Since the English I Final is on Wednesday, May 23, I will have office hours Monday and Tuesday during lunch.
Poetry Websites to Use:
Week of May 21-25
Monday- Study! Finish all review materials.
Tuesday- Study! Review definitions of literary terms and find examples. Review definitions of poetry terms and find examples. Go back through old grammar packets and complete the exercises again (I've posted the packets to help you).
Wednesday-
Thursday-
Friday-
Monday- Read the four poems about childhood* and then select ONE to close read. Make as many observations as you can! Don't worry if you're confused by parts of the poem--you can still find poetic devices to observe. Write down any questions you have--questions count as observations too!
Also, please continue working on the "unique perspectives" poem you started in class.
*See the document on this website or search the following poems on the poetry websites: "Boy at the Window" by Richard Wilbur, "Our Other Sister" by Jeffrey Harrison, "On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins, and "Flash Cards" by Rita Dove.
Tuesday- Study literary terms, writing terms, and poetry terms (see the documents on this website)
Wednesday- Work on your "Where I'm From" poem. Feel free to use the prewriting and template as much or as little as you want. Bring this poem and all other poems you've written so far with you to class tomorrow.
Thursday- Edit your "Where I'm From poem. Complete two pages of the review packet (the pages about parts of speech and verbs). See the document on this website.
Friday- Finish the review packet (If you didn't get one in class today, print out the documet called "Final Review 2012" from this website). Study the literary terms. Study the poetry terms. If you want more grammar practice, look at some of your old grammer packets.
REMEMBER: You lose 10% per day your essay is late! Make sure to get it turned in.
Week of May 7-11
Monday- Periods 2, 4, 5, and 6: Explore some poems! Go on to one of the following websites, look through poetry books you have at home, check out books from the library--experience poetry any way you can! Write down the title, author, and topic of one poem you find that "speaks" to you.
(you may also use other websites, but many sites have advertisements on them)
Period 7: Finish editing your five paragraph essay! (It's due on Wednesday.)
Tuesday- Finish defining the poetic "tools" we started discussing today. Optional: Read some more poems and bring in one that uses one or more of the poetic tools.
Period 4: Look up poetry terms (see document on this website) in Writers INC
Period 7: Finish your essay! :-)
Wednesday- If you feel inspired enough, try writing a poem! Use some of the poetry terms we've discussed. If you don't feel inspired enough yet, find a poem to bring to class tomorrow with your notes on which poetry terms are being used in the poem.
Thursday- Draft a poem that uses at least four poetic devices.
7th period- Read a few poems and select one to bring to class tomorrow. Bring in a copy that has notes written on it about what poetic devices it uses.
Friday-
1. Write an extended metaphor poem. The broad topic (life, love, friendship, families, sports, etc.) to something unique--no cliché "life is a journey" poems. Compare two things that seemingly have nothing to do with each other. See the document on this website to help you. Remember to use lots of other poetic devices in your poem!
2. Read some poems (on the websites above or in a poetry book) and bring in one you like for any reason--you don't have to understand all of it; you may just like how it sounds.
NOTE: Because of MAP testing, classes are at different places in the essay-writing process and therefore have different homework on different nights. Check with your classmates if you're confused. Also, just like last week, I have office hours every day during lunch.
Week of April 30- May 4
Monday- Edit the body paragraph I commented on and/or write and edit your introductory paragraph.
Tuesday- Bring the first four paragraphs of your essay to class (introductory and three body paragraphs). If you learned about concluding paragraphs today, also bring the concluding paragraph you drafted.
Wednesday- Bring a draft of your entire five-paragraph essay to class for editing! We're almost there! :-)
Thursday- Finish editing paragraph.
Friday- None / Finish editing paragraph.
Week of April 23-27
Monday- Type up a first draft of your first body paragraph. 1. Begin with a topic sentence that is specific enough to guide the paragraph but broad enough to introduce all of your pieces of textual evidence. 2. Follow this up with an elaboration sentence telling your reader more important information about the paragraph. 3. Then introduce the TE, give the TE, and elaborate on the TE. Do this 2-4 times depending on how many pieces of TE you have. 4. Then wrap up the paragraph with a concluding sentence.
*Please use the Tips for Introducing and Elaborating document on this website to help you!
Tuesday- 1. Edit your 1st body paragraph (1st BP) based on the changes you made in call today. Bring a PRINTED and an ELECTRONIC copy (flash drive) with you tomorrow.
2. Finish filling in the worksheet we started in class today. Make sure you have the thesis statement, three topic sentences (for your three body paragraphs), and textual evidence or ideas of textual evidence for all three paragraphs. Do NOT spend a long time looking for textual evidence; we'll work on finding it in class tomorrow. Just make sure you have a good idea of what you want to use.
Wednesday- Finish writing and then edit your second body paragraph. Bring both your first and second body paragraphs to class tomorrow.
Thursday- Edit your first and second body paragraphs based on the self- and peer editing we did in class today. Also make sure all three pieces of textual evidence for your third body paragraph are typed up and punctuated correctly. Bring everything printed and on a flash drive; we'll work in the tech lab tomorrow.
Friday- Finish writing your third body paragraph. Edit all three paragraphs. Begin thinking about how you want to introduce your essay.
Week of April 16-19
Monday- Answer two of the following DQs (make sure they are different than the ones you answered last time. Please use the opportunity to fully show (and support) your thoughts. I will do a quick check before our Socratic Seminar tomorrow. If it looks like you haven't fully explained your thoughts, you will be asked to sit out of the discussion.
