Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Agenda, December 18

Due Now: Your copy of Mango Street.
Due at the end of class today: Complete Sanctuary Essay.
Today's Learning Targets:     
I can follow MLA format.  
I can use technology to improve my writing.

I can play with words. 
  1. Announcements quiz, if necessary 
  2. Typing time / Found Poem
  3. Mr. Kline Boggles Your Mind
  4. To the library!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Agenda, December 17

Due Tomorrow: Be sure to have your copy of Mango Street with you.
Due at the end of class today: Complete Sanctuary Essay.
Today's Learning Targets:     
I can follow MLA format.
  
I can use technology to improve my writing. 

  1. Announcements quiz, if necessary 
  2. Type like the wind!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Agenda, December 16

Late: Complete rough draft of Sanctuary Essay.
Today's Learning Targets:     
I can follow MLA format.
 
I can use technology to improve my writing. 
I can use a title to improve my organization. 

  1. Announcements quiz, if necessary
  2. MLA format
  3. Typing Time
  4. Titles Exercise

Agenda, December 15

Due Now: Complete rough draft of Sanctuary Essay.
Today's Learning Targets:     
I can make good writing better.

I can read for both plot and style. 
I can make inferences based on evidence. 

  1. Sami's question finally answered, slightly more than 5 minutes later
  2. Revision Activities
  3. Elements of Style - Personification
  4. Read Aloud

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Agenda, December 12

Due Last Monday: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog 
Due Now: Bring your copy of "The Sanctuary of School," by Lynda Barry
 
Due Now: Chapter Expert Handout
Due Monday: Complete rough draft of Sanctuary Essay.
Today's Learning Targets:    
I can read for both plot and style.
 
I can identify examples of literary devices.
I can make inferences based on evidence.
I can analyze the structure of an essay.

  1. Read aloud: pages 39-55
  2. Elements of Style
  3. Beginning, middle, and end of "Sanctuary"

Agenda, December 11

Due Last Monday: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog 
Due Tomorrow: Bring your copy of "The Sanctuary of School," by Lynda Barry

Due Tomorrow at the beginning of class: Chapter Expert Handout
Today's Learning Targets:     
I can write vivid details.
I can read for both plot and style.
 

I can identify examples of literary devices. 

  1. Exploding the Moment
  2. Read aloud
  3. Elements of Style


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Agenda, December 9

Due Today Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog 
Today's Learning Targets:     
I can develop an essay through drafting.
I can read for both plot and style.
I can work with a group to refine my own thinking. 

  1. Drafting Task #3: What have you learned (about yourself or the world) from your sanctuary? How has your sanctuary shaped your personality? Has it made (or is it making) you a better or different person? How so? What does it reveal about your character? Consider the future: is this sanctuary permanent or temporary? How do you know or why do you think so?
  2. The House on Mango Street Read Aloud
  3. Become a Chapter Expert!

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Agenda, December 8

Due Today Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog 

Today's Learning Targets:     
I can develop an essay through drafting.
I can read for both plot and style.

I can work with a group to refine my own thinking. 
  1. Who had the best weekend?
  2. Drafting Task #2: Help your reader experience your sanctuary. Consider the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch). Consider the way you feel. Consider using similes, metaphor, personification, and repetition.
  3. The House on Mango Street: Become a chapter expert!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Agenda, December 5

Late: Parent/Guardian Signature on Syllabus    
Due Monday, December 8: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog
Today's Learning Targets:     
 I can show what I know on a quiz.
I can develop an essay through rough drafting.
I can read for both plot and style.
  1. Conventions Pre-Assessment
  2. Drafting Task #1: Tell me about how you discovered your sanctuary. Consider telling the story of your first visit / experience with your sanctuary.
  3. The House on Mango Street: Become a chapter expert!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Agenda, December 4

Late: Parent/Guardian Signature on Syllabus   Due Monday, December 8: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog
Today's Learning Targets:     I can use a brainstorm or web to generate ideas.
  1. Brainstorming #1: What's your sanctuary?
  2. To the Library!
  3. The House on Mango Street Preview

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Agenda, December 3

Due Now: Parent/Guardian Signature on Syllabus  
Due Monday, December 8: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog
Today's Learning Targets:    
I can identify an author's claim.
I can work with a group to define an abstract term. I can read for a variety of purposes.
I can use a brainstorm or web to generate ideas.

  1. What does Lynda Barry want us to do?
  2. Small group discussion #1: What is a sanctuary?
  3. Reading with a Purpose: "Sanctuary"
  4. Brainstorming #1: Sanctuary
  5. To the Library!

