Semester Two
March 21, 2014-Unit 10 Quiz, silent reading time (don't forget your reading logs for Monday!), and movie.
March 18-20, 2014-Group work first half of class to use each groups' paraphrases to complete Odyssey organizer. Organizer due Thursday. Second half of class we watched sections of the movie.
March 17, 2014-Unit 10 prep work for week 2 due on Thursday. Quiz Friday. Reading logs due. Finished paraphrasing activity. T-shirt time activity due Wednesday.
March 14, 2014-Today we did paper pass back and grades. Next, I put you into small groups to work on the skill of paraphrasing. We will wrap up this activity on Monday. Be sure to bring in your reading log Monday!
March 13, 2014-Prep work due! (I will still take it tomorrow for full credit due to our snow day yesterday.) We watched the Cyclops clip from the movie. After that, I had you do a paraphrase activity using a different translation of the Odyssey.
March 11, 2014-Today we began with a creative bell ringer. I gave you the first 15 minutes to write a post card complete with a picture on the front, to let your reader know how things are going on Cyclopes island. We finished reading the Cyclops section.
March 10, 2014-Today we went over unit 10 words. Prep work is due on Thursday. You also turned in you reading logs for last week. Some of you did not put citations in your research paper, which is a must. Please let me know if that applies to you so I can take down your essay from Turn it in. W continued reading in the Odyssey.
March 7, 2014-Triple unit test! Don't forget to read this weekend and log your minutes!
March 6, 2014-Today TU prep work was due. We played vocab Bingo to prepare for your test tomorrow, and with leftover time, we read silently.
March 5, 2014-Don't forget! Triple unit prep work is due tomorrow! Test is on Friday. Today we started with a bell ringer about parallel structure and pulled examples of it from "The Odyssey Years." We continued reading.
March 4, 2014-Today some of you did extra credit presentations. We started reading the Odyssey. As we read, we will be filling in an organizer to keep track of differentaspects of the epic poem. Lastly, I took all but 4th hour (you'll go tomorrow) to the media center to check out a book for March Madness. Don't forget to log your minutes!
March 3, 2014-Triple unit prep work due this Thursday. Remember, you must have it complete in order to play vocab. BINGO. Test on Friday! Today we started reading the Odyssey. We will be filling out an organizer along the way to work on our summarizing and reading comprehension skills, as well as document ways in which we see Odysseus as a positive and negative epic hero.
February 28, 2014-Today we took our unit 9 vocab. quiz and you also should have turned in your prepwork. Today was the last day for extra credit sign up (4th hour, you can still sign up on Monday and presentations will be on Wednesday). Body paragraph drafts are due to Turn it in by Sunday at 10 PM. We also completed the Odyssey pt. 1 worksheet in class.
February 26, 2014-Prep work due tomorrow. Bell ringer to go over in-text citations. Finished background notes and watched a clip from Troy. Completed Vocab. to Know handout. We will finish it tomorrow.
February 25, 2014-Bell ringer about heroes. Extra credit opportunity explained. Must sign up by Friday. Presentations will be next Tuesday. We read "The Odyssey Years" in class and then I had you put it away and summarize it. Intro to the Odyssey, PP notes.
February 24, 2014-Prep work for week 2 of unit 9 is due Thursday. Quiz Friday! Triple unit week is next week, so begin preparing now. Because your research body paragraphs are due on Friday to Turn it in, I gave you time in class today to work on them and ask me questions if needed. If you need more help, please come see me at Blazer Connections.
February 21, 2014-Today you should have submitted your prep work at the beginning of class. Next, you took your window 6 poetry assessment. After the assessment, you should have been working on your creative writing ("Words in Thirds"). Next Friday, your research body paragraphs will be due to Turn it in. Please continue to work on these over the weekend and come see me if you have questions!
February 20, 2014-Don't forget! Jan. AXES revisions as well as prep work is due tomorrow! No excuses! Today we began with another bell ringer. We learned a bit about our current U.S. Poet Laureate, Natasha Trethewey. We read her poem "Letter Home," and then you answered three questions. Next, we read and filled out a chart based on Edgar Allen's poem "The Bells."
February 19, 2014-Today we started class with a bell ringer, which I pulled right from The Lightening Thief, which I know some of you just love! Next we worked on finishing our SHAMPOO packet by annotating "The Weary Blues" for the elements of SHAMPOO, as well as answering questions based on this poem.
February 18, 2014-Today we had another delay, so I didn't get to see 3rd hour. Prep work for unit 9 will be due this Friday, NOT Thursday like normal. We started class with a bellringer to review meter and rhyme. This should have gone in your notebook. Next, we looked at some other example student intros. I will not see your revision until the final draft is due. Don't forget, your revised Jan. AXES paragraph is due to Turn it in.com by 10 P.M. this Friday. If it's late, it's a zero!
February 13, 2014-Today you took your unit 8 vocab quiz. I also gave you some time in class to begin drafting your research paper body paragraphs. Near the end of class, we looked at some student examples for the Jan. AXES response. Revisions are due next Friday by 10 PM. *Remember, if you are past due on a writing deadline, you MUST stay after at Blazer Connections within the next two weeks to recoup some of your credit! Don't let your grade go down the drain!
February 12, 2014-Today we had a delay, so I didn't get to see 2nd hour. Your vocabulary prep work will be due Thursday and we will also take the quiz. For the rest of you, we started with a warm up about meter. Next, we added onto our poetry notes (rhyme scheme). You also should have worked on the three close reading questions for Langston Hughes's poem "The Weary Blues."
February 11, 2014-Don't foget, prep work is due tomorrow, not Thursday! Also, introductions are absolutely due to Turn it in by 10 P.M. tonight! Today we took a few notes about poetry and focused the lesson on discovering different types of meter and rhyme scheme. We even wrote a shadow poem where we looked at a poem by Robert Frost and then tried to emulate his rhyme scheme. We also checked out how Eminem uses words and variations of words to write his wraps. Lastly, we looked again at Christina Rossetti's poem from our packet in order to dig deeper at its meaning.
February 10, 2014-Because this week and next week are shortened, prep work for week 2 of unit 8 will be due this Wednesday and our quiz will be on Thursday. We spent class today annotating the poems in your SHAMPOO packet for literary devices such as similes and metaphors.
February 4, 2014-Today we revisited thesis statements. You should have read and taken notes from the blue book about the dos and don'ts of thesis statements. Lastly, we started in on our poetry unit and had time to do a "How To" poem based on the research you've been doing on your topic.
February 3, 2014-Don't foget! If you have not already submitted your Jan. AXES paragraph to Turn it in, you need to do that asap. This Friday you will submit a rough draft of the intro to your research paper. We spent today talking about the importance of having a good introduction. We took a few notes from a Power Point and even practiced creating an intro. We also went over unit 8 words, so prep work is due on Thursday, 2/6.
January 30, 2014-Well, after a week long break, we have to try to get back on track! I didn't see 3rd hour today; however, I still expect you to bring your working outline, your sources (the actual document or notes you took from the original source if it were, say, a movie or YouTube video), and the rough draft of your AXES prompt. I know I told the rest of you I would post the answers to the prep work here, but I did that before realizing I haven't collected it from 3rd hour yet. Duh. SO! We will go over the answers at the beginning of class tomorrow, plus you will have some time to study for the quiz.
January 22, 2014-Today we talked about the importance of an essay being organized and flowing. You worked in groups to see what order the introduction to an informative essay about aliens should go. We also pulled out good diction and varied sentence patterns. We finished class with some work time on your AXES prompt. You should come into class tomorrow with a rough draft ready to go!
January 21, 2014-Don't forget! Vocabulary prep work for week two of unit 7 is due Thursday (assignment is below) and our quiz is Friday! Today you should have signed up for Turnitin as well as worked on your working outline. This will ultimately be due on Thursday by the end of class.
January 17, 2014-We started off in small groups so you could go over your homework from last night. Once we discussed the articles as a whole group, you should have responded to the prompt question under activity #2-Which source is more reliable and why? Both the homework and your response were due in class. We spend the rest of the period in the lab. You must know your topic by Tuesday because you will be printing off sources if needed. Also, even though we don't have school on Monday, I still expect vocabulary on Thursday. Week two prep work is from the book: Completing the Sentence, Synonyms and Antonyms, and Vocabulary in Context.
January 16, 2014-Your vocabulary prep work was due at the beginning of the hour today. For homework tonight, please complete questions 3-7 for the two articles you recieved yesterday (Facts, Opinions, and Bias). Bring this in completed for tomorrow. After that, I told you what your task was for the lab today. By the end of the hour, you should have submitted 3 facts and sources about your working topic.
January 15, 2014-Today we worked in class on the differences between facts, opinions, and bias. You worked with your groups to find these different elements in the texts you were provided. We will wrap up this lesson tomorrow before heading to the media center. Don't forget, unit 7 prep work is due tomorrow!
January 14, 2014-Before heading to the computer lab again today, I talked to you guys a bit about the assingment you handed in yesterday. Some of you aren't paying enough attention to detail when it comes to formatting. I also talked to you a bit about how my research is coming along. I've had to modify my topic a bit since my original topic was often blocked. Nothing was due to me today, but you should have worked on finding more credible sources.
January 13, 2014-I started class by talking a little bit more about my contest for this semester. See the board for more details on how to enter. Next, I told you we are moving into unit 7 of vocabulary. Prep work is the same setup as last semester and is due the same day as always--Thursday. I had you take a few more notes about the difference between primary and seconday source material before heading to the lab. By the end of class today, you should have submitted an MLA formatted document with your working topic, your why, and at least one citation of a credible source you may use later.
January 10, 2014-Most of class time today was spent taking notes from a Power Point on how to do research. Our specific focus today was how to pick a topic that is "just right." Be sure to come into class on Monday with an idea of what you might want to research.
January 9, 2014-Today we went over the syllabus and talked a bit about our breaks.
Semester One
December 9, 2013
Today you were to turn in your revised 12 AM AXES paragraph. You have had 3 weeks to revise it, so I should get one from everybody! 3rd and 5th hours, your narrative revisions were due today as well. By now you should be finished with TKAM. You worked on a short answer test in class, and you will have time to finish that up tomorrow.
December 6, 2013
Don't forget, AXES revisions are due on Monday! NO excuses! 3rd and 5th hours, your narrative revision is also due Monday. Today we took some notes about MLA format and how to cite information. We also began an assignment where we are practicing how to annotate. Bring these papers on Monday, please.
December 5, 2013
Today we did some review over MLA format. We also discussed a great current issue topic: increasing the minimum wage.
December 3 & 4
We finished watching part 1 of TKAM as well as the court case.
December 2, 2013
Happy early Christmas! We aren't going to do any more vocabulary this semester. Today we watched the beginning 30 minutes or so of TKAM. In the meantime, you need to have the novel finished for next Monday, as we will have a quiz over part two of the text. It is your responsibility to manage your reading of these final chapters. 2nd and 4th hours should have submitted your narratives to me. 3rd hour, your revision is due this Friday.
November 27, 2013
Finished screenplay. Please read chapters 21-23 for Monday. Mini lesson to improve narrative.
November 26, 2013
Read screenplay. Draft due tomorrow!
November 25, 2013
Quick quiz over TKAM chapters. We went over the window #3 assessment. Work on narrative. ROUGH DRAFT IS DUE WEDNESDAY!
November 22, 2013
Today you took the triple unit test. When you finished, you should have read through my model narrative and then worked on your own. Be sure to read through chapter 15 for Monday.
November 21, 2013
Today we played vocab Bingo! Study for your test!
November 20, 2013
Today we finished watching the documentary. In your notebook, you were to respond to the four sentence starters I gave you, and then we had a discussion based off of what you wrote. We finished class by going over the TKAM allusions for chapters 11 and 12.
November 19, 2013
Today you began class by doing only the "Who" and "What" sections of the 5W notes I taught you when we read "A Wreath for Emmett Till." After a brief discussion of what happened yesterday, we continued to watch the documentary. Today I passed back your 12 AM AXES paragraphs. You will each need to do revision based on the feedback I've given you. I'm am setting the due date for 12/9, which gives you ample time to fix your errors and see me if needed. You must have your original to turn in as well in order to get full credit.
November 18, 2013
Triple unit test for vocab units 4-6 is this Friday. Prep work is due Thursday. Be sure you do the correct pages and have the assignment finished for Thursday or you will not be able to play vocab Bingo with us: ( Also, please read through chapter 15 by next Monday. That will take you up to the Tom Robinson case, which we will then read aloud in class. Finally, we started watching the documentary on the Scottsboro Boys.
November 15, 2013
Unit 6 vocabulary quiz. You should have worked on drafting your body paragraph(s). It was fun to hear some of the things you guys learned about the person you wrote! We also did paper pass backs and I posted new grades.