Also, if you didn't compete the free-writing in class, please do so for homework.
25. Compare and contrast Patty and Freddy. How are they alike? How are they different? Why does she think they are both outcasts?
37. As autumn turns to winter, Patty reflects back on the summer and what has changed in her life. Describe what has changed and how this affects her.
39. How do the citizens of Jenkinsville react to Patty's actions? Why do you think they react in this way? Do you think their actions are justified? Why/why not? OR Why is Patty's lawyer upset with her? Are his frustrations justified?
40. Is Patty loyal? Support your answer with the text (from multiple scenes).
42. What sets Patty apart, in a positive way, from the other girls at the reform school?
43. What does Ruth say Patty’s mother said about her? Why does this upset Patty? 44. Patty asks Ruth an important question and Ruth’s answer changes the way Patty views life. Analyze how Ruth’s answer changes Patty’s way of looking at life.
45. Do you think the novel ends on an optimistic or pessimistic note? Support your opinion with the text.
Tuesday- Complete prewriting for essay. See the document on this website. If you can't open it, see the questions below (look after Friday's posting).
Wednesday- Work on essay. Outline your three body paragraphs (character traits, characters who influence Patty, sides of the conflict and the resolution, etc). Make sure to think about what you will use to support each of your points. For example, if you say Mr. Bergen is cruel and mean, the support for each will overlap; if this happens, you should choose another character trait. ALSO, draft five different thesis statements so that you can pick the strongest one to guide your essay (refer to your notes from previous units or Writers INC for help with writing a thesis).
Thursday- Work on essay. Type up your best thesis statement. Type up all of the textual evidence you found today. Go through the novel and your notes and pull out other pieces of textual evidence that you might want to use in your essay. Type this up as well.
Want to get a head start for next week? Draft your topic sentences for your three body paragraphs.
Friday- No school.
Prewriting questions
Directions: Write down your thoughts to the first two questions. Then respond to the questions that are about your chosen option.
1. Free Write. Time yourself: try to free-write for about five minutes. You can write about any of your thoughts about the novel. Here are some questions that might help you; you can write about all of them or none of them if you already have enough to write about. Remember that the goal of free-writing is just to get your ideas on paper—don’t worry about spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
Thought-provoking questions: What did you find most compelling about this novel? What parts caused you to react emotionally (what made you sad, upset, thoughtful, proud, infuriated, devastated, etc.)? What did you find yourself thinking about after you had stopped reading? Which character was your favorite? Why? Which character was your least favorite? Why? What is something a character did or said that you admire? What is something a character did or said that you despise? What do you think this novel says about growing up? Why is there hope for Patty despite everything that has happened?
2. Select a Topic. Based on what interested you most as you read, and based on what you wrote about in your prewriting, what idea are you most interested in exploring further?
a. Option 1: Do you want to analyze a character?
b. Option 2: Do you want to examine how certain characters helped (for better or worse) Patty grow up?
c. Option 3: Do you want to explore a conflict in the novel?*
d. Option 4: Do you want to suggest your own topic?*
*If you choose options 3 or 4, you must be willing to meet with me outside of class.
Based on your selected option, continue prewriting with the questions below.
Option 1
1. Choose a character: Which character interests you most? Why? What attracts you to this character? Be specific.
2. Free-write: In a few stream-of-consciousness sentences, describe this character. If s/he were a friend (or enemy) how would you describe him/her to your other friends? What type of a person is s/he? What details would you tell your friends so that they would believe what you said about this person?
3. Identify character traits: Using your free-write, what are some character traits (adjectives) that stick out? If you had to describe this person using only five words, what words would you use? Why would you use these words? (Note: try to be specific; don’t use words like nice, good, mean, smart, etc. Use a thesaurus to help you.)
4. Prove it: You’ve just found words to describe this character. What do you have to back up your opinions? Brainstorm specific moments in the novel that show how your character is the things you’ve said about him/her.
Option 2
1. Choose characters: Which characters have the greatest influence on Patty (in good ways and bad)? Make a list of these characters. Then choose the three you want to focus on (A, B, C).
2. Free-write: How would you describe Patty as a person? What are some things she does, says, or thinks that help define who she is? How is she similar to the people around her? How is she different? (You may even want to focus more specifically: How is she similar to Character A? Different? How is she similar to Character B? Different…). Who helps her become the person she is? What do these people say? Do? How do they treat her? How does she react? Why?
3. Treatment and affect: Using your prewriting to help you…
a. …describe how Character A treats Patty. How does this affect Patty? How does it change her behavior? Thoughts? Opinions of herself? Outlook on life?
b. …describe how Character B treats Patty. How does this affect Patty? How does it change her behavior? Thoughts? Opinions of herself? Outlook on life?
c. …describe how RUTH treats Patty. How does this affect Patty? How does it change her behavior? Thoughts? Opinions of herself? Outlook on life?
4. Prove it: What specific moments can you think of that support what you’ve said about how these characters treat Patty and how it affects her? Brainstorm some of those moments (either by describing them or actually finding them in the novel).
Option 3
1. Conflict
One side of the conflict (x) \ Other side of the conflict (y)
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Choose the conflict: What conflict in the novel interests you most? Make a list of some major conflicts (be specific: don’t say Patty vs. Patty—describe the two sides). How are these conflicts resolved? Pick the conflict that is most interesting to you and fill in the chart below with the main points:
2. Free-write: What interests you about this conflict? Why? What side do you agree with more? How is the conflict resolved? Why was it resolved in this way?
