Embedded Files
Being an active and effective reader is vital to the success of the high school. English 1 focuses on reading strategies and then applies them to nonfiction, drama, short stories, the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and poetry. Various reading skills will be the focus as the year progresses. Vocabulary will also be emphasized. Couple good reading strategies with effective writing skills, and you have English 1. We will be tackling writing skills throughout the year, but it will be tied to our reading.
177. Thursday, May 19, 2022: We finished reading the novel along with discussing the Moral Development. Many of you are not taking the final over this test. Be sure to have something to work on while you wait for people to take the test. CODE: The Gray Ghost returns.
176. Wednesday, May 18, 2022; We didn't have much of class because of the track send-off. That put a little kink in my plans, but if there's one thing I'm learning this week it's flexibility. So with the fifteen minutes we did have, I handed out an assignment entitled "Moral Development". We discussed Kohlberg's scale and where a few of the characters might land. Please complete this as well as the crossword puzzle that is on the back. We will finish reading the book tomorrow and then take our test on Friday. CODE: Kohlerg
175. Tuesday, May 17, 2022: We read Chapters 28-29, and we will finish the book tomorrow. CODE: Hey, Boo.
174. Monday, May 16, 2022: We discussed Chapters 25-26. I am a little concerned as I don't think everyone read those chapters as assigned. We then began to read Chapter 27 - a chapter I call "Foreshadowing." For tomorrow finish reading that chapter (like a page and a half), and complete the worksheet. Remember you must turn in your notebooks before the end of the year, as well as take the unit test. CODE: Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti
173. Friday, May 13, 2022: We finished reading Chapter 24 to a surprising twist. Then we completed a "Tone of Voice" activity. If you were gone for track, go to Google Classroom and there's video of class - I read the rest of the chapter, we complete the worksheet together, and start to go over the impact map. Just watch and fill out as you go. Remember to show that to me on Monday. CODE: 17 times
172. Thursday, May 12, 2022: We reviewed the chapters 22-23 and completed the questions that accompanied them. Then I started reading Chapter 24. We didn't quite get there, but we'll finish up tomorrow. CODE: Mrunas of Africa
171. Wednesday, May 11, 2022: We highlighted and analyzed Atticus's closing arguments. Normally, I would have spent more time with it, but we really don't have the time. We read Chapter 21 and discovered the verdict. We shouldn't have been surprised, but every year, I hate it! Please read Chapters 22-23. They are short chapters, so it's not a lot. CODE: Stand up Jean Louise. Your father's passing.
170. Tuesday, May 10, 2022: We spent most of the class discussing the evidence we gathered by reading Tom's account of what happened. We did take a check over Chapter 19 - just checking to see if you're reading. We read most of Chapter 20. For tomorrow, please take Atticus's closing statements and analyze them for ethos, pathos, and logos. CODE: Coca-Cola
169. Monday, May 9, 2022: We have to stay on some sort of schedule or we won't finish our novel. Today I finished reading Chapter 17 (Bob Ewell's testimony) and most of Chapter 18 (Mayella's testimony). For tomorrow, please read Chapter 19 (Tom Robinson's testimony). I will read beginning at 7:45 AM. CODE: left-handed
168. Friday, May 6, 2022: We tried to catch up with our reading and discussion. We discussed Chapter 16 and the start of the trial. We filled in Heck Tate's testimony and what we learned through the cross-examination. We didn't complete Chapter 17, so I held off assigning it as independent reading. We'll pick up on Monday. CODE: November 21
167. Thursday, May 5, 2022: We didn't have class because of Genius Week projects. Please have Chapter 16 read for class tomorrow. For those of you gone to the music contest, you will be required to have Chapters 17-18 read for Monday. CODE: Genius Week
166. Wednesday, May 4, 2022: We took our quiz over Chapters 12-15. I don't know if I was reading body language correctly, but it seemed like some people were struggling a bit. It's tough if you don't work on the questions provided. Please be sure that you've read Chapter 16 for tomorrow. CODE: mob
165. Tuesday, May 3, 2022: We basically read Chapter 15. We answered the questions related to this pivotal chapter. For tomorrow, complete the worksheet, and we're going to take a quick quiz over these chapters. CODE: lynch mob
164. Monday, May 2, 2022: We really didn't have class because of the issue with the fire drill. When we returned, I changed things up and distributed a local color worksheet. Please complete that for tomorrow. Then we'll read Chapter 15. Our quiz will be Wednesday. CODE: firetrucks
163. Friday, April 29, 2022: We again basically read all class period. We finished Chapter 13 and read Chapter 14 - all but the last two paragraphs. For Monday, please answer the questions related to Chapters 13-14. We will continue to read this wonderful book together! CODE: babies from the island
162. Thursday, April 28, 2022: We basically read all class period. It was fun to see you sprawled all over the floor listening. I love to read aloud, so I'm glad you enjoy it as well. CODE: First Purchase.