November 14, 2013
Perp work due today! We had about 20 minutes to answer some of your discussion questions. Lastly, you had about 20 minutes to take the window #3 assessment.
November 13, 2013
Today I had to do a bit of damage control since there were some things unclear while I was in Nashville. Please read chapter 11 for homework.
November 12, 2013
Today you should have worked on writing your introduction for your narrative. You also were to write two new discussion questions from the first 10 chapters. We will have a discussion tomorrow.
November 11, 2013
Prep work due Thursday. Quiz on unit 6 Friday. You took the TKAM quiz. You also received the assignment titled "I Didn't Know That!" See handout. You need to deliver your letter asap so you can bring their response to class by Friday.
November 8, 2013
Today there was quite a bit of confusion about the assignment. You were to write a short summary for chapters 1-10, but apparently the sub only told you to do one for chapter 10. No big deal... we will just move on.
November 7, 2013
Unfortunately I had to go home early today because I was quite sick. Today you should have looked in the text at dialogue and in your notebook came up with a list of rules for creating dialogue. You also should have submitted your prep work. You also had time to read chapter 10 in class.
November 6, 2013
Don't forget! Prep work due tomorrow! Today we had a great discussion steming from an article from the South Bend Tribune about the use of the "N" word today in society. We put to rest those other derogatory terms that we should be more mindful about not using. Please read chapter 9 for homework.
November 5, 2013
Definitions again first. Next, we finished all remaining E.T. presentations. We continued our discussion from yesterday, and some of you made some excellent points! For homework, you need to respond to one of the following questions based on chapters 1-5 in 100 words or more, and you also need to cite where you found your evidence for support (Periods 3 and 5, you must respond to two of the questions.)
1.What are Atticus’s values as a man and a parent?
2.Describe the relationship between Atticus and his children.
3.Why are the children fascinated by Boo Radley and his urban legend?
4.What are the life lessons the adults in Scout’s life are trying to teach her?
5.What is the role of (chose two to discuss) Dill, Miss Caroline, Miss Maudie, Walter Cunningham, Calpurnia, in the text so far?
Responses may be hand-written or typed, but it should be double spaced. In addition, please read chapters 7 & 8, since they are so short.
November 4, 2013
We began class by looking up the definitions to words you may not have known after reader chapter 5. Next, we went over the unit 6 words. Prep work is due this Thursday. After that, we circled up and had a silent dicussion using the two questions you should have generated. Hopefully this gave those of you who are a bit more shy an opportunity to voice your comments. We will have a verbal discussion tomorrow. Read chapter 6 for homework!
November 1, 2013
Unit 5 Quiz. Read ch 5 for homework. Come to class with 2 discussion questions for Monday!!!
October 31, 2013
Today your unit 5 prep work was due. Tomorrow is your quiz. You should have continued to work on your Who is Who notes as well as looking up your words you didn't know from chapter 3 of TKAM. I had you take notes on how to develop good discussion questions. You will need to bring 2 to class for our discussion on Monday. Please read chapter 4 for homework.
October 30, 2013
Don't forget that tomorrow prep work is due for unit 5. Our quiz is Friday! Today I gave you time at the beginning of class to look up the definitions of words you didn't know while reading chapter 2. We then shared out some of those words. Next, we worked on creating a graphic organizer for our notes so we can keep track of the many characters Scout is introducing us to in the exposition. Lastly, we did the allusions for both chapters 2 & 3. Please read chapter 3 for homework.
October 29, 2013
Today we continued to hear extension presentations. We also discussed quickwrite question #2 from yesterday to help us transition into talking about urban legends. I had you read an urban legend from right here in Indiana called "The Legend of the House of Blue Lights." After reading, we disected the various sentence patterns the author used and put these into our notebooks for later referenece. We also talked about your only task while reading the novel: writing down at least 3 words you come across and don't know. At the beginning of each class period, I will give you time to look up the definitions. Please read chapter 2 tonight for homework.
October 28, 2013
Today you should have turned in your completed WebQuest for TKAM. If you do not have it finished, please turn it in tomorrow to receieve some credit. We are in week two of unit 5, so please be ready to turn in your prep work on 10/31 and the quiz is 11/1. I gave you 15 minutes to work on two quick write questions. I had you draw an image of what Maycomb could look like based on Scout's description, and I also had you write down five details about the Radley's. Next we talked about the high level of academic vocabulary in the novel and what we can do to help with that. I asked you to skim through chapter 1 again in order to find five words you didn't know. Using the strategies we discussed, you were then to create your own definition before looking up the actual definition. This is a skill we will continue to work on. Lastly, we saw a few extension presentations.
October 25, 2013
Today we had a guidence counselor come talk to us about scheduling for your sophomore year. Please be sure to prepare for this meeting! Next, I took you to the Media Center to check out a copy of TKAM. You are to read Ch. 1 this weekend. I also gave you some notes on allusions you will encounter in this chapter. Lastly, you were to submit your extension project today. We will start presentations on Monday!
October 24, 2013
Today prep work for Unit 5 was due. We finished sonnet presentations, analyzed the photograph of "Migrant Mother," and watched a clip from Seabiscuit to get a better understanding of the effects of the stock market crash of '29.
October 23, 2013
Today we were in the lab again to work on our WebQuest. If you didn't finish, you need to finish it for Monday.
October 22, 2013
Today we began our WebQuest to build background knowledge about To Kill a Mockingbird. We will continue this activity tomorrow as well.
October 21, 2013
Today I went over all of the announcements and reminders (extension activity, prep work due 10/24) first. Next, you took your Unit 4 vocab. quiz. If you finished early, you should have been practicing varied sentence patterns using commas. Lastly, we heard some more presentations of the analysis of each sonnet.
October 17, 2013
Today I presented you with an extension activity for Emmett Till (handout). 2nd and 4th periods: this is an extra credit opportunity for you. It's due October 25. 3rd and 5th periods: this is an official assignment. It is also due Oct. 25th for you. We were able to begin sonnet presentations today. Be sure to study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday!
October 16, 2013
Today you continued to work on your sonnet analysis.
October 15, 2013
Today we continued our 5W notes. We also did a quick write response to the gruesome image of Emmett Till's mangled body at his open casket funeral. We read A Wreath for Emmett Till aloud. Finally, you were split into pairs or small groups to analyze a sonnet.
October 14, 2013
Reminders-prep work for this week is due on 10/17. Since we don't have school on Friday, we will take our vocab. quiz on Monday. September AXES revisions are due on 10/16. October AXES paragraphs are due A.S.A.P. if you've not already turned it in. Today we did a quick write based on Juror #8's line "...prejudice obscures the truth." We then moved into starting to talk about Emmett Till. I tought you the 5W notetaking strategy today, which we will continue tomorrow.
October 11, 2013
Today you took the 12 A.M. skills test as well as the window #2 assessment.
October 10, 2013
Today we were in the computer lab so you could type up your October AXES paragraph. If you did not turn it in today, I need it asap along with your rough draft. Prep work was also due today.
October 9, 2013
Today we finished watching the last few minutes of 12 A.M. After that, I passed back your September AXES paragraphs and talked to you a bit about how I graded them. I also gave you a personal data chart that you will use each time we write to track your progress and set goals. Do not lose this handout! Revisions of your Sept. prompt will be due one week from today, 10/16. That provides you with plenty of time to make changes and see me if you need to. Remember, you need to also submit your old draft so I can see your changes. Lastly, you were given about 20 minutes to write the rough draft of your Oct. AXES paragraph. We will be in the computer lab tomorrow to type those.
October 8, 2013
Today we continued to watch 12 A.M.
October 7, 2013
Before watching 12 A.M. we went over our Unit 4 words. Prep work is due Thursday.
October 4, 2013
Today you took your triple unit test! I've already put the grades in, and so many of you did so good, which is great!!! You also should have started writing your assertion and finding examples for the juror you would like to focus on for your next AXES paragraph.
October 3, 2013
Today your prep work was due for the Triple Unit Test. Study tonight!!! We played vocabulary Bingo to help prepare.
October 2, 2013
Today we went over the Act 1 handout and finished reading the play. Yay! Don't forget, prep work is due tomorrow! Triple unit test is this Friday!
October 1, 2013
Don't forget about your triple unit prep work (see assignment below). We continued to read in Act II.
September 30, 2013
Today I was gone with several of you at the Move 2 Stand conference. Those of you that stayed behind worked on commas using the site www.chompchomp.com. Don't forget that your triple unit prep work is due this Thursday and our test is Friday.
Triple Unit Work: Vocabulary for Comprehension (42-43); Two-Word Completions (45); Choosing the Right Meaning (46); Word Associations (48); Do only the bottom section on page 50.
September 27, 2013
Vocabulary quiz unit 3. Both the 12 A.M. Act 1 handout as well as the juror 8 soliloquy should be turned in by now.
September 26, 2013
No school. Conferences.
September 25, 2013
Vocabulary due! Quiz on Friday! 4th and 5th periods got to hear our guest speaker today. You should have turned in either you act 1 handout OR your soliloquy OR both. Both should be in on Friday, however.
September 24, 2013
Today we finished act 1. 2nd and 3rd hours got to hear our guest speaker talk about her experience on a jury. You also had some time to work on your act 1 handout.
September 23, 2013
A few reminders... since it's a shortened quiz week, vocabulary prep work is due this Wednesday, 9/25. Conferences are on Thursday. We continued reading 12 A.M. and at the end of class, you worked on writing a soliloquy for the 8th Juror based on the stage directions given on page 30. Our guest speaker is coming tomorrow, so be thinking of questions you can ask.
September 20, 2013
Today we continued reading 12 A.M. If you need to add rules to your comma packet, remember, it's due by Monday!
September 19, 2013
Today you should have turned in your vocabulary work for week one. We started 12 A.M. today!
Honors, see below for what is due tomorrow.
September 18, 2013
Today I showed you two quick clips about 12 A.M. One by director Rob Reiner and the other from Sesame Street. Then I gave you some more background about Reginal Rose and the historical context of the drama. We also selected the cast. Dont' forget, vocabulary is due tomorrow.
*Honors (3rd and 5th) please find an article about a racially motivated court case. It can be old or recent. Write a summary about the case and be ready to present it on Friday.
September 17, 2013
Today we went over a Power Point all about what it means to serve on a jury, the difference between criminal and civil cases, and other important facts we need as background knowledge prior to reading Twelve Angry Men. We also went over the Window #1 assessment.
September 16, 2013
You should have submitted your even comma problems complete with rules today at the beginning of class. If you didn't have it today, I will still take it tomorrow, but it will be docked for being late. We went over our unit 3 words. Vocabulary prep work is due on Thursday as usual. You should have looked up and written down a few drama terms, which are located in the anthology. Lastly, we had a mini discussion based on the quickwrite question: Do you believe in the death penalty? Why or why not?
September 13, 2013
Today you took your Unit 2 vocab. quiz. We also had paper pass backs and grade checks. You should also have turned in your AXES paragraph with the rough draft. Even problems in the comma packet are due on Monday.
September 12, 2013
Vocabulary was due today. We were in the computer lab for the period so you could type your first AXES paragraph based on "The Man in the Casket."
September 11, 2013
Don't forget! Vocabulary is due tomorrow! Today we spent all of class working on the drafts of our AXES paragraphs. I checked all of your assertions to make sure you were on the right path. We will be in the lab tomorrow to type them up!
September 10, 2013
Today were pictures, so that robbed us of some of our class time. When we returned, you were to work alone or with a partner to add rules followed the the odd problems you did in the comma packet. We went over the problems together. Next, we looked at a handout that will aid us in drafting our first AXES paragraph. We will spend all of class drafting tomorrow.
September 9. 2013
Unit 2 vocabulary work for week 2 is due this Thursday. Please complete pages 31, 32, and 34. You took the window 1 assessment based on a short story titled "The Man in the Casket." You should also have received a comma packet and done the odd problems only.
September 6, 2013
Today I passed back papers and posted grades. You should have submitted "Asphalt" to the basket. We went over it at the end of class. We also started a foundation lesson packet based on "By the Waters of Babylon."
September 5, 2013
Vocab. work was due today. Today was a bit of a work day. You should have finished reading "Asphalt." Questions are due TOMORROW!!!
September 4, 2013
Today we spent the entire period discussing the AXES structure. I provided you with two amazing handouts that you can use for any class: transitions, strong verbs, what AXES means, as well as the model we created together using "The Cask of Amontillado."
September 3, 2013
Today we began class by going over unit 2 words. This is a shortened week; however, I still expect the first week's work to be done by Thursday. Next, we went over the "Cyclops" questions I had you do in class last week. You should have turned in your character journal. If you finished with that, you should have worked on our next short story called "Asphalt."
August 30, 2013
I was not here today, but you should have taken the unit 1 quiz with the sub. Once you finished, you should have started working on the character journal using the father from "Cyclops." If you do not finish, it is due on Tuesday.
