Agenda, December 21

Today's learning targets: 

I can help my peers improve their writing.

I can use peer feedback to improve my writing.

I can use technology to improve and present my writing.

 

Your short story is due at the end of class today. Here's what you need to turn in with your final draft, stapled in this order:

• Final Draft
• Rough Draft with Peer Review
• Green Plot Pyramid
• How to Begin
• Word Choice Exercise
• Exploding the Moment

1. When you are done with your essay, go here to make a crossword puzzle using the terms on your pink elements of literature handout.

Agenda, December 20

Due Yesterday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Here's what you need to turn in with your final draft, stapled in this order:

• Final Draft
• Rough Draft with Peer Review
• Green Plot Pyramid
• How to Begin
• Word Choice Exercise
• Exploding the Moment

Today's learning targets: 

I can help my peers improve their writing.

I can use peer feedback to improve my writing.

I can use technology to improve and present my writing.

1. If you didn't do your peer review yesterday, do it before you begin typing: Circle three "bland" words, write 1 - 3 "hits" (things your partner did well), and write one question about your partner's story.
2. Lab Time
3. When you are done with your essay, work on a Found Poem to earn your participation points.

Agenda, December 19

Due Yesterday: Questions on "The Bet" 

Due Now: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Quiz make-ups and retakes are today at 2 pm in B105. You'll need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can help my peers improve their writing.

I can use peer feedback to improve my writing.

I can use technology to improve and present my writing.

1. Peer Review: Circle three "bland" words, write 1 - 3 "hits" (things your partner did well), and write one question about your partner's story.
2. Lab Time

Agenda, December 18

Due Now: Questions on "The Bet" 

Due Wednesday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Quiz make-ups and retakes are Wednesday, 12/19, at 2 pm in B105. You'll need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can use a plot pyramid to organize my ideas for a story.

I can write an interesting and inviting opening paragraph.

I can select vivid, precise words.

I can write about events with thorough, accurate details. 

I can practice what good readers do.

1. Word Choice Exercise
2. Drafting Time
3. Exploding the Moment
4. Drafting Time
5. Sentence Fluency Chart
6. Drafting Time
7. "The Two Brothers," by Leo Tolstoy

Agenda, December 17

Due Tomorrow: Questions on "The Bet" (if we don't finish today).

Due Wednesday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Quiz make-ups and retakes are Wednesday, 12/19, at 2 pm in B105. You'll need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can use details and evidence from a story to determine the theme.

I can use a plot pyramid to organize my ideas for a story.

I can write an interesting and inviting opening paragraph.

1. Plot Pyramid Time (10 minutes). If you're done, have me check  it off, and then you can start drafting.
2. Three openings
3. Questions on "The Bet," by Anton Chekov
4. Thematic Statements for "The Bet"

Agenda, December 14

Due Wednesday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Today's learning targets: 

I can show what I know on a quiz.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.
I can practice what good readers do.

I can use a plot pyramid to organize my ideas for a story.

1. Comma Quiz #1
2. When you're done with the quiz, begin working on your story.
3. "The Bet," by Anton Chekov

Agenda, December 13

Coming Friday: Comma Quiz #1 (Know the rule, how to correct mistakes, and how to write sentences that use the serial comma properly. Also, you need to know the parts of the plot pyramid and the five conflicts.)

 

Today's learning targets: 

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.
I can practice what good readers do.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

1. Comma Rule #1: Fix it!
2. Freewrite #4: Write about a snow day OR Write about an argument.
3. "The Bet," by Anton Chekov

Agenda, Opening Night of "The Homecoming"

If you missed Friday's quiz, retakes and make-ups are today at 2 pm in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can interpret symbols to help me understand the theme.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.

I can write a thematic statement.

I can support my opinion with evidence from the text.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

1. Comma Rule #1: State the rule
2. "Initiation," by Sylvia Plath
3. What are the symbols? What do they mean?
4. Thematic statement for "Initiation"

Agenda, December 11

If you missed Friday's quiz, retakes and make-ups are Wednesday at 2 pm in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Due Now: Bring your school planner with the grammar codes.

 

Today's learning targets:

I can define the basic conflicts, symbolism, and character types.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.

I can interpret symbols to help me understand the theme.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

I can use a grammar decoder to correct my own errors.

1. Comma Rule #1: Write your own
2. Quiz corrections
3. The Elements of Literature: Review Plot, Conflict, and Theme
4. The Elements of Literature: Character and Symbolism
5. "Initiation," by Sylvia Plath

Agenda, December 10

If you missed Friday's quiz, retakes and make-ups are Wednesday at 2 pm in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Due Tomorrow: Bring your school planner with the grammar codes.

