT using words, but rather with symbols. The sheet tells you all the characters who should appear on your sociogram (you're welcome to add more, if you want), but remember that the relationship between the characters is key to the work. Create this on an 8x11 piece of paper--NOT a posterboard!
This is due Monday
You had time in class on Thursday and Friday to work on these while you watched the end of Romeo and Juliet.
Click HERE to see some more examples.
20 March 2017--Monday
Today we started off with a vocabulary quiz (if you missed it, make sure to see me and make it up!) and then there was some time for Choice Reading. Student book talks were next. Then we reviewed Juliet's fears in her soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 3 and updated the foldable. Then we read Act 4, Scene 5 (summarized Act 4 Scene 4) where the family discovers Juliet's "dead" body.
Homework for tonight is a Quick Write over the following prompt (8-10 sentences):
WHO IS TO BLAME?
Two teenagers (Romeo and Juliet) are deeply in love (after knowing each other for less than an hour) with each other, but their parents (Montague and Capulet) do NOT approve of it. Their parents hate each other (FEUD!) and will not ever let the kids see each other. But the kids are like….OVER THE MOON in love with each other (Balcony scene and marriage scene). The kids try and try to see each other, but it just never works out. They ask some adult friends (Nurse and Friar Laurence) to help them (create marriage and wedding night opportunities), and the adult friends sort of help...but sort of make things worse (Romeo banished, Juliet drinks sleeping potion). In the end, the kids are not able to be together (Romeo in Mantua and Juliet thought to be dead).
Who is to blame for the circumstances thus far in the play? Why?
Due Tuesday!
Today we started off with a vocabulary quiz (if you missed it, make sure to see me and make it up!) and then there was some time for Choice Reading. Student book talks were next. Then we reviewed Juliet's fears in her soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 3 and updated the foldable. Then we read Act 4, Scene 5 (summarized Act 4 Scene 4) where the family discovers Juliet's "dead" body.
Homework for tonight is a Quick Write over the following prompt (8-10 sentences):
WHO IS TO BLAME?
Two teenagers (Romeo and Juliet) are deeply in love (after knowing each other for less than an hour) with each other, but their parents (Montague and Capulet) do NOT approve of it. Their parents hate each other (FEUD!) and will not ever let the kids see each other. But the kids are like….OVER THE MOON in love with each other (Balcony scene and marriage scene). The kids try and try to see each other, but it just never works out. They ask some adult friends (Nurse and Friar Laurence) to help them (create marriage and wedding night opportunities), and the adult friends sort of help...but sort of make things worse (Romeo banished, Juliet drinks sleeping potion). In the end, the kids are not able to be together (Romeo in Mantua and Juliet thought to be dead).
Who is to blame for the circumstances thus far in the play? Why?
Due Tuesday!
15/16 March 2017-Wednesday and Thursday
We had some student book talks and choice reading to start and then we finished watching Act 3, Scene 5 (Juliet and Lord Capulet have a meltdown over who she is going to marry). We discussed and wrote about what this scene indicated to us about the rome of women at the time. Students also read and annotated Act IV, Scene 1 and 2 on their own and discussed some summary with their elbow partners. Then we watched and read Act IV, Scene 3, Juliet's soliloquy about drinking the potion and will discuss her fears and worries on Monday.
If you have been absent, it is expected you will be caught up to Act 4, Scene 3 by Monday! There are copies of RJ online that you can easily find to catch up if you don't have a copy of your own.
Vocabulary Quiz is MONDAY--I haven't made a quizlet yet, but feel free to make your own! :)
xoxo,
Ms. Alt
We had some student book talks and choice reading to start and then we finished watching Act 3, Scene 5 (Juliet and Lord Capulet have a meltdown over who she is going to marry). We discussed and wrote about what this scene indicated to us about the rome of women at the time. Students also read and annotated Act IV, Scene 1 and 2 on their own and discussed some summary with their elbow partners. Then we watched and read Act IV, Scene 3, Juliet's soliloquy about drinking the potion and will discuss her fears and worries on Monday.
If you have been absent, it is expected you will be caught up to Act 4, Scene 3 by Monday! There are copies of RJ online that you can easily find to catch up if you don't have a copy of your own.
Vocabulary Quiz is MONDAY--I haven't made a quizlet yet, but feel free to make your own! :)
xoxo,
Ms. Alt
14 March 2017--Tuesday
Today I started with book talking The Hate U Give--very good book! Then we did some reading--Act III, Scene II and III--Juliet finds out about the fight and the banishment and Romeo reacts to the banishment. DRAMA central, let me tell ya!
Then we worked on a timeline for Act I-Act II and then homework is to take your timeline event (that you and your elbow partner shared) and answer the following:
In your QW section, make an argument that your event from today’s timeline activity is EITHER critically important or unnecessary to the action and plot of the play.
Things to consider: What would happen if this event did not take place?What if this event happened earlier or later in the play? What if different characters were involved in the event? How would the play be different if this event changed or was eliminated?
Homework: (Above) AND the vocabulary sheet is due Wednesday.
Today I started with book talking The Hate U Give--very good book! Then we did some reading--Act III, Scene II and III--Juliet finds out about the fight and the banishment and Romeo reacts to the banishment. DRAMA central, let me tell ya!
Then we worked on a timeline for Act I-Act II and then homework is to take your timeline event (that you and your elbow partner shared) and answer the following:
In your QW section, make an argument that your event from today’s timeline activity is EITHER critically important or unnecessary to the action and plot of the play.
Things to consider: What would happen if this event did not take place?What if this event happened earlier or later in the play? What if different characters were involved in the event? How would the play be different if this event changed or was eliminated?
Homework: (Above) AND the vocabulary sheet is due Wednesday.
13 March 2017--Monday
Today we started with 10 minutes of Choice Reading and then some student book talks. After that, we briefly reviewed Act II, and then jumped right into Act III with our big fight scene--Romeo, Mercutio, Tybalt, Prince, Benvolio, Lord Capulet, Lord Montague, Lady Capulet and Lady Montague were ALL up in the fray today. Mercutio and Tybalt had some trouble and it's basically Romeo's fault...wah wah wah.
4th Period ONLY has homework (don't worry, everyone else will have double homework on Tuesday!): In your QW section, make an argument that your event from today’s timeline activity is EITHER critically important or unnecessary to the action and plot of the play.
Things to consider: What would happen if this event did not take place? What if this event happened earlier or later in the play? What if different characters were involved in the event? How would the play be different if this event changed or was eliminated?
Today we started with 10 minutes of Choice Reading and then some student book talks. After that, we briefly reviewed Act II, and then jumped right into Act III with our big fight scene--Romeo, Mercutio, Tybalt, Prince, Benvolio, Lord Capulet, Lord Montague, Lady Capulet and Lady Montague were ALL up in the fray today. Mercutio and Tybalt had some trouble and it's basically Romeo's fault...wah wah wah.
4th Period ONLY has homework (don't worry, everyone else will have double homework on Tuesday!): In your QW section, make an argument that your event from today’s timeline activity is EITHER critically important or unnecessary to the action and plot of the play.
Things to consider: What would happen if this event did not take place? What if this event happened earlier or later in the play? What if different characters were involved in the event? How would the play be different if this event changed or was eliminated?
10 March--Friday
Today I was sick and it was a half day, so we took a break from Romeo and Juliet for some CRJ catch up and choice reading. Homework: Make sure you have 12 CRJs!
Today I was sick and it was a half day, so we took a break from Romeo and Juliet for some CRJ catch up and choice reading. Homework: Make sure you have 12 CRJs!
9 March Thursday
Today we started with choice reading and book talks and then finished the work on Friar Laurence and Romeo (Act II, Scene III). Then, in the interest of time, we watched the final 2 scenes of Act II, in which Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel via a letter, the Nurse gives her approval to the marriage and....ROMEO AND JULIET GET MARRIED!! Yes, after only a few hours of knowing each other! That's true love!
Today we started with choice reading and book talks and then finished the work on Friar Laurence and Romeo (Act II, Scene III). Then, in the interest of time, we watched the final 2 scenes of Act II, in which Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel via a letter, the Nurse gives her approval to the marriage and....ROMEO AND JULIET GET MARRIED!! Yes, after only a few hours of knowing each other! That's true love!
8 March--Wednesday
Today the power was out for most of the classes, but nevertheless we persevered and finished up Friar Laurence and Romeo's scene in which FL agrees to help Romeo and Juliet marry. Students worked in elbow partners to translate and then we shared out ideas on Friar Laurence and his motivations.
Today the power was out for most of the classes, but nevertheless we persevered and finished up Friar Laurence and Romeo's scene in which FL agrees to help Romeo and Juliet marry. Students worked in elbow partners to translate and then we shared out ideas on Friar Laurence and his motivations.
6 and 7 March--Monday and Tuesday
Monday in class we started with some book talks and then read Act II, Scene II of Romeo and Juliet--the balcony scene. We also added some notes to the foldable and discussed Juliet's statement about casting off her family name in order to be with Romeo.
Homework: Answer 3 questions, 3-5 sentences per question--1) Who is the most likable character and why? 2) Who is a character who is confusing and why? 3) Do you think Romeo and Juliet should obey their parents or their hearts? Why?
Tuesday--Started with Student Book talks and then discussed the homework as partners and then in a whole class. Next, we reviewed briefly the RJ balcony scene or finished it as is the case with some classes. After that, we watched 5 different versions of the balcony scene from 1936-2010 and took notes on the document below. If you were absent, you SHOULD WATCH the video below!
Monday in class we started with some book talks and then read Act II, Scene II of Romeo and Juliet--the balcony scene. We also added some notes to the foldable and discussed Juliet's statement about casting off her family name in order to be with Romeo.
Homework: Answer 3 questions, 3-5 sentences per question--1) Who is the most likable character and why? 2) Who is a character who is confusing and why? 3) Do you think Romeo and Juliet should obey their parents or their hearts? Why?
Tuesday--Started with Student Book talks and then discussed the homework as partners and then in a whole class. Next, we reviewed briefly the RJ balcony scene or finished it as is the case with some classes. After that, we watched 5 different versions of the balcony scene from 1936-2010 and took notes on the document below. If you were absent, you SHOULD WATCH the video below!
2 and 3 March--Thursday and Friday
On Thursday in class we started with some student book talks and then did a quick write on Love--since Romeo and Juliet apparently fall in love at first site, we did some discussing and thinking about if that is feasible. We will continue this discussion on Monday in class. Then we finished reading Act I--Romeo and Juliet have met at the party and exchanged 2 kisses. He exalts here to a god-like status--she's THAT beautiful!
Friday in class you'll take your vocab quiz, watch the meeting of R and J on the 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet (Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio) and then do a quick write comparing the differences between viewing and reading this scene.
Homework--Study for your vocab quiz on Friday--for the weekend, work on CRJs and Choice Reading.
On Thursday in class we started with some student book talks and then did a quick write on Love--since Romeo and Juliet apparently fall in love at first site, we did some discussing and thinking about if that is feasible. We will continue this discussion on Monday in class. Then we finished reading Act I--Romeo and Juliet have met at the party and exchanged 2 kisses. He exalts here to a god-like status--she's THAT beautiful!
Friday in class you'll take your vocab quiz, watch the meeting of R and J on the 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet (Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio) and then do a quick write comparing the differences between viewing and reading this scene.
Homework--Study for your vocab quiz on Friday--for the weekend, work on CRJs and Choice Reading.
27 February 2017--Monday
Today we choice read for a few minutes, had a student book talk, and then jumped into Romeo and Juliet--we finished reading Act I Scene I and II and added notes to the foldable. Some classes had time to do vocabulary; others did not--we will take a vocabulary quiz on Friday. If you didn't do vocab today, you'll do it tomorrow!
Homework: Choice Reading and CRJs (you should have 6 minimum by today and 9 by the end of this week!)
Today we choice read for a few minutes, had a student book talk, and then jumped into Romeo and Juliet--we finished reading Act I Scene I and II and added notes to the foldable. Some classes had time to do vocabulary; others did not--we will take a vocabulary quiz on Friday. If you didn't do vocab today, you'll do it tomorrow!
Homework: Choice Reading and CRJs (you should have 6 minimum by today and 9 by the end of this week!)
22 February 2017--Wednesday
Today in class we started with a book talk. Then we finished up the share out on the World of Shakespeare books and added ideas to the Google Doc. After that, students created Foldables and then worked in partners on a Family Tree for Romeo and Juliet. Once we got the Family Tree organized, we did some writing about Theme in Romeo and Juliet that is still relevant to 2017. Exit Slip was regarding what type of reading part you would like to have. We did NOT Choice Read today.
Homework: Watch at least 20 minutes of the Shakespeare in the Classroom video before Friday (Link below!!) and add notes to the "Vocab, Research and Themes" tab of your Foldable.