3. The cause: What causes this conflict? Why are X and Y at odd with each other?
4. Prove it: What are some specific moments in the novel that show side X? side Y? the resolution? Brainstorm some of those moments (either by describing them or actually finding them in the novel).
Week of April 9-13
Monday- Read up to chapter 16 and take notes, of course. If you've already written your chapter summarization, bring a copy to class.
Tuesday- Reach chapters 16 and 17. Write/edit your summarization and turn it in to be graded tomorrow.
Wednesday- Read ch. 18. Answer two of the following DQs:
29. What is the symbolism of where Anton sits when he comes into Patty's house?
30. How does Anton treat Ruth compared to how the townspeople treat her? What does this tell us about Anton? What does it tell us about the townspeople?
36. Why does Patty become so angry with Sharon when she shows Patty her scraped elbow? Use many different points in the text to support your answer.
37. As autumn turns to winter, Patty reflects back on the summer and what has changed in her life. How has Patty changed? Use some of the points she brings up to support your answer.
40. Is Patty loyal? Support your opinion with the text.
*Remember, in responding to discussion questions, you get to express your thoughts and opinions but don't forget to support your own ideas with the text. Responses should show strong critical thinking and analysis.
Thursday- Read ch. 19. Write two theme statements. Elaborate on one.
Friday- Read ch. 20-21. Answer DQs.
Week of April 2-6
Monday- Read ch. 8 and take notes. Be sure to look up any words you don't know. If you didn't finish writing down the main points of chapter 7, do this as well.
Tuesday- Read chapter 9 and take notes, especially on the inferences you make at the beginning of the chapter. If you selected a chapter we've already read, complete the summarization. Make sure to use the rubric on this website to guide you. (I've pasted the rubric below in case you can't open the document.)
Wednesday- Read chapter 10. Answer 2-3 DQs from your unit packet: you can either answer one hard + one easy or medium (for a total of two questions answered) OR one or two easy + one or two medium (for a total of three questions answered). Remember to use good DQ answering-skills (such as writing AT LEAST four sentences). DQs should be typed.
Easier: 15, 18, 24, 25, 26
Medium: 10, 16, 28
Harder: 19, 20, 21
Thursday- Read chapter 11.
Friday- Finish reading chapter 12 and 13. (Chapter 13 is only seven pages long. If you don't want to read it over the weekend, you can read in Monday night along with chapters 14 and 15. That makes a total of 19 pages.)
Chapter Summarization Rubric
____/5 The writer has pulled out the main points before beginning the summarization (bullet points are fine). This should be on a separate piece of paper; it may be handwritten (if you have neat handwriting) or typed.
Content
_____/10 |
The summarization contains all of the main events. All details are accurate and necessary. |
Organization
_____/7 |
The summarization begins with a thesis sentence that identifies the chapter number as well as the main theme of the chapter. All main points are included (in chronological order, of course), while unnecessary details are not included. The summarization ends with a specific concluding sentence that wraps up the chapter. |
Mechanics
and Format
_____/5 |
Summarization has been carefully edited. The writer uses clear, complete sentences; present verb tense; and proper grammar (capitalization, spelling, punctuation, word choice, formatting, etc.) Numbers one – ten are written out. |
Style
_____/3 |
The summarization includes a creative and applicable title. The writer uses fluid transitions, descriptive word choice, varied sentence types, etc. to make the summarization not only accurate but also engaging. |
The summarization must be typed
_____/25
SPRING BREAK
Week of March 19-23
Monday- Read ch. 2 and take notes (in your book, on sticky notes, on paper, etc.). Also remember to give your parents the letter about the novel. Review Cb for final quiz.
Tuesday- Read ch. 3 and take notes. Create a vocabulary card. Review Cb for final quiz.
Wednesday- Read ch. 4. Review Cb for final quiz.
Thursday- Read ch. 5. Review Cb for final quiz.
Friday- Read chapters 6 and 7.
Week of March 12-16
Monday- Finish/check your verb review sheet.
Tuesday- Study the 30 forms of "to be" and the 12 sometimes-linking-sometimes-action verbs. Study roots group 3 and ALL other code breaking.
Wednesday- Study. Also, continue the research you started in class today. You should have 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 pages of notes by tomorrow. Remember to paraphrase what you read (NO copying what the website says!). Make sure to check the accuracy of a website before using it; once you find a good website, make sure to cite it (you can use NoodleTools from home, too!). Also remember that since we are researching some pretty heavy topics, if you ever come across information that makes you too uncomfortable, feel free to find another site/webpage.
Thursday- Complete the Code Breaking Take Home Quiz ON YOUR OWN. Also, make sure you're prepared to present tomorrow. You may wish to do some additional research tonight.
Friday- Finish the guided reading sheet we started in class today. Finish reading chapter 1. As you take notes, remember that this novel has a first person narrator (Patty). You'll have to make many inferences as you read and pay close attention to quotation marks to help you follow changes in dialogue, narration, thoughts, daydreams, etc.
NOTE: If you did not turn in your take-home CB quiz today, you MUST turn it in on Monday to receive credit (you will lose one point for not turning it in on Friday). (If you lost your copy, you can print off another copy. Use the documents/handouts tab on the LEFT side of this website.)