161. Wednesday, April 27, 2022: We reviewed the questions related to Chapter 11, and then we took our quiz over Chapter 6-11. For tomorrow, be sure to have your Themes and Symbolism worksheet completed. We will read Chapters 12-14 together across the next two days. CODE: white camellia
160. Tuesday, April 26, 2022: Today was all about courage. We read Atticus's definition as it pertained to Mrs. Dubose, then we watched a video of a serviceman who may have defined courage. Next we watched the movie trailer for Ivanhoe, the book Jem read to Mrs. Dubose. There was a question posted there about its relevance. Next everyone was to answer the questions related to Chapter 11. Finally, for tomorrow, answer the questions related to theme and symbol. There's a link to Quizizz on Google Classroom. You will use this to fill out the notes. Tomorrow you will also have a quiz over Chapters 6-11. CODE: courage
159. Monday, April 25, 2022: We started by discussing the importance of the symbols found in Chapter 10. Then we read together all but three pages of Chapter 11. Please finish reading the chapter tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, we will finish up with the first part of the book, discuss the background of the book, and then take a quiz over chapters 6-11. CODE: Ivanhoe
158. Friday, April 22, 2022: I'm sorry that I was gone today. I think I had everything set up for the class to run smoothly. The agenda was posted to your Google Classroom Stream. If things went as I had them planned, you worked on the questions for Chapter 9 (I had a video), and then you should have listened to one of the most famous chapters in the book. Chapter 10 is all about symbolism - Atticus standing up to racism like a cowboy in the middle of the street fighting the bad guy. If you didn't finish Chapter 10, you should definitely come to class with it read on Monday. CODE: prom
157. Thursday, April 21, 2022: We finished up our discussion of Chapters 7-8, and we read Chapter 9. We had only five pages left, and I believe everyone can get those five pages done on their own. We will be finishing up Chapter 10 tomorrow and take a quiz next week over the chapter. CODE: Francis
156. Wednesday, April 20, 2022: Since we didn't have class yesterday, we're a little behind. I'm sure we can make up the time later. Today we reviewed the information from chapters 6-8. We went through a few of the questions and also created a map of Maycomb. It's amazing how close to the real Monroeville. For tomorrow have the questions completed. We will try and get caught up tomorrow. CODE: morphadite
155. Tuesday, April 19, 2022: It looks like you didn't receive the worksheet on Chapters 7-9. That's going to put us behind, but hopefully, we can make it up somewhere. CODE: miscommunication
154. Thursday, April 14, 2022: We started first with reviewing the order of key events in Chapters 1-5. Then we took our check. I tried to get all of Chapter 6 read, but I had just a few paragraphs left. For Tuesday, please read the rest of Chapter 6 and Chapters 7-8. CODE: pants
153. Wednesday, April 13, 2022: We reviewed the information found in Chapters 4-5. There are so many examples of humor in this book. One thing I do notice is that the humor follows a serious topic (not all the time, but usually). We discussed who was a major/minor, dynamic/static, and round/flat character. We then filled out our notes on the chapters, and tomorrow we will have a quiz over the first five chapters. CODE: oldest lawyer trick in the book
152. Tuesday, April 12, 2022: We reviewed the information from Chapters 2-3 by completing the worksheets. We took time to discuss how to title each of the chapters. One key skill we worked on was comparing two characters - Walter Cunningham and Burris Ewell. Scout is obviously a leader in her class, and her classmates look to her for help. Sometimes that's going to get her into trouble. For tomorrow read Chapter 5. Our quiz over Chapters 1-5 will be Thursday. CODE: rolling tire
151. Monday, April 11, 2022: We reviewed the information from Chapter 1, and we briefly went through Chapter 2. We began to read Chapter 3, but didn't quite get through it all. Read the rest of Chapter 3 and all of Chapter 4. If we continue to have good discussions, we will not have daily reading checks, but as soon as I feel that people are not reading this book, then I will institute the reading checks, and suck any enjoyment right out of this book. CODE: cootie
150. Friday, April 8, 2022: We reviewed our anticipation guide and also the opening paragraph worksheet. Then I read as much of Chapter 1 as I could get to. You will need to finish Chapter 1 and read Chapter 2 for Monday. If you want me to read, I will be here at 7:50 AM. CODE: Simon Finch
149. Thursday, April 7, 2022: We completed an escape room today because it will help us with background information related to the novel. We then started to work with the opening paragraphs of the novel. Finish up that worksheet before returning to class. CODE: Birmingham
148. Wednesday, April 6, 2022: We started today with one of three things - finishing the test, organizing your notebook, or reading. When the ten minutes finished, I handed out their novels. I will be collecting their notebooks tomorrow, and we will start a new one for just To Kill a Mockingbird. We completed an anticipatory set related to the book. I then shared the opening paragraphs with them. I also handed out a reading schedule. We're going to enjoy this book rather than take quizzes galore. I hope this works. CODE: Harper Lee
147. Tuesday, April 5, 2022: We started class with a Kahoot review. This review had almost all the questions for the test directly in the Kahoot. Everyone was told to get the first part completed, but if the last part (skills) wasn't done, we'd finish it tomorrow in class. CODE: rhetorical devices
146. Monday, April 4, 2022: We had quite the class because of a fire drill. We read for ten minutes and then reviewed the flashcards I made for tomorrow's test over these authors and rhetorical devices. Be sure that you're familiar with the various terms like anaphora, parallelism, and juxtaposition. CODE: Quizlet
145. Friday, April 1, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then I shared some tips and tricks for the ISASP tests. Scan and Run is really a wonderful tool for the reading portion of your test. Finally we reviewed the terms juxtaposition, inversion, anaphora and parallelism with some SMART board activities. We will finish this up on Monday and take our test on Tuesday. CODE: Swing Show
144. Thursday, March 31, 2022: We read for ten minutes and then jumped in and finished listening to and annotating JFK's address. We didn't quite get as far as I wanted, but we'll keep plugging along and finish up tomorrow with a review on Monday and test on Tuesday. I hope that gives us enough time to finish To Kill a Mockingbird. CODE: Let both sides...