Monday, December 1, 2014

Agenda, December 2

Due Tomorrow: Parent/Guardian Signature on Syllabus  
Due Monday, December 8: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog
Today's Learning Targets:  
I can use symbols to capture my personality.
I can read for a variety of purposes.
I can support a claim with evidence.
  1. 10 minutes of Name Tag time
  2. Reading with a Purpose: "The House"
  3. Claims and Evidence
  4. "Sanctuary," by Lynda Barry

Agenda, December 1

Due Wednesday: Parent/Guardian Signature on Syllabus
Due Monday, December 8: Post a Friendly Comment to the Blog

Today's Learning Targets:
I can use a freewrite to generate ideas.
I can work with a partner to annotate an important document.
I can use symbols to capture my personality.
  1. Freewrite #1: A Winter Memory
  2. Partner Reading Assignment
  3. Name Tag Assignment
  • Fold your name tag like a book cover.
  • Write your name large enough for me to see it from across the room.
  • Include at least three symbols that represent your personality.
  • One of the symbols must be of your favorite place.
  • Use color

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Post Your Friendly Comment Here!


  1. Click on the word "Comment" below this post. If you're the first person to post, it will say "No comments."
  2. Type your comment in the box that says "Enter your comment ..."
  3. Your comment should be about a positive memory from fall trimester. The memory doesn't have to be school related. You can also include a link to a school appropriate web site you think I ought to see.
  4. Click on the black arrow next to the "Comment as" box. Highlight and copy your comment in case there is an error when you go to publish.
  5. Select "Name/URL"
  6. Type in your first name and last initial. Leave the URL box blank.
  7. Click Publish.
  8. It will ask you to prove you're not a robot by entering a word or number. Please do so, unless you are a robot.
  9. You should receive the message "Your comment will be visible after approval." If you do not receive that message, something went wrong and you'll need to try again. If you try more than three times without success, send me an e-mail. You have my e-mail address on my welcome letter.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Agenda, June 6

Due Now: All books back to Kline's library.
Kline's last day is today. It is NOT POSSIBLE to turn in this essay late. At the end of class, you should print what you have: earn points for the work you have done. If you find time in another class or after school, you can bring me your essay before you leave.   
  
Today's Learning Targets:

I can write an awesome essay.

  1. Do you still have your sin chart?
  2. Do you still have any of my books?
  3. Let's go type like crazy!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Agenda, June 5

Due at the end of the class today: Sin Chart
Due Tomorrow: All books back to Kline's library.
Kline's last day is tomorrow. It is NOT POSSIBLE to turn in this essay late.   
  
Today's Learning Targets:

I can support a claim with evidence.

I can properly punctuate a quotation.
I can write a paragraph that includes a quotation

I can write a satisfying conclusion 
  1. Conclusion strategies
  2. Work time
  3. To the library for typing time

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Sample Sin Paragraph


Your paragraph should include, in this order:
1.     Topic Sentence
2.     Set-up / Establish the context (What’s happening when your quote is spoken?)
3.     Quotation (Punctuate it properly – use your models!)
4.     Analysis (Why does the quote prove your point?)
5.     Closing sentence (How does this event help cause the death?)

Be sure to write about literature in the present tense.

Sample paragraph:
            One time sloth leads to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet is when Friar John fails to deliver Friar Laurence’s letter to Romeo. First, if Friar Laurence wasn’t so lazy, he would have delivered the letter himself. Everybody knows that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Also, Friar John should have worked harder to deliver the letter. When he returns to Friar Laurence’s cell, he says, “I could not send it – here it is again – / Nor get a messenger to bring it thee ” (V, ii, 14-5). With even a little effort, he could have outsmarted the guards and accomplished his task. He didn’t even try to find someone to help him. Instead, he just gave up and returned to Verona. He must have known the letter was important, but he didn’t even try. If either Friar Laurence or Friar John had been less slothful and more energetic, Romeo would have learned of the plan beforehand, and he never would have rushed to commit suicide.

Agenda, June 4

Due at the end of the class today: Sin Chart
Due Friday: All books back to Kline's library.
Kline's last day is Friday. It is NOT POSSIBLE to turn in this essay late.   
  