 

Today's learning targets:

I can define the basic conflicts, symbolism, and character types.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.

I can interpret symbols to help me understand the theme.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

I can use brainstorming and freewriting to generate ideas for a story.

1. Comma Rule #1
2. The Elements of Literature: Review Plot, Conflict, and Theme
3. The Elements of Literature: Character and Symbolism
4. Freewrite #3: Write about a dare
5. "Initiation," by Sylvia Plath

Agenda, A Day that Will Live in Infamy

Late: Any stray nametag paragraphs? Any stray parent signatures? 

Late: Post a friendly comment to the blog. For example, you could ask a question, tell me your favorite word (and explain why it's your favorite word), or post an interesting link. Be sure to use your best spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Today's learning targets:

I can show what I know on a quiz.

I can define the elements of the plot pyramid.

I can define the basic conflicts.

I can use a graphic organizer to apply the elements of literature to a short story. 

I can write a thematic statement. 

I can support my claims with evidence from the text.

1. Quiz #1: Topic sentences and paragraphs
2. The Elements of Literature
3. Finish the plot chart
4. Thematic statements
5. Edit name tag paragraph
6. Freewrite #3 (if time allows)

Agenda, December 6

Due Now: Any stray nametag paragraphs? Any stray parent signatures?
Due Now: Post a friendly comment to the blog. For example, you could ask a question, tell me your favorite word (and explain why it's your favorite word), or post an interesting link. Be sure to use your best spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Today's learning targets:

I can use brainstorming and freewriting to generate ideas for a story.

I can define the elements of the plot pyramid.

I can define the basic conflicts.

I can use a graphic organizer to apply the elements of literature to a short story.

1. Brainstorm #2: a time you got in trouble
2. Freewrite #2: a personal or imagined narrative
3. The Elements of Literature
4. "An American Childhood" by Annie Dillard
5. Complete a Plot Pyramid

Agenda, December 5

Due Now: Bring your planner to class.
Due Now: Parent Signature on Syllabus

Due Tomorrow: Use the Grammar Decoder to correct the errors in your name tag paragraph.
Due Tomorrow: Post a friendly comment to the blog. For example, you could ask a question, tell me your favorite word (and explain why it's your favorite word), or post an interesting link. Be sure to use your best spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

 

Today's learning targets:

I can use the Grammar Decoder to correct conventions errors

I can interpret symbols.

I can write a well developed paragraph.
I can define the elements of the plot pyramid. 

1. What is a topic sentence? What is a paragraph?
2. 10 minutes of writing time
3. Planner Check
4. Grammar Decoder practice
5. The Elements of Literature
6. "An American Childhood" by Annie Dillard

Agenda, December 4

Due Tomorrow: Bring your planner to class.
Due Tomorrow: Parent Signature on Syllabus
Due Thursday: Post a friendly comment to the blog. For example, you could ask a question, tell me your favorite word (and explain why it's your favorite word), or post an interesting link. Be sure to use your best spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Today's learning targets:

I can use a brainstorm to generate ideas to write about.

I can use freewriting to draft ideas for a story.

I can interpret symbols.

I can write a well developed paragraph.

1. Name tags: 5 minutes to finish
2. The Writing Process: Brainstorming
3. Freewrite #1: At the end of the day ... OR Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse ...
4. Share your name tag: Tell us three interesting things.
5. What is a topic sentence?
6. Write a topic sentence
7. What is a paragraph?
8. Name tag paragraph

Post your friendly comments here!

To post a comment, click on the word "comment" at the bottom of this post.  Then click on "Comment as ..." Select "name/url." Type in your name and click "Continue." Then you can post your comment. Finally, click "Publish." If you don't see the words "Your comment is awaiting moderation," there has been an error and you'll need to repeat the process. Sometimes it takes a lot of repeating. It's a good idea to copy your comment before you click "Publish" so you can simply paste it in again if there's a problem.

If you can't get it to post, feel free to send me an e-mail.

Agenda, December 3

Due Wednesday: Bring your planner to class.
Due Wednesday: Parent Signature on Syllabus
Due Thursday: Post a friendly comment to the blog. For example, you could ask a question, tell me your favorite word (and explain why it's your favorite word), or post an interesting link. Be sure to use your best spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If you can't post to the blog, send me an e-mail.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can reflect on last trimester's events.

I can use active reading strategies to understand the class rules.

I can use symbolism to capture my personality.