143. Wednesday, March 30, 2022: We didn't read today (it's Wednesday). We first finished our discussion of the expand your vocabulary. It seems like many of you are struggling with finishing your homework. I handed out a card and you were to illustrate one of the words. It seems that "forebears" was the word most chose to illustrate. We then started listening to President Kennedy's address. We only got the first seven minutes completed, but as we listened, we stopped and filled in our color key (on the worksheet that has his address). We will finish tomorrow - finger's crossed, and I'm still planning on a test on Friday, but that is all wait and see how things go tomorrow. CODE: alliance
142. Tuesday, March 29, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we started watching and labeling President's Kennedy's inaugural address. We will be finishing up our unit on rhetorical devices this week with a test towards the end of the week. CODE: Ask not...
141. Monday, March 28, 2022: Since I was gone for All-State, there is a video posted on your agenda (which can be found on Google Classroom). Together you should have finished the worksheet on persuasive techniques and rhetorical devices. For tomorrow, please look up the ten words on JFK's Inaugural Address. CODE: Just for Today
140. Friday, March 25, 2022: We didn't have school because of parent-teacher conferences.
139. Thursday, March 24, 2022: We started with an inspirational video about failure. This kid just amazes me! We then finished the worksheet on author's purpose as well as reviewing persuasive techniques. You will finish this up on Monday. Have a great weekend! CODE: failure
138. Wednesday, March 23, 2022: We finished up the poem "O Captain, My Captain." I then showed them the famous scene from Dead Poets Society. I distributed several worksheets, and we tried to finish author's purpose, but we couldn't get it done. We'll have to tackle that tomorrow. CODE: Standing on the Table
137. Tuesday, March 22, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we jumped right in and worked with "O Captain, My Captain." If you were gone to USD, remember to show me the worksheet tomorrow. We discussed how Walt Whitman used the captain of a ship as a comparison to the President. The ship was the United States, the prize was winning the war, the storm was the war. We went over the rhyme scheme, and we also discussed how he used traditional poetry because he wanted people to read it. It was more about the message than making a statement about free verse. We discussed both stanzas one and two, but you'll need to finish up stanza three as we ran out of time. I assigned two IXLs - formal language and author's purpose. Formal language will probably take you less than two minutes (B1,2). It was really simple. The other is to reinforce our study of author's purpose. CODE: exalting
136. Monday, March 21, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we then finished up the last of the notes related to President Lincoln's address. I shared a timeline of the events so we could see how things just happened one after the other. Then we read the biography of Walt Whitman from our book and chose two "brain-worthy" facts and wrote them on post-it-notes. It seems most of us agreed that Leaves of Grass was a pivotal piece of information. We didn't get a chance to review too much "O Captain My Captain," so we'll finish that up tomorrow. CODE: Charity for all
135. Friday, March 18, 2022: We spent the class period reviewing Lincoln's second address by reading the graphic novel found in our books. Everyone was divided into two's and each read either the bubbles or the boxes. Then I handed out a worksheet where they were to answer the questions. We got so close to finishing, but we had one more question to get to. Be sure to read over the weekend. CODE: Malice towards none
134. Thursday, March 17, 2022: We used the Gettysburg Address as a way to create a new seating chart. We then took notes on what to do if reading is hard. Then we watched a re-enactment of Lincoln's second inaugural address. For tomorrow, we'll try and tackle its meaning. CODE: With malice towards none, and charity for all...
133. Wednesday, March 16, 2022: We finished our annotations of The Gettysburg Address. We reviewed it together as a class. For tomorrow, please read President Lincoln's second inaugural address. Answer the tasks printed in red. CODE: of the people, for the people, by the people.
132. Tuesday, March 15, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then I tested to see whether you remembered the number. Many of you did. Finally, everyone was divided into pairs (of my choosing), and each group had eight task cards. They circled, highlighted, starred various parts of the Address. We will finish it up tomorrow. CODE: consecrated (to make holy)
131. Monday, March 14, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we then discussed annotations and structure. Do you remember the number? Then we watched a video regarding the Gettysburg Address. We will discuss the structure of the Gettysburg Address tomorrow. CODE: 272 words
130. Friday, March 11, 2022: Day of Great Expectations
129. Thursday, March 10, 2022: After reading for ten minutes and also dealing with a tornado drill, we then finished up our notes on persuasion. (Quizizz). We watched a short video on Abraham Lincoln, and on Monday we will begin applying the elements of persuasion to this famous speech. CODE: military cemetery.
128. Wednesday, March 9, 2022: We continued working with our Padlet (got our 10 people completed). Then we also worked on our persuasive notes. We were so close to finishing but didn't quite make it. We will finish that up tomorrow and then work on applying those techniques and terms to various pieces of literature. CODE: juxtaposition
127. Tuesday, March 8, 2022: We started by reviewing our Padlet for logos, ethos, and pathos. We'll take a few more tomorrow. If you made an error, you will need to go in and fix it. Then we used Quizizz to go through the various persuasive techniques. We will finish that tomorrow. CODE: Shaquile O'Neil.