Week of March 5-9
Monday- Finish exercise 9. Complete exercise 8. Study roots group 3. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Tuesday- Complete the front side of the review sheet. Write down any questions you have and bring them to class with you. Study roots group 3. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Wednesday- Complete the front side of the review sheet. Write down any questions you have and bring them to class with you. Study roots group 3. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Thursday- Study roots group 3. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Friday- Study roots group 3. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier. You need a copy with you in class on Monday.
Week of Feb 27- March 2
Monday- Complete pages 2-3 in your verb packet. Study roots group 2 and suffixes group 2. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Tuesday- Study roots group 2 and suffixes group 2. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Wednesday- Finish exercise 4 in your verb packet. Study roots group 2 and suffixes group 2. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Thursday- Study the 30 forms of "to be". Study roots group 2 and suffixes group 2. Buy/order a copy of Summer of My German Soldier.
Friday- Study roots group 3.
Week of February 20-25
Monday- No school
Tuesday- Final portfolio due
Wednesday- Independent project presentations. Practice your presentation/none
Thursday- Independent project presentations. Practice your presentation/none
Friday- Independent project presentations. No CB quiz today. Study roots and suffixes group 2 for next Friday's quiz. Get a copy of Summer of My German Soldier (you may also choose to check one out from me). You need to have a copy of the book by Tuesday, March 6th. See the Announcements for more information.
NOTE: I will have Office Hours during lunch on Monday and Tuesday and after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week. Please come in if you would like to discuss your independent project.
Week of Feb 13-17
Monday- Edit your conflict essay. Work on your independent project.
Tuesday- Edit conflict essay. Prepare for the Socratic Seminar by answering one of the questions on the handout and writing two of your own.
Wednesday- Study CB. Work on your independent project. Work on your final portfolio.
Thursday- CB quiz for periods 1, 3, and 5. Finish your final portfolio and put everything together to turn in on Tuesday. Finish your independent project and practice presenting. Review your public speaking notes and Writers INC for presentation tips.
Friday- CB quiz for periods 2, 4, 6, and 7. Finish your final portfolio and put everything together to turn in on Tuesday. Finish your independent project and practice presenting. Review your public speaking notes and Writers INC for presentation tips. Look up roots group 2.
Week of
Monday- Study CB suffixes group 1. Work on your independent project. Type up a progress report using the document on this website.
Tuesday- Create a plot diagram for the myth of Pandora using the document on this website. If you haven't typed up your independent project progress yet, do that as well.
Wednesday- Read the handout of the myth of Heracles. Type up all of the major conflict and identify the types of conflicts.
Thursday- Do some prewriting for your conflict analysis essay. Write one or two sentences for each of the plot elements and characters:
Exposition: What is the setting? Which characters are involved? Rising action: When does the conflict begin? What causes the tension to build? What do each of the characters do? Climax: When is the turning point (when do we know who wins)? Falling action: What happens right after we find out who wins? Resolution: How is the conflict solved? What happens then to each character? What important information do we need to know about character X (Heracles)? What about character Y?
Friday- CB quiz on suffixes #1. Look up prefixes group 2. Work on creative, independent project (you only have one week and two weekends left!). Work on conflict analysis essay (bring typed draft to class on Monday). Remember, this is not a plot summary. Use your prewriting as a reference, but make sure your essay follows the four steps we learned for analyzing a conflict on Thursday. See the graphic organizer document on this website for help organizing your ideas.
Week of Jan. 30-Feb. 3
Monday- Work on your comparison and contrast essay/project, study roots group 1, and work on your independent project.
Tuesday- Work on your comparison and contrast essay/project, study roots group 1, and work on your independent project.
Wednesday-Work on your comparison and contrast essay/project, study roots group 1, and work on your independent project.
Thursday-Work on your comparison and contrast essay/project, study roots group 1, and work on your independent project.
Friday- Comparison and contrast essay/project due. Quiz on Roots group 1. Study suffixes group 1. Work on your independent project. Translate the library research idiom paragraph.
Week of Jan. 23-27
Monday- Study code breaking.
Tuesday- Study code breaking.
Wednesday- Draft what you want to do for your independent project.
Thursday-
1.) Type up your project proposal. Make sure to include a.) your project (myth, 3-D creature, poster, PowerPoint, claymation, Animoto, film, scrip for a play, etc.), b.) details about your project (briefly explain or outline what you plan to do), c.) how you will present (will you be an archeologist, zookeeper, sheriff, bard, TV host, mad scientist, god/goddess, etc.)
2.) Fill out the comparison and contrast graphic organizer you received in class (the graphic organizers are also on my website). Note: You do not need to do the main ideas box.
3.) Make sure you're ready for the code breaking (CB) quiz tomorrow. Know the definitions and an example word for each prefix group #1.
Friday- Work on your comparison and contrast of "Midas" and "Goose." Study CB roots #1. Work on your independent project.
Week of Jan. 17- 20
Monday- No school
Tuesday- Read for pleasure (check out a book if you don't have one).
Wednesday- Read for pleasure (check out a book if you don't have one).
Thursday- Use Writers INC to look up Prefixes Group 1. You should have the prefix- [definition] and two-three sample words. I suggest writing down all of your prefixes, suffixes and roots on one page of paper (just like you do with the definitions of literary terms).
Friday-
Week of Jan. 9-13
Monday- Complete exercise 3 in your noun packet and memorize the coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).
Tuesday- Complete exercise 4 and 5.
Wednesday- Complete exercise 7 and review ALL definitions (eight parts of speech, all categories of noun, categories of verbs, conjunctions and pronouns that we've learned so far). Study as if you have a test tomorrow and have to write down all of these definitions.