1. Freewrite: Tell me about last trimester. What did you learn? What did you like? What didn't you like? What are your hopes / expectations for this trimester?
2. Read with a pencil: underline key ideas, circle unfamiliar words, write notes and questions in the margins.
3. Read with a partner: Partner A reads one section to Partner B, then partner B summarizes it. Switch roles with each section.
4. Make a Name Tag: Your name needs to be large and easy to read, use symbols to explain your personality, use color

Agenda, November 27

Due Now and Tomorrow: Bring your copy of Monster and your juror's notebook.
Due Now: Bring your extra hall passes. There are no hall passes during finals.
Due Wednesday: Extra credit bookmark. The points are for the back.
Due Wednesday: All books due back to Kline's library.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can draft a convincing argument. I can refute a counterclaim fairly and convincingly.
I can state a claim clearly.
I can use evidence to support a claim.
I can use evidence to refute a counterclaim.

1. Draft your Monster essay. If you complete your draft, you may begin your final copy.

Agenda, November 26

Due Now and Tomorrow: Bring your copy of Monster and your juror's notebook.
Due Tuesday: Bring your extra hall passes. There are no hall passes during finals.
Due Wednesday: Extra credit bookmark. The points are for the back.
Due Wednesday: All books due back to Kline's library.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can predict, question, infer, connect, summarize, and evaluate while I read.
I can show what I know on a test.
I can state a claim clearly.
I can use evidence to support a claim.
I can use evidence to refute a counterclaim.

1. Finish Monster test. 30 minutes max. 
2. The essential elements of argument: claim, counterclaim, evidence.
3. Does anybody remember how to write an introduction?
4. Class interview: is Steve innocent or guilty?

Agenda, November 21

Due Monday: Bring your copy of Monster and your juror's notebook.
Due Wednesday: Extra credit bookmark. The points are for the back.
Due Wednesday: All books due back to Kline's library.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can predict, question, infer, connect, summarize, and evaluate while I read.
I can show what I know on a test.

1. Monster test. It's a doozy.

Agenda, November 20

Coming tomorrow: Test on Monster.
Do you have a book from my library?

Due Now: Monster, Pages 200-238
Due Tomorrow: Monster, pages 238-267
Due Now: Purple handout on Font Choice
Due Yesterday: Green Text Analysis Handout, front and back

Today's Learning Targets:

I can demonstrate reading comprehension through reading aloud.
I can analyze an author's use of literary techniques, including flashbacks, formatting, and character development.
I can collect evidence in preparation of writing an argument.

1. Collect Font Choice Homework
2. Update Juror's Notebook: Steve's testimony
3. Can we trust Steve?
4. Model Closing Arguments
5. Closing Arguments Read Aloud

Agenda, November 19

Last day for any late work is today, Monday, 11/19.

Due Now: Monster, Pages 127 - 200
Due Tomorrow: Monster, pages 200-238 ("King rests.")
Due Tomorrow: Purple handout on Font Choice
Due Now: Finish Text Analysis Handout, front and back

Today's Learning Targets:

I can demonstrate reading comprehension through reading aloud.
I can analyze an author's use of literary techniques, including flashbacks, formatting, and character development.
I can collect evidence in preparation of writing an argument.

1. Collect Text Analysis Homework
2. Quiz on pages 127-200
3. Update Juror's Notebook
4. Finish Flashbacks 
5. Bold Text
6. Read Aloud

Agenda, November 16

Last day for any late work is Monday, 11/19.

Due Monday: Monster, Pages 127 - 200
Due Now: Monster Study Questions Assignment 3
Due Monday: Finish Text Analysis Handout, front and back

Today's Learning Targets:

I can demonstrate reading comprehension through reading aloud.
I can analyze an author's use of literary techniques, including flashbacks, formatting, and character development.
I can collect evidence in preparation of writing an argument.

1. Fix Bookmarks
2. Study Question Answers
3. Flashbacks 
4. Text Analysis
5. Read Aloud

Agenda, November 15

Last day for any late work is Monday, 11/19.

Due Tomorrow: Monster, Pages 89 - 126
Due Now: Monster Study Questions Assignment 3
Due Now: Monster Study Questions Assignment 2
Due Now: Extra Credit - an original drawing of the scariest monster.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can demonstrate reading comprehension through reading aloud.
I can analyze an author's use of literary techniques, including flashbacks.
I can collect evidence in preparation of writing an argument.

1. Reading time
2. Study Question Answers
3. While I was reading, I noticed ...
4. While I was reading, I wondered ...
5. Flashbacks 
6. Read aloud

Agenda, November 14

Last day for any late work is Monday, 11/19.

Due Tomorrow: Monster, Pages 45 - 88
Due Tomorrow: Monster Study Questions Assignment 2
Due Thursday: Extra Credit - an original drawing of the scariest monster.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can take accurate, thoughtful notes on a whole class discussion.
I can work with a group to integrate several definitions into a single, precise definition.
I can demonstrate reading comprehension through reading aloud.
I can analyze an author's use of literary techniques, including flashbacks.
I can collect evidence in preparation of writing an argument.