Today's Learning Targets:

I can support a claim with evidence.
I can write a thematic statement.
I can write an inviting introduction

I can properly punctuate a quotation.
I can write a paragraph that includes a quotation 
  1. An Introduction Formula
  2. Quotation stems
  3. Model body paragraph
  4. Writing Time

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Agenda, June 3

Do Tonight: Read 15 minutes
Due Tomorrow: Sin Chart
Due Friday: All books back to Kline's library.
Kline's last day is Friday. It is NOT POSSIBLE to turn in this essay late.  
Be sure to have your reading journal with you today.     
Today's Learning Targets:

I can reflect on my growth as a reader.
I can support a claim with evidence.
I can write a thematic statement.
I can write an inviting introduction 
  1. Reading journals / Reading time
  2. Claims
  3. Evidence
  4. Introductions

Monday, June 2, 2014

Agenda, June 2

Do tonight: Read 30 minutes
Be sure to have your reading journal with you on Tomorrow.     
Today's Learning Targets:        
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Finish the play
  2. Let the blaming commence!

Friday, May 30, 2014

Agenda, May 30

Do tonight: Read 30 minutes
Be sure to have your reading journal with you on Monday.     
Today's Learning Targets:        
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. The 10 most important events in Act III, ii-v
  2. Update Sin Chart
  3. Finish Act IV

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Agenda, May 29

Do tonight: Read 30 minutes
Be sure to have your reading journal with you on Monday.     
Today's Learning Targets:        
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Update Sin Chart
  2. Review Act III, i
  3. Act III, ii-v
  4. The 10 most important events in Act III, ii-v

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Agenda, May 28

Do tonight: Read 30 minutes
     
Today's Learning Targets:        
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Act II Quiz
  2. Act III, i
  3. The 10 most important events in Act III, i
  4. Update Sin Chart

Monday, May 26, 2014

Agenda, May 27

Do tonight: Read 30 minutes
     
Today's Learning Targets:        
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. And now we speed up: Finish Act II
  2. The 10 most important events in Act II
  3. Update Sin Chart

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Agenda, May 22

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes
Tonight: Go mock birds
     
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can evaluate significant moments in my personal reading.   
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Act I Quiz / Independent Reading
  2. Let's Translate Act II, Scene ii
  3. Who's who?
  4. Act II, iii

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Agenda, May 21

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes
Today during 4th period: Vas' o' Justice Presentations

Tonight: Go mock birds
     
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can evaluate significant moments in my personal reading.   
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Act I Quiz / Independent Reading
  2. Let's Watch TV
  3. Let's Translate Act II, Scene ii

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Agenda, May 20

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes
Postponed until tomorrow: A quiz on the important moments in Act I
     
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can evaluate significant moments in my personal reading.   
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Independent Reading
  2. Some words you ought to know
  3. Finish Act I
  4. Update your Sin Chart
  5. Let's Watch TV
  6. Let's Translate Act II, Scene ii

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Agenda, May 19

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes
Coming tomorrow: A quiz on the important moments in Act I
     
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can evaluate significant moments in my personal reading.   
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Independent Reading
  2. Some words you ought to know
  3. Romeo and Juliet, Act I
  4. Queen Mab
  5. Finish Act I

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Agenda, May 16

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes
Do this weekend: Read 30 minutes. We'll be starting reading journals at the bottom of the alphabet on Monday.  
      
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can connect characters in my personal reading with other people, real or imagined.    
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Independent Reading
  2. Romeo and Juliet, Act I
  3. Some words you ought to know
  4. Romeo and Juliet, Act I

Agenda, May 15

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes  
      
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can connect characters in my personal reading with other people, real or imagined.    
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  

  1. Independent Reading
  2. Romeo and Juliet, Act I
  3. Cheer Up!
  4. Romeo and Juliet, Act I

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Agenda, May 14

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes  
      
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can connect characters in my personal reading with other people, real or imagined.    
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English.  
  1. Independent Reading
  2. The Seven Deadlies
  3. What to expect from Act I
  4. Romeo and Juliet, Act I

Monday, May 12, 2014

Agenda, May 13

Do tonight: Read 15 minutes  
Due Now: Your poster
 
 
 
 
Today's Learning Targets:       
I can connect characters in my personal reading with other people, real or imagined.    
I can connect contemporary experiences to events in Shakespeare.
 I can track the theme or a motif over the course of a complex piece of literature.  
I can demonstrate my comprehension by reading aloud.   
I can translate Shakespeare into English. 
  1. Independent Reading / Poster time
  2. Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Prologue
  3. The Seven Deadlies
  4. Start a fight
  5. Romeo and Juliet, Act I