126. Monday, March 7, 2022: I shared some fun (at least I think they were fun) stories of my vacation. Then you read for ten minutes. We didn't have a whole lot of time, but we're going to work on persuasive techniques. CODE: passport
122-125. Mr. Helkenn worked with you two of the class periods covering career exploration. On Wednesday, you took notes on ethos, logos, and pathos called Artistotle's Arguments. Then on Thursday, you had a Padlet assignment on ethos, pathos, and logos. Finally, on Friday, you worked in teams to figure out the cards - pathos, ethos, and logos.
121. Friday, February 25, 2022: How much of the EdPuzzle did you retain? We played a little game, and it seems like we really struggled with remembering the information about the Gettysburg Address. That's okay, we'll tackle it when I return. Be sure you have the Aristotle's Argument notes all done as you will use them all next week. CODE: Gettysburg
120. Thursday, February 24, 2022: Claim, counterclaim, opinion, fact, statistics, etc. We completed an escape room related to these topics. Those of you who were absent can grab the worksheet and see if you can escape in 30 minutes. The link is posted on Google Classroom. Also, please have the notes done for Artistotle's Argument. This will be your ticket to tomorrow's class. CODE: dress code
119. Wednesday, February 23, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then tackled a little more of author's purpose. We used a technique called dinner party. Everyone went around and discussed the answers to the worksheet, then we signed each other's paper if we agreed. We will finish up tomorrow. We will not be reading in class, so your homework is reading 10 minutes. CODE: Explain
118. Tuesday, February 22, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then for the rest of the class period we worked on author's purpose. There is a Quizizz posted to Google Classroom if you were absent. Just get the worksheet from the make-up crate. CODE: P.I.E.
117. Friday, February 18, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then the rest of the class period was used to work on a vocabulary lesson over "Sweet Potato Pie" and "Scarlet Ibis". Have a great weekend. CODE: Friday
116. Thursday, February 17, 2022: We reviewed things like point of view, imagery, and reading for details. Then we took our quiz over "The Scarlet Letter". You will need a set of highlighters for this quiz. When people finished their quizzes, they either worked on the ABCs or read for ten minutes. CODE: The Hate U Give
115. Wednesday, February 16, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then the rest of the class period was working on our "children's book" for "The Scarlet Ibis". Our quiz is tomorrow, with the children's book due on Friday. CODE: Old Woman's Swamp
114. Tuesday, February 15, 2022: We read for ten minutes. Then we finished our discussion of symbols as they appeared in the story - the scarlet ibis, a feather falling, lightning, storm clouds. etc. We then reviewed the ABC's of "The Scarlet Ibis". Using the letters of the alphabet, think of different words and phrases that relate to the story. You will have a quiz over the short story on Thursday. CODE: ABC
113. Monday, February 14, 2022: We read then jumped in and discussed the use of symbols in literature and culture. We also compared and contrasted the two main characters. As siblings, the narrator and Doodle had to have shared some similarities, what were they? What made them unique? For Friday, complete an IXL dealing with allusions (C2). An allusion is a reference to something we should know. You will read a passage, and then answer a few questions. CODE: badge vs. lanyard
112. Friday, February 11, 2022: We didn't read for ten minutes, but you need to send me your page number BEFORE class on Monday, or I will use the page number from Thursday. The prosecution won. Good job all! We will finish up our fiction unit this week. CODE: And the verdict is....
111. Thursday, February 10, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we then worked on preparing for tomorrow's trial. I think we're in for a great battle. CODE: All rise!
110. Wednesday, February 9, 2022: We didn't read today, and we're probably not going to read on Wednesdays anymore. Then we went over the words found in Expand Your Vocabulary. I divided people into groups - defense and prosecution (and the two who were absent will serve as a jury). Today and tomorrow will be spent working on our case. The trial will be on Friday. CODE: motive, means, and opportunity.
109. Tuesday, February 8, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we watched a music video - Miranda Lambert's "Over You". After comparing and contrasting the two, we then divided into groups and reviewed the questions (worksheet). Please finish the worksheet for class tomorrow. CODE: Gray horse
108. Monday, February 7, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we took a check over the first half of the story. I heard a lot of complaints from people because they read the entire story, but that wasn't what was assigned. Go to the blog if ever in doubt of assignments. Then we reviewed the rest of the vocabulary for "The Scarlet Ibis." For tomorrow, finish the story if you haven't, and complete the front side of the worksheet (one question on the back). We will continue with this tomorrow. CODE: mahogany coffin
107. Friday, February 4, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we went to work on our vocabulary for the short story "The Scarlet Ibis." We did a few activities looking at its opening paragraphs. For Monday, read up to the space on page 162. There will be a reading check to determine whether you read the story or not. Don't forget to complete the reading journal posted to Google Classroom. Midterms are Tuesday, so stay strong. CODE: Doodle.