Today in class we started with a book talk. Then we finished up the share out on the World of Shakespeare books and added ideas to the Google Doc. After that, students created Foldables and then worked in partners on a Family Tree for Romeo and Juliet. Once we got the Family Tree organized, we did some writing about Theme in Romeo and Juliet that is still relevant to 2017. Exit Slip was regarding what type of reading part you would like to have. We did NOT Choice Read today.
Homework: Watch at least 20 minutes of the Shakespeare in the Classroom video before Friday (Link below!!) and add notes to the "Vocab, Research and Themes" tab of your Foldable.
15 February 2017--Wednesday
Today in class we choice read and then I book talked Palisades Park by Alan Brennert. After that, we met with Writer's Groups for about 10 minutes to discuss CRJs and share creative responses. Then, in groups, we all watched either the poem JELLYFISH by Andrea Gibson or PASS ON by Michael Lee (click on those titles to rewatch them!). Then as a group you chose 1 CRJ prompt from the yellow sheet to do your writing on for tonight.
HOMEWORK: Do your CRJ prompt from your group--due Thursday!!
Also, those of you attending the workshop on Friday, make sure you bring a piece or two of writing to share!!
Today in class we choice read and then I book talked Palisades Park by Alan Brennert. After that, we met with Writer's Groups for about 10 minutes to discuss CRJs and share creative responses. Then, in groups, we all watched either the poem JELLYFISH by Andrea Gibson or PASS ON by Michael Lee (click on those titles to rewatch them!). Then as a group you chose 1 CRJ prompt from the yellow sheet to do your writing on for tonight.
HOMEWORK: Do your CRJ prompt from your group--due Thursday!!
Also, those of you attending the workshop on Friday, make sure you bring a piece or two of writing to share!!
13 February 2017--Monday
Today in class we started with 10 minutes of choice reading and conferring. After that, I book talked A Time to Kill by John Grisham. Then we discuss CRJ expectations for the year. There are 3 CRJs per week now (2 about books and 1 that is a creative writing response). The buttons above will take you to the prompts. After that, we watched a spoken word poem and wrote 1 CRJ about it, using the Book Prompts. If you were absent, you should do this!
Homework: Start working on your CRJs for the week.
If you are attending the poetry workshop on Friday, click the button above to see what group you are in.
Today in class we started with 10 minutes of choice reading and conferring. After that, I book talked A Time to Kill by John Grisham. Then we discuss CRJ expectations for the year. There are 3 CRJs per week now (2 about books and 1 that is a creative writing response). The buttons above will take you to the prompts. After that, we watched a spoken word poem and wrote 1 CRJ about it, using the Book Prompts. If you were absent, you should do this!
Homework: Start working on your CRJs for the week.
If you are attending the poetry workshop on Friday, click the button above to see what group you are in.
8 February 2017--Wednesday
Today the Diatribe visited! It was awesome! Here is some info on the Workshop they are hosting next Friday at Northview--sign ups start tomorrow morning!
Hello 9th Graders!
Did you LOVE the Diatribe today? Feeling inspired? Then you should sign up for the Workshop next Friday, February 17--Diatribe Workshop for 60 students--work with the poets, write some stuff, share, get feedback on your work--it's going to be super awesome!
This is just to remind you that if you want to get one of the 60 spots for NEXT FRIDAY'S workshop with the Diatribe poetry group, I am starting sign ups at 7:30am TOMORROW MORNING in my classroom. You can have a friend sign up for you, but you cannot email your sign up.
Hope to see many of you bright and early tomorrow morning--I think the 60 spots will fill up quite quickly, so if you're interested, please roll by in the morning.
What a fun day of poetry we just had!
See you tomorrow!
-Ms. Alt
Today the Diatribe visited! It was awesome! Here is some info on the Workshop they are hosting next Friday at Northview--sign ups start tomorrow morning!
Hello 9th Graders!
Did you LOVE the Diatribe today? Feeling inspired? Then you should sign up for the Workshop next Friday, February 17--Diatribe Workshop for 60 students--work with the poets, write some stuff, share, get feedback on your work--it's going to be super awesome!
This is just to remind you that if you want to get one of the 60 spots for NEXT FRIDAY'S workshop with the Diatribe poetry group, I am starting sign ups at 7:30am TOMORROW MORNING in my classroom. You can have a friend sign up for you, but you cannot email your sign up.
Hope to see many of you bright and early tomorrow morning--I think the 60 spots will fill up quite quickly, so if you're interested, please roll by in the morning.
What a fun day of poetry we just had!
See you tomorrow!
-Ms. Alt
7 February 2017--Tuesday
Today I started by sharing with you the extended trailer to Louder than a Bomb, a documentary about a teen poetry festival. You can watch the full film on YouTube--I recommend you do--it's great!! After that we chatted about reasons for writing and also the differences between spoken word and page poetry (Stage vs. Page); then we watched some examples HERE and HERE and HERE and then finished the hour with time to read or write.
Tomorrow we have the Diatribe visiting and you do NOT need to share aloud, but they will ask if you want to--bring some writing if you want to share! I would love hear your words!
Today I started by sharing with you the extended trailer to Louder than a Bomb, a documentary about a teen poetry festival. You can watch the full film on YouTube--I recommend you do--it's great!! After that we chatted about reasons for writing and also the differences between spoken word and page poetry (Stage vs. Page); then we watched some examples HERE and HERE and HERE and then finished the hour with time to read or write.
Tomorrow we have the Diatribe visiting and you do NOT need to share aloud, but they will ask if you want to--bring some writing if you want to share! I would love hear your words!
6 February 2017--Monday
Today we started with 10 minutes of Choice Reading and then I book talked Stick by Andrew Smith. After that, we moved into Coffeehouse, discussing our work with education and school from last week. GREAT ideas from many of you! Then, I gave an overview for the upcoming week--we have a special visit from The Diatribe, which is an amazing spoken word poetry group on Wednesday! This week you'll be writing a lot--hurrah!
Homework for Tuesday: Quick Write section of your WN; maybe 3-5 sentence each.
1) Why do you write?
2) What do you think are the similarities and differences between spoken word poetry and page poetry?
3) Do you spend more of your time feeling powerful or powerless? Why?
Today we started with 10 minutes of Choice Reading and then I book talked Stick by Andrew Smith. After that, we moved into Coffeehouse, discussing our work with education and school from last week. GREAT ideas from many of you! Then, I gave an overview for the upcoming week--we have a special visit from The Diatribe, which is an amazing spoken word poetry group on Wednesday! This week you'll be writing a lot--hurrah!
Homework for Tuesday: Quick Write section of your WN; maybe 3-5 sentence each.
1) Why do you write?
2) What do you think are the similarities and differences between spoken word poetry and page poetry?
3) Do you spend more of your time feeling powerful or powerless? Why?
3 February 2017--Friday
Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then watched a short video about Finland and China vs. American School Systems. After that, we moved into Writer's Group for a variety of work, including designing our ideal school. Coffeehouse/Homework is below--this is your ENTRY TICKET to coffeehouse, so please ensure you have it!
In your Writer’s Notebook, answer the following:
What did you learn from this week regarding school and education?
What do you wish you could say about school and have someone REALLY listen to you?
Why did I have you write your Sentence Starters? What was the purpose of that? (Don’t write: “Nothing”)
What are some things you are thinking about, wondering or questioning after all this information about school?
Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then watched a short video about Finland and China vs. American School Systems. After that, we moved into Writer's Group for a variety of work, including designing our ideal school. Coffeehouse/Homework is below--this is your ENTRY TICKET to coffeehouse, so please ensure you have it!
In your Writer’s Notebook, answer the following:
What did you learn from this week regarding school and education?
What do you wish you could say about school and have someone REALLY listen to you?
Why did I have you write your Sentence Starters? What was the purpose of that? (Don’t write: “Nothing”)
What are some things you are thinking about, wondering or questioning after all this information about school?
1/2 February 2017--Wednesday and Thursday
Thursday I was out sick--uggg. Hope to be back tomorrow, but I'm definitely not 100% of my normal self. :( Homework for tonight is to answer your Writer's Group sentence starter and bring that with you to class on Friday for sharing. This should be long enough that your group will be able to see your writing and your style--maybe 1 page, but you can answer the sentence starter ANY way you want--poem, short story, paragraphs, essays, etc.
Starters: "Something I need to say is...", "Something you don't know is...", "Something I know to be true is..."
Thursday I was out sick--uggg. Hope to be back tomorrow, but I'm definitely not 100% of my normal self. :( Homework for tonight is to answer your Writer's Group sentence starter and bring that with you to class on Friday for sharing. This should be long enough that your group will be able to see your writing and your style--maybe 1 page, but you can answer the sentence starter ANY way you want--poem, short story, paragraphs, essays, etc.
Starters: "Something I need to say is...", "Something you don't know is...", "Something I know to be true is..."
31 January 2017--Tuesday
Today in class we started by organizing our Writer's Notebooks and then choice read, and then I did a book about True Notebooks by Mark Salzman. After that, we discussed briefly the Ted Talk from Monday as well as experiences and ideas regarding education. Then we finished by watching 2 videos (some classes watched 1 video) about education.
Homework: MINI ESSAYS DUE WEDNESDAY. See Monday's information for details.
Today in class we started by organizing our Writer's Notebooks and then choice read, and then I did a book about True Notebooks by Mark Salzman. After that, we discussed briefly the Ted Talk from Monday as well as experiences and ideas regarding education. Then we finished by watching 2 videos (some classes watched 1 video) about education.
Homework: MINI ESSAYS DUE WEDNESDAY. See Monday's information for details.
30 January 2017--Monday
Welcome to Day 1 of Second Semester!! Today we started off with a book talk, some choice reading and reviewing expectations and protocol for the class. Many of you are in new class periods, so it was fun to start fresh with a new group! We also watched most of a Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson and we will finish it on Tuesday.
* Please have a NEW Writer's Notebook on Tuesday; Composition Notebook required.
Homework: MINI ESSAYS: 3-4 paragraphs each--due Wednesday
1. What is education and what does it mean to be educated?
2. Describe your education.
3. Who is the most educated person you know and why did you choose this person?
4. Is education a “right” that all people deserve, in your opinion? Why or why not?
Welcome to Day 1 of Second Semester!! Today we started off with a book talk, some choice reading and reviewing expectations and protocol for the class. Many of you are in new class periods, so it was fun to start fresh with a new group! We also watched most of a Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson and we will finish it on Tuesday.
* Please have a NEW Writer's Notebook on Tuesday; Composition Notebook required.
Homework: MINI ESSAYS: 3-4 paragraphs each--due Wednesday
1. What is education and what does it mean to be educated?
2. Describe your education.
3. Who is the most educated person you know and why did you choose this person?
4. Is education a “right” that all people deserve, in your opinion? Why or why not?
18 January 2017--Wednesday
Today we started with a TKAMB presentation (we will split these up to get them all done by the end of semester and to ensure you still have lots of time for work in class!) and then I gave you your final exam packet. You CANNOT take these home with you, so if you are working on them in class, they need to be handed back to me at the end of the hour. I give you participation points each day too, so I will be glancing through them to see how much you did or did not complete. Then I completed CRJ conferences with students who were scheduled for today.
Still need to do a Book Talk before the semester ends?--TALK TO ME ASAP!
Homework: Prep for your CRJ Conference, Reading Ladders (due 1/25/17)
Today we started with a TKAMB presentation (we will split these up to get them all done by the end of semester and to ensure you still have lots of time for work in class!) and then I gave you your final exam packet. You CANNOT take these home with you, so if you are working on them in class, they need to be handed back to me at the end of the hour. I give you participation points each day too, so I will be glancing through them to see how much you did or did not complete. Then I completed CRJ conferences with students who were scheduled for today.
Still need to do a Book Talk before the semester ends?--TALK TO ME ASAP!
Homework: Prep for your CRJ Conference, Reading Ladders (due 1/25/17)
17 January--ICE DAY
Well, another ice day! WOO HOO! Enjoy it!! Just so you know, we WILL start CRJ conferences on Wednesday when I return, so please be ready for those! I will also give you your final exam packet on Wednesday, just like planned.
Have a great day--my access to email today will be almost 0, so if you need an answer to a question, it's probably faster to get in touch with a friend and ask them. But if your conference is scheduled for January 18, that is the day it will be!
Well, another ice day! WOO HOO! Enjoy it!! Just so you know, we WILL start CRJ conferences on Wednesday when I return, so please be ready for those! I will also give you your final exam packet on Wednesday, just like planned.
Have a great day--my access to email today will be almost 0, so if you need an answer to a question, it's probably faster to get in touch with a friend and ask them. But if your conference is scheduled for January 18, that is the day it will be!
16 and 17 January--Monday and Tuesday--Ms. Alt Absent
Hello! Remember, I will not be at school on Monday and Tuesday and Ms. Host is your sub. She will be giving you 100% of your time to work on either:
1) Your Critical Reading Journal preparation
2) Your Reading Ladder
Please work hard to help each other out before emailing me. There is a LOT of information that wiill help you on the CRJ Page of this website--videos, rubrics, etc, and that might be way more helpful than an email to me. I will try my best to respond to you, but I might be a bit delayed in getting back to you, so if you need an answer RIGHT NOW, ask your classmates and trust yourself. I believe in you. I KNOW you can do a great job and you can work super hard during the time I'm gone.