1. Reading time
2. Study Question Answers
3. What is a monster? - whole class
4. What is a monster? - small group
5. Read aloud
6. Flashbacks

Agenda, November 13

Last day for any late work is Monday, 11/19.

Due Tomorrow: Monster, Pages 1 - 43
Due Tomorrow: Monster Study Questions Assignment 1
Due Thursday: Extra Credit - an original drawing of the scariest monster.

Today's Learning Targets:

I can define an abstract term.
I can work with a group to integrate several definitions into a single, precise definition.
I can demonstrate reading comprehension through reading aloud.
I can collect evidence in preparation of writing an argument.

1. What is a monster? - solo
2. What is a monster? - small group
3. To the library!
4. Read aloud

Agenda, November 8

Due Now: Bookmark 7. Don't forget the back!

Due Now: Character Analysis Paragraph, if you don't finish yesterday.

Due Now: Extra Credit Story Board on "The Sirens" and "Scylla and Charybdis." Take your time with this. Poor work will receive very little extra credit.

Today's learning targets:

I can practice questioning, predicting, connecting, and summarizing while I read.

I can decode a complex text on my own.

1. "Odysseus in Disguise"
2. A Quick Test on "The Final Test"

Agenda, November 7

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Tomorrow: Bookmark 7. Don't forget the back!

Due Tomorrow: Character Analysis Paragraph, if you don't finish today.

Coming Thursday: Test on The Odyssey. Can you read a section on your own?

Due Thursday: Extra Credit Story Board on "The Sirens" and "Scylla and Charybdis." Take your time with this. Poor work will receive very little extra credit.

Today's learning targets:

I can track the development of a character over the course of an epic poem or novel.

I can write a paragraph that analyzes a character.

1. Character Analysis Paragraph in library
2. Personal Reading, if time allows

Agenda, November 6

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Thursday: Bookmark 7. Don't forget the back!
Coming Thursday: Test on The Odyssey. Can you read a section on your own?
Due Thursday: Extra Credit. Take your time with this. Poor work will receive very little extra credit.

Today's learning targets:

I can track the development of a character over the course of an epic poem or novel.

I can write a paragraph that analyzes a character.

1. Character Analysis Paragraph Planning Sheets
2. "Odysseus in Disguise"

Agenda, November 5

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Tuesday: 1 paragraph summary of "The Sirens" and "Scylla and Charybdis" AND 1 paragraph explanation of what you did to make your group more successful.Due Thursday: Bookmark 7. Don't forget the back!
Coming Thursday: Test on The Odyssey. Can you read a section on your own?

Today's learning targets:

I can track the development of a character over the course of an epic poem or novel.

I can work with my classmates to decode a difficult text.

I can use a story board to capture details about setting, conflict, and character

1. Personal Reading
2. "The Sirens" and "Scylla and Charybdis"
3. Story Boards

Agenda, November 2

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Now: Bookmark 6. Don't forget the back!
Week 7: 11/1 - 11/7 

Today's learning targets:

I can track the development of a character over the course of an epic poem or novel.

I can work with my classmates to decode a difficult text.

I can "play" around with vocabulary terms.

1. Personal Reading
2. "Circe" in small groups
3. Vocabulary plays

Agenda, November 1

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Now: Bookmark 6. Don't forget the back!
Week 7: 11/1 - 11/7
Due Now: Quiz corrections

Today's learning targets:

I can track the development of a character over the course of an epic poem or novel.

I can support my interpretation of the theme with evidence from the text.

I can work with my classmates to decode a difficult text.

1. Personal Reading
2. Finish your "Desert"
3. "Circe" in small groups

Agenda, October 31

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Thursday: Bookmark 6. Don't forget the back!
Quiz make-ups / retakes: today after school in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.
Quiz corrections are due tomorrow.

Today's learning targets:

I can connect, predict, question, and summarize while I read.

1. "Just Desert," by M.T. Anderson

Agenda, October 30

Do Every Day: Read 30 (15 in class and 15 or more at home). Be sure to mark your reading on your bookmark as you finish. 
Due Thursday: Bookmark 6. 
Quiz make-ups / retakes: tomorrow after school in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets:

I can track the development of a character over the course of an epic poem or novel.

I can create a short play to demonstrate my understanding of plot, character, and setting

1. Personal Reading
2. Bookmark Back Model
3. Return Quizzes
4. Character Details from "The Sack of Winds."
5. "The Sack of Winds": Work with a group to turn the story into a short play to perform for the class.