106: Thursday, February 3, 2022: After reading for ten minutes, we logged into IXL and worked on the different types of sentences (declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory). After five minutes, we called it quits, but most reached 100% within that time frame. If not, you need to get to that point (IXL - W1). Then we discussed what happens to people who defer (postpone) their dream. Why didn't Charlie "explode"? Maybe it was because he created a new dream - one that included the success of Buddy. Tomorrow we will start the story "The Scarlet Ibis" as well as work on sentence structure. CODE: imperative
105. Wednesday, February 2, 2022: We read for ten minutes; many of us are reading a good book. I know at home I'm reading a book I have to read a little bit every night. Then we took a reading check (posted to Google Classroom). This check is to see if you finished the story. If you are absent, DO NOT TAKE THIS QUIZ OUTSIDE MY CLASSROOM. You need to take it in my room. We then discussed the end of the story and the symbolism the author used. I handed out a poem by Langston Hughes called "A Dream Deferred." You need to complete this for tomorrow. CODE: paper sack
104. Tuesday, February 1, 2022: We read for ten minutes and then watched a short video on the Harlem Renaissance. That video is on the agenda slides posted to Google Classroom. We then reviewed the last two vocabulary words from "Sweet Potato Pie." We also went over the slides you were to have completed for today. Quite a few people lost points today as they didn't have their homework done. For tomorrow, finish the story, and discover why this short story is called "Sweet Potato Pie". CODE: GI Bill
103. Monday, January 31, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then watched a short video on sharecropping (it's really slavery). We then returned to the story "Sweet Potato Pie". We got through several of the slides. For tomorrow, complete the slides up to #17. We will then finish the story tomorrow, and then we will begin the story "The Scarlet Ibis." CODE: whap!
102. Friday, January 28, 2022: We read for ten minutes and then went over two more point of view examples. Another reminder - IXL due by Tuesday. I think introduced the interactive slides of "Sweet Potato Pie". You will have today and Monday to complete with it due at the beginning of the class on Tuesday. Have a great weekend! CODE: gingham
101. Thursday, January 27, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then reviewed two point of view examples. A reminder that you have an IXL skills practice on this very skill. That is due by Tuesday. We then reviewed three of the vocabulary words related to the short story "Sweet Potato Pie". We'll finish that up tomorrow. We took a reading check over Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes. We will start reading the story tomorrow. CODE: fantastic
100. Wednesday, January 26, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we started our point of view workshop. Our IXL will review the skill of identifying the proper point of view. We then finished up our Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes. Tomorrow we're going to have a little check (quiz) over the two poems. Finally, we tackled some of the vocabulary related to our next story "Sweet Potato Pie." CODE: second person
99. Tuesday, January 25, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then watched a video on Emily Dickinson. We then went to page 519 in our book and then bulleted information that we felt was important, paying close attention to the duplicated information from the video and biography. We then read her poem "Hope is a Thing with Feathers." We discussed iambic meter, as well as what it takes to be considered a traditional poet. We will finish this up tomorrow, and then move onto a story called "Sweet Potato Pie." CODE: iambic meter
98. Monday, January 24, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then watched a video about Langston Hughes. With a highlighter, we highlighted duplicate information from our book's biography. Then we read "Mother to Son". Please circle the words that indicate that the poem is written using dialect. This poem can be divided into three sections. Please draw a line through the poem and break it into three parts. These parts might not be equal. Then we talked about how this is a metaphor. Life being all wonderful might be a crystal stair (to heaven?), but her life "ain't been no crystal stair." What do you think tacks, boards torn up, splinters might refer to? For tomorrow, please look up the five vocabulary words for "Sweet Potato Pie." CODE: perseverance
97. Friday, January 21, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we jumped into our next unit. We looked at an author who should be as well known as Mark Twain, so we spent our much shorter class period studying Langston Hughes. We'll tackle his poem of advice along with Emily Dickinson. Have a good weekend! COD: Harlem Renaissance
96. Thursday, January 20, 2022: We reviewed for our test by looking over our drama notes - parts of a stage and the history behind the theater. Then we took our quiz, and after you were done, you read. Don't forget to work on the IXL (D1) - matching quotations to themes. CODE: splinter
95. Wednesday, January 19, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we turned in our police report (for a grade). Then we continued with our discussion of symbols, denotation and connotation for the phrase "knot-it". We then shared theme(s) of this one act. Reach out - make a connection. You just might save someone's lives. On IXL you will need to work on the skill - matching the quotation to the theme (D1). Tomorrow we're going to have our test over "Trifles" and the drama terms. CODE: connect with someone today!
94. Tuesday, January 18, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we finished our vocabulary for "Trifles". We didn't quite get to it yesterday. Everyone turned in their police report. Then we started to discuss the importance of themes found in literature. We finished discussing the symbols within the story along with the theme. We didn't finish our discussion, so we'll finish up tomorrow and take our quiz on Thursday. CODE: broken jar of fruit
93. Monday, January 17, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we finished up our vocabulary for "Trifles". We reviewed what had happened, the clues we discovered, and then we finished the story. For tomorrow, complete the police report. CODE: obstruction of justice
We did not have class on Friday due to the blizzard.
92. Thursday, January 11, 2022: After taking down our page numbers, we then read for ten minutes. We then took out our vocabulary, notes, and play. We began to read the play while at the same time taking notes on the vocabulary words scoff, preoccupied, covert, and tippet. We also discussed the clues of the birdcage, the dead bird, and the theory that Mr. Wright abused Minnie. We will finish up the play tomorrow. CODE: quilt it.