August 29, 2013
Vocabulary was due today! Quiz is tomorrow, so be sure to study! Now that you have read "Cyclops," I had you answer a few questions regarding the piece in order to deepen your understanding of terms and skills such as identifying tone, theme, dialogue, etc. Next, we did a modeling mini lesson where we created a character journal. We did it first using Montresor as our model. We finished class by going over the vocabulary homework.
August 28, 2013
Today we spent class in the computer lab so you could work on typing up your Poe inspired suspense story. If you didn't give it to me today, please try to get it to me tomorrow. Also, don't forget that your vocab work for week two of unit one is do tomorrow.
August 27, 2013
At the beginning of class I gave you a few minutes to wrap up your mood journal, and I asked several of you to share those. Next we read David Sedaris's story titled "Cyclops." We will do more with this on Thursday. The last 15 minutes of class were dedicated to you revising your suspense inspired stories or writing a bit more. We will be in the lab tomorrow to type them up.
August 26, 2013
Today you should have submitted your Poe packet at the beginning of class, as it was homework over the weekend. Next we did a quick grammar lesson as a refresher over common and proper nouns. I also introduced the assignments you will always do for week two of vocabulary, which, again, is always due on Thursdays. You will always do Completing the Sentence, Synonyms and Antonyms, and Vocabulary in Context. This week's assignments can be found on pages 24, 25, and 27. Please, do not write in your book, and all you need to turn in is the answers. Remember, it must be totally complete to count for credit. We finished out the remainder of class with an introduction to the Mood/Tone Dialectical Journal. We are using "The Cask of Amontillado" as our model since we are all familiar with it now. I modeled this with you, and we did just the tone. I had you start on a mood journal, which you will finish up in class tomorrow.
August 23, 2013
Today we did paper pass backs at the beginning of the period so you could check your current grade. Next, you began working on your Poe packet or you were to be finishing up your plot chart for "The Cask of Amontillado" before turning it in. (2nd period, I will get yours on Monday!) Next, we took a few notes about our short story unit... terms you will need to know as we move forward. Please finish the Poe packet for homework as it is due on Monday.
August 22, 2013
What an awesome class today! Your creative stories where you developed suspense modeled after Poe were AMAZING!!! I can't wait to hear more of what you wrote! Vocabulary was due today. Each part is worth 20 points. Near the end of class, you should have finished your plot chart.
August 21, 2013
Reminder: Vocabulary work is due tomorrow! It's all or nothing, so make sure it's complete! We began class by taking our fight song quiz. Next, we finished reading Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado." For the last ten minutes of class, you should have been working on a plot chart for this story in your notebook.
March 21, 2014-Unit 10 Quiz, silent reading time (don't forget your reading logs for Monday!), and movie.
March 18-20, 2014-Group work first half of class to use each groups' paraphrases to complete Odyssey organizer. Organizer due Thursday. Second half of class we watched sections of the movie.
March 17, 2014-Unit 10 prep work for week 2 due on Thursday. Quiz Friday. Reading logs due. Finished paraphrasing activity. T-shirt time activity due Wednesday.
March 14, 2014-Today we did paper pass back and grades. Next, I put you into small groups to work on the skill of paraphrasing. We will wrap up this activity on Monday. Be sure to bring in your reading log Monday!
March 13, 2014-Prep work due! (I will still take it tomorrow for full credit due to our snow day yesterday.) We watched the Cyclops clip from the movie. After that, I had you do a paraphrase activity using a different translation of the Odyssey.
March 11, 2014-Today we began with a creative bell ringer. I gave you the first 15 minutes to write a post card complete with a picture on the front, to let your reader know how things are going on Cyclopes island. We finished reading the Cyclops section.
March 10, 2014-Today we went over unit 10 words. Prep work is due on Thursday. You also turned in you reading logs for last week. Some of you did not put citations in your research paper, which is a must. Please let me know if that applies to you so I can take down your essay from Turn it in. W continued reading in the Odyssey.
March 7, 2014-Triple unit test! Don't forget to read this weekend and log your minutes!
March 6, 2014-Today TU prep work was due. We played vocab Bingo to prepare for your test tomorrow, and with leftover time, we read silently.
March 5, 2014-Don't forget! Triple unit prep work is due tomorrow! Test is on Friday. Today we started with a bell ringer about parallel structure and pulled examples of it from "The Odyssey Years." We continued reading.
March 4, 2014-Today some of you did extra credit presentations. We started reading the Odyssey. As we read, we will be filling in an organizer to keep track of differentaspects of the epic poem. Lastly, I took all but 4th hour (you'll go tomorrow) to the media center to check out a book for March Madness. Don't forget to log your minutes!
March 3, 2014-Triple unit prep work due this Thursday. Remember, you must have it complete in order to play vocab. BINGO. Test on Friday! Today we started reading the Odyssey. We will be filling out an organizer along the way to work on our summarizing and reading comprehension skills, as well as document ways in which we see Odysseus as a positive and negative epic hero.
February 28, 2014-Today we took our unit 9 vocab. quiz and you also should have turned in your prepwork. Today was the last day for extra credit sign up (4th hour, you can still sign up on Monday and presentations will be on Wednesday). Body paragraph drafts are due to Turn it in by Sunday at 10 PM. We also completed the Odyssey pt. 1 worksheet in class.
February 26, 2014-Prep work due tomorrow. Bell ringer to go over in-text citations. Finished background notes and watched a clip from Troy. Completed Vocab. to Know handout. We will finish it tomorrow.
February 25, 2014-Bell ringer about heroes. Extra credit opportunity explained. Must sign up by Friday. Presentations will be next Tuesday. We read "The Odyssey Years" in class and then I had you put it away and summarize it. Intro to the Odyssey, PP notes.
February 24, 2014-Prep work for week 2 of unit 9 is due Thursday. Quiz Friday! Triple unit week is next week, so begin preparing now. Because your research body paragraphs are due on Friday to Turn it in, I gave you time in class today to work on them and ask me questions if needed. If you need more help, please come see me at Blazer Connections.
February 21, 2014-Today you should have submitted your prep work at the beginning of class. Next, you took your window 6 poetry assessment. After the assessment, you should have been working on your creative writing ("Words in Thirds"). Next Friday, your research body paragraphs will be due to Turn it in. Please continue to work on these over the weekend and come see me if you have questions!
February 20, 2014-Don't forget! Jan. AXES revisions as well as prep work is due tomorrow! No excuses! Today we began with another bell ringer. We learned a bit about our current U.S. Poet Laureate, Natasha Trethewey. We read her poem "Letter Home," and then you answered three questions. Next, we read and filled out a chart based on Edgar Allen's poem "The Bells."
February 19, 2014-Today we started class with a bell ringer, which I pulled right from The Lightening Thief, which I know some of you just love! Next we worked on finishing our SHAMPOO packet by annotating "The Weary Blues" for the elements of SHAMPOO, as well as answering questions based on this poem.
February 18, 2014-Today we had another delay, so I didn't get to see 3rd hour. Prep work for unit 9 will be due this Friday, NOT Thursday like normal. We started class with a bellringer to review meter and rhyme. This should have gone in your notebook. Next, we looked at some other example student intros. I will not see your revision until the final draft is due. Don't forget, your revised Jan. AXES paragraph is due to Turn it in.com by 10 P.M. this Friday. If it's late, it's a zero!
February 13, 2014-Today you took your unit 8 vocab quiz. I also gave you some time in class to begin drafting your research paper body paragraphs. Near the end of class, we looked at some student examples for the Jan. AXES response. Revisions are due next Friday by 10 PM. *Remember, if you are past due on a writing deadline, you MUST stay after at Blazer Connections within the next two weeks to recoup some of your credit! Don't let your grade go down the drain!
February 12, 2014-Today we had a delay, so I didn't get to see 2nd hour. Your vocabulary prep work will be due Thursday and we will also take the quiz. For the rest of you, we started with a warm up about meter. Next, we added onto our poetry notes (rhyme scheme). You also should have worked on the three close reading questions for Langston Hughes's poem "The Weary Blues."
February 11, 2014-Don't foget, prep work is due tomorrow, not Thursday! Also, introductions are absolutely due to Turn it in by 10 P.M. tonight! Today we took a few notes about poetry and focused the lesson on discovering different types of meter and rhyme scheme. We even wrote a shadow poem where we looked at a poem by Robert Frost and then tried to emulate his rhyme scheme. We also checked out how Eminem uses words and variations of words to write his wraps. Lastly, we looked again at Christina Rossetti's poem from our packet in order to dig deeper at its meaning.
February 10, 2014-Because this week and next week are shortened, prep work for week 2 of unit 8 will be due this Wednesday and our quiz will be on Thursday. We spent class today annotating the poems in your SHAMPOO packet for literary devices such as similes and metaphors.
February 4, 2014-Today we revisited thesis statements. You should have read and taken notes from the blue book about the dos and don'ts of thesis statements. Lastly, we started in on our poetry unit and had time to do a "How To" poem based on the research you've been doing on your topic.
February 3, 2014-Don't foget! If you have not already submitted your Jan. AXES paragraph to Turn it in, you need to do that asap. This Friday you will submit a rough draft of the intro to your research paper. We spent today talking about the importance of having a good introduction. We took a few notes from a Power Point and even practiced creating an intro. We also went over unit 8 words, so prep work is due on Thursday, 2/6.
January 30, 2014-Well, after a week long break, we have to try to get back on track! I didn't see 3rd hour today; however, I still expect you to bring your working outline, your sources (the actual document or notes you took from the original source if it were, say, a movie or YouTube video), and the rough draft of your AXES prompt. I know I told the rest of you I would post the answers to the prep work here, but I did that before realizing I haven't collected it from 3rd hour yet. Duh. SO! We will go over the answers at the beginning of class tomorrow, plus you will have some time to study for the quiz.
January 22, 2014-Today we talked about the importance of an essay being organized and flowing. You worked in groups to see what order the introduction to an informative essay about aliens should go. We also pulled out good diction and varied sentence patterns. We finished class with some work time on your AXES prompt. You should come into class tomorrow with a rough draft ready to go!
January 21, 2014-Don't forget! Vocabulary prep work for week two of unit 7 is due Thursday (assignment is below) and our quiz is Friday! Today you should have signed up for Turnitin as well as worked on your working outline. This will ultimately be due on Thursday by the end of class.
January 17, 2014-We started off in small groups so you could go over your homework from last night. Once we discussed the articles as a whole group, you should have responded to the prompt question under activity #2-Which source is more reliable and why? Both the homework and your response were due in class. We spend the rest of the period in the lab. You must know your topic by Tuesday because you will be printing off sources if needed. Also, even though we don't have school on Monday, I still expect vocabulary on Thursday. Week two prep work is from the book: Completing the Sentence, Synonyms and Antonyms, and Vocabulary in Context.
January 16, 2014-Your vocabulary prep work was due at the beginning of the hour today. For homework tonight, please complete questions 3-7 for the two articles you recieved yesterday (Facts, Opinions, and Bias). Bring this in completed for tomorrow. After that, I told you what your task was for the lab today. By the end of the hour, you should have submitted 3 facts and sources about your working topic.
January 15, 2014-Today we worked in class on the differences between facts, opinions, and bias. You worked with your groups to find these different elements in the texts you were provided. We will wrap up this lesson tomorrow before heading to the media center. Don't forget, unit 7 prep work is due tomorrow!
January 14, 2014-Before heading to the computer lab again today, I talked to you guys a bit about the assingment you handed in yesterday. Some of you aren't paying enough attention to detail when it comes to formatting. I also talked to you a bit about how my research is coming along. I've had to modify my topic a bit since my original topic was often blocked. Nothing was due to me today, but you should have worked on finding more credible sources.
January 13, 2014-I started class by talking a little bit more about my contest for this semester. See the board for more details on how to enter. Next, I told you we are moving into unit 7 of vocabulary. Prep work is the same setup as last semester and is due the same day as always--Thursday. I had you take a few more notes about the difference between primary and seconday source material before heading to the lab. By the end of class today, you should have submitted an MLA formatted document with your working topic, your why, and at least one citation of a credible source you may use later.
January 10, 2014-Most of class time today was spent taking notes from a Power Point on how to do research. Our specific focus today was how to pick a topic that is "just right." Be sure to come into class on Monday with an idea of what you might want to research.
January 9, 2014-Today we went over the syllabus and talked a bit about our breaks.
Semester One
December 9, 2013
Today you were to turn in your revised 12 AM AXES paragraph. You have had 3 weeks to revise it, so I should get one from everybody! 3rd and 5th hours, your narrative revisions were due today as well. By now you should be finished with TKAM. You worked on a short answer test in class, and you will have time to finish that up tomorrow.