Thursday- Work on grammar review packet. Even though it's not due until Tuesday, we will go over it tomorrow so you must compete at least two questions in each section.
Friday- Review for grammar midterm (e.g. review definitions, work on review packet, practice identifying different words/categories in exercises in your packets, review your grammar folder, write down your own examples of nouns/verbs/conjunctions/pronouns, etc.).
Happy 2012 and welcome back! I hope all of you enjoyed your break :-)
Week of January 4-6, 2012
Monday- Winter Break
Tuesday- Winter Break
Wednesday- Return/renew your book and check out another one to read for fun.
Thursday- Review the definitions of the eight parts of speech and review the different types of nouns (use Writers INC, your grammar folder, and your old grammar packets). If we conferenced about your essay today, you may also start on part of tomorrow's homework.
Friday- Grammar: Complete exercise 1a and 1b in your noun packet. Writing: 1. Write two specific writing goals that you want to work on during our next essay unit, and 2. improve one-four sentences in your essay. Copy and paste the old sentence into a document and then type the improved sentence below it. Bring this and your essay to class on Monday. (Note: If we didn't conference today, you can wait and do this HW after we conference.)
NOTE: You should take notes any time you read. If you have already shown me successful Cornellish-style reading notes, you may take notes however you wish (sticky notes, character webs, illustrations, etc.). Remember to follow the correct format for vocabulary (see the Vocabulary Development instructions for more information).
Week of Dec. 12-16
Monday- Finish your essay! Use the feedback you received from your classmate and use the homework self-editing sheet to help you. Then, put all of the hard work you've done for this essay in order from oldest (on the bottom) to newest (on the top).
Also, make sure you have your vocab lists in class tomorrow.
Tips for conclusions: Think about how your character affects the rest of the Gilbreths. What lessons does s/he teach them? How do they feel towards him/her? How would life be different without him/her?
Tips for transitions: Sometimes you'll need a transition word (Later...), sometimes a transition phrase (Another example of how strict Mr. Gilbreth can be is when...), sometimes a whole sentence (Briefly summarize what has happened in the novel between TE#1 and TE#2). Use Writers INC for suggestions.
Tuesday- If we decided to use one of your vocab words, email me the definition. If you have an overdue book, return it ASAP!
Wednesday- If you have an overdue book, return it ASAP!
Thursday- Write down one or two or three great books you've read recently and be prepared to talk about why you enjoyed it/them.
Friday- Enjoy your break and your book!
Week of Dec. 5-9
Monday- Type up the thesis statements you wrote in class. Type up a few topic sentences for each character trait (you'll pick the best ones tomorrow. Type up 3-4 pieces of textual evidence for each character trait. NOTE: Use the whole novel! You may not use two pieces of textual evidence from the same scene.
Tuesday- Use the Structure of a Two-Paragraph Essay template on my website to type up your thesis statement, topic sentences, and textual evidence. Remember that textual evidence (TE) should be WORD-for-WORD from the novel. You should not have two pieces of textual evidence from the same scene (unless I've said it's okay). Also, look up synonyms for your character traits (and make sure you know what they synonyms mean!).
Wednesday- Type up the introductions to textual evidence that you wrote in class (finish writing them if you didn't finish in class). Type up some prewriting notes explaining how each piece of textual evidence supports the topic sentence. Also, if you made any changes to your thesis statement or topic sentence, type up those changes.
Thursday- Type up your entire essay! (not including the title or the conclusions--you may try writing these tonight; we'll work on them in class tomorrow). All of your work so far needs to be typed up IN ONE DOCUMENT. See the document on the website for the correct format.
Friday- Type up your ENTIRE essay (hooray!--look at all of your hard work! :-) Once you are sure you have every sentence (use the document on this website to see the format), type it all up like an actual two-paragraph essay. Make sure the entire essay is Times New Roman, point 12 font, and double spaced. Only the title should be centered. For Monday, bring a printed copy and a copy on your flash drive (or BVSD email). Make sure you use the Power Point on this website to help you check how you punctuated your textual evidence.
Note: We'll do more work on transition on Monday. If your essay feels choppy, try adding transitions but don't worry if you feel stuck; we'll improve them on Monday.
Week of Nov. 28- Dec. 2
Monday- Finish reading the novel. Review and add to your notes so you're prepared for the reading quiz tomorrow.
Tuesday- Finish the inference worksheet started in class today (answer the DQ after you've listed the four DQ answering skills on the worksheet). Answer at least ONE of the following DQs: #5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 31, 33. Optional: begin studying (see below).
Wednesday- Study: add to notes about characters, practice answering DQs, review literary terms, practice applying literary terms, review reading notes, add to reading notes, etc. I HIGHLY recommend answering the following question as practice (follow the steps on your inference sheet): Skim the scene where Mr. Gilbreth attempts to teach his wife to swim. What reasonable inferences can we make about him?
Thursday- Study for unit test (see tips under Wed night). Write down which character you want to analyze and three possible character traits.
Friday- 1. Select a character you want to write about in your essay (Dad, Mother, Anne, or Billy). 2. Start by free-writing* about your character (just get out your thoughts on this character--what is s/he like? why did you choose him/her? what is his/her role in the family? how do other characters react to him/her? what anecdotes is s/he in? etc.). This should be 1-2 pages handwritten. 3. After this free write, select two character traits (adjectives) for your character. Make sure they are different enough to give us a well-rounded view of who they are (both in the beginning of the novel and the end) so you can find lots of textual evidence. (For example, don't pick both "shy" and "timid" because they are too similar.) We'll go over the character traits on Monday and then start finding textual evidence.