91. Wednesday, January 10, 2022: We didn't read today because of the shortened class periods. We will take those page numbers tomorrow. We then started reading the story. As we read, we took vocabulary notes, as well as filled the accompanying notes. It's interesting the number of theories out there as to what happened to John Wright. CODE: knot it
90. Tuesday, January 9, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then I handed out cards for those that have not completed the IXLs assignments related to capitalization. When you've gotten to the level you want, then return the card to me; otherwise, I won't know who has completed the assignments. I won't return to those particular assignments without a reason to. We then volunteered to read for the various parts (those that read received extra credit points). We got through the majority of Mr. Hale's testimony, filling in some notes as we went (inference, character boxes, motive, means, and opportunity). For tomorrow, be sure that your IXL exercises are done. CODE: party telephone
89. Monday, January 8, 2022: We read for ten minutes, and then we discussed what a "trifle" was. We're going to tie this to the one-act play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell. We read Susan's biography (handout), and then we started to fill in a few vocabulary words (trifles). I then read the introductory paragraph that outlines the set of the play. We will begin reading the play tomorrow with volunteers playing the various characters. For tomorrow, complete the IXL assignment on capitalizing titles. You need to read 100%, and I don't believe it will take you long. CODE: Pulitzer Prize
88. Friday, January 7, 2022: We went to the auditorium to review the terms related to the stage. We took notes and then labeled the stage. We also toured the sound room and the costume room. We'll start reading the play "Trifles" on Monday. Have a great weekend! CODE: proscenium arch
87. Thursday, January 6, 2022: Today we started to discuss the background of drama (the theater). We shared what theater productions we've seen. We took some notes on the background of the theater, watch video clips from various shows - Hamilton, Stomp, and War Horse. Tomorrow we will meet in the auditorium in order to learn about the various parts of a stage. You need to continue to work on capitalization. CODE: Lion King
86. Wednesday, January 5, 2022: And we're back, with a whole new crew. It was so nice to see all your bright shining faces in class today. Remember that if you're absent, you'll want to read this blog, record the code words, and then go to Google Classroom and look at the agenda posted there. I discussed how reading journals are now going to have a question that asks you to reread your journals for grammar and punctuation. No longer will I accept lower case "i's" or no periods at the end of a sentence. We went through Quizizz again to refresh our minds about the rules and expectations in class. For tomorrow, please complete an assignment on IXL dealing with capitalization. You must get a 100%. CODE: field trip tomorrow!
82. Monday, December 20, 2021: We didn't read today and we won't tomorrow either. It's important that you go online and complete the Final Reading Journal for the semester. If you need the contract pages, you can come in and grab them or take a picture of them. I handed out an O.Henry story called "The Last Leaf," and then we listened to it and discussed the personification, imagery, and irony within the story. We spent a lot of time talking about whether the character of Old Behrman was a positive or negative character. This definitely made me giggle. Tomorrow we will be listening/reading the story "The Gift of the Magi" (also by O. Henry). This is probably the most famous of Christmas short stories ever published. CODE: Art
81. Friday, December 17, 2021: We didn't read today as we jumped in and reviewed for today's quiz. We played a couple of rounds of Quizlet Live and then we took our quiz. If you were gone today, DO NOT take this quiz outside my classroom. You need to set up a time where you can take the quiz in my classroom. Don't forget to work on your reading journal - this one's worth 20 points, so you want to be sure to get that finished. CODE: Santa
80. Thursday, December 16, 2021: We read for ten minutes today, and then we watched Ken Kemler's address on his experience on Mount Everest. I listen to this every year, and I am so amazed at his talk. We can literally make things happen. Tomorrow we will have a quiz over "Out, Out" and "Into Thin Air." CODE: frostbite.
79. Wednesday, December 15, 2021: We didn't read today, and we jumped right in and began reviewing the information from "Into Thin Air". We filled out the timeline for the story as well as identified who the people were on this doomed expedition. Tomorrow we're going to watch the doctor's testimony to what happened. Our quiz over "Out, Out" and "Into Thin Air" is on Friday. CODE: Hillery Step
78. Tuesday, December 14, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we reviewed the next four vocabulary words. We then reviewed the questions from yesterday's reading. We looked at pictures of Hillery Step, the Balcony, and the various camps. For tomorrow, please read the rest of the story and answer the questions. CODE: hypoxia
77. Monday, December 13, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we started our next piece of literature "Into Thin Air." We watched the trailer for the movie, and then we reviewed the first four vocabulary words. Then we read John Krakauer's biography and filled in our worksheet. We also read "Background" and filled out the questions for that section as well. Please read up to page 363 and answer the questions. CODE: Mt. Everest
76. Thursday, December 9, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we finished up our discussion of the poem "Out, Out". I had hoped we would have a little time to work on the door decorations, but things took a little longer than I planned. If we have school tomorrow, we'll start one of my favorite pieces of literature. I know you'll really enjoy it as well. CODE: MacBeth
75. Wednesday, December 8, 2021: We read for ten minutes. Then we tried to write a summary of the narrative poem in seven sentences or less. (1) The boy was cutting wood at sunset. (2) He had been working all day. (3) His sister called that supper was ready, and the saw leaped from the boy's hand. (4) He begged that his hand didn't get cut off. (5) The doctor had no choice but to cut it off. (6) The boy died, and everyone returned to their work. Then we grabbed different colored highlighters (blue, yellow, pink, and green), and for tomorrow highlight examples based on the key in your worksheet. CODE: Vermont
74. Tuesday, December 7, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we watched a wonderful example of perseverance. This no-armed archer really shows us that we have a lot to be thankful for. Then we read, actually we listened, to the poem "Out, Out". We discussed how it was a narrative poem, and that it has a plot line like any story (exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action). For tomorrow, find FIVE examples of imagery (sight, sound, touch, taste or smell.) CODE: ether
73. Monday, December 6, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then started our "Life and Death Decisions - based on true stories." We read page 540 (the biography of Robert Frost). We then filled in the accompanying notes. We watched Biography Channel's story on Robert Frost, and then we highlighted the facts/information that was repeated. We will tackle the story "Out, Out" tomorrow. CODE: reading at JFK's inauguration
72. Friday, December 3, 2021: Today you took your Gothic Unit Test. With whatever time was remaining, please complete your reading journal (#6). CODE: Weekend vibes
71. Thursday, December 2, 2021: We read for only five minutes today. We discussed the rest of the Dramatic Irony packet. We then finished up idioms and what several of them mean. We then started to review. There are study cards posted to Google Classroom. I strongly suggest that you go through them a couple of times. CODE: Give me a break!