December 6, 2013
Don't forget, AXES revisions are due on Monday! NO excuses! 3rd and 5th hours, your narrative revision is also due Monday. Today we took some notes about MLA format and how to cite information. We also began an assignment where we are practicing how to annotate. Bring these papers on Monday, please.
December 5, 2013
Today we did some review over MLA format. We also discussed a great current issue topic: increasing the minimum wage.
December 3 & 4
We finished watching part 1 of TKAM as well as the court case.
December 2, 2013
Happy early Christmas! We aren't going to do any more vocabulary this semester. Today we watched the beginning 30 minutes or so of TKAM. In the meantime, you need to have the novel finished for next Monday, as we will have a quiz over part two of the text. It is your responsibility to manage your reading of these final chapters. 2nd and 4th hours should have submitted your narratives to me. 3rd hour, your revision is due this Friday.
November 27, 2013
Finished screenplay. Please read chapters 21-23 for Monday. Mini lesson to improve narrative.
November 26, 2013
Read screenplay. Draft due tomorrow!
November 25, 2013
Quick quiz over TKAM chapters. We went over the window #3 assessment. Work on narrative. ROUGH DRAFT IS DUE WEDNESDAY!
November 22, 2013
Today you took the triple unit test. When you finished, you should have read through my model narrative and then worked on your own. Be sure to read through chapter 15 for Monday.
November 21, 2013
Today we played vocab Bingo! Study for your test!
November 20, 2013
Today we finished watching the documentary. In your notebook, you were to respond to the four sentence starters I gave you, and then we had a discussion based off of what you wrote. We finished class by going over the TKAM allusions for chapters 11 and 12.
November 19, 2013
Today you began class by doing only the "Who" and "What" sections of the 5W notes I taught you when we read "A Wreath for Emmett Till." After a brief discussion of what happened yesterday, we continued to watch the documentary. Today I passed back your 12 AM AXES paragraphs. You will each need to do revision based on the feedback I've given you. I'm am setting the due date for 12/9, which gives you ample time to fix your errors and see me if needed. You must have your original to turn in as well in order to get full credit.
November 18, 2013
Triple unit test for vocab units 4-6 is this Friday. Prep work is due Thursday. Be sure you do the correct pages and have the assignment finished for Thursday or you will not be able to play vocab Bingo with us: ( Also, please read through chapter 15 by next Monday. That will take you up to the Tom Robinson case, which we will then read aloud in class. Finally, we started watching the documentary on the Scottsboro Boys.
November 15, 2013
Unit 6 vocabulary quiz. You should have worked on drafting your body paragraph(s). It was fun to hear some of the things you guys learned about the person you wrote! We also did paper pass backs and I posted new grades.
November 14, 2013
Perp work due today! We had about 20 minutes to answer some of your discussion questions. Lastly, you had about 20 minutes to take the window #3 assessment.
November 13, 2013
Today I had to do a bit of damage control since there were some things unclear while I was in Nashville. Please read chapter 11 for homework.
November 12, 2013
Today you should have worked on writing your introduction for your narrative. You also were to write two new discussion questions from the first 10 chapters. We will have a discussion tomorrow.
November 11, 2013
Prep work due Thursday. Quiz on unit 6 Friday. You took the TKAM quiz. You also received the assignment titled "I Didn't Know That!" See handout. You need to deliver your letter asap so you can bring their response to class by Friday.
November 8, 2013
Today there was quite a bit of confusion about the assignment. You were to write a short summary for chapters 1-10, but apparently the sub only told you to do one for chapter 10. No big deal... we will just move on.
November 7, 2013
Unfortunately I had to go home early today because I was quite sick. Today you should have looked in the text at dialogue and in your notebook came up with a list of rules for creating dialogue. You also should have submitted your prep work. You also had time to read chapter 10 in class.
November 6, 2013
Don't forget! Prep work due tomorrow! Today we had a great discussion steming from an article from the South Bend Tribune about the use of the "N" word today in society. We put to rest those other derogatory terms that we should be more mindful about not using. Please read chapter 9 for homework.
November 5, 2013
Definitions again first. Next, we finished all remaining E.T. presentations. We continued our discussion from yesterday, and some of you made some excellent points! For homework, you need to respond to one of the following questions based on chapters 1-5 in 100 words or more, and you also need to cite where you found your evidence for support (Periods 3 and 5, you must respond to two of the questions.)
1.What are Atticus’s values as a man and a parent?
2.Describe the relationship between Atticus and his children.
3.Why are the children fascinated by Boo Radley and his urban legend?
4.What are the life lessons the adults in Scout’s life are trying to teach her?
5.What is the role of (chose two to discuss) Dill, Miss Caroline, Miss Maudie, Walter Cunningham, Calpurnia, in the text so far?
Responses may be hand-written or typed, but it should be double spaced. In addition, please read chapters 7 & 8, since they are so short.
November 4, 2013
We began class by looking up the definitions to words you may not have known after reader chapter 5. Next, we went over the unit 6 words. Prep work is due this Thursday. After that, we circled up and had a silent dicussion using the two questions you should have generated. Hopefully this gave those of you who are a bit more shy an opportunity to voice your comments. We will have a verbal discussion tomorrow. Read chapter 6 for homework!
November 1, 2013
Unit 5 Quiz. Read ch 5 for homework. Come to class with 2 discussion questions for Monday!!!
October 31, 2013
Today your unit 5 prep work was due. Tomorrow is your quiz. You should have continued to work on your Who is Who notes as well as looking up your words you didn't know from chapter 3 of TKAM. I had you take notes on how to develop good discussion questions. You will need to bring 2 to class for our discussion on Monday. Please read chapter 4 for homework.
October 30, 2013
Don't forget that tomorrow prep work is due for unit 5. Our quiz is Friday! Today I gave you time at the beginning of class to look up the definitions of words you didn't know while reading chapter 2. We then shared out some of those words. Next, we worked on creating a graphic organizer for our notes so we can keep track of the many characters Scout is introducing us to in the exposition. Lastly, we did the allusions for both chapters 2 & 3. Please read chapter 3 for homework.
October 29, 2013
Today we continued to hear extension presentations. We also discussed quickwrite question #2 from yesterday to help us transition into talking about urban legends. I had you read an urban legend from right here in Indiana called "The Legend of the House of Blue Lights." After reading, we disected the various sentence patterns the author used and put these into our notebooks for later referenece. We also talked about your only task while reading the novel: writing down at least 3 words you come across and don't know. At the beginning of each class period, I will give you time to look up the definitions. Please read chapter 2 tonight for homework.
October 28, 2013
Today you should have turned in your completed WebQuest for TKAM. If you do not have it finished, please turn it in tomorrow to receieve some credit. We are in week two of unit 5, so please be ready to turn in your prep work on 10/31 and the quiz is 11/1. I gave you 15 minutes to work on two quick write questions. I had you draw an image of what Maycomb could look like based on Scout's description, and I also had you write down five details about the Radley's. Next we talked about the high level of academic vocabulary in the novel and what we can do to help with that. I asked you to skim through chapter 1 again in order to find five words you didn't know. Using the strategies we discussed, you were then to create your own definition before looking up the actual definition. This is a skill we will continue to work on. Lastly, we saw a few extension presentations.
October 25, 2013
Today we had a guidence counselor come talk to us about scheduling for your sophomore year. Please be sure to prepare for this meeting! Next, I took you to the Media Center to check out a copy of TKAM. You are to read Ch. 1 this weekend. I also gave you some notes on allusions you will encounter in this chapter. Lastly, you were to submit your extension project today. We will start presentations on Monday!
October 24, 2013
Today prep work for Unit 5 was due. We finished sonnet presentations, analyzed the photograph of "Migrant Mother," and watched a clip from Seabiscuit to get a better understanding of the effects of the stock market crash of '29.
October 23, 2013
Today we were in the lab again to work on our WebQuest. If you didn't finish, you need to finish it for Monday.
October 22, 2013
Today we began our WebQuest to build background knowledge about To Kill a Mockingbird. We will continue this activity tomorrow as well.
October 21, 2013
Today I went over all of the announcements and reminders (extension activity, prep work due 10/24) first. Next, you took your Unit 4 vocab. quiz. If you finished early, you should have been practicing varied sentence patterns using commas. Lastly, we heard some more presentations of the analysis of each sonnet.
October 17, 2013
Today I presented you with an extension activity for Emmett Till (handout). 2nd and 4th periods: this is an extra credit opportunity for you. It's due October 25. 3rd and 5th periods: this is an official assignment. It is also due Oct. 25th for you. We were able to begin sonnet presentations today. Be sure to study for your vocabulary quiz on Monday!
October 16, 2013
Today you continued to work on your sonnet analysis.
October 15, 2013
Today we continued our 5W notes. We also did a quick write response to the gruesome image of Emmett Till's mangled body at his open casket funeral. We read A Wreath for Emmett Till aloud. Finally, you were split into pairs or small groups to analyze a sonnet.
October 14, 2013
Reminders-prep work for this week is due on 10/17. Since we don't have school on Friday, we will take our vocab. quiz on Monday. September AXES revisions are due on 10/16. October AXES paragraphs are due A.S.A.P. if you've not already turned it in. Today we did a quick write based on Juror #8's line "...prejudice obscures the truth." We then moved into starting to talk about Emmett Till. I tought you the 5W notetaking strategy today, which we will continue tomorrow.
October 11, 2013
Today you took the 12 A.M. skills test as well as the window #2 assessment.
October 10, 2013
Today we were in the computer lab so you could type up your October AXES paragraph. If you did not turn it in today, I need it asap along with your rough draft. Prep work was also due today.
October 9, 2013
Today we finished watching the last few minutes of 12 A.M. After that, I passed back your September AXES paragraphs and talked to you a bit about how I graded them. I also gave you a personal data chart that you will use each time we write to track your progress and set goals. Do not lose this handout! Revisions of your Sept. prompt will be due one week from today, 10/16. That provides you with plenty of time to make changes and see me if you need to. Remember, you need to also submit your old draft so I can see your changes. Lastly, you were given about 20 minutes to write the rough draft of your Oct. AXES paragraph. We will be in the computer lab tomorrow to type those.
October 8, 2013
Today we continued to watch 12 A.M.
October 7, 2013
Before watching 12 A.M. we went over our Unit 4 words. Prep work is due Thursday.
October 4, 2013
Today you took your triple unit test! I've already put the grades in, and so many of you did so good, which is great!!! You also should have started writing your assertion and finding examples for the juror you would like to focus on for your next AXES paragraph.
October 3, 2013
Today your prep work was due for the Triple Unit Test. Study tonight!!! We played vocabulary Bingo to help prepare.
October 2, 2013
Today we went over the Act 1 handout and finished reading the play. Yay! Don't forget, prep work is due tomorrow! Triple unit test is this Friday!
October 1, 2013
Don't forget about your triple unit prep work (see assignment below). We continued to read in Act II.
September 30, 2013
Today I was gone with several of you at the Move 2 Stand conference. Those of you that stayed behind worked on commas using the site www.chompchomp.com. Don't forget that your triple unit prep work is due this Thursday and our test is Friday.
Triple Unit Work: Vocabulary for Comprehension (42-43); Two-Word Completions (45); Choosing the Right Meaning (46); Word Associations (48); Do only the bottom section on page 50.
September 27, 2013
Vocabulary quiz unit 3. Both the 12 A.M. Act 1 handout as well as the juror 8 soliloquy should be turned in by now.
September 26, 2013
No school. Conferences.
September 25, 2013
Vocabulary due! Quiz on Friday! 4th and 5th periods got to hear our guest speaker today. You should have turned in either you act 1 handout OR your soliloquy OR both. Both should be in on Friday, however.
September 24, 2013
Today we finished act 1. 2nd and 3rd hours got to hear our guest speaker talk about her experience on a jury. You also had some time to work on your act 1 handout.
September 23, 2013
A few reminders... since it's a shortened quiz week, vocabulary prep work is due this Wednesday, 9/25. Conferences are on Thursday. We continued reading 12 A.M. and at the end of class, you worked on writing a soliloquy for the 8th Juror based on the stage directions given on page 30. Our guest speaker is coming tomorrow, so be thinking of questions you can ask.
September 20, 2013
Today we continued reading 12 A.M. If you need to add rules to your comma packet, remember, it's due by Monday!
September 19, 2013
Today you should have turned in your vocabulary work for week one. We started 12 A.M. today!
Honors, see below for what is due tomorrow.
September 18, 2013
Today I showed you two quick clips about 12 A.M. One by director Rob Reiner and the other from Sesame Street. Then I gave you some more background about Reginal Rose and the historical context of the drama. We also selected the cast. Dont' forget, vocabulary is due tomorrow.
*Honors (3rd and 5th) please find an article about a racially motivated court case. It can be old or recent. Write a summary about the case and be ready to present it on Friday.
September 17, 2013
Today we went over a Power Point all about what it means to serve on a jury, the difference between criminal and civil cases, and other important facts we need as background knowledge prior to reading Twelve Angry Men. We also went over the Window #1 assessment.