*If you would rather create a character web instead of doing the free write, you may; however, you need to have AT LEAST 25 pieces of your web and they need to be specific!
Week of Nov. 14-18
Monday- Start doing some research on you topic during the 1920s. Write down any interesting facts you find, questions you have, information about important people or places, topics you want to know more about, etc. You should spend about 20 focused minutes and have about a half of a page of notes.
Optional: Read ch. 14
Tuesday- Continue researching based on what you found today. Read ch. 14. (Practice your speech if you're presenting tomorrow).
Wednesday- Read ch. 15/research.
Thursday- Read ch. 15/research.
Friday- Read chapters 16 and 17. Enjoy your break!
Note: If you can read ahead throughout this week, then you can have no homework over the break! :-)
Week of Nov 7-11
Monday- Finish chapter 13 if you haven't already. Do some prewriting on the family member you chose for your influential family member speech. You can do this any way you want (create a character web, list, outline, free writing, etc.) as long as you have a full page of notes for class tomorrow. Use the bullet points in the packet to help you.
Tuesday- Work on pre-writing for your speech. By tomorrow, you should have a clear idea of WHOM you've chosen, HOW s/he has touched your life, WHAT you want to say about him/her, and SPECIFIC DETAILS you can use to paint a picture of the person with your words. Remember that you want to have much more prewriting than you'll actually use. Tomorrow we'll take all of your wonderful ideas and start organizing them into a written speech.
Wednesday- Continue writing speech. You don't have to have a full draft yet as long as you have lots of prewriting (use the questions in the packet and the "Writing About a Person" page to help you gather information). You should start thinking about how you want to structure your speech, but don't stress--you don't have to have all of this figured out yet. We'll work on it more tomorrow (e.g. Start thinking about if will you start with an anecdote, descriptions of the family member, something s/he says? etc.)
Thursday- Finish writing/edit speech. By tomorrow you should have a final draft or an almost final draft. If you do have a final draft, make note cards and start practicing.
Friday- Edit your speech (if needed), make note cards (just main ideas--no complete sentences), and then practice, practice, practice! :-) If you gave your speech today, read ch. 14.
Week of Oct. 31- Nov. 4
Monday- Read chapter 7. Write two of your own DQs that we can discuss during the student-led discussion on Wed.
Tuesday- Read chapters 8 and 9 (if this is too much reading for you, just read part of chapter 9 tonight and read the rest tomorrow :-). Answer TWO discussion question from the following options: 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, or 24.
Wednesday- Read chapter 10.
Thursday- Read chapter 11 (ch. 12 optional).
Friday- Read chapter 12 and the first half of 13. Brainstorm family members who have influenced your life in a positive way (for your speech next week). Refer to the last page in your Cheaper by the Dozen unit packet for more information. All you need for Monday, is a list of possible family members and why they are important to you/how they have influenced your life.
Week of Oct. 24-28
Monday- Read chapters 1-2.
Tuesday- Read chapter 3 and answer one discussion question (DQ). You may answer # 1, 2, 3, 4, OR 5.
Wednesday- Read chapters 4 and 5
Thursday-Read chapter 6. Answer any DQ.
Friday- Enjoy the weekend! (If you're behind on reading, use this weekend to get caught up!)
Week of Oct. 17-21
Monday- Complete pronouns Ex. 2.
Tuesday- Complete the review sheet you received in class. (Period 2, see tomorrow night's homework :-)
Wednesday- Study the definitions of all eight parts of speech if you don't have them memorized yet. Review any questions in your packet that you missed and review capitalization rules.
Thursday- To help us get ready to read Cheaper by the Dozen, a humorous novel about a family of twelve children, I would like you to write a creative story (fiction or non-fiction) about your family (your immediate family or extended family). There are only two guidelines: 1.) your story must be based on something that is true about your family, and 2.) you must make up at least one detail. Your story should be at least one page double spaced. Have fun with your story! Make it as touching or funny or outlandish as you want!
Friday- Work on your story. Also, get a copy of Cheaper by the Dozen (you may choose to check one out from me instead).
Week of Oct. 10-14
Monday- Finish Exercise 1 in your grammar packet (1-10). Look up nouns in Writers INC if you get stuck. Also, go over your grammar folder with pen or marker.
Tuesday- Nouns Ex. 2 and 3.
Wednesday- Complete Verbs Ex. 1 in your grammar packet. Tip for identifying subjects and verbs: find the verb (the action) first and then ask yourself who or what is performing the action. For example, in the sentence" The Concorde flies quickly across the Atlantic" flies is the action (the verb). Who or what flies? The Concorde flies, so Concorde is the subject.
Thursday- Memorize the definitions of all eight parts of speech.
Friday- Enjoy your day off!
Week of Oct. 3-7
Monday- Finish filling out the paragraph structure template (but skip the elaboration of the topic sentence and the concluding sentence). Remember that in the INTRODUCTIONS to textual evidence, you are "setting the scene" (see the attached document). In the ELABORATIONS, you are explaining how the textual evidence supports your topic sentence. Remember to use the sentence starters on the back of your template to help with the elaborations.
You may also refer to the sample character analysis essay document.
Tuesday- Type all of the changes you made to your essay and print out the new copy. You should have all of the pieces of your essay except for the conclusion (you may try the conclusion if you want). We'll work on transitions, the concluding sentence and punctuating textual evidence tomorrow.