70. Wednesday, December 1, 2021: It's so good to be back. We tackled the Dramatic Irony portion of the Irony Workshop. We read the poem "Six Blind Men and the Elephant."
69. Tuesday, November 30, 2021: I was still gone - the flu stinks. Mr. Van Briesen handed out the vocabulary lesson for the Gothic Unit (Cask of the Amontillado, The Raven, and The Hitchhiker). CODE: definitions
68. Monday, November 29, 2021: I was gone today because I had the flu. Mrs. Anderson handled the class. You listened and watched the song "Isn't Ironic?" You should highlight in the lyrics the ironic statements you find. Those lyrics are in your irony packet. Some of the statements are not necessarily ironic. CODE: Chardonnay
67. Wednesday, November 24, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we worked with idioms. We looked for people who understood an idiom that we didn't. Then we played Quizlet.com - one that focused on idioms. CODE: stuffed and happy
66. Tuesday, November 23, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we worked on our characterization workshop and idioms as found in our story. We will be finishing up the gothic unit, review when we return, and then take our unit test on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. CODE: idiomatic
65. Monday, November 22, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then there was a video to watch. In that video, we reviewed the vocabulary words related to "The Hitchhiker". We also reviewed a couple of the questions in our characterization workshop (#2-3). Finally, Mr. Van Briesen handed out a worksheet called "The Hitchhiker". You need to have that completed when you return to class tomorrow. We will finish up our gothic unit and have our test next week. CODE: Positive or Negative character
64. Friday, November 19, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we began to read "The Hitchhiker". This is such a fun story to listen to and read. What we don't get finished, we will finish on Monday. Have a good weekend. CODE: operators
63. Thursday, November 18, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then I had a "come to Jesus meeting" about appropriate conversations that happen in my classroom. I don't care whether it's a conversation that starts out in the hallway and you are talking about it as you enter my room. Think of the doorway as a filter, and I don't want to hear things that are disrespectful to people in the room, somewhere else, or in general ANYWHERE!! I've ignored it long enough. We then completed some notes on characterization. We will continue to work on these skills as we start reading "The Hitchhiker". We assigned roles to be read, and for tomorrow, vocabulary (four words) is due. CODE: Respect in all conversations
62. Wednesday, November 17, 2021: After a quick review of Poe's life, we watched the Simpson's version of "The Raven". Then we took our quiz over Poe. CODE: Bart looks like the Raven
61. Tuesday, November 16, 2021: After reading, we then worked on our vocabulary for "The Raven". Then we played several rounds of Quizlet Live in review for tomorrow's quiz/test "quest". CODE: Head-bobbing
60. Monday, November 15, 2021: I don't know why it isn't saving this, but it's getting a little frustrating. All my other classes are updating, but not English 1. Anyway, we read for ten minutes (I know that's a surprise isn't it), then we watched a video - I think it was a homework assignment for someone - that was an animation of Annabel Lee. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCG1CpfejW4&t=1s) We then reviewed the ways that this poem was similar to "The Raven". We didn't get as far as I'd like, so tomorrow we will tackle vocabulary and review for our quiz on Wednesday. CODE: The kingdom by the sea
59. Friday, November 12, 2021: I was gone today, so this is what I left for you and Mr. Van Briesen. You should have read for ten minutes, and then you should have tackled the questions over "The Raven". Those questions are in your packet. Also in your packet is a poem entitled "Annabel Lee". Read it and annotate it for the devices we found in "The Raven". Don't forget to finish your reading journal #3. It's a short journal (only five points). CODE: alliteration
58. Thursday, November 11, 2021: We read for ten minutes today, then we finished up reading "The Raven". We talked about the many emotions that the speaker must have felt and that most of those feelings are the same of anyone going through grief. You are to have the vocabulary (that includes Expand Your Vocabulary) done as well. Do your own! CODE: "Still is sitting"
57. Wednesday, November 10, 2021: We did not read today because we jumped in with "The Raven." We finished up our irony workshop (#5-7). Then we listened to James Earl Jones read "The Raven" - verses 6-8. We then annotated the verses 6-8. CODE: internal rhyme.