Have a great beginning of the week and I'll see you on Wednesday.
Hello! Remember, I will not be at school on Monday and Tuesday and Ms. Host is your sub. She will be giving you 100% of your time to work on either:
1) Your Critical Reading Journal preparation
2) Your Reading Ladder
Please work hard to help each other out before emailing me. There is a LOT of information that wiill help you on the CRJ Page of this website--videos, rubrics, etc, and that might be way more helpful than an email to me. I will try my best to respond to you, but I might be a bit delayed in getting back to you, so if you need an answer RIGHT NOW, ask your classmates and trust yourself. I believe in you. I KNOW you can do a great job and you can work super hard during the time I'm gone.
Have a great beginning of the week and I'll see you on Wednesday.
12 January 2017--Thursday--ICE DAY!!
Well, here we are again. Gosh, this has been a chill week, right? But I'm super sad to not see all of you today! Here's what I recommend you work on today in order of priority:
1) Watch a CRJ example video or two if you haven't yet.
2) Start working on your Reading Ladders--each of those question is a paragraph, remember. Read the directions carefully!
3) Ensure you have 30 CRJs at least.
I'll check my email late this afternoon, so if you have questions, email me!
Enjoy!
--Ms. Alt
Well, here we are again. Gosh, this has been a chill week, right? But I'm super sad to not see all of you today! Here's what I recommend you work on today in order of priority:
1) Watch a CRJ example video or two if you haven't yet.
2) Start working on your Reading Ladders--each of those question is a paragraph, remember. Read the directions carefully!
3) Ensure you have 30 CRJs at least.
I'll check my email late this afternoon, so if you have questions, email me!
Enjoy!
--Ms. Alt
I'10 January 2017--Tuesday--SNOW DAY!!!
First--good job checking the website on a Snow Day--remember to text your friends and remind them to do the same.
Ok, so tomorrow (Wednesday), we will do:
1) Vocabulary Quiz--List 5
2) Presentations (ideally we will finish these tomorrow)
3) Book Talk Catch Up--Some of you might have your book talk delayed a day...
4) Review information about the CRJ Presentations and Reading Ladder--if you want to get ahead/not feel behind, I STRONGLY recommend you take an hour today to work on ensuring you have 30 CRJs, looking at the Critical Reading Journal page of the website, watching some videos, and reviewing the rubrics or starting your Reading Ladder.
Friday January 13, Monday January 16 and Tuesday Janaury 17 are 100% class workdays for you to work on CRJ Presentations and Reading Ladders.
CRJ Presentations start WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18--I will make a schedule today and post it later this afternoon.
You will receive your final exam packet on Wednesday January 18 during class. The packet is due the day of your exam--thus, First Period, you have a slight disadvantage from the rest of your classmates, as your exam is first...
LET ME BE HONEST: If do you do not do anything for English 9A today at all, you WILL feel stressed out this week and next week. So take an hour, and do some of that work. Trust me. I've been doing this a long time, my littles. I'm old and I'm wise.
First--good job checking the website on a Snow Day--remember to text your friends and remind them to do the same.
Ok, so tomorrow (Wednesday), we will do:
1) Vocabulary Quiz--List 5
2) Presentations (ideally we will finish these tomorrow)
3) Book Talk Catch Up--Some of you might have your book talk delayed a day...
4) Review information about the CRJ Presentations and Reading Ladder--if you want to get ahead/not feel behind, I STRONGLY recommend you take an hour today to work on ensuring you have 30 CRJs, looking at the Critical Reading Journal page of the website, watching some videos, and reviewing the rubrics or starting your Reading Ladder.
Friday January 13, Monday January 16 and Tuesday Janaury 17 are 100% class workdays for you to work on CRJ Presentations and Reading Ladders.
CRJ Presentations start WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18--I will make a schedule today and post it later this afternoon.
You will receive your final exam packet on Wednesday January 18 during class. The packet is due the day of your exam--thus, First Period, you have a slight disadvantage from the rest of your classmates, as your exam is first...
LET ME BE HONEST: If do you do not do anything for English 9A today at all, you WILL feel stressed out this week and next week. So take an hour, and do some of that work. Trust me. I've been doing this a long time, my littles. I'm old and I'm wise.
9 January 2017--Monday
Today in class, I started by book talking the 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal. Then we had 4-5 student presentations of the TKAMB projects. Then we finished the hour with 15 minutes of choice reading and conferring.
I also reminded you that this week is a catch up week for CRJs--you should have at least 30 entries total by January 18. If you are significantly behind, then you need to plan to stay and catch up. Remember--I am here to HELP you, but you need to step up and own it if you need that help. Click on the button above that says Overview of the End of the Semester to see what's coming...it's a lot. Don't just bury your head in the sand!
Tuesday vocabulary quiz over List 5
Today in class, I started by book talking the 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal. Then we had 4-5 student presentations of the TKAMB projects. Then we finished the hour with 15 minutes of choice reading and conferring.
I also reminded you that this week is a catch up week for CRJs--you should have at least 30 entries total by January 18. If you are significantly behind, then you need to plan to stay and catch up. Remember--I am here to HELP you, but you need to step up and own it if you need that help. Click on the button above that says Overview of the End of the Semester to see what's coming...it's a lot. Don't just bury your head in the sand!
Tuesday vocabulary quiz over List 5
6 January 2017--Friday
Today we started with a book talk about Aristotle and Dante discover the Secrets of the Universe; then I modeled a presentation for you of the same book. Then I gave you the entire rest of the hour to work on your presentations/projects. These projects are due Monday.
Today we started with a book talk about Aristotle and Dante discover the Secrets of the Universe; then I modeled a presentation for you of the same book. Then I gave you the entire rest of the hour to work on your presentations/projects. These projects are due Monday.
4 January 2017--Wednesday
Today we started with some Tuesdays with Morrie, then choice reading. After that, we reviewed some discussion about the Norman Rockwell painting and the end of Chapter 25, practicing analysis in writing. Then I provided students with the Multi Genre TKAMB final project. I encourage you to read that over tonight and look at the examples below--one is made by Ms. Pitt, the other is made by me. These are examples of what YOUR final project might look like, using TKAMB rather than the books we chose. WARNING: Ms. Pitt's example LOOKS wayyyy better than Ms. Alt's....I'll fix mine to be pretty..don't judge. :)
On Thursday, we are starting off with discussions of Boo Radley and his role in the novel.
Today we started with some Tuesdays with Morrie, then choice reading. After that, we reviewed some discussion about the Norman Rockwell painting and the end of Chapter 25, practicing analysis in writing. Then I provided students with the Multi Genre TKAMB final project. I encourage you to read that over tonight and look at the examples below--one is made by Ms. Pitt, the other is made by me. These are examples of what YOUR final project might look like, using TKAMB rather than the books we chose. WARNING: Ms. Pitt's example LOOKS wayyyy better than Ms. Alt's....I'll fix mine to be pretty..don't judge. :)
On Thursday, we are starting off with discussions of Boo Radley and his role in the novel.
3 January 2017--Tuesday--Welcome Back!!!
Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then there were 2 book talks--a student talk and I book talked a GREAT book called Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner. Then we got new vocabulary (Quiz on TUESDAY, JANUARY 10) and then did some further work with summary/analysis, getting ready for the final assessment of TKAMB. If students needed to, they had about 5 minutes to organize their binders. I gave an overview of the next few weeks of class/final exams (click the button above to look at it!) and then it was time to leave!
Homework: Finish vocabulary sheet--due Wedensday
Also--I want you FINISHED with TKAMB by the time you arrive to class on Thursday--this is 1 day sooner than your reading schedule suggests.
Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then there were 2 book talks--a student talk and I book talked a GREAT book called Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner. Then we got new vocabulary (Quiz on TUESDAY, JANUARY 10) and then did some further work with summary/analysis, getting ready for the final assessment of TKAMB. If students needed to, they had about 5 minutes to organize their binders. I gave an overview of the next few weeks of class/final exams (click the button above to look at it!) and then it was time to leave!
Homework: Finish vocabulary sheet--due Wedensday
Also--I want you FINISHED with TKAMB by the time you arrive to class on Thursday--this is 1 day sooner than your reading schedule suggests.
21 December 2016-Wednesday
Today we did not choice read, but we had several student book talks. After that we finished the Facing History Lynching video and discussed as a class--you guys had GREAT insights into a very challenging video--well done! Then we viewed a painting and discussed it as well. Next, you started working on a Summary/Analaysis of both the painting and the video (1 for the painting, 1 for the video). This is due by the time you return on 1/3/2017.
Homework for break:
--Catch up on To Kill a Mockingbird--finished with Chapter 27 when you return
--Catch up on CRJS--26-28 CRJS total when you return
--Finish your Summary/Analysis before 1/3
--Read, read, read.
There's a link above with documentaries too that you might want to watch over break. Enjoy!!
Today we did not choice read, but we had several student book talks. After that we finished the Facing History Lynching video and discussed as a class--you guys had GREAT insights into a very challenging video--well done! Then we viewed a painting and discussed it as well. Next, you started working on a Summary/Analaysis of both the painting and the video (1 for the painting, 1 for the video). This is due by the time you return on 1/3/2017.
Homework for break:
--Catch up on To Kill a Mockingbird--finished with Chapter 27 when you return
--Catch up on CRJS--26-28 CRJS total when you return
--Finish your Summary/Analysis before 1/3
--Read, read, read.
There's a link above with documentaries too that you might want to watch over break. Enjoy!!
20 December 2016--Tuesday
Today we started wtih Choice Reading and then student book talks. After that, we met back with theme groups and students had to choose ONE example from the text that they felt MOST exemplified their theme--find 2-3 sentences in the book that you felt exemplified the theme, and copy those lines into their notebooks for the homework, which is to choose either Prompt 41 or Prompt 43 from their CRJ sheet for a CRJ entry. This is due Wednesday.
Then we started watching a Facing History documentary video about the history of Lynching in the United States and students took notes-they will complete a Summary/Analysis of the video tomorrow in class. If you weren't here, click HERE to watch the video.
Today we started wtih Choice Reading and then student book talks. After that, we met back with theme groups and students had to choose ONE example from the text that they felt MOST exemplified their theme--find 2-3 sentences in the book that you felt exemplified the theme, and copy those lines into their notebooks for the homework, which is to choose either Prompt 41 or Prompt 43 from their CRJ sheet for a CRJ entry. This is due Wednesday.
Then we started watching a Facing History documentary video about the history of Lynching in the United States and students took notes-they will complete a Summary/Analysis of the video tomorrow in class. If you weren't here, click HERE to watch the video.
19 December 2016--Monday
Today we started back from the weekend with Choice Reading and then student book talks from Friday. For 3rd, 4th, and 5th period, I read some Tuesdays with Morrie--1st period, I'll catch you up tomorrow. Then we quickly reviewed Character Identities and listed the #1 for each character. After that, students worked with their theme groups to the end of the hour to ensure they had 6-7 examples of theme from the film and 4-5 examples from the novel, including page numbers
Homework: CATCH UP ON TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. By the time you arrive to class on Tuesday, you need to have Chapter 19 finished. I would hate to have to resort to a pop quiz to motivate you, but I've been known to do that....
Today we started back from the weekend with Choice Reading and then student book talks from Friday. For 3rd, 4th, and 5th period, I read some Tuesdays with Morrie--1st period, I'll catch you up tomorrow. Then we quickly reviewed Character Identities and listed the #1 for each character. After that, students worked with their theme groups to the end of the hour to ensure they had 6-7 examples of theme from the film and 4-5 examples from the novel, including page numbers
Homework: CATCH UP ON TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. By the time you arrive to class on Tuesday, you need to have Chapter 19 finished. I would hate to have to resort to a pop quiz to motivate you, but I've been known to do that....
16 December 2016--Friday
Today was a very, very, very difficult day to be a Wildcat. Honestly, I (Ms. Alt), was not able to bring light of teaching and learning to this classroom and for that I apologize--but I do not apologize for being emotional or for feeling this heartache. Today we took a break from schoolwork in English and did some heartwork. I shared with students my experiences and ideas of grief and we watched a little video about finding hope in difficult times. Then I let students choose if they read, wrote, Zentangled, adult coloring book. It was a day for quiet reflection. We'll get back to work on Monday.
Today was a very, very, very difficult day to be a Wildcat. Honestly, I (Ms. Alt), was not able to bring light of teaching and learning to this classroom and for that I apologize--but I do not apologize for being emotional or for feeling this heartache. Today we took a break from schoolwork in English and did some heartwork. I shared with students my experiences and ideas of grief and we watched a little video about finding hope in difficult times. Then I let students choose if they read, wrote, Zentangled, adult coloring book. It was a day for quiet reflection. We'll get back to work on Monday.