September 16, 2013
You should have submitted your even comma problems complete with rules today at the beginning of class. If you didn't have it today, I will still take it tomorrow, but it will be docked for being late. We went over our unit 3 words. Vocabulary prep work is due on Thursday as usual. You should have looked up and written down a few drama terms, which are located in the anthology. Lastly, we had a mini discussion based on the quickwrite question: Do you believe in the death penalty? Why or why not?
September 13, 2013
Today you took your Unit 2 vocab. quiz. We also had paper pass backs and grade checks. You should also have turned in your AXES paragraph with the rough draft. Even problems in the comma packet are due on Monday.
September 12, 2013
Vocabulary was due today. We were in the computer lab for the period so you could type your first AXES paragraph based on "The Man in the Casket."
September 11, 2013
Don't forget! Vocabulary is due tomorrow! Today we spent all of class working on the drafts of our AXES paragraphs. I checked all of your assertions to make sure you were on the right path. We will be in the lab tomorrow to type them up!
September 10, 2013
Today were pictures, so that robbed us of some of our class time. When we returned, you were to work alone or with a partner to add rules followed the the odd problems you did in the comma packet. We went over the problems together. Next, we looked at a handout that will aid us in drafting our first AXES paragraph. We will spend all of class drafting tomorrow.
September 9. 2013
Unit 2 vocabulary work for week 2 is due this Thursday. Please complete pages 31, 32, and 34. You took the window 1 assessment based on a short story titled "The Man in the Casket." You should also have received a comma packet and done the odd problems only.
September 6, 2013
Today I passed back papers and posted grades. You should have submitted "Asphalt" to the basket. We went over it at the end of class. We also started a foundation lesson packet based on "By the Waters of Babylon."
September 5, 2013
Vocab. work was due today. Today was a bit of a work day. You should have finished reading "Asphalt." Questions are due TOMORROW!!!
September 4, 2013
Today we spent the entire period discussing the AXES structure. I provided you with two amazing handouts that you can use for any class: transitions, strong verbs, what AXES means, as well as the model we created together using "The Cask of Amontillado."
September 3, 2013
Today we began class by going over unit 2 words. This is a shortened week; however, I still expect the first week's work to be done by Thursday. Next, we went over the "Cyclops" questions I had you do in class last week. You should have turned in your character journal. If you finished with that, you should have worked on our next short story called "Asphalt."
August 30, 2013
I was not here today, but you should have taken the unit 1 quiz with the sub. Once you finished, you should have started working on the character journal using the father from "Cyclops." If you do not finish, it is due on Tuesday.
August 29, 2013
Vocabulary was due today! Quiz is tomorrow, so be sure to study! Now that you have read "Cyclops," I had you answer a few questions regarding the piece in order to deepen your understanding of terms and skills such as identifying tone, theme, dialogue, etc. Next, we did a modeling mini lesson where we created a character journal. We did it first using Montresor as our model. We finished class by going over the vocabulary homework.
August 28, 2013
Today we spent class in the computer lab so you could work on typing up your Poe inspired suspense story. If you didn't give it to me today, please try to get it to me tomorrow. Also, don't forget that your vocab work for week two of unit one is do tomorrow.
August 27, 2013
At the beginning of class I gave you a few minutes to wrap up your mood journal, and I asked several of you to share those. Next we read David Sedaris's story titled "Cyclops." We will do more with this on Thursday. The last 15 minutes of class were dedicated to you revising your suspense inspired stories or writing a bit more. We will be in the lab tomorrow to type them up.
August 26, 2013
Today you should have submitted your Poe packet at the beginning of class, as it was homework over the weekend. Next we did a quick grammar lesson as a refresher over common and proper nouns. I also introduced the assignments you will always do for week two of vocabulary, which, again, is always due on Thursdays. You will always do Completing the Sentence, Synonyms and Antonyms, and Vocabulary in Context. This week's assignments can be found on pages 24, 25, and 27. Please, do not write in your book, and all you need to turn in is the answers. Remember, it must be totally complete to count for credit. We finished out the remainder of class with an introduction to the Mood/Tone Dialectical Journal. We are using "The Cask of Amontillado" as our model since we are all familiar with it now. I modeled this with you, and we did just the tone. I had you start on a mood journal, which you will finish up in class tomorrow.
August 23, 2013
Today we did paper pass backs at the beginning of the period so you could check your current grade. Next, you began working on your Poe packet or you were to be finishing up your plot chart for "The Cask of Amontillado" before turning it in. (2nd period, I will get yours on Monday!) Next, we took a few notes about our short story unit... terms you will need to know as we move forward. Please finish the Poe packet for homework as it is due on Monday.
August 22, 2013
What an awesome class today! Your creative stories where you developed suspense modeled after Poe were AMAZING!!! I can't wait to hear more of what you wrote! Vocabulary was due today. Each part is worth 20 points. Near the end of class, you should have finished your plot chart.
August 21, 2013
Reminder: Vocabulary work is due tomorrow! It's all or nothing, so make sure it's complete! We began class by taking our fight song quiz. Next, we finished reading Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado." For the last ten minutes of class, you should have been working on a plot chart for this story in your notebook.
August 20, 2013
We started class by running through the fight song a few times. Quiz is TOMORROW! Be loud and proud at the pep rally on Friday! Next, we went through all 20 of our vocabulary words, we further discussed what is due on Thursday (one word, one strategy AND all 20 words written out 10 times each). Before jumping into Poe, I had you respond to the quickwrite question "Why might it be important for us to learn about a writer's background before reading?" I went over Poe's biography with you to give us a better understanding of what we might find in his work. Next, we made a few predictions as to what "The Cask of Amontillado" might be about based on the video clip I showed you (see above). We were only able to get about two pages into the story, so we will continue reading tomorrow.
August 19, 2013
Today was the final day you could submit your signed syllabus. We went to the Media Center and checked out vocabulary books. These are your responsibility, so take good care of them! When we got back to the room, we went over vocabualry work procedures. Please see syllabus for further details. REMEMBER, VOCABULARY IS AN ALL OR NOTHING COMPLETION GRADE! We went over the fight song a few more times. Remember, your quiz is Wednesday. We took a few notes over plot (which I'm hoping was a refresher for most of you).
We started class by running through the fight song a few times. Quiz is TOMORROW! Be loud and proud at the pep rally on Friday! Next, we went through all 20 of our vocabulary words, we further discussed what is due on Thursday (one word, one strategy AND all 20 words written out 10 times each). Before jumping into Poe, I had you respond to the quickwrite question "Why might it be important for us to learn about a writer's background before reading?" I went over Poe's biography with you to give us a better understanding of what we might find in his work. Next, we made a few predictions as to what "The Cask of Amontillado" might be about based on the video clip I showed you (see above). We were only able to get about two pages into the story, so we will continue reading tomorrow.
August 19, 2013
Today was the final day you could submit your signed syllabus. We went to the Media Center and checked out vocabulary books. These are your responsibility, so take good care of them! When we got back to the room, we went over vocabualry work procedures. Please see syllabus for further details. REMEMBER, VOCABULARY IS AN ALL OR NOTHING COMPLETION GRADE! We went over the fight song a few more times. Remember, your quiz is Wednesday. We took a few notes over plot (which I'm hoping was a refresher for most of you).
pre-ap_fall_syllabus.docx | |
File Size: | 30 kb |
File Type: | docx |
August 16, 2013
Today we listened to the school fight song seveal times. You can listen to it also by going to the following page: http://blueblazers.org/alum/blazers.html. Remember, your quiz is on Wenesday of next week. I also reminded you that your signed syllabus is due on Monday, August 19. Some of you forgot "Lives of a Cell" today, so be sure to bring it on Monday! We worked our way into a discussion of plot via an activity titled "Ykcaw," or "wacky" spelled backwards. This was a great reminder of the importance of organization when writing, but also the importance of just having fun with writing and getting your ideas out of the page. We finished class by reviewing the plot chart, which you should have in your notes.
August 15, 2013
I began class by revealing the solution to the icebreaker from yesterday. I also reminded you to follow me on Twitter so you can receive updates on things that are due. We did another icebreaker today, and I think all of you did quite well in your groups. I also took a few minutes to explain the 9th grade skill progression chart so you are aware of the terms and standards we will be learning over the course of the year. The remainder of the period was spent on your baseline assessment titled "Lives of a Cell." Please finish both the essay and multiple choice for homework as it is due tomorrow.
August 14, 2013
It was so nice to meet all of you today! Today we began with a bit of an introductary activity. I had three columns up on the white board labeled "Central," "English," and "Misc." Each of you picked up a syllabus and a sticky note on the way in the room, and I asked you to write a question on the sticky note and place it in one of the columns. It seems that I was able to answer the majority of the questions you had about Central, my class, and other random items. Next we did a fun little icebreaker that many of you found quite difficult. Using only a piece of paper and scissors, I asked you to make the largest opening possible. I will reveal the solution tomorrow : ) With the remaining time we glanced at the syllabus, which needs to be signed by either a parent or guardian by August 19th. You also have a school fight song quiz next Wednesday to get you ready for the pep rally next Friday.
Today we listened to the school fight song seveal times. You can listen to it also by going to the following page: http://blueblazers.org/alum/blazers.html. Remember, your quiz is on Wenesday of next week. I also reminded you that your signed syllabus is due on Monday, August 19. Some of you forgot "Lives of a Cell" today, so be sure to bring it on Monday! We worked our way into a discussion of plot via an activity titled "Ykcaw," or "wacky" spelled backwards. This was a great reminder of the importance of organization when writing, but also the importance of just having fun with writing and getting your ideas out of the page. We finished class by reviewing the plot chart, which you should have in your notes.
August 15, 2013
I began class by revealing the solution to the icebreaker from yesterday. I also reminded you to follow me on Twitter so you can receive updates on things that are due. We did another icebreaker today, and I think all of you did quite well in your groups. I also took a few minutes to explain the 9th grade skill progression chart so you are aware of the terms and standards we will be learning over the course of the year. The remainder of the period was spent on your baseline assessment titled "Lives of a Cell." Please finish both the essay and multiple choice for homework as it is due tomorrow.
August 14, 2013
It was so nice to meet all of you today! Today we began with a bit of an introductary activity. I had three columns up on the white board labeled "Central," "English," and "Misc." Each of you picked up a syllabus and a sticky note on the way in the room, and I asked you to write a question on the sticky note and place it in one of the columns. It seems that I was able to answer the majority of the questions you had about Central, my class, and other random items. Next we did a fun little icebreaker that many of you found quite difficult. Using only a piece of paper and scissors, I asked you to make the largest opening possible. I will reveal the solution tomorrow : ) With the remaining time we glanced at the syllabus, which needs to be signed by either a parent or guardian by August 19th. You also have a school fight song quiz next Wednesday to get you ready for the pep rally next Friday.
drama_terms_handout.docx | |
File Size: | 21 kb |
File Type: | docx |
September 11, 2012
Today was picture day! When we got back to class, I introduced you to the AXES structure of writing. I modeled this structure for you in class (with your help), and we used the worksheet (see below) to help us out. We will continue to practice this over the next few days. Remember, drama terms are due tomorrow!
Today was picture day! When we got back to class, I introduced you to the AXES structure of writing. I modeled this structure for you in class (with your help), and we used the worksheet (see below) to help us out. We will continue to practice this over the next few days. Remember, drama terms are due tomorrow!
sample_axes_essay.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
September 12, 2012
Today I was only here for 5th hour due to inservices :( However, you guys did really well today! Yesterday we started working on an example AXES essay together, and you guys did a great job! I am so proud of you! I typed up what we came up with yesterday in class, and I challenged you to add in an additional example to support our assertion, and I also wanted you to try to create a synthesis on your own. For extra practice, I had a new prompt on the back for the short story "Cyclops," which you read over the weekend. We will be in the computer lab tomorrow to do our first timed writing AXES essay, and I know you guys will rock it out! I also passed out an apostrophe handout for extra practice since many of you seem to not like this important piece of punctuation. Drama unit terms were due today! Vocabulary is due tomorrow! Quiz on Friday!
Today I was only here for 5th hour due to inservices :( However, you guys did really well today! Yesterday we started working on an example AXES essay together, and you guys did a great job! I am so proud of you! I typed up what we came up with yesterday in class, and I challenged you to add in an additional example to support our assertion, and I also wanted you to try to create a synthesis on your own. For extra practice, I had a new prompt on the back for the short story "Cyclops," which you read over the weekend. We will be in the computer lab tomorrow to do our first timed writing AXES essay, and I know you guys will rock it out! I also passed out an apostrophe handout for extra practice since many of you seem to not like this important piece of punctuation. Drama unit terms were due today! Vocabulary is due tomorrow! Quiz on Friday!
example_axes.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
September 17, 2012
NO VOCABULAY THIS WEEK! WOO HOO! However, please encourage your parents/guardians to attend conferences this Thursday. Today we read a short play called "The Spoiled Baloney Man." It was fun to watch our actors act a little crazy. I will attempt to post videos shortly.