Wednesday- Edit essay based on changes made in class today. Use the rubric to help you. Make sure to add a concluding sentence (see Writers INC for more info). Print out final copy and bring an electronic copy so you can open your document on the computer tomorrow (flash drive, email attachment, etc.). We'll write a Works Cited in class tomorrow.
As always, remember to have all of your work with you (you'll turn in all of your drafts and prewriting).
Thursday- Essay Due. Organize your English binder. See the Binder Organization Notes document for instructions.
Friday- On Monday, we will be creating grammar folders. Use your Writers INC book to find the definitions of the eight parts of speech (noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection). Then type them up on one piece of paper (not front and back). You may use any font and size you choose--feel free to be creative.
*Tip for finding the definitions: Use the index to look up "parts of speech."
Week of Sept. 26-30
Monday- Study for the unit test. Use your Short Stories Review Grid to help you (all the topics you need to know are listed on the back). Also study your literary terms, reading notes, and class notes. Tomorrow we will spend the first part of class addressing any questions you may have. I will also be available before school and during lunch.
Tuesday- The format of the unit test part II will be short answer (just like discussion questions) and graphic organizers. Use your best judgment to determine how much to study tonight (hint: if you didn't do as well as you had hoped on the reading quizzes, you should practice answering discussion questions tonight).
Wednesday- None
Thursday- Think about what you want to say about your character. What part of their personality interests you? Choose two word to describe your character and write them in the boxes that say "character trait/adjective." (Make sure they are INTERPRETATIONS not facts.) Then, look up five synonyms for each of these words (you may use Microsoft Word or the internet if you don't have a thesaurus at home). Look up the definitions for each of these synonyms (I'd prefer them be typed but you may hand write them).
Friday- Finish the worksheet we started in class. 1.) find textual evidence to support your topic sentence 2.) explain how it each piece supports your topic sentence. You homework should be typed.
See the document for an example.
For example, if you were writing your essay on the Mack, from the story "Yertle the Turtle" your topic sentence might be: "The antagonist of "Yertle the Turtle" is a brave turtle named Mack who bravely speaks up for the rights of the turtles." A piece of textual evidence to support this is when he says, "Your majesty, please...i don't like to complain, but down here below, we are feeling great pain" (17). When Yertle says this, it proves he is brave because instead of silently following the kings orders, he speaks up against the mistreatment of the turtles.
Week of Sept. 19-23
Monday- Using what you learned about characterization in class today, find one example of each type of characterization in the story (S.T.E.A.L.). Write down the text AND what this tells us about Mme. Loisel.
Example of "E":
Passage from the Text
|
What this tells us about Mme. Loisel
|
Effect on others:
“The day of the ball arrived…All the men noticed her, asked her name, and wanted to be presented. All the members of the Cabinet wished to waltz with her” (187). |
Effect on others:
The effect she has on others is that all the men at the ball wanted to dance with her. This shows us that she can be very delightful, kind and welcoming. She must have been stunning at the ball since so many men wanted to be in her presence. |
I suggest you type your homework in a similar format to my example, but I will not be collecting it so it doesn't have to be typed (although I still encourage you to do so).
Tuesday- If you didn't do well on our first reading quiz, rewrite one of the questions (see the document on this website). Make sure your reading notes on "Rules of the Game" and "The Necklace" are well done; add to them if they're not. If you did well on the reading quiz and you've already taken good notes, then you have no homework.
Note on reading quizzes: This is the first time I’ve assessed you not only on reading comprehension but also on fully answering discussion questions. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED by your grade. If you didn’t do well, you may choose to rewrite one of the questions. If you do well on the rewrite, you may choose to drop this score. Doing a rewrite not only improves your grade by dropping this quiz grade, it will also help you demonstrate strong skills on the next quiz. If you did well on the quiz and wish to keep your grade, you may choose to do so. PLEASE COME TO OFFICE HOURS WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR IF YOU WANT TIPS ON HOW TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME.
Wednesday- Study all of your literary terms. You should have them almost memorized by now from how much we've talked about them in class. You need to have them fully memorized by next Tuesday for the Unit Test.
Thursday- Answer discussion questions to prepare for the Student Led Discussion (SLD) tomorrow. Use the sheet you received in class today.
Friday- Complete the review grid of the stories to help you study for the unit test (on Tuesday). If there are certain concepts that are tricky for you (like identifying the climax of a story), give them a try but don't worry if you're still a bit confused. We'll go over the grid on Monday.
Use the back of the review grid to review what will be on the test.
Week of Sept. 12-16
Monday- Review your notes on "To Build a Fire" and your notes on literary terms. Then, answer EITHER discussion question #2 OR #5 from "To Build a Fire."* Use the handout you received in class to help you (since you will be turning it in tomorrow, it should be typed).
*As you know, discussion questions can be found in the unit packet. In case you have lost your packet, here are the two questions: #2. What is the man's "weakness"? How does his weakness make him unfit to deal with his environment? Give specific examples. #5. Write one statement that identifies the conflict. be sure to include what kind of conflict it is, what/who the two opposing forces are, and what the conflict is about. (Scroll down and use the sentence starter from last week for writing about conflict.)
Tuesday- Read the first half of "The Rules of the Game". Stop at the bottom of page 73 where the paragraph break is. As always, remember to take notes (literary terms, questions, brief summarization).
Wednesday- Finish reading "Rules of the Game" and taking notes. Make sure your notes are thorough. Summarize the story the best you can and write down any questions you have. (Your summarization should be typed.)