15 December 2016--Thursday
Today in class we started with choice reading and then student book talks. Then students worked with 2 different groups for their character identity charts, identifying the number one identifier of their character and comparing their answers to classmates. Then I gave you a Summary Analysis assignment to do with your article that connects to your TKAMB theme.
Homework: Summary/Analysis for your article--due Friday.
Remember to follow the directions explicitly. If it says 8-10 sentences, that's what you should do. Blue or black ink. Do a heading. Make sure not to type it!
Set it up as so:
Heading
Summary:
Analysis:
Quotations:
(Remember, no need to do the Thesis section)
Today in class we started with choice reading and then student book talks. Then students worked with 2 different groups for their character identity charts, identifying the number one identifier of their character and comparing their answers to classmates. Then I gave you a Summary Analysis assignment to do with your article that connects to your TKAMB theme.
Homework: Summary/Analysis for your article--due Friday.
Remember to follow the directions explicitly. If it says 8-10 sentences, that's what you should do. Blue or black ink. Do a heading. Make sure not to type it!
Set it up as so:
Heading
Summary:
Analysis:
Quotations:
(Remember, no need to do the Thesis section)
14 December 2016--Wednesday
Today we started with Choice Reading (except 3rd period bc you're a bit behind). After that, we briefly reviewed the film and discussed Atticus' closing statement--then we finished the movie (DON'T SPOIL IT FOR YOUR CLASSMATES!). OMG. Best ending ever. Tomorrow we will write about it, discuss in small groups and you'll be with your Theme and Character groups for Thursday and Friday in class.
Homework: Finish your Identity Chart for your character--due Thursday--have 12-15 "identities" on your chart. You can use info from both the book and the movie.
Fully annotate your Theme Article--due Thursday--If you don't understand your article, or it doesn't make sense, connect to your theme, etc, FIND A NEW ARTICLE.
Reading on your TKAMB schedule--by Thursday you should be done with Chapter 11 when you arrive to class.
Here's are 2 good examples of thorough annotations:
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13 December 2016--Tuesday
Today we were back to class and started with some student book talks. With the Snow Day yesterday, we had to move along without any choice reading today (sorry!) to get further into the movie. Today we saw lots of examples of themes and character development, so please make sure you are adding to your notes throughout the film--no one should be just "chilling" during the video. Most classes are about 5 minutes from finishing the film, which we will do on Wednesday.
Homework: Reading for the TKAMB reading schedule--you should be finished with Chapter 10 by the time you arrive to class on Wednesday. On Wednesday you'll meet with your character groups and wtih your theme groups as well as revisit the article you brought for homework. If you didn't bring an article today, you SHOULD bring one tomorrow--otherwise you'll be behind your classmates.
Today we were back to class and started with some student book talks. With the Snow Day yesterday, we had to move along without any choice reading today (sorry!) to get further into the movie. Today we saw lots of examples of themes and character development, so please make sure you are adding to your notes throughout the film--no one should be just "chilling" during the video. Most classes are about 5 minutes from finishing the film, which we will do on Wednesday.
Homework: Reading for the TKAMB reading schedule--you should be finished with Chapter 10 by the time you arrive to class on Wednesday. On Wednesday you'll meet with your character groups and wtih your theme groups as well as revisit the article you brought for homework. If you didn't bring an article today, you SHOULD bring one tomorrow--otherwise you'll be behind your classmates.
12 December 2016--Monday--SNOW DAY!!!
Hello and happy first snow day of the year! I hope you are all enjoying the day and a little extra sleep. Today you should stay to the TKAMB reading schedule which means by the time you walk into class tomorrow, you should have Chapter 9 finished. Also, 3rd, 4th, and 5th period you are supposed to bring a hard copy of a news or editorial article to class that connects to your THEME in some way. If your theme is gender, find a current event article that deals with gender. Just bring the article, don't write about it--but make sure you understand it since you WILL eventually need to write about it.
***1st Period--I am ADDING that to your schedule too--please see above--you were a bit behind on Friday due to technology difficulties, but please also look for an article from a reputable news source and bring it to class--either cut out of a magazine or newspaper or printed from the internet.
Good sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Reuters, The New Yorker, Grand Rapids Press, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times.
Bad sources: Fake news from your Facebook feed or a posting from Joe Bob's Basement Blog.
Lastly, I know I am reading like crazy today for the Page Kerfuffle. I hope you are too!!
Hello and happy first snow day of the year! I hope you are all enjoying the day and a little extra sleep. Today you should stay to the TKAMB reading schedule which means by the time you walk into class tomorrow, you should have Chapter 9 finished. Also, 3rd, 4th, and 5th period you are supposed to bring a hard copy of a news or editorial article to class that connects to your THEME in some way. If your theme is gender, find a current event article that deals with gender. Just bring the article, don't write about it--but make sure you understand it since you WILL eventually need to write about it.
***1st Period--I am ADDING that to your schedule too--please see above--you were a bit behind on Friday due to technology difficulties, but please also look for an article from a reputable news source and bring it to class--either cut out of a magazine or newspaper or printed from the internet.
Good sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Reuters, The New Yorker, Grand Rapids Press, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times.
Bad sources: Fake news from your Facebook feed or a posting from Joe Bob's Basement Blog.
Lastly, I know I am reading like crazy today for the Page Kerfuffle. I hope you are too!!
8 December 2016--Wednesday
Today in class we started with Choice Reading. 5th period took the longest of any class to get started at 1:42 seconds. Yes, I'm calling you out, 5th Period. Then we had some book talks. After that we verbally reviewed some similarities and differences between the book and the film of TKAMB. At this point you should be done with Chapter 1. Then we watched about 20 minutes of the film and stopped after meeting Walter Cunningham, Mr. Cunningham's son. As you watched, you should have been noting characteres and thems throughout and working on your character and theme chart.
Homework: Read Chapter 2 and 3 in TKAMB (reading schedule); do 1 CRJ entry about the film (this will be due by the end of the film, which will be Monday); start to work on your Character Identity Chart.
Today in class we started with Choice Reading. 5th period took the longest of any class to get started at 1:42 seconds. Yes, I'm calling you out, 5th Period. Then we had some book talks. After that we verbally reviewed some similarities and differences between the book and the film of TKAMB. At this point you should be done with Chapter 1. Then we watched about 20 minutes of the film and stopped after meeting Walter Cunningham, Mr. Cunningham's son. As you watched, you should have been noting characteres and thems throughout and working on your character and theme chart.
Homework: Read Chapter 2 and 3 in TKAMB (reading schedule); do 1 CRJ entry about the film (this will be due by the end of the film, which will be Monday); start to work on your Character Identity Chart.
6 December 2016--Tuesday
Today in class, Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird visited to share about her novel with the class. Then we choice read for 10 minutes. After that, students were given 3 papers--1 character chart, 1 theme chart and 1 job sheet. Each of you has been assigned 1 character and 1 theme that you will watch and track throughout the viewing of the film; you are responsible for taking notes on that character and that theme this week. Please note, if you are absent a day for the film, you ARE expected to make it up--just saying, "I was absent for it" is not going to be a good option....
Homework tonight is to work on Choice Reading for the Page Kerfuffle. At this point, 4th period is in FIRST PLACE by over 300 pages....
Today in class, Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird visited to share about her novel with the class. Then we choice read for 10 minutes. After that, students were given 3 papers--1 character chart, 1 theme chart and 1 job sheet. Each of you has been assigned 1 character and 1 theme that you will watch and track throughout the viewing of the film; you are responsible for taking notes on that character and that theme this week. Please note, if you are absent a day for the film, you ARE expected to make it up--just saying, "I was absent for it" is not going to be a good option....
Homework tonight is to work on Choice Reading for the Page Kerfuffle. At this point, 4th period is in FIRST PLACE by over 300 pages....
5 December 2016--Monday
Ms. Alt was absent.
Ms. Alt was absent.
30 November 2016--Wednesday
Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then I book talked the book/radio program The Moth and we listened to a Moth story (Hmm...I wonder if you'll have to do a Moth story of your own...). Then we moved into small and large group discussions of the Class Divided questions. GREAT IDEAS out there. We had some really interesting and very different ideas shared in all classes--it was great to see you guys thinking through some really difficult and thought-provoking ideas. Well done! Some classes had time to start the 4 Corners Activity, but most will do that tomorrow.
Homework: Start studying for your vocabulary quiz, choice read, CRJ entry.
Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then I book talked the book/radio program The Moth and we listened to a Moth story (Hmm...I wonder if you'll have to do a Moth story of your own...). Then we moved into small and large group discussions of the Class Divided questions. GREAT IDEAS out there. We had some really interesting and very different ideas shared in all classes--it was great to see you guys thinking through some really difficult and thought-provoking ideas. Well done! Some classes had time to start the 4 Corners Activity, but most will do that tomorrow.
Homework: Start studying for your vocabulary quiz, choice read, CRJ entry.
29 November 2016--Tuesday
Today in class we started with student book talks, then about 6 minutes of reading from Tuesdays with Morrie. After that, it was Choice Reading Tuesday and conferring for 20/25 minutes. Then we discussed the end of the Class Divided video. Click HERE if you need to rewatch any segments of it--if you were absent for ANY OF THE VIDEO VIEWING YOU SHOULD CLICK HERE. Really. I'm thinking of a few specific absent bunny rabbits....ave you clicked? If not....do it. I'll wait....
Ok, homework is to finish your 7 Class Divided Questions. If you have room in the Quick Write section, put them there. If not, put them elsewhere; but do them. We will spend about 20/25 minutes on Wednesday discussing these, so you need to spend some time thinking through and analyzing these!
Friday--Cumulative Vocabulary Quiz over Lists 1-4. Quizlet is above. Review sessions on Thursday after school and Friday morning.
Today in class we started with student book talks, then about 6 minutes of reading from Tuesdays with Morrie. After that, it was Choice Reading Tuesday and conferring for 20/25 minutes. Then we discussed the end of the Class Divided video. Click HERE if you need to rewatch any segments of it--if you were absent for ANY OF THE VIDEO VIEWING YOU SHOULD CLICK HERE. Really. I'm thinking of a few specific absent bunny rabbits....ave you clicked? If not....do it. I'll wait....
Ok, homework is to finish your 7 Class Divided Questions. If you have room in the Quick Write section, put them there. If not, put them elsewhere; but do them. We will spend about 20/25 minutes on Wednesday discussing these, so you need to spend some time thinking through and analyzing these!
Friday--Cumulative Vocabulary Quiz over Lists 1-4. Quizlet is above. Review sessions on Thursday after school and Friday morning.
28 November 2016--Monday
Today in class, we started with choice reading and conferring for 10 minutes. Then I book talked March by John Lewis. Afterwards, we finished watching Jane Elliot do the Brown Eyed/Blue Eyed experiment with a group of students in her class and then with a group of adults in a prison. We stopped to discuss things we noticed along the way.
Homework tonight--nothing due Tuesday, but your Brown Eyed/Blue Eyed questions are due Wednesday. Cumulative Vocabulary Quiz is on Friday (Lists 1-4 words).
19 CRJ entries by the end of the week.
Today in class, we started with choice reading and conferring for 10 minutes. Then I book talked March by John Lewis. Afterwards, we finished watching Jane Elliot do the Brown Eyed/Blue Eyed experiment with a group of students in her class and then with a group of adults in a prison. We stopped to discuss things we noticed along the way.
Homework tonight--nothing due Tuesday, but your Brown Eyed/Blue Eyed questions are due Wednesday. Cumulative Vocabulary Quiz is on Friday (Lists 1-4 words).
19 CRJ entries by the end of the week.
22 November 2016--Tuesday
Today in class we skipped choice reading and started with a book talk (student). After that, we introduced Story Corps and the Great Thanksgiving Listen. This is an awesome program that runs throughout the year, but they do a special opportunity over Thanksgiving weekend for students who might want to spend 5, 10, 15 minutes interviewing a family member or friends. I REALLY RECOMMEND YOU DO IT! It's not required, but it would be so rad to sit with someone who you don't see often and learn a bit about their story. Here is the link to the interview I did last year with my mom. This year I am planning to interview my friends who just adopted 2 boys!
Homework for the weekend: Eat turkey. Sleep. Read some books. Catch up on CRJs.
Do a Great Thanksgiving Listen Interview. Sleep. Relax.
Today in class we skipped choice reading and started with a book talk (student). After that, we introduced Story Corps and the Great Thanksgiving Listen. This is an awesome program that runs throughout the year, but they do a special opportunity over Thanksgiving weekend for students who might want to spend 5, 10, 15 minutes interviewing a family member or friends. I REALLY RECOMMEND YOU DO IT! It's not required, but it would be so rad to sit with someone who you don't see often and learn a bit about their story. Here is the link to the interview I did last year with my mom. This year I am planning to interview my friends who just adopted 2 boys!