September 18, 2012
Today we had a spirited discussion in every class about whether or not we believe in the death penalty. This is an important discussion to have because it is the whole premise of the play we are about to read, Twelve Angry Men. In addition, I gave you some facts about Indiana and our policies. We do in fact have the death penalty, but it is only for murder cases. Lastly, I had you read an article about racism in America's judicial system, and we worked on finding facts and deciding what makes a source credible or not.
September 19, 2012
Today we started reading the drama called Twelve Angry Men. Many of you are a part of the cast and will be acting out the play and interacting with the props as we move through the play. We will probably need about one week to get throught the play, and then we will focus on our next essay. I gave you a "Who is Who?" organizer today so we can keep all of the actors straight. We will also be documenting the evidence presented along the way as well so we can make predictions.
September 20, 2012
Conferences! No school today!
September 21, 2012
Things really heated up today! Juror #8 started poking holes in the logic of the case and several jurors didn't like that so much. We learned about some more evidence (especially from Juror #4) and I left you hanging in suspense! The 9th juror just changed his vote to "Not Guilty." I had to keep you guys wanting more, and I think I did just that. See you Monday!
NO VOCABULAY THIS WEEK! WOO HOO! However, please encourage your parents/guardians to attend conferences this Thursday. Today we read a short play called "The Spoiled Baloney Man." It was fun to watch our actors act a little crazy. I will attempt to post videos shortly.
September 18, 2012
Today we had a spirited discussion in every class about whether or not we believe in the death penalty. This is an important discussion to have because it is the whole premise of the play we are about to read, Twelve Angry Men. In addition, I gave you some facts about Indiana and our policies. We do in fact have the death penalty, but it is only for murder cases. Lastly, I had you read an article about racism in America's judicial system, and we worked on finding facts and deciding what makes a source credible or not.
September 19, 2012
Today we started reading the drama called Twelve Angry Men. Many of you are a part of the cast and will be acting out the play and interacting with the props as we move through the play. We will probably need about one week to get throught the play, and then we will focus on our next essay. I gave you a "Who is Who?" organizer today so we can keep all of the actors straight. We will also be documenting the evidence presented along the way as well so we can make predictions.
September 20, 2012
Conferences! No school today!
September 21, 2012
Things really heated up today! Juror #8 started poking holes in the logic of the case and several jurors didn't like that so much. We learned about some more evidence (especially from Juror #4) and I left you hanging in suspense! The 9th juror just changed his vote to "Not Guilty." I had to keep you guys wanting more, and I think I did just that. See you Monday!
name.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
September 24, 2012
Today we went over vocabulary words for unit 3. One word one strategy prep work will be due this Thursday. We continued reading Twelve Angry Men, and we will finish up with Act 1 tomorrow.
*Just a reminder that we will have a triple unit vocabulary test in 2 weeks (Oct. 11). Start looking back at your words from units 1 and 2 to refresh your memory. I will have a doughnut party for any students that get a perfect score.
September 25, 2012
Today we finished reading Act I, and boy-oh-boy (thanks 10th juror) was it a good ending! We finished class by doing an activity that involves close reading while continuing to practice both new and old skills.
Today we went over vocabulary words for unit 3. One word one strategy prep work will be due this Thursday. We continued reading Twelve Angry Men, and we will finish up with Act 1 tomorrow.
*Just a reminder that we will have a triple unit vocabulary test in 2 weeks (Oct. 11). Start looking back at your words from units 1 and 2 to refresh your memory. I will have a doughnut party for any students that get a perfect score.
September 25, 2012
Today we finished reading Act I, and boy-oh-boy (thanks 10th juror) was it a good ending! We finished class by doing an activity that involves close reading while continuing to practice both new and old skills.
twelve_angry_men_act_1.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
September 26, 2012
Today we went over the handout for Act 1. We also started viewing the 1957 version of Twelve Angry Men. Don't forget! Vocabulary work is due tomorrow for week one of unit 3!
September 27, 2012
Today we finished watching Act 1.
September 28, 2012
Papers were passed back and grades were posted at the beginning of the hour. Then I showed a Power Point presentation where we focused on looking at different sentence errors and ways to fix/improve them. This will help us with revision on Monday. I also showed a few students models to show you papers that went well.
Today we went over the handout for Act 1. We also started viewing the 1957 version of Twelve Angry Men. Don't forget! Vocabulary work is due tomorrow for week one of unit 3!
September 27, 2012
Today we finished watching Act 1.
September 28, 2012
Papers were passed back and grades were posted at the beginning of the hour. Then I showed a Power Point presentation where we focused on looking at different sentence errors and ways to fix/improve them. This will help us with revision on Monday. I also showed a few students models to show you papers that went well.
axes_sentence_review.pptx | |
File Size: | 68 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
October 1, 2012
Unit 3 prep work will be due 10/4. Do pages 38, 39 & 41. Quiz on Friday! Today we went to the computer lab to revise our first AXES paragraphs over "The Man in the Casket." I think it went well!
October 2, 2012
Today we finished reading Act II.
October 3, 2012
Today we watched Act II. Below is the link to the version we watched. Don't forget, unit 3 prep work is due tomorrow, and our quiz is Friday!
Unit 3 prep work will be due 10/4. Do pages 38, 39 & 41. Quiz on Friday! Today we went to the computer lab to revise our first AXES paragraphs over "The Man in the Casket." I think it went well!
October 2, 2012
Today we finished reading Act II.
October 3, 2012
Today we watched Act II. Below is the link to the version we watched. Don't forget, unit 3 prep work is due tomorrow, and our quiz is Friday!
October 4, 2012
Today Unit 3 prep work is due! We will have a quiz tomorrow. As a class, we came up with a goal for our October AXES paragraph. If the entire class achieves that goal, a prize will be awarded. We also did a model together about the 8th juror.
Today Unit 3 prep work is due! We will have a quiz tomorrow. As a class, we came up with a goal for our October AXES paragraph. If the entire class achieves that goal, a prize will be awarded. We also did a model together about the 8th juror.
axes_october_focus.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 5, 2012
Happy Homecoming! Today we took our Unit 3 quiz. The majority of you worked with a small group to create your assertion for your AXES parapraph. We will be typing these next Thursday in class. Grades were posted today. How are you doing?
October 8, 2012
Triple Unit Week. See attachment below for pages. Work is due Thursday. The test will be this Friday. Study, study, study!!! We also completed our Window #2 Assessment over Drama. Lastly, you had time to work on your AXES rough draft.
Happy Homecoming! Today we took our Unit 3 quiz. The majority of you worked with a small group to create your assertion for your AXES parapraph. We will be typing these next Thursday in class. Grades were posted today. How are you doing?
October 8, 2012
Triple Unit Week. See attachment below for pages. Work is due Thursday. The test will be this Friday. Study, study, study!!! We also completed our Window #2 Assessment over Drama. Lastly, you had time to work on your AXES rough draft.
triple_unit_prep_work.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 9, 2012
Today we began with a bell ringer question regarding a statement made by Juror #8. He says, "...prejudice obscures the truth." We had a discussion about how this is true in the drama but also how this is evident out in the real world. We then took a look at a clip from the George Lopez show that had to do with the issue of prejudice based on race and preconcieved notions (see below). That helped get us into a brainstorming session about possible research topics.
Today we began with a bell ringer question regarding a statement made by Juror #8. He says, "...prejudice obscures the truth." We had a discussion about how this is true in the drama but also how this is evident out in the real world. We then took a look at a clip from the George Lopez show that had to do with the issue of prejudice based on race and preconcieved notions (see below). That helped get us into a brainstorming session about possible research topics.
October 10, 2012
Today we had a bell ringer where we were trying to come up with possible resources and strategies we can use to develop a research project. Then we spent the rest of class playing vocab BINGO to help prepare for the Triple Unit Test on Friday. Remember, your AXES paragraph on Twelve Angry Men should be ready to go when you come in tomorrow because we will be in the computer lab.
October 11, 2012
Vocabulary prep work due! We went to T113 to type our paragraphs. If you did not finish, I MUST have it by Wednesday or you will get a zero! Study for your T.U.T!
October 12, 2012
I was gone today but you took the T.U.T. with the substitute. If you finished early, hopefully you began brainstorming a topic for your research project.
October 15, 2012
Today we went over unit 4 words. Prep work 1 is due this Thursday 10/18. We also went around and revealed our possible research topics. Lastly, we looked at an example I-Search Research Essay, which you will ultimately create at the end of this project.
October 16, 2012
Today we started class by doing a bell ringer. I pulled out several sentences from our second AXES paragraph that had some problems. We tried to fix them, which will help us with revision of our own essays. We also went over our research project. The next few days we will be in the computer lab doing some initial research on our topic. Lastly, I gave you a packet called "Summarizing and Identifying Issues in Nonfiction." We did activity one together, and you will complete activity two over the weekend for homework. It is due on Monday 10/22.
Today we had a bell ringer where we were trying to come up with possible resources and strategies we can use to develop a research project. Then we spent the rest of class playing vocab BINGO to help prepare for the Triple Unit Test on Friday. Remember, your AXES paragraph on Twelve Angry Men should be ready to go when you come in tomorrow because we will be in the computer lab.
October 11, 2012
Vocabulary prep work due! We went to T113 to type our paragraphs. If you did not finish, I MUST have it by Wednesday or you will get a zero! Study for your T.U.T!
October 12, 2012
I was gone today but you took the T.U.T. with the substitute. If you finished early, hopefully you began brainstorming a topic for your research project.
October 15, 2012
Today we went over unit 4 words. Prep work 1 is due this Thursday 10/18. We also went around and revealed our possible research topics. Lastly, we looked at an example I-Search Research Essay, which you will ultimately create at the end of this project.
October 16, 2012
Today we started class by doing a bell ringer. I pulled out several sentences from our second AXES paragraph that had some problems. We tried to fix them, which will help us with revision of our own essays. We also went over our research project. The next few days we will be in the computer lab doing some initial research on our topic. Lastly, I gave you a packet called "Summarizing and Identifying Issues in Nonfiction." We did activity one together, and you will complete activity two over the weekend for homework. It is due on Monday 10/22.
i-search_with_tech._ext..docx | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 17, 2012
Today we put a sample Daily Journal in our Bell Ringer section. You will need to create a journal entry for each day we work on our research project so later on your can reflect on your experience. We also finished Activity 1 in the handout you received yesterday. You need to complete Activity 2 for homework, and it is due Monday. We finished class down in the lab looking at the school databases and writing a proposal for our research topics.
Today we put a sample Daily Journal in our Bell Ringer section. You will need to create a journal entry for each day we work on our research project so later on your can reflect on your experience. We also finished Activity 1 in the handout you received yesterday. You need to complete Activity 2 for homework, and it is due Monday. We finished class down in the lab looking at the school databases and writing a proposal for our research topics.
research_project_proposal.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 18, 2012
Another lab day to look up more information on our research topics.
October 22, 2012
Unit 4 prep work #2 will be due this Thursday. Next I read a story called When Marion Copied, which is about a student who plagiarized. The questions below were answered and put into the notes section of our binders. We also looked for ways to give credit to a source by using our model I-Search essay "Living with Asthma." Lastly, we took notes from a mini-lesson about leads. This is a great way to get your reader's attention right from the get go!
Another lab day to look up more information on our research topics.
October 22, 2012
Unit 4 prep work #2 will be due this Thursday. Next I read a story called When Marion Copied, which is about a student who plagiarized. The questions below were answered and put into the notes section of our binders. We also looked for ways to give credit to a source by using our model I-Search essay "Living with Asthma." Lastly, we took notes from a mini-lesson about leads. This is a great way to get your reader's attention right from the get go!
when_marion_copied_questions.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 23, 2012
Today I was away at a conference, so here is what you should have worked on with the sub. Below you will find my model for paragraph #1 of the I-Search essay along with three examples leads I created. Your job today is to develop three leads of your own, which are tied to your research topic, as well as write a rough draft of your first paragraph. If you finished that, you were to work quitely on your unit 4 vocabualry homework.
Today I was away at a conference, so here is what you should have worked on with the sub. Below you will find my model for paragraph #1 of the I-Search essay along with three examples leads I created. Your job today is to develop three leads of your own, which are tied to your research topic, as well as write a rough draft of your first paragraph. If you finished that, you were to work quitely on your unit 4 vocabualry homework.
i-search_example.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 24, 2012
Today we were in the computer lab. Before we left, you should have written down the important due dates on your I-Search rubric. I have attached all of those dates below. Remember, this is a LONG TERM assignment, so the dates things are due, they are DUE! Vocabulary prep work is due tomorrow as well.