Thursday- By Monday, you need to have read "The Necklace," taken notes, and written a brief summary. If you like taking notes AS you read, choose option 1; if you like taking notes AFTER you read, choose option 2.
Option 1: Read the first half of "The Necklace" (to the end of page 189) and take notes.
Option 2: Read all of "The Necklace."
Friday- Option 1: Finish reading and taking notes on "The Necklace." Then write a summarization.
Option 2: Review what you read yesterday and then take notes on "The Necklace" and write a summarization.
Week of September 6-9
Monday- No school
Tuesday- Read "All Summer in a Day" and take notes like we did for "The Form of the Sword." Write down what you know about literary terms such as character, setting, protagonist, etc. When you finish, briefly summarize the story (5ish sentences). Also write down three questions. Try to write one question of each level (1, 2, and 3). We'll discuss the story tomorrow.
Wednesday- Select either “The Form of the Sword” or “All Summer in a Day” to write about. Discuss the main conflict in the story. Make sure you identify what the main conflict is, as well as how you know this is the main conflict. You may use the following sentence starter to help you:
The main conflict in ________ is a person vs. ___________ conflict between ____________ and ___________. In this story… (then briefly discuss the main conflict).
Thursday- Read up to page 233 in "To Build a Fire" (you should end at the top of the page with the sentence that reads, "...he regarded the creature that was warm and secure in its natural covering" (233)). As always, take notes as you read (about the setting, characters, conflict, etc). Also, on a piece of unlined paper, illustrate the setting based on the description in the exposition.
Friday- Finish reading "Fire" (if we didn't finish in class). Continue to take notes. Write a brief summary (5ish sentences, typed) and write down any questions you have.
Week of August 29- Sept. 2
Monday- Look up the following words and either write them in your notes in the research section of your binder or type them (hole punch the page so you can keep them in your binder. The words to look up are: 1. Title page, 2. Copyright page, 3. Table of Contents, 4. Epigraph, 5. Appendix, 6. Glossary, 7. Index.
NOTE: Your Writers INC book is the best place to look for these definitions. You may also use a dictionary (www.m-w.com is better than most online dictionaries) but be careful you have the right definition (hint: an organ in your abdomen is not the correct definition for appendix).
Tuesday- Using the "Literary Terms" section of Writers INC, look up the following terms: 1. plot, 2. protagonist and antagonist, 3. setting, 4. narrator, 5. point of view.
Wednesday- Write down one active reading strategy you use when doing your homework tonight for other classes. be prepared to talk about it tomorrow. Also, please write down the title of a piece of literature you've read (of any genre) and enjoyed and describe why you enjoyed it. We will share these tomorrow.
Thursday- Use the notes you took in class today to EITHER write down three thoughtful questions you have so far about "The Form of the Sword" OR summarize the part we've read (the frame story).
Friday- Note: since we didn't finish the story in class today, your homework is different from what is listed on the unit calendar. For homework, finish reading "The Form of the Sword", and continue taking notes (include words you don't know with definitions you look up as well as notes about literary terms (setting, character, plot, etc.)). Then, summarize the story in 5-10 sentences. Write down any questions you have about the story. The ending is confusing, so if you aren't sure what happens, don't worry about summarizing the end--just write down questions you have. We'll discuss the story more on Tuesday. Enjoy the weekend!
Week of August 22-26
Monday- Edit your three best paragraphs to make the writing more lively. Also begin making your poster (use the handout and poster paper you got today to help you). Note: You are welcome to use whatever paper you want as long as it is roughly 11 inches by 17 inches.
Tuesday- Work on your writing and your poster.
Wednesday- Finish your poster. Bring it to class tomorrow.
Thursday- Practice presenting your most interesting paragraph. Also, make sure to have all of the writing you have done for this project with you tomorrow so you can turn in all of you drafts. (If you presented today, you have no homework.)
Friday- If you haven't shown me your Writers INC book yet, make sure to bring it Monday! (If you've already shown me, you have no homework.)
Week of August 15-19
Monday- I enjoyed meeting all of you today! I'm looking forward to a great year with you :-) For this class, you will need the following materials: a three-ring binder, five dividers, notebook paper (lots!), pencils and pens, and a copy of Writers INC (see the Announcements above for more information). Please have these materials by next Monday.
Tuesday- What is the only word in the English language that ends with -mt? (Scroll down to see the answer). Please write the answer in a complete sentence and show it to me tomorrow.
Wednesday- Ask your parents to sign the Course Overview and bring it in tomorrow. Also please select two of the following questions to answer in detail. Either type or write your responses on a piece of paper and bring it to class tomorrow. Please remember to answer the question fully (use lots of details and be specific!) and write in complete sentences.
1. What is one thing you enjoyed learning this summer?
2. What makes you unique?
3. What are you looking forward to most this year?
4. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Thursday- Please open the document on the right-hand side of this website called "Who I Am Prewriting." Then follow the instructions on that page. Also, remember to bring a flash drive to class tomorrow (you should always keep one in your backpack)!
Note: If you cannot access the internet from home, stop by my classroom and I will give you a copy of the assignment.
Friday- Print out your favorite quote with a brief description of why you like it/what it means to you. Also, make sure to have all of your class materials by Monday (see "Announcements" for details).
Note: You need to show me your Writers INC book by Monday, Aug. 29th. If you are getting it online, make sure to order it by this weekend.
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Congratulations! You found it!
Answer: The only word in the English language that ends with -mt is dreamt.