Homework for the weekend: Eat turkey. Sleep. Read some books. Catch up on CRJs.
Do a Great Thanksgiving Listen Interview. Sleep. Relax.
21 November 2016--Monday
Hello! Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then some classes had a student book talk--or I book talked The Help by Kathryn Stockett. After that, we continued watching A Class Divided on PBS and stopped every few moments to discuss some "notices". We finished the section where she divided students and tomorrow in class you'll watch the section where she works with prison guard.
Homework: Due Tuesday: Complete an Identity Chart for the character you wrote your draft on--put this on the back of your draft....
Have at least 15 “qualities” on your chart.
STAR the 5 qualities that are the most important to the character.
CIRCLE the ones that are “skin deep”--things a person could know WITHOUT getting to know that person first.
UNDERLINE the ONE quality that is the most important to that character.
By Monday: Hop on the class forum and engage in a (civilized) conversation with your classmates!
Hello! Today in class we started with Choice Reading and then some classes had a student book talk--or I book talked The Help by Kathryn Stockett. After that, we continued watching A Class Divided on PBS and stopped every few moments to discuss some "notices". We finished the section where she divided students and tomorrow in class you'll watch the section where she works with prison guard.
Homework: Due Tuesday: Complete an Identity Chart for the character you wrote your draft on--put this on the back of your draft....
Have at least 15 “qualities” on your chart.
STAR the 5 qualities that are the most important to the character.
CIRCLE the ones that are “skin deep”--things a person could know WITHOUT getting to know that person first.
UNDERLINE the ONE quality that is the most important to that character.
By Monday: Hop on the class forum and engage in a (civilized) conversation with your classmates!
18 November 2016--Friday
Today in class, we started with a book talk (some classes) and then into the Vocabulary Quiz 4. Then, some choice reading for about 10 minutes. After that, we reviewed and discussed the Identity Chart and narrowed down our identifiers to 5. After that, we did a Mannequin Challenge, THEN we started watching the Class Divided film. Homework this weekend is to choice reading or to catch up on your CRJ entries. You should have 15 entries by this point and 17 entries by next Monday!
Today in class, we started with a book talk (some classes) and then into the Vocabulary Quiz 4. Then, some choice reading for about 10 minutes. After that, we reviewed and discussed the Identity Chart and narrowed down our identifiers to 5. After that, we did a Mannequin Challenge, THEN we started watching the Class Divided film. Homework this weekend is to choice reading or to catch up on your CRJ entries. You should have 15 entries by this point and 17 entries by next Monday!
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17 November 2016--Thursday
Today in class, we started with Choice Reading and then there were study book talks. After that, we did some work with your character essay drafts, passing them to 3 different students and writing questions about the characters. Then I collected these. Afterwards, students worked on creating Identity Charts; I encouraged you to have 15 "qualities" and then tonight for homework, put a * next to the 5 that are the MOST important aspects of who you are.
Homework: Finish Identity Chart and study for your vocabulary quiz.
Today in class, we started with Choice Reading and then there were study book talks. After that, we did some work with your character essay drafts, passing them to 3 different students and writing questions about the characters. Then I collected these. Afterwards, students worked on creating Identity Charts; I encouraged you to have 15 "qualities" and then tonight for homework, put a * next to the 5 that are the MOST important aspects of who you are.
Homework: Finish Identity Chart and study for your vocabulary quiz.
15 November 2016--Tuesday
Today in class, we started with student book talks and a book talk about The Wave by Todd Strasser. Then, I read for about 8 minutes in Tuesday's with Morrie. Then it was Choice Reading Tuesday and students read for about 25 minutes while I conferred. We ended the hour by students receiving an essay draft assignment. This is due Thursday and you will NOT have time in class to work on it. Please ensure it is typed and printed for class on Thursday at the beginning of the class period.
Today in class, we started with student book talks and a book talk about The Wave by Todd Strasser. Then, I read for about 8 minutes in Tuesday's with Morrie. Then it was Choice Reading Tuesday and students read for about 25 minutes while I conferred. We ended the hour by students receiving an essay draft assignment. This is due Thursday and you will NOT have time in class to work on it. Please ensure it is typed and printed for class on Thursday at the beginning of the class period.
14 November 2016--Monday
Today in class, we started with a book talk, Black Like Me, and then moved into Choice Reading. After Choice Reading, we got new vocabulary--the sheets are due tomorrow for homework points. Then we discussed a couple of the questions from the Pre-Unit questions (a note on discussions: If you do not wish to verbally participate, that is fine, but you cannot read or work on other homework during the time. If you do so, I will give you a 0 for points for that day). Then, we did an exit slip regarding race and racism. I asked that you keep it anonymous.
Today in class, we started with a book talk, Black Like Me, and then moved into Choice Reading. After Choice Reading, we got new vocabulary--the sheets are due tomorrow for homework points. Then we discussed a couple of the questions from the Pre-Unit questions (a note on discussions: If you do not wish to verbally participate, that is fine, but you cannot read or work on other homework during the time. If you do so, I will give you a 0 for points for that day). Then, we did an exit slip regarding race and racism. I asked that you keep it anonymous.
10 November 2016--Thursday
Today in class, we started with some student book talks and then moved into Choice Reading. After that, we talked a little about light and why we do the work we do as teachers and students. Students listened to the Sugarland song, "Shine the Light," and then worked on the prompt, "Why are you here? How do you shine your light?" in their Writer's Notebook. I encourage you to add your ideas to the document below once they are finished. It's a beautiful document with beautiful ideas.
Homework tonight is to finish your Next Unit Prep questions (Writer's Notebook) and to study for your vocabulary quiz.
Want to add your ideas or read what your classmates wrote? Click on the document below. After reading, please add your thoughts to the document as responses. Do NOT edit or remove parts of anyone else's writing. Thanks!
Today in class, we started with some student book talks and then moved into Choice Reading. After that, we talked a little about light and why we do the work we do as teachers and students. Students listened to the Sugarland song, "Shine the Light," and then worked on the prompt, "Why are you here? How do you shine your light?" in their Writer's Notebook. I encourage you to add your ideas to the document below once they are finished. It's a beautiful document with beautiful ideas.
Homework tonight is to finish your Next Unit Prep questions (Writer's Notebook) and to study for your vocabulary quiz.
Want to add your ideas or read what your classmates wrote? Click on the document below. After reading, please add your thoughts to the document as responses. Do NOT edit or remove parts of anyone else's writing. Thanks!
8 November 2016--Tuesday
Today in class, we started with a Gallery Walk of everyone's Micro Issue Creative responses. After that, we talked about the topic for the day--"What are you thinking about? Why? What are you wondering? Why?" Then we closed with a Candle Closing activity. I gave you your homework for Friday--5 Unit Framing Questions due in your Writer's Notebook section (Quick Write)--Remember, tomorrow is a Read In or a Write In--bring books, notebooks, pillows, blankets, snacks. I hope you look at it as a chance to relax a little, have some quiet time to yourself, and get some quality reading or writing finished. Ms. Duda is your sub and I expect the best behavior from you.
Today in class, we started with a Gallery Walk of everyone's Micro Issue Creative responses. After that, we talked about the topic for the day--"What are you thinking about? Why? What are you wondering? Why?" Then we closed with a Candle Closing activity. I gave you your homework for Friday--5 Unit Framing Questions due in your Writer's Notebook section (Quick Write)--Remember, tomorrow is a Read In or a Write In--bring books, notebooks, pillows, blankets, snacks. I hope you look at it as a chance to relax a little, have some quiet time to yourself, and get some quality reading or writing finished. Ms. Duda is your sub and I expect the best behavior from you.
7 November 2016--Monday
Today in class, we started with 10 minutes of Choice Reading. After that, I book talked East of Eden by John Steinbeck (HLM). Then we got new vocabulary for the week. If your class had any student presentations, we listened to them then. Next, I reviewed how to turn the Letter to the President into the website. Please submit your letter by 11:59pm this evening. Your class codes are below. After that, we listened to a Story Corp about 2 family members who cannot agree when it comes to politics. Then we listened to a spoken word poem called, "Thinking About You" and prepped for tomorrow's coffeehouse discussion. IF YOUR CLASS DID NOT WATCH/LISTEN TO THE LINKS ABOVE, DO SO NOW, PLEASE!
Letters to President Codes:
2nd Period: EKVZYN
3rd Period: ZN3RKM
4th Period: PWXKWZ
5th Period: JXPQZD
6th Period: 8OMBDQ
Today in class, we started with 10 minutes of Choice Reading. After that, I book talked East of Eden by John Steinbeck (HLM). Then we got new vocabulary for the week. If your class had any student presentations, we listened to them then. Next, I reviewed how to turn the Letter to the President into the website. Please submit your letter by 11:59pm this evening. Your class codes are below. After that, we listened to a Story Corp about 2 family members who cannot agree when it comes to politics. Then we listened to a spoken word poem called, "Thinking About You" and prepped for tomorrow's coffeehouse discussion. IF YOUR CLASS DID NOT WATCH/LISTEN TO THE LINKS ABOVE, DO SO NOW, PLEASE!
Letters to President Codes:
2nd Period: EKVZYN
3rd Period: ZN3RKM
4th Period: PWXKWZ
5th Period: JXPQZD
6th Period: 8OMBDQ
4 November 2016--Friday
Today in class, we started with a book talk about Destiny of the Republic--President Garfield himself came to deliver the talk! Every Friday a new historical figure will visit with us for Historical Book Talk Fridays. After that, students took their vocabulary quiz. Then when they were done, they had the hour to work independently on their Letters to the Next President/Micro Issues.
UPDATED DUE DATE: The Letter to the Next President needs to be submitted to the button above by SUNDAY night at 11:59pm.
Micro Issue--due at the BEGINNING of class on Monday; we are using these in a gallery walk on Tuesday!
Today in class, we started with a book talk about Destiny of the Republic--President Garfield himself came to deliver the talk! Every Friday a new historical figure will visit with us for Historical Book Talk Fridays. After that, students took their vocabulary quiz. Then when they were done, they had the hour to work independently on their Letters to the Next President/Micro Issues.
UPDATED DUE DATE: The Letter to the Next President needs to be submitted to the button above by SUNDAY night at 11:59pm.
Micro Issue--due at the BEGINNING of class on Monday; we are using these in a gallery walk on Tuesday!
3 November 2016--Thursday
Today in class, we had some student book talks (Great books!!) and then read for 10 minutes. After that, we reviewed some expectations for the Letter to the Next President and your Micro Issue creative responses. Remember with your Micros, your goal is to bring awareness to an issue that impacts you or teenagers, and it's simply bringing awareness--you do not need to craft an argumentative response creatively, though you certainly can if you wish! After that, students got to work on typing their letters, using the drafting outline as a basis.
Today in class, we had some student book talks (Great books!!) and then read for 10 minutes. After that, we reviewed some expectations for the Letter to the Next President and your Micro Issue creative responses. Remember with your Micros, your goal is to bring awareness to an issue that impacts you or teenagers, and it's simply bringing awareness--you do not need to craft an argumentative response creatively, though you certainly can if you wish! After that, students got to work on typing their letters, using the drafting outline as a basis.
2 November 2016--Wednesday
Today in class, we read for 10 minutes and then I book talked Dwarf. After that we reviewed expectations for the day/what was due at the end of the hour, and headed down to the Fishbowl to work on outlining and drafting of the letter. I also tried to confer with as many of you as possible about your Micro Issue and your presentation of that (which is due Monday).
Reminders: Friday--Final draft of your Letter to the President--due by 11:59pm
Monday--Micro Issue due (gave you the RUBRIC today)
Thursday and Friday in class are work days for you--please bring materials, headphones, etc for some solid work time.
Friday--Vocabulary Quiz
Click HERE to access that idea list for Micro Issues (these are just ideas--you can do something else! Let me know!)
Today in class, we read for 10 minutes and then I book talked Dwarf. After that we reviewed expectations for the day/what was due at the end of the hour, and headed down to the Fishbowl to work on outlining and drafting of the letter. I also tried to confer with as many of you as possible about your Micro Issue and your presentation of that (which is due Monday).
Reminders: Friday--Final draft of your Letter to the President--due by 11:59pm
Monday--Micro Issue due (gave you the RUBRIC today)
Thursday and Friday in class are work days for you--please bring materials, headphones, etc for some solid work time.
Friday--Vocabulary Quiz
Click HERE to access that idea list for Micro Issues (these are just ideas--you can do something else! Let me know!)
31 October 2016--Monday--Halloween
Today in class, we started off with Choice Reading and conferring. Then I book talked The Art of Racing in the Rain. Then we got new vocabulary words for the week--vocabulary sheet is due tomorrow, quiz on Friday. Then we went over the Argumentative Letter to the President (Macro issue) using the white packet I gave you. I am recommending students start to do some Googling and research for initial facts on their topics for tonight.