Today we were in the computer lab. Before we left, you should have written down the important due dates on your I-Search rubric. I have attached all of those dates below. Remember, this is a LONG TERM assignment, so the dates things are due, they are DUE! Vocabulary prep work is due tomorrow as well.
i-search_due_dates.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 25, 2012
Today your unit 4 prep work for week 2 was due. Quiz tomorrow! We spent the class period in the lab, and by the end of class, you should have submitted the first section of your I-Search paper.
October 26, 2012
I decided to move your quiz until Monday to give you as much time in the lab as possible. Please check the document below to double check that you set up your works cited page correctly.
Today your unit 4 prep work for week 2 was due. Quiz tomorrow! We spent the class period in the lab, and by the end of class, you should have submitted the first section of your I-Search paper.
October 26, 2012
I decided to move your quiz until Monday to give you as much time in the lab as possible. Please check the document below to double check that you set up your works cited page correctly.
sample_works_cited.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 29, 2012
We will have no vocabulary this week! We need to do some major works on our research projects. Remember, I did make a due date change. Originally Part 2 was supposed to be due tomorrow, but we need another class period or two to draft. So, you will be in the lab this Friday, and that is when it is due. Today you took your unit 4 vocab. quiz. I also passed back your Twelve Angry Men AXES paragraphs and we went over common issues. If you need/want to do a revision, they are due next Monday, Nov. 5.
We will have no vocabulary this week! We need to do some major works on our research projects. Remember, I did make a due date change. Originally Part 2 was supposed to be due tomorrow, but we need another class period or two to draft. So, you will be in the lab this Friday, and that is when it is due. Today you took your unit 4 vocab. quiz. I also passed back your Twelve Angry Men AXES paragraphs and we went over common issues. If you need/want to do a revision, they are due next Monday, Nov. 5.
mini-lesson_for_12_am.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 30, 2012
Today was a work day for us. I spent the first few minutes of class updating you on my own research. I then showed you my draft of Part 2 (see below). If you did not complete this draft in class, it is homework. Tomorrow be sure to bring your sources to class so we can begin annotating our materials and work on the AXES paragraphs for Part 3. I have also attached the access codes you can use to get on the databases from a comupter outside of school.
Today was a work day for us. I spent the first few minutes of class updating you on my own research. I then showed you my draft of Part 2 (see below). If you did not complete this draft in class, it is homework. Tomorrow be sure to bring your sources to class so we can begin annotating our materials and work on the AXES paragraphs for Part 3. I have also attached the access codes you can use to get on the databases from a comupter outside of school.
the_story_of_my_search.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
database_access.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
October 31, 2012
Today in class we went over how to revise the Works Cited page. We then looked at the steps that need to be done for part three. First, you MUST have your sources. You cannot create your thesis statement until you have read them and annotated them (I showed you my model annotation in class). After you have your thesis statement, you will create a minimum of three AXES paragraphs, all of which should prove your thesis statement. Below you will find the model of the one we did in class together. I have also added my most updated Works Cited page, which reflects my new sources.
Today in class we went over how to revise the Works Cited page. We then looked at the steps that need to be done for part three. First, you MUST have your sources. You cannot create your thesis statement until you have read them and annotated them (I showed you my model annotation in class). After you have your thesis statement, you will create a minimum of three AXES paragraphs, all of which should prove your thesis statement. Below you will find the model of the one we did in class together. I have also added my most updated Works Cited page, which reflects my new sources.
revised_works_cited.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_search_results.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
November 1, 2012
Today was an opportunity for you to work independently or with me one-on-one. I must say, I am a little nervous at this point. Some of you still do not have your sources, and you MUST get those ASAP!!! Remember, you need at least one credible source (from the database, a book, etc.) and two additional resources. You cannot begin writing your thesis statement and AXES paragraphs for part three (The Search Results) until you have those! In addition, we are straying for "Living With Asthma" just a bit for part three. You will begin this section with your thesis statement (this is a statement telling your reader what you will prove to them based on what your sources tell you.) Please see the file above titled "The Search Results" to see my thesis and first AXES paragraph. You must have a minimum of three AXES paragraphs, and you must use each of your sources AT LEAST ONCE!!! However, that does not necessarily mean you have to dedicate one AXES paragraph to each source. You can place multiple sources in an AXES paragraph if you chose.
Lastly, REVISIONS OF YOUR TWELVE ANGRY MEN AXES PARAGRAPH ARE DUE MONDAY!!! PLEASE, DO IT! I SPEND A LOT OF TIME GIVING YOU FEEDBACK, SO YOU CAN TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO IMPROVE YOUR WRITING!
November 5, 2012
Today your Twelve Angry Men revisions were due. We spent the rest of the hour in the lab working on part 3, which is DUE AT THE END OF CLASS TOMORROW! NO EXCUSES!!! See my model above or contact me if you need help.
November 6, 2012
By the end of class you should have submitted part 3. If you did not, it is due asap for less credit. I also passed back your rough draft of part 2. See the word document below to for revision help. I have also added an additional source to my model AXES paragraph for those of you that would like to try that.
Today was an opportunity for you to work independently or with me one-on-one. I must say, I am a little nervous at this point. Some of you still do not have your sources, and you MUST get those ASAP!!! Remember, you need at least one credible source (from the database, a book, etc.) and two additional resources. You cannot begin writing your thesis statement and AXES paragraphs for part three (The Search Results) until you have those! In addition, we are straying for "Living With Asthma" just a bit for part three. You will begin this section with your thesis statement (this is a statement telling your reader what you will prove to them based on what your sources tell you.) Please see the file above titled "The Search Results" to see my thesis and first AXES paragraph. You must have a minimum of three AXES paragraphs, and you must use each of your sources AT LEAST ONCE!!! However, that does not necessarily mean you have to dedicate one AXES paragraph to each source. You can place multiple sources in an AXES paragraph if you chose.
Lastly, REVISIONS OF YOUR TWELVE ANGRY MEN AXES PARAGRAPH ARE DUE MONDAY!!! PLEASE, DO IT! I SPEND A LOT OF TIME GIVING YOU FEEDBACK, SO YOU CAN TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO IMPROVE YOUR WRITING!
November 5, 2012
Today your Twelve Angry Men revisions were due. We spent the rest of the hour in the lab working on part 3, which is DUE AT THE END OF CLASS TOMORROW! NO EXCUSES!!! See my model above or contact me if you need help.
November 6, 2012
By the end of class you should have submitted part 3. If you did not, it is due asap for less credit. I also passed back your rough draft of part 2. See the word document below to for revision help. I have also added an additional source to my model AXES paragraph for those of you that would like to try that.
issues_with_part_2.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_search_results.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
November 7, 2012
By the end of class today you should be submitting the final part of your I-Search essay. Many of you did not submit part three completed yesterday. I cannot give you feedback if you do not submit anything! Below you will see my model of part four. Please do some careful reflection here. Be honest about what you learned, what you struggled with, what you would have done differently, etc. These are all items your can respond to in this part.
By the end of class today you should be submitting the final part of your I-Search essay. Many of you did not submit part three completed yesterday. I cannot give you feedback if you do not submit anything! Below you will see my model of part four. Please do some careful reflection here. Be honest about what you learned, what you struggled with, what you would have done differently, etc. These are all items your can respond to in this part.
my_growth_as_a_researcher.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
November 8, 2012
Today and tomorrow you should be working on your Power Point presentation. See the requirements as well as my example presentation below.
Today and tomorrow you should be working on your Power Point presentation. See the requirements as well as my example presentation below.
power_point_presentation.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_skin_were_in.pptx | |
File Size: | 183 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
November 9, 2012
Students: I didn't know until the end of the day yesterday that I would be out of the building today. I have a meeting across town, so my apologies for not being here. I have looked over all of the part 3s that were handed in, and some of you still have a lot of work to do. Below, I have attached a part 3 sample from a student that I would consider extremely well-done. Take a look at it and use it as another model. I have not yet had the opportunity to look at your part 4s, but I'm not as worried about that since it is only one paragraph.
Today you should be working on your Power Point presentaitons. If you finish, you may work on your revisions.
Mrs. M.
Students: I didn't know until the end of the day yesterday that I would be out of the building today. I have a meeting across town, so my apologies for not being here. I have looked over all of the part 3s that were handed in, and some of you still have a lot of work to do. Below, I have attached a part 3 sample from a student that I would consider extremely well-done. Take a look at it and use it as another model. I have not yet had the opportunity to look at your part 4s, but I'm not as worried about that since it is only one paragraph.
Today you should be working on your Power Point presentaitons. If you finish, you may work on your revisions.
Mrs. M.
November 12, 2012
There will be no vocabulary until after Thanksgiving recess. Today your revised I-Search essay is due. See the master document below to see how your document should be submitted. Be sure you give your essay a title! In addition, you will need to submit your essay to "Turn It In," which is on the school's homepage. You will need to create an account in order to submit your essay. As long as I have your actual paper document today, you may submit your essay at any time THIS WEEK to Turn It In, but your essay MUST be uploaded to Turn It In in order to receive a grade!
There will be no vocabulary until after Thanksgiving recess. Today your revised I-Search essay is due. See the master document below to see how your document should be submitted. Be sure you give your essay a title! In addition, you will need to submit your essay to "Turn It In," which is on the school's homepage. You will need to create an account in order to submit your essay. As long as I have your actual paper document today, you may submit your essay at any time THIS WEEK to Turn It In, but your essay MUST be uploaded to Turn It In in order to receive a grade!
master_i-search.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
November 13, 2012
Reminder: Your Power Point presentation MUST be in your student folder by 4 P.M. today or it is 1/2 credit! Today we did our window #3 assessment in a timed situation. Then we had some fun doing the Fishbowl activity! Hopefully this helped you to see the importance of practicing your presentation prior to presenting it!
November 14, 2012
Today several of you gave your presentations based on your research. Many of you researched topics that sparked some debate, and I appreciated how respectful you were towards one another because you displayed true maturity:)
November 15, 2012
Today we began watching O Brother Where Art Thou, which is giving us some good background for what we will be reading/discussing next : )
November 16, 2012
Presentations. Grades were posted.
November 19, 2012
Today we were still doing some presentations. Some classes were able to look over the window #3 assessment, and we discussed the answers and test taking strategies.
November 20, 2012
A few classes were still finishing presentations while others continued to watch the movie. I also passed back revised Twelve Angry Men essays. You may still do revisions, but you MUST meet with me to talk about it before another submission.
November 21, 2012
I was finally able to figure out why some of you were having problems with Turn it in. I have fixed the problem now, so please submit your essay to the website asap. Today most classes finished the movie, so Monday we will begin discussing our focus for the remainder of this semester (and trust me, it has everything to do with the movie!)
November 26, 2012
Today we picked up with vocabulary. Unit 5 prep work #1 will be due this Thursday (one word, one strategy). Some classes finished going over the window #3 assessment. Laslty, a few classes responded to a prompt: What is a hero to you? What do they look like? How do they act?
November 27, 2012
Today I introduced an extra credit opportunity to you (see word document below). Be on the lookout for allusions to mythology in our everyday lives! The majority of class today was spent on building background knowledge about Homer, the Trojan War, Odysseus and why he is considered an epic hero, the definition of an epic poem, and the basic premiss of The Odyssey. *3rd hour ONLY: your homework assignment for tonight is attached below.
Reminder: Your Power Point presentation MUST be in your student folder by 4 P.M. today or it is 1/2 credit! Today we did our window #3 assessment in a timed situation. Then we had some fun doing the Fishbowl activity! Hopefully this helped you to see the importance of practicing your presentation prior to presenting it!
November 14, 2012
Today several of you gave your presentations based on your research. Many of you researched topics that sparked some debate, and I appreciated how respectful you were towards one another because you displayed true maturity:)
November 15, 2012
Today we began watching O Brother Where Art Thou, which is giving us some good background for what we will be reading/discussing next : )
November 16, 2012
Presentations. Grades were posted.
November 19, 2012
Today we were still doing some presentations. Some classes were able to look over the window #3 assessment, and we discussed the answers and test taking strategies.
November 20, 2012
A few classes were still finishing presentations while others continued to watch the movie. I also passed back revised Twelve Angry Men essays. You may still do revisions, but you MUST meet with me to talk about it before another submission.
November 21, 2012
I was finally able to figure out why some of you were having problems with Turn it in. I have fixed the problem now, so please submit your essay to the website asap. Today most classes finished the movie, so Monday we will begin discussing our focus for the remainder of this semester (and trust me, it has everything to do with the movie!)
November 26, 2012
Today we picked up with vocabulary. Unit 5 prep work #1 will be due this Thursday (one word, one strategy). Some classes finished going over the window #3 assessment. Laslty, a few classes responded to a prompt: What is a hero to you? What do they look like? How do they act?
