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