Homework: Vocabulary sheet due Tuesday, Draft/Outline of letter due Wednesday at end of class period (Macro issue). Thursday and Friday will be 100% work days in class for students, but don't fall too far behind....
Final draft of Letter to the President--due Friday
Micro Issue Creative Response--due Monday
Today in class, we started off with Choice Reading and conferring. Then I book talked The Art of Racing in the Rain. Then we got new vocabulary words for the week--vocabulary sheet is due tomorrow, quiz on Friday. Then we went over the Argumentative Letter to the President (Macro issue) using the white packet I gave you. I am recommending students start to do some Googling and research for initial facts on their topics for tonight.
Homework: Vocabulary sheet due Tuesday, Draft/Outline of letter due Wednesday at end of class period (Macro issue). Thursday and Friday will be 100% work days in class for students, but don't fall too far behind....
Final draft of Letter to the President--due Friday
Micro Issue Creative Response--due Monday
28 October 2016--Friday
Today in class we took a vocabulary quiz and then discussed the Macro and Micro issues for our Argumentative Writing Unit. The Macro issue is an issue that is LARGE and likely to be discussed during the Presidential election. The Micro issue is an issue that tends to impact teenagers more. Think of a Micro issue as one that you WISH a parent, teacher or principal would take more seriously. The Micro issue will be a creative response, the Macro issue will be the Letter to the Next President.
Homework: Do your CRJ entry; read, read, read. Click HERE to see this week's Powerpoint slides (with examples of Micro issue Creative Response ideas).
Today in class we took a vocabulary quiz and then discussed the Macro and Micro issues for our Argumentative Writing Unit. The Macro issue is an issue that is LARGE and likely to be discussed during the Presidential election. The Micro issue is an issue that tends to impact teenagers more. Think of a Micro issue as one that you WISH a parent, teacher or principal would take more seriously. The Micro issue will be a creative response, the Macro issue will be the Letter to the Next President.
Homework: Do your CRJ entry; read, read, read. Click HERE to see this week's Powerpoint slides (with examples of Micro issue Creative Response ideas).
26 October 2016--Wednesday
Today in class we started with Choice Reading/Conferring, then I book talked The Shining by Stephen King (know yourself as a reader--it's sort of scary and more mature than other books!). After that, we recorded this week's vocabulary into Writer's Notebooks (quiz on Friday) and then did some writing about protest artwork. We will discuss the 8 pieces of art we viewed on Thursday and begin working on the next unit--argumentative writing and protest art!
Homework: Work on your CRJ entry for the week, choice read, and vocabulary quiz on Friday!)
Today in class we started with Choice Reading/Conferring, then I book talked The Shining by Stephen King (know yourself as a reader--it's sort of scary and more mature than other books!). After that, we recorded this week's vocabulary into Writer's Notebooks (quiz on Friday) and then did some writing about protest artwork. We will discuss the 8 pieces of art we viewed on Thursday and begin working on the next unit--argumentative writing and protest art!
Homework: Work on your CRJ entry for the week, choice read, and vocabulary quiz on Friday!)
25 October 2016--Tuesday
Today in class, there were student book talks (2nd, 3rd, 5th period) and also Tuesday's With Morrie. Then it was 30 minutes of Choice Reading time and conferring. I have been asking students to bring their CRJ with them to conferences (remember--2 per week outside of class is the expectation!). Then we practiced a 12 minute CRJ entry as a class--we will discuss these tomorrow.
Homework: CRJ entries (2x/week) and Choice Reading. Vocabulary quiz on Friday.
Today in class, there were student book talks (2nd, 3rd, 5th period) and also Tuesday's With Morrie. Then it was 30 minutes of Choice Reading time and conferring. I have been asking students to bring their CRJ with them to conferences (remember--2 per week outside of class is the expectation!). Then we practiced a 12 minute CRJ entry as a class--we will discuss these tomorrow.
Homework: CRJ entries (2x/week) and Choice Reading. Vocabulary quiz on Friday.
24 October 2016--Monday
Today in class, I book talked, then we read for 12 minutes, then we learned new vocabulary words and reviewed the work from Thursday where we did station work. At the end of the hour, we worked in Writer's Notebooks for 10 minutes answering questions about beliefs and values and pretty deep questions for a Monday! Tomorrow we will do choice reading Tuesdays and Tuesdays the Morrie.
Homework: Finish your vocabulary sheet (due Tuesday) and 2 CRJ entries per week.
Today in class, I book talked, then we read for 12 minutes, then we learned new vocabulary words and reviewed the work from Thursday where we did station work. At the end of the hour, we worked in Writer's Notebooks for 10 minutes answering questions about beliefs and values and pretty deep questions for a Monday! Tomorrow we will do choice reading Tuesdays and Tuesdays the Morrie.
Homework: Finish your vocabulary sheet (due Tuesday) and 2 CRJ entries per week.
19 October 2016--Wednesday
Today in class, I was absent, but you have work to do!! Starting off with 10 minutes of choice reading, then moving into the group and individual work. Anything you didn't finish in class is homework for Thursday. See below.
Today in class, I was absent, but you have work to do!! Starting off with 10 minutes of choice reading, then moving into the group and individual work. Anything you didn't finish in class is homework for Thursday. See below.
18 October 2016--Tuesday
Today in class I started with Tuesdays with Morrie and then we choice read for 25 minutes/conferred on books. After that, I introduced your vocabulary for the week and assigned 5 of you to be the Fabulous First vocabulary folks--due Thursday via the form above (Click the Vocabulary button). I also explained some more information about the CRJ process and gave you the assignment of 2 CRJ entries about your Choice Reading books per week starting now--that's on YOU to hold yourself accountable...eeek? Presentation of the CRJ will be 50% of your midterm exam for this class! Don't fall behind!
Today in class I started with Tuesdays with Morrie and then we choice read for 25 minutes/conferred on books. After that, I introduced your vocabulary for the week and assigned 5 of you to be the Fabulous First vocabulary folks--due Thursday via the form above (Click the Vocabulary button). I also explained some more information about the CRJ process and gave you the assignment of 2 CRJ entries about your Choice Reading books per week starting now--that's on YOU to hold yourself accountable...eeek? Presentation of the CRJ will be 50% of your midterm exam for this class! Don't fall behind!
17 October 2016--Monday
Today in class, I book talked Molokai by Alan Brennert and we read for about 10 minutes while I conferred. Most of you are doing great with your choice reading, but many of you are STILL not reading outside of class. It needs to become a homework assignment for many of you!
After that, we moved into our Coffeehouse #2 for the year--today we talked about student voice and listening, using Tell Me More as a jumping off place. Some classes had amazingly rigorous conversations....other classes are still working on the process of developing discussion--that's ok! You're all doing great! I also checked your CRJ entries, annotations and had you turn in your exit slips. Homework tonight is choice reading.
Today in class, I book talked Molokai by Alan Brennert and we read for about 10 minutes while I conferred. Most of you are doing great with your choice reading, but many of you are STILL not reading outside of class. It needs to become a homework assignment for many of you!
After that, we moved into our Coffeehouse #2 for the year--today we talked about student voice and listening, using Tell Me More as a jumping off place. Some classes had amazingly rigorous conversations....other classes are still working on the process of developing discussion--that's ok! You're all doing great! I also checked your CRJ entries, annotations and had you turn in your exit slips. Homework tonight is choice reading.
14 October 2016--Friday
Today in class, we had a 1/2 day, so very short hour. I started with some reminders about signing up for Book Talks (don't forget!) and reminders of Homework for the weekend/Coffeehouse and then we choice read for 20 minutes. I also gave all of you a Conference Reflection Letter and asked that it be done by Monday--you could use the time today in class to work on it, or over the weekend. I will use this letter to guide my conferences with your parents next week and they WILL see it, so please remember that as you work on it.
Homework: Read and annotate Tell Me More and complete 1 CRJ entry about it from choosing 1 of the CRJ prompts on the blue sheet I gave you. Then, make a list of 20 things that bother or annoy you about the world, country, city, school in the Quick Write section of your Writer's Notebook. Both of these assignments are your entry tickets for Monday's coffee house!
Today in class, we had a 1/2 day, so very short hour. I started with some reminders about signing up for Book Talks (don't forget!) and reminders of Homework for the weekend/Coffeehouse and then we choice read for 20 minutes. I also gave all of you a Conference Reflection Letter and asked that it be done by Monday--you could use the time today in class to work on it, or over the weekend. I will use this letter to guide my conferences with your parents next week and they WILL see it, so please remember that as you work on it.
Homework: Read and annotate Tell Me More and complete 1 CRJ entry about it from choosing 1 of the CRJ prompts on the blue sheet I gave you. Then, make a list of 20 things that bother or annoy you about the world, country, city, school in the Quick Write section of your Writer's Notebook. Both of these assignments are your entry tickets for Monday's coffee house!
12 October 2016--Wednesday
Today in class, I book talked Infinite In Between by Carolyn Mackler and then students read for about 10 minutes. After that, we reviewed the Self Editing Checklist for independent work time on their memoir assignments. I also handed out the Book Talk Rubric and the Memoir Rubric to students. Student led Book Talks will start next week Tuesday! Final drafts of Memoir Papers are due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 by the beginning of your class period. I'll show you tomorrow in class how to turn them in.
Homework: Work on your paper--editing, revising, editing, revising!
Today in class, I book talked Infinite In Between by Carolyn Mackler and then students read for about 10 minutes. After that, we reviewed the Self Editing Checklist for independent work time on their memoir assignments. I also handed out the Book Talk Rubric and the Memoir Rubric to students. Student led Book Talks will start next week Tuesday! Final drafts of Memoir Papers are due FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 by the beginning of your class period. I'll show you tomorrow in class how to turn them in.
Homework: Work on your paper--editing, revising, editing, revising!
11 October 2016--Tuesday
Today in class we started with about 8 minutes of reading from Tuesdays with Morrie. After that, students did an Essays Guts review of their draft to prioritize what they need most help for revisions and editing over the next two days. Then it was a Read-In and I conferred with as many students as possible about their books and writing.
Reminder--I am here today and tomorrow until 3:30pm for help with essays. Please consider staying for help if you are having a hard time!
Homework: Read and review the rubric--we will discuss it in class tomorrow--and choice reading in your books.
Final draft of Memoir essays is due FRIDAY at beginning of class on the website button.
Today in class we started with about 8 minutes of reading from Tuesdays with Morrie. After that, students did an Essays Guts review of their draft to prioritize what they need most help for revisions and editing over the next two days. Then it was a Read-In and I conferred with as many students as possible about their books and writing.
Reminder--I am here today and tomorrow until 3:30pm for help with essays. Please consider staying for help if you are having a hard time!
Homework: Read and review the rubric--we will discuss it in class tomorrow--and choice reading in your books.
Final draft of Memoir essays is due FRIDAY at beginning of class on the website button.
10 October 2016--Monday
Today in class, I book talked The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls and then read for 10 minutes. After that, students worked on their drafts of their essays (draft due tomorrow and printed). I also handed back mastery packets and we talked about necessary things for redo--you can turn in your redo as SOON as you would like (even after school today!) and as soon as you master it, that 0 will be replaced with a real grade. I emailed all of your parents through Synergy to tell them this too, so if they are stressed out about the 0, please remind them it's temporary. I'll be at school until 2:55pm today accepting redos if you want to run it up to me.
Homework: Finish your draft of your Memoir and PRINT it for class tomorrow. Tuesday's class will be a Read-In while I confer with you on your drafts.
Today in class, I book talked The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls and then read for 10 minutes. After that, students worked on their drafts of their essays (draft due tomorrow and printed). I also handed back mastery packets and we talked about necessary things for redo--you can turn in your redo as SOON as you would like (even after school today!) and as soon as you master it, that 0 will be replaced with a real grade. I emailed all of your parents through Synergy to tell them this too, so if they are stressed out about the 0, please remind them it's temporary. I'll be at school until 2:55pm today accepting redos if you want to run it up to me.
Homework: Finish your draft of your Memoir and PRINT it for class tomorrow. Tuesday's class will be a Read-In while I confer with you on your drafts.
5 October 2016--Wednesday
Today in class, I started with an (overly emotional) book talk about The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner. After that we read for 10 minutes/conferred. Then we moved into a more in-depth investigation of Alexander Hamilton from the musical Hamilton using THIS paper and small group work. After about 10 minutes of group work, we discussed briefly as a whole group that first 2 Roman numerals (i and ii). Then I LOADED you down with work for the next few days and a
SUGGESTED SCHEDULE in order for you to feel in control of your life. Still, I'm sure some of you feel overwhelmed. I remind you that you NEED to start considering time management--I can help you!!
Homework: Finish the Homework section of the blue paper (2nd hour already did this)--due Thursday.
Read and annotate the 2 stories on green paper (Crazy for the Storm and Boys, Beer, Barfing)--due Thursday--I do NOT have electronic copies of this to put here--sorry!