November 27, 2012
Today I introduced an extra credit opportunity to you (see word document below). Be on the lookout for allusions to mythology in our everyday lives! The majority of class today was spent on building background knowledge about Homer, the Trojan War, Odysseus and why he is considered an epic hero, the definition of an epic poem, and the basic premiss of The Odyssey. *3rd hour ONLY: your homework assignment for tonight is attached below.
extra_credit_opportunity.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
homework_for_11-27.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
November 28, 2012
Today we looked at an article published in the New York Times titled "The Odyssey Years." We then discussed the questions (these should be in your binder).
Today we looked at an article published in the New York Times titled "The Odyssey Years." We then discussed the questions (these should be in your binder).
questions_11-28.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
November 29, 2012
Vocabulary prep work is due today!
In 1st, 5th, and 7th hours we began reading the Odyssey. We first looked at a watercolor to make predictions about what kinds of things would happen in the story. That was our bellringer for the day. We did a close reading exercise where we annotated the text for details about Odysseus and his men, and then we translated them into more modern terms.
3rd hour-Went over assignment and made groups of 4. Each group picked a book they will be teaching. I will model what this will look like tomorrow, so please read Book I for homework.
*I apologize, but for some reason I am having trouble uploading documents at this time.
November 30, 2012
Paper pass backs and grades posted. Today we did a bell ringer that was focused on whether or not drug use is increasing or decreasing among teens. We had a great discussion! This lead perfectly into Odyssues' journey when they are at the island of the Lotus Eaters. We also took a look at a recent article about drugs that are going down in popularity (perscription). We finished up by beginning our Venn Diagram to organize for our AXES paragraph, which we will write in class next Thursday.
3rd hour-I taught my lesson today over book one so you have an idea now what I am expecting from your groups.
December 3, 2012
Unit 5 prep work for week 2 will be due this Thursday and our quiz will be on Friday. Several of you are presenting modern day allusions to mythology to class this week for extra credit. I can't wait to see them! For our bell ringer today, we were recaping what we have read so far using questions from the book. We covered all three levels of questioning. We also got through the first few pages of the section about the Cyclops--my personal favorite! This Thursday we will be writing our final AXES paragraph of the semester, and it will tie to O Brother Where Art Thou and the text we are currently reading.
3rd hour-We will be in the media center today and tomorrow so you have time to meet with your groups and organize your lesson. You may also use the computers to type up your lesson plan and any additional materials you may need for your group presentation. The list of when each group will present and when reflections are due
are in the Word documents below. I have also attached the materials that wouldn't upload last week, such as the outline of the project and how you will be assessed.
Vocabulary prep work is due today!
In 1st, 5th, and 7th hours we began reading the Odyssey. We first looked at a watercolor to make predictions about what kinds of things would happen in the story. That was our bellringer for the day. We did a close reading exercise where we annotated the text for details about Odysseus and his men, and then we translated them into more modern terms.
3rd hour-Went over assignment and made groups of 4. Each group picked a book they will be teaching. I will model what this will look like tomorrow, so please read Book I for homework.
*I apologize, but for some reason I am having trouble uploading documents at this time.
November 30, 2012
Paper pass backs and grades posted. Today we did a bell ringer that was focused on whether or not drug use is increasing or decreasing among teens. We had a great discussion! This lead perfectly into Odyssues' journey when they are at the island of the Lotus Eaters. We also took a look at a recent article about drugs that are going down in popularity (perscription). We finished up by beginning our Venn Diagram to organize for our AXES paragraph, which we will write in class next Thursday.
3rd hour-I taught my lesson today over book one so you have an idea now what I am expecting from your groups.
December 3, 2012
Unit 5 prep work for week 2 will be due this Thursday and our quiz will be on Friday. Several of you are presenting modern day allusions to mythology to class this week for extra credit. I can't wait to see them! For our bell ringer today, we were recaping what we have read so far using questions from the book. We covered all three levels of questioning. We also got through the first few pages of the section about the Cyclops--my personal favorite! This Thursday we will be writing our final AXES paragraph of the semester, and it will tie to O Brother Where Art Thou and the text we are currently reading.
3rd hour-We will be in the media center today and tomorrow so you have time to meet with your groups and organize your lesson. You may also use the computers to type up your lesson plan and any additional materials you may need for your group presentation. The list of when each group will present and when reflections are due
are in the Word documents below. I have also attached the materials that wouldn't upload last week, such as the outline of the project and how you will be assessed.
bell_ringer_for_12-8.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
group_list.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
model_teaching_assignment.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
our_odyssey_through_the_odyssey.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
December 4, 2012
Today we continued reading the section about the Cyclops. It is finally getting good! We also heard a few presentations from people, which were really interesting!
3rd hour-We made a few adjustments to make things a bit more fair. ALL LESSON PLANS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY (unless you are a group going Wednesday or Thursday). The reflections are still due on the date given.
December 5, 2012
Vocabulary prep work is due tomorrow and the quiz will be on Friday. Don't forget to study! Today we did a translation activity for our bell ringer. It is the section where Polyphemus (the cyclops) is praying to his father to make Odysseus' journey home difficult. Som classes still needed to finish reading this section, so we did that. Lastly, I gave you your final AXES prompt for this semester, which will be factored into your final exam grade. We will be in the computer lab to type it up tomorrow. I would HIGHLY suggest you look at old AXES paragraphs and see what kind of feeback I gave you so you can make this one your best yet!
3rd hour-We had our first presentation today, and I am so mad I didn't video tape the puppet show! It was soooooooo funny! Great job! : )
Today we continued reading the section about the Cyclops. It is finally getting good! We also heard a few presentations from people, which were really interesting!
3rd hour-We made a few adjustments to make things a bit more fair. ALL LESSON PLANS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY (unless you are a group going Wednesday or Thursday). The reflections are still due on the date given.
December 5, 2012
Vocabulary prep work is due tomorrow and the quiz will be on Friday. Don't forget to study! Today we did a translation activity for our bell ringer. It is the section where Polyphemus (the cyclops) is praying to his father to make Odysseus' journey home difficult. Som classes still needed to finish reading this section, so we did that. Lastly, I gave you your final AXES prompt for this semester, which will be factored into your final exam grade. We will be in the computer lab to type it up tomorrow. I would HIGHLY suggest you look at old AXES paragraphs and see what kind of feeback I gave you so you can make this one your best yet!
3rd hour-We had our first presentation today, and I am so mad I didn't video tape the puppet show! It was soooooooo funny! Great job! : )
bell_ringer_12-5.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
December 6, 2012
So, I am going to be totally honest. I know some of you are mad about your Power Point grades. I get it... you don't like bad grades; however, when you do not follow the instructions and models that are provided to you so you can be successful, that is on you. The whole point of doing the Power Point was to present your research--how can you effectively do that if you don't include any research!?
So, I think I am being more than fair in allowing you to recoup some points, even though I've already graded each presentation twice. By next Friday, you must give me a PERFECT Power Point, and I will give you back 10 points max.
Prep work for unit 5 was due today, so that means our quiz is tomorrow!
3rd hour-the presentation today was awesome! Really nice job, gals! Remember, ALL lesson plans are due tomorrow!
December 7, 2012
Today you took the unit 5 quiz, which may be our last one for the year since the Friday after next is our last day of the semester. After the quiz you worked on a creative activity where you were selecting a slogan to represent the Odyssey in some way and putting it on a t-shirt template.
All Power Points have been handed back at this point. I hope to be done with all I-Search Essays next week.
Also, if you have not given me your December AXES paragraph (1, 5, 7) I need it ASAP!
3rd hour-Quiz and extra credit presentations.
December 10, 2012
In order to fit in one more vocabulary unit before the end of the year, you will be doing prep work (usually done in week 2) for this Thursday. We will have our quiz next Tuesday before final exams begin. Also, Power Point revisions are due by this Friday. Today we worked on our t-shirts (which are quite amazing I might add) and read the section about the Sirens. Also, if you would like to use a cheat sheet on the final exam, simply get a box of Kleenex, write whatever you want on it, and bring it the day of the exam. It will then be donated to our Kleenex fund: )
3rd hour-Today group three went and taught us about book 10. Be sure to read for the presentation tomorrow! Details about vocabulary are the same as above!
December 11, 2012
Today we began class with a bell ringer where we made an instruction manual for how to survive the Sirens. We then watched the movie clip that showed Odysseus and his men trying to get past Scylla and Charybdis. We then read that section in the anthology, but we realized things didn't happen the same way.
3rd hour-Today group four went and taught us about book 11.
So, I am going to be totally honest. I know some of you are mad about your Power Point grades. I get it... you don't like bad grades; however, when you do not follow the instructions and models that are provided to you so you can be successful, that is on you. The whole point of doing the Power Point was to present your research--how can you effectively do that if you don't include any research!?
So, I think I am being more than fair in allowing you to recoup some points, even though I've already graded each presentation twice. By next Friday, you must give me a PERFECT Power Point, and I will give you back 10 points max.
Prep work for unit 5 was due today, so that means our quiz is tomorrow!
3rd hour-the presentation today was awesome! Really nice job, gals! Remember, ALL lesson plans are due tomorrow!
December 7, 2012
Today you took the unit 5 quiz, which may be our last one for the year since the Friday after next is our last day of the semester. After the quiz you worked on a creative activity where you were selecting a slogan to represent the Odyssey in some way and putting it on a t-shirt template.
All Power Points have been handed back at this point. I hope to be done with all I-Search Essays next week.
Also, if you have not given me your December AXES paragraph (1, 5, 7) I need it ASAP!
3rd hour-Quiz and extra credit presentations.
December 10, 2012
In order to fit in one more vocabulary unit before the end of the year, you will be doing prep work (usually done in week 2) for this Thursday. We will have our quiz next Tuesday before final exams begin. Also, Power Point revisions are due by this Friday. Today we worked on our t-shirts (which are quite amazing I might add) and read the section about the Sirens. Also, if you would like to use a cheat sheet on the final exam, simply get a box of Kleenex, write whatever you want on it, and bring it the day of the exam. It will then be donated to our Kleenex fund: )
3rd hour-Today group three went and taught us about book 10. Be sure to read for the presentation tomorrow! Details about vocabulary are the same as above!
December 11, 2012
Today we began class with a bell ringer where we made an instruction manual for how to survive the Sirens. We then watched the movie clip that showed Odysseus and his men trying to get past Scylla and Charybdis. We then read that section in the anthology, but we realized things didn't happen the same way.
3rd hour-Today group four went and taught us about book 11.
bell_ringer_12-11.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
December 12, 2012
REMINDER!!! Vocabulary prep work (week 2) is due tomorrow! This is a change! Our quiz will be on Tuesday! Today we began with some final exam prep. We will do a little each day. I have attached the power point below for your convenience. We also watched the clip about the Cyclops since we missed it the first time around. We are now in the final section, "The Cattle of the Sun God (Helios)" before Odysseus actually gets to go home!
3rd hour-Today group five went and presented book 12, which is where a lot of cool things happen!
REMINDER!!! Vocabulary prep work (week 2) is due tomorrow! This is a change! Our quiz will be on Tuesday! Today we began with some final exam prep. We will do a little each day. I have attached the power point below for your convenience. We also watched the clip about the Cyclops since we missed it the first time around. We are now in the final section, "The Cattle of the Sun God (Helios)" before Odysseus actually gets to go home!
3rd hour-Today group five went and presented book 12, which is where a lot of cool things happen!
final_exam_review_1.pptx | |
File Size: | 74 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
December 13, 2012
Prep work was due today! We went over it at the end of class so you can have it to study for the quiz on TUESDAY! We also did some more final exam prep (see power point below) and you worked in groups to recap part 1 and gather evidence to support whether or not Odysseus is in fact an epic hero.
3rd hour-Today group 6 presented book 18. What a fun hook!
Prep work was due today! We went over it at the end of class so you can have it to study for the quiz on TUESDAY! We also did some more final exam prep (see power point below) and you worked in groups to recap part 1 and gather evidence to support whether or not Odysseus is in fact an epic hero.
3rd hour-Today group 6 presented book 18. What a fun hook!
final_exam_review_2.pptx | |
File Size: | 74 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
December 14, 2012
Today revised Power Points were due! We did some more final exam review (see PP below). We also worked on finishing our part 1 evidence charts, which lead us into our competition for a homework pass! (see below).
3rd hour-Today group 7 presented book 21. We only have one presentation remaining!
Today revised Power Points were due! We did some more final exam review (see PP below). We also worked on finishing our part 1 evidence charts, which lead us into our competition for a homework pass! (see below).
3rd hour-Today group 7 presented book 21. We only have one presentation remaining!
final_exam_review_3.pptx | |
File Size: | 78 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
end_of_part_1_activity.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
final_exam_review_4.pptx | |
File Size: | 80 kb |
File Type: | pptx |