Today in class, I started with an (overly emotional) book talk about The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner. After that we read for 10 minutes/conferred. Then we moved into a more in-depth investigation of Alexander Hamilton from the musical Hamilton using THIS paper and small group work. After about 10 minutes of group work, we discussed briefly as a whole group that first 2 Roman numerals (i and ii). Then I LOADED you down with work for the next few days and a
SUGGESTED SCHEDULE in order for you to feel in control of your life. Still, I'm sure some of you feel overwhelmed. I remind you that you NEED to start considering time management--I can help you!!
Homework: Finish the Homework section of the blue paper (2nd hour already did this)--due Thursday.
Read and annotate the 2 stories on green paper (Crazy for the Storm and Boys, Beer, Barfing)--due Thursday--I do NOT have electronic copies of this to put here--sorry!
4 October 2016--Tuesday
Today in class, I read for about 9 minutes from Tuesdays with Morrie and then gave you 25 minutes of Choice Reading Time/Conferring. After that we moved into analyzing and investigating your Hamilton annotated lyrics in small groups using THIS sheet. Then for homework, students were asked to complete the Homework section of their assignment sheet in their Writer's Notebook using the Quick Write section. UPDATE-- This is due Wednesday for 2nd Period; EVERY OTHER CLASS does NOT need to do this for homework (sorry 2nd period!)--It will be due on Thursday for 3rd, 4th and 5th periods.
Today in class, I read for about 9 minutes from Tuesdays with Morrie and then gave you 25 minutes of Choice Reading Time/Conferring. After that we moved into analyzing and investigating your Hamilton annotated lyrics in small groups using THIS sheet. Then for homework, students were asked to complete the Homework section of their assignment sheet in their Writer's Notebook using the Quick Write section. UPDATE-- This is due Wednesday for 2nd Period; EVERY OTHER CLASS does NOT need to do this for homework (sorry 2nd period!)--It will be due on Thursday for 3rd, 4th and 5th periods.
REMINDER:
YOU need to print your documents before class tomorrow. I will not print for you! If it is NOT printed before you arrive, it is late...make a plan!
Those of you going on ART PRIZE Field Trip MUST turn in your packets to me BEFORE you leave. Turning them in on Wednesday will result in 50% off.
YOU need to print your documents before class tomorrow. I will not print for you! If it is NOT printed before you arrive, it is late...make a plan!
Those of you going on ART PRIZE Field Trip MUST turn in your packets to me BEFORE you leave. Turning them in on Wednesday will result in 50% off.
Mastery Unit 1--Due October 4 (Tuesday)!
29 September 2016--Thursday
Today in class I book talked Flowers for Algernon and In Cold Blood by Truman Caposte and then we choice read for 10 minutes. After that, we spent time clarifying and answering questions regarding the Mastery Unit (due Tuesday)--my goal is to ensure you are all ready for Friday to get some work done since I will not be here to answer questions. Click HERE to access a Powerpoint that might help you. Please operate by the "2 before you" mindset tomorrow in class--ask 2 classmates before you send me an email asking for help. I KNOW you can do an awesome job of this!
Homework: Work on the Mastery Unit (due Tuesday)--remember it must be PRINTED before you walk into the classroom--the Fishbowl is open on Tuesday mornings for CATS---but please, MAKE A PLAN AND OWN YOUR EDUCATION!
Today in class I book talked Flowers for Algernon and In Cold Blood by Truman Caposte and then we choice read for 10 minutes. After that, we spent time clarifying and answering questions regarding the Mastery Unit (due Tuesday)--my goal is to ensure you are all ready for Friday to get some work done since I will not be here to answer questions. Click HERE to access a Powerpoint that might help you. Please operate by the "2 before you" mindset tomorrow in class--ask 2 classmates before you send me an email asking for help. I KNOW you can do an awesome job of this!
Homework: Work on the Mastery Unit (due Tuesday)--remember it must be PRINTED before you walk into the classroom--the Fishbowl is open on Tuesday mornings for CATS---but please, MAKE A PLAN AND OWN YOUR EDUCATION!
28 September 2016--Wednesday
Today I book talked The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie---a memoir and a book that is frequently banned or challenged (It's Banned Book Week!). After that, students choice read for 10 minutes I conferred. Then we moved into a WHOLE bunch of group work:
1) Reviewing and discussing the "A Lesson Not Learned" article from Monday--online on your Chromebooks.
2) Reviewing and discussing the memoir excerpt from "I am Malala"--CRJ entries.
After students worked together for awhile and took notes in their CRJs, we came back as a class to discuss some of the common ideas/qualities of memoirs and where we see these showing up in the works, adding to our notes. Then to prep for your work in Hamilton, we watched a 3 minute intro video to the phenomenon.
After that, in some classes where there was time, I gave a Mini Lesson for our Mastery Unit on writing a Professional Thank You letter and a Book Review. If your class did not get this mini lesson, click above and check it out--if you understand it, start working on it!
Tonight's homework is to work on the annotate the Alexander Hamilton song lyrics I gave you, noting qualities of a memoir in the lyrics (not discussing this until October 4), to start working on the Mastery Unit and to choice read.
Reminder your Mastery Unit #1 is due on October 4!
Today I book talked The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie---a memoir and a book that is frequently banned or challenged (It's Banned Book Week!). After that, students choice read for 10 minutes I conferred. Then we moved into a WHOLE bunch of group work:
1) Reviewing and discussing the "A Lesson Not Learned" article from Monday--online on your Chromebooks.
2) Reviewing and discussing the memoir excerpt from "I am Malala"--CRJ entries.
After students worked together for awhile and took notes in their CRJs, we came back as a class to discuss some of the common ideas/qualities of memoirs and where we see these showing up in the works, adding to our notes. Then to prep for your work in Hamilton, we watched a 3 minute intro video to the phenomenon.
After that, in some classes where there was time, I gave a Mini Lesson for our Mastery Unit on writing a Professional Thank You letter and a Book Review. If your class did not get this mini lesson, click above and check it out--if you understand it, start working on it!
Tonight's homework is to work on the annotate the Alexander Hamilton song lyrics I gave you, noting qualities of a memoir in the lyrics (not discussing this until October 4), to start working on the Mastery Unit and to choice read.
Reminder your Mastery Unit #1 is due on October 4!
27 September 2016--Tuesday
Happy Tuesday! Today we started with a new seating chart (you'll be with these folks until the end of October), then I read for a few minutes from Tuesday's With Morrie, and then moved into 30 minutes of Choice Reading Time while I conferred about books.
After that, I gave 2 mini lessons for the Mastery Unit--the Paragraph Response and the Email to a Teacher/Elder. Any additional time at the end of the hour was for work on the Mastery Unit or to begin homework (annotation of I am Malala and CRJ entry #5).
The prompt for the CRJ is: Discuss which qualities of a memoir this excerpt from I am Malala demonstrates. Find at least 3 examples of memoir qualities, and explain WHY and HOW these qualities help reveal the character’s identity and the experience.”
Happy Tuesday! Today we started with a new seating chart (you'll be with these folks until the end of October), then I read for a few minutes from Tuesday's With Morrie, and then moved into 30 minutes of Choice Reading Time while I conferred about books.
After that, I gave 2 mini lessons for the Mastery Unit--the Paragraph Response and the Email to a Teacher/Elder. Any additional time at the end of the hour was for work on the Mastery Unit or to begin homework (annotation of I am Malala and CRJ entry #5).
The prompt for the CRJ is: Discuss which qualities of a memoir this excerpt from I am Malala demonstrates. Find at least 3 examples of memoir qualities, and explain WHY and HOW these qualities help reveal the character’s identity and the experience.”
26 September 2016--Monday
Today in class, I book talked Matthew Quick's Every Exquisite Thing, we choice read, and then we began working on 2 new units (yes, 2!)--The Mastery Unit 1 and the Memoir Unit. These units will run at the same time and they will combine skills, but it WILL be a lot of work, so just keep that in mind. Students then navigated to the class website and using the button below, started work on both the Mastery and the Memoir Unit.
Homework is finish your Task Sheet (click the button below to access it) and to brainstorm at least 4-5 ideas for each of the 4 categories of the Memoir--Person, Place, Object, Event--In their Writer's Notebook. Due Tuesday.
Today in class, I book talked Matthew Quick's Every Exquisite Thing, we choice read, and then we began working on 2 new units (yes, 2!)--The Mastery Unit 1 and the Memoir Unit. These units will run at the same time and they will combine skills, but it WILL be a lot of work, so just keep that in mind. Students then navigated to the class website and using the button below, started work on both the Mastery and the Memoir Unit.
Homework is finish your Task Sheet (click the button below to access it) and to brainstorm at least 4-5 ideas for each of the 4 categories of the Memoir--Person, Place, Object, Event--In their Writer's Notebook. Due Tuesday.
23 September 2016--Friday
Today was the first Coffeehouse Friday for 9A students and it went well! All classes discussed two questions "What does it mean to live?" and "What did you notice?" and all responses from the various classes were great and different. Today was really about practicing how these discussions go, and I couldn't have been happier with the results--well done, 9Aers! Homework this weekend is just to read in your choice reading novel. Next week we'll start the Memoir unit and also a Mastery unit on some basic, but important skills for 9A.
Today was the first Coffeehouse Friday for 9A students and it went well! All classes discussed two questions "What does it mean to live?" and "What did you notice?" and all responses from the various classes were great and different. Today was really about practicing how these discussions go, and I couldn't have been happier with the results--well done, 9Aers! Homework this weekend is just to read in your choice reading novel. Next week we'll start the Memoir unit and also a Mastery unit on some basic, but important skills for 9A.
22 September 2016--Thursday
Today in class I book talked When We Collided by Emery Lord. Then we read and conferred. After that we moved into a Graffiti Walk to prepare for our first Coffeehouse Friday (tomorrow). Then, students started working on Creating an Image of Quotation Analysis which is due tomorrow when you arrive to class. I look forward to seeing what you create and hearing your awesome ideas during class discussion. Hurrah!
Today in class I book talked When We Collided by Emery Lord. Then we read and conferred. After that we moved into a Graffiti Walk to prepare for our first Coffeehouse Friday (tomorrow). Then, students started working on Creating an Image of Quotation Analysis which is due tomorrow when you arrive to class. I look forward to seeing what you create and hearing your awesome ideas during class discussion. Hurrah!
21 September 2016--Wednesday
Today in class we started off with a Book Talk--Stiches by David Small and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, both non-fiction memoirs. Afterwards, student read for about 10 minutes while I conferred. Then we finished up our small group work on Shake the Dust from Tuesday, moved into large group discussion, and then finished the hour with some writing time in our Writer's Notebook. Homework for tonight is to use THIS sheet for a CRJ entry: HOMEWORK--due THURSDAY: Choose 2 of the quotations from the 6 options on the sheet and write 1 CRJ entry in which you do the following--due Thursday
Explain what each quotation means to you.
Make a connection between the quotations--how do they relate to one another?
Make a connection and explain the connection between the quotations and ONE of the other readings-- “How to Live”, “Sunscreen”, “Shake the Dust”
Remember that CRJ entries are 10 minutes minimum and 15 minutes maximum. This entry asks a lot of you, so less than a full page of writing would be inadequate.
Also, if you are not fully into and committed to a Choice Reading book by this point, and are still abandoning books, you need commit to a book by tomorrow-- I’m here after school and in the mornings.
Today in class we started off with a Book Talk--Stiches by David Small and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, both non-fiction memoirs. Afterwards, student read for about 10 minutes while I conferred. Then we finished up our small group work on Shake the Dust from Tuesday, moved into large group discussion, and then finished the hour with some writing time in our Writer's Notebook. Homework for tonight is to use THIS sheet for a CRJ entry: HOMEWORK--due THURSDAY: Choose 2 of the quotations from the 6 options on the sheet and write 1 CRJ entry in which you do the following--due Thursday
Explain what each quotation means to you.
Make a connection between the quotations--how do they relate to one another?
Make a connection and explain the connection between the quotations and ONE of the other readings-- “How to Live”, “Sunscreen”, “Shake the Dust”
Remember that CRJ entries are 10 minutes minimum and 15 minutes maximum. This entry asks a lot of you, so less than a full page of writing would be inadequate.
Also, if you are not fully into and committed to a Choice Reading book by this point, and are still abandoning books, you need commit to a book by tomorrow-- I’m here after school and in the mornings.
20 September 2016--Tuesday
Today, as are all Tuesdays, was 30 minutes of choice reading time during which I conferred with students--my goal is to get all the way through the alphabet by Friday--hopefully sooner! I also read a bit of Tuesdays with Morrie aloud. After that, we delved further into our close reading of Shake the Dust, the spoken word poem and students practiced their small group discussions using their Critical Reading Journals. Tomorrow we will keep working on Shake the Dust--everything is preparing us for Friday--our first Friday Coffeehouse. The only homework tonight is to read in your Choice Reading book!
Today, as are all Tuesdays, was 30 minutes of choice reading time during which I conferred with students--my goal is to get all the way through the alphabet by Friday--hopefully sooner! I also read a bit of Tuesdays with Morrie aloud. After that, we delved further into our close reading of Shake the Dust, the spoken word poem and students practiced their small group discussions using their Critical Reading Journals. Tomorrow we will keep working on Shake the Dust--everything is preparing us for Friday--our first Friday Coffeehouse. The only homework tonight is to read in your Choice Reading book!
19 September 2016--Monday
Today in class, I book talked Our America by LeAlan Jones and Llyod Newman and then students read for 10 minutes in their choice reading books and then calculated Reading Rates for the current book. After that, we discussed the 30 Book Challenge for the 2016/17 school year. Then we watched a poem called Shake the Dust by spoken word artist Anis Mojani--students had the poem as a mentor text as well and have 1 Critical Reading Journal entry due tomorrow (Tuesday) answering the following prompt: “What big ideas or themes does this poem bring to mind? Identify 2-3 major themes and find evidence in the poem to support your analysis of those themes. Make sure you discuss in your writing WHY those big ideas are key to the poem as a whole.”
Homework: Complete the CRJ entry--due Tuesday (you should now have 3 CRJ entries total completed) and read for 20 minutes in your Choice Reading Novel.
Today in class, I book talked Our America by LeAlan Jones and Llyod Newman and then students read for 10 minutes in their choice reading books and then calculated Reading Rates for the current book. After that, we discussed the 30 Book Challenge for the 2016/17 school year. Then we watched a poem called Shake the Dust by spoken word artist Anis Mojani--students had the poem as a mentor text as well and have 1 Critical Reading Journal entry due tomorrow (Tuesday) answering the following prompt: “What big ideas or themes does this poem bring to mind? Identify 2-3 major themes and find evidence in the poem to support your analysis of those themes. Make sure you discuss in your writing WHY those big ideas are key to the poem as a whole.”
Homework: Complete the CRJ entry--due Tuesday (you should now have 3 CRJ entries total completed) and read for 20 minutes in your Choice Reading Novel.
15 September 2016--Thursday
Started off today book talking The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner (AHHHH SO GOOD) and then students read for about 10 minutes while I conferred. After that, we did a quick write on the How to Live poem that you read for homework. Then we opened up the morning for discussion and ideas on the poem. Afterwards, we listened to/watched another poem/song called Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen and students did another quick write on this. We are building towards larger discussions and writing next week using all these materials.
Homework for the WEEKEND is: 1) Read for a minimum of 20 minutes in your Choice Reading books and 2) Complete 1 new CRJ entry (10-15 minutes of writing--set your timer) that answers: “Choose one character and carefully examine him/her--what are his/her motivations, passions, interests, flaws, struggles and strengths?”
Due Monday.
(Please note, that for 10-15 minutes of writing, I would expect NO LESS than 1 page of writing in your Notebook. Anything less than a best effort will not receive a score).
Tomorrow (Friday), I am absent, but Sarge is your sub and you are completing a required pre-assessment formal writing assignment for the SAT in class. If you are absent, you will need to make it up with me or during CATS next week.
Started off today book talking The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner (AHHHH SO GOOD) and then students read for about 10 minutes while I conferred. After that, we did a quick write on the How to Live poem that you read for homework. Then we opened up the morning for discussion and ideas on the poem. Afterwards, we listened to/watched another poem/song called Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen and students did another quick write on this. We are building towards larger discussions and writing next week using all these materials.
Homework for the WEEKEND is: 1) Read for a minimum of 20 minutes in your Choice Reading books and 2) Complete 1 new CRJ entry (10-15 minutes of writing--set your timer) that answers: “Choose one character and carefully examine him/her--what are his/her motivations, passions, interests, flaws, struggles and strengths?”
Due Monday.
(Please note, that for 10-15 minutes of writing, I would expect NO LESS than 1 page of writing in your Notebook. Anything less than a best effort will not receive a score).
Tomorrow (Friday), I am absent, but Sarge is your sub and you are completing a required pre-assessment formal writing assignment for the SAT in class. If you are absent, you will need to make it up with me or during CATS next week.
14 September 2016--Wednesday
Today in class I book talked Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (first classic of the year!) and students read for about 12 minutes; I conferred with students during that time. After that, we practiced our first Critical Reading Journal entry of the school year by writing for 15 minutes in our CRJ section of Writer's Notebook on the prompts, "Is this book "good"? Why or why not? What keeps you reading this book?"--students were asked to write continuously for 15 minutes and to cite 2 specific pieces of evidence from their novels. After this, students had some time to free write/play and sketch in their notebooks--the prompt today was, "What is life?" Homework tonight is to read and annotate "How to Live" by Charles Webb and come prepared to discuss and write about it tomorrow. .
Today in class I book talked Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (first classic of the year!) and students read for about 12 minutes; I conferred with students during that time. After that, we practiced our first Critical Reading Journal entry of the school year by writing for 15 minutes in our CRJ section of Writer's Notebook on the prompts, "Is this book "good"? Why or why not? What keeps you reading this book?"--students were asked to write continuously for 15 minutes and to cite 2 specific pieces of evidence from their novels. After this, students had some time to free write/play and sketch in their notebooks--the prompt today was, "What is life?" Homework tonight is to read and annotate "How to Live" by Charles Webb and come prepared to discuss and write about it tomorrow. .
13 September 2016--Tuesday
Today in class I book talked Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom and read aloud to students for about 5 minutes. We will read this book aloud throughout the first semester, mostly on Tuesdays. After that, students got to work on organizing their Writer's Notebooks correctly. Then students choice read for 30 minutes (which will be normal on Tuesdays in this class) and I conferred with students about reading. Homework tonight is to ensure 1) Your notebook is organized by Wednesday and 2) to read for 20 minutes in your Choice Reading novel.
Writer's Notebook Order:
FRONT to BACK:
Quick Writes (20ish pages)
Landing Page (8/10 pages)
Critical Reading Journal (30-40 pages--largest section of notebook)
Personal Dictionary (2-3 pages)
Reading Rate (1 page)
Book Talk Section (4-6 pages, we set this up last Thursday)
Last 2 pages of notebook: Next List
Today in class I book talked Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom and read aloud to students for about 5 minutes. We will read this book aloud throughout the first semester, mostly on Tuesdays. After that, students got to work on organizing their Writer's Notebooks correctly. Then students choice read for 30 minutes (which will be normal on Tuesdays in this class) and I conferred with students about reading. Homework tonight is to ensure 1) Your notebook is organized by Wednesday and 2) to read for 20 minutes in your Choice Reading novel.
Writer's Notebook Order:
FRONT to BACK:
Quick Writes (20ish pages)
Landing Page (8/10 pages)
Critical Reading Journal (30-40 pages--largest section of notebook)
Personal Dictionary (2-3 pages)
Reading Rate (1 page)
Book Talk Section (4-6 pages, we set this up last Thursday)
Last 2 pages of notebook: Next List
12 September 2016--Monday
Today in class, I book talked All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brenden Kiely. After that, we choice read for 15 minutes. Tomorrow we will read for 30 minute (on Tuesdays we will always read for 30 minutes). Then I gave all of you letters from a former member of the NVHS Senior Class--these are letters of advice. Your HOMEWORK for tonight is to answer some questions about your letter and to fill an entire notebook page in your Writer's Notebook (Quick Write section). Tomorrow we will discuss these questions and your responses:
What most surprised you about this letter? Why?
What did you find to be most interesting? Why?
What would you like to ask this senior? Why?
Do you think this was good advice? Why or why not?
How do you think this letter might influence you moving forward as a 9th grader? Why?
If you had to write a letter of advice to current 8th graders, what would you include?
Today in class, I book talked All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brenden Kiely. After that, we choice read for 15 minutes. Tomorrow we will read for 30 minute (on Tuesdays we will always read for 30 minutes). Then I gave all of you letters from a former member of the NVHS Senior Class--these are letters of advice. Your HOMEWORK for tonight is to answer some questions about your letter and to fill an entire notebook page in your Writer's Notebook (Quick Write section). Tomorrow we will discuss these questions and your responses:
What most surprised you about this letter? Why?
What did you find to be most interesting? Why?
What would you like to ask this senior? Why?
Do you think this was good advice? Why or why not?
How do you think this letter might influence you moving forward as a 9th grader? Why?
If you had to write a letter of advice to current 8th graders, what would you include?
9 September 2016--Friday
Today in class we had 2 new book talks (A Child Called It and Everything, Everything), did some work on reading meditation, some writing, and then looked at books to check out/got some reading done. The only homework for the weekend is to ensure 1) You have your choice reading book for Monday. I'll be at school early if you need to come check a book out. 2) Print a hard copy of you 3 questions for class on Monday and 3) We are organizing and decorating Writer's Notebooks on Monday--if you'd like to bring pictures/decorations for your book, feel free to do so. If you STILL do not have a Writer's Notebook by Monday, I'll be making phone calls home.
Today in class we had 2 new book talks (A Child Called It and Everything, Everything), did some work on reading meditation, some writing, and then looked at books to check out/got some reading done. The only homework for the weekend is to ensure 1) You have your choice reading book for Monday. I'll be at school early if you need to come check a book out. 2) Print a hard copy of you 3 questions for class on Monday and 3) We are organizing and decorating Writer's Notebooks on Monday--if you'd like to bring pictures/decorations for your book, feel free to do so. If you STILL do not have a Writer's Notebook by Monday, I'll be making phone calls home.
8 September 2016--Thursday
Today in class, I did the first book talk of the year about Winger by Andrew Smith (GREAT BOOK), then we reviewed how to properly turn in a paper on the class website, then went to the Fishbowl for the remainder of the class period to work on the essays. Reminder--those are due tomorrow morning BEFORE class starts. They must be turned in via the website--they cannot just be shared with me over email. Please bring a printed copy with you to class tomorrow.
Homework: Finish your essays, ensure they are submitted via the class website and bring a printed copy to class on Friday.
Today in class, I did the first book talk of the year about Winger by Andrew Smith (GREAT BOOK), then we reviewed how to properly turn in a paper on the class website, then went to the Fishbowl for the remainder of the class period to work on the essays. Reminder--those are due tomorrow morning BEFORE class starts. They must be turned in via the website--they cannot just be shared with me over email. Please bring a printed copy with you to class tomorrow.
Homework: Finish your essays, ensure they are submitted via the class website and bring a printed copy to class on Friday.
7 September 2016--Wednesday
Today in class we started off with some ice breakers/getting to know you games and then did a tour of the classroom. I talked about the ways to check books out and in from the classroom library and conferring/bathroom passes/tardies/homework. After that we did some speed dating of books that we might want to read throughout the year. Students filled in 3-5 books on their pink charts (which we will staple into the Writer's Notebook eventually).
Tomorrow: Students report to the classroom and then we will go down to work on the essay questions. If you are working on these at home, you should be typing them as a Google Doc (ONE document only for all 3 questions) and I will show you how to turn them in tomorrow in the lab. Here is information for students who might be new about logging into their Google Drive.
Students should bring ALL their materials on Thursday (Writer's Notebooks, pens, etc).
The 3 Essay Questions are due on Friday morning by 7:45am.
Today in class we started off with some ice breakers/getting to know you games and then did a tour of the classroom. I talked about the ways to check books out and in from the classroom library and conferring/bathroom passes/tardies/homework. After that we did some speed dating of books that we might want to read throughout the year. Students filled in 3-5 books on their pink charts (which we will staple into the Writer's Notebook eventually).
Tomorrow: Students report to the classroom and then we will go down to work on the essay questions. If you are working on these at home, you should be typing them as a Google Doc (ONE document only for all 3 questions) and I will show you how to turn them in tomorrow in the lab. Here is information for students who might be new about logging into their Google Drive.
Students should bring ALL their materials on Thursday (Writer's Notebooks, pens, etc).
The 3 Essay Questions are due on Friday morning by 7:45am.
6 September 2016--FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Welcome to English 9A! Today in class we reviewed the Syllabus and rules/protocols for the class. We also wrote a letter to ourselves that students will get back to read in June. Materials for the class are below and are due by Thursday. Open House is Wednesday from 7-8:30pm at the high school. All English 9A students have 3 essays due on Friday via Google Docs using the button on the website. We will work on these in class on Thursday.
Welcome to English 9A! Today in class we reviewed the Syllabus and rules/protocols for the class. We also wrote a letter to ourselves that students will get back to read in June. Materials for the class are below and are due by Thursday. Open House is Wednesday from 7-8:30pm at the high school. All English 9A students have 3 essays due on Friday via Google Docs using the button on the website. We will work on these in class on Thursday.
Required materials for English 9A (by Thursday September 8):
Composition notebook (not a spiral notebook)
1" Binder (for English class only)
pens (blue or black)
choice reading book.
Composition notebook (not a spiral notebook)
1" Binder (for English class only)
pens (blue or black)
choice reading book.