56. Tuesday, November 9, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we began to discuss "The Raven". We acknowledged that there were five stages of grief, and in this poem, we should be able to identify each one. We then started to "annotate" our poem - mark it up to learn the various literary devices like alliteration, imagery, mood, point of view, and setting. We had symbols for each one. We will continue to work on this tomorrow. CODE: James Earl Jones
55. Monday, November 8, 2021: We read for our ten minutes, and then I reminded everyone of the importance of turning in the code words and page numbers when you are absent. We then took a look at the irony workshop that you completed with the substitute. We also then reviewed a few of the examples from the Mood Worksheet. Then I handed out a packet on the poem "The Raven." Ironically, the Ravens played (and beat the Vikings yesterday. This was not planned, but ironic!!). We will be reading this poem together. Please look up the vocabulary words. CODE: vocabulary
54. Friday, November 5, 2021: No school, therefore, no class. Parent/Teacher Conferences
53. Thursday, November 4, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we watched a video on the different types of irony - situational, verbal, and dramatic. Then we took notes (using the SMART board) on irony. We highlighted the key elements. Please complete the first page of the worksheet. Reading journals are due on Tuesday rather than Monday because of the three-day weekend. CODE: irony
52. Wednesday, November 3, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then shared what we thought the mood for our independent reading book. Then we reviewed the first four questions (worksheet). I distributed an Irony Workshop, which we will work on it tomorrow. CODE: Acme Life Vests
51. Tuesday, November 2, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then watched a video on mood. We then tried to apply those concepts of word choice, setting, and imagery to "Cask of the Amontillado". We started to review the homework assignment, but ran out of time. Good thing too as many of you didn't have it done. CODE: mood
50. Monday, November 1, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we spent most of the class period reviewing the elements of mood. We first finished the skeleton outline, and then listened to a spoof by Toby Keith and the "Cask of Amontillado". We then took a few notes on mood. There's a worksheet for you to finish. CODE: It's a little too late.
49. Friday, October 29, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we reviewed the words from "Expand Your Vocabulary." Unfortunately, many of you lost participation points because you didn't have them defined. We then started to review the skeleton outline for the story. Again, many of you did not have it completed and lost daily points. For Monday, don't forget to complete your reading journal. CODE: motley - you're all just a motley crew!
48. Thursday, October 28, 2021: We started by going over the answers to the daily riddle. You are all getting faster and faster at these. Then we watched a short video on Edgar Allan Poe. He's an author we need to know a lot about his background and his impact on literature. We followed that with five myths of Edgar Allan Poe. Finally, we started the vocabulary for this story. Please look up the expand your vocabulary words. CODE: Rufus McGee
47. Wednesday, October 27, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then took a reading check over the story and Edgar Allan Poe. We ran out of time, but we'll then tackle vocabulary and the story tomorrow. CODE: the perfect murder
46. Tuesday, October 26, 2021: We went on a field trip today - to the crypts of the building. We had some fun acting out the story "The Cask of the Amontillado." I appreciate Dominick for playing Fortunato. We then completed a skeleton (LOL) outline. Have this outline for tomorrow. CODE: nitre
45. Monday, October 25, 2021: We read for ten minutes, got our contracts caught up, and generally finished up a few loose ends. We discussed the life and times of Edgar Allan Poe using the items from the mystery box. Tomorrow, complete the questions that are posted to the back of the worksheet with mystery box notes. These questions will get you a ticket to our field trip, so please be sure that you do your own work and are ready to go on a mysterious journey. CODE: the crypts
44. Friday, October 22, 2021: We did not read for ten minutes; we just jumped in worked on a mystery box related to Edgar Allan Poe. After being paired up, everyone was to take an object and research how that object is related to Poe. We will have a few to go for Monday, but we're going to start our gothic unit. It's October, so it seems like a good idea. CODE: the Raven
43. Thursday, October 21, 2021: We read for ten minutes, then we organized our notebook. They were kind of a mess, but hopefully we got them straightened out. Then we tried to finish our vocabulary, but I think people will need more time to finish. CODE: Organizational skills
42. Wednesday, October 20, 2021: We took our quiz over "The Lady or the Tiger" and the "Most Dangerous Game." For some, you will need to come in tomorrow to finish things up. CODE: test
41. Tuesday, October 19, 2021: We reviewed for our test by playing some Quizlet Live. Then we started a vocabulary lesson which we will finish after the test. It's fun to watch how competitive you can be. CODE: Life and Death
40. Monday, October 18, 2021: If you have any "Ms" listed in your progress report, you need to get them taken care of before Wednesday (end of quarter). We read for ten minutes and then used the rest of the time to work on our map. Your maps are due tomorrow, and we will have a test on Wednesday over "The Lady or the Tiger" and "The Most Dangerous Game". This test is over the details, but more about looking at the story's symbolism and themes. CODE: make-up work
39. Friday, October 15, 2021: I took down page numbers, and then we read today. We then spent the rest of the class period working on our maps. We need a little more time, so we're going to extend the deadline until Tuesday. Have a great weekend! CODE: chateau
38. Thursday, October 14, 2021: We didn't read today; that actually should be your homework. We finished our suspense notes (on the bottom of the Contrasts and Contradictions notes). Then we shared what we put into our "Message in the Bottle" assignment. I handed out our next assignment - Ship-Trap Island map. Using the clues in the story, where were some of the key landmarks located. We had a great conversation that this story took place in the Caribbean, so what direction was the boat going, and if he falls off the boat and swims right (said inside the story), where did he land? We had some great conversations. We will work on this assignment tomorrow as well. CODE: left or right?
37. Wednesday, October 13, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then discussed the similarities between the characters from the "Lady or the Tiger" and "The Most Dangerous Game." We discussed the theme of the story (entertainment), and we got started with how suspense is created. We ran out of time, but remember your message in the bottle is due tomorrow. CODE: Life and Death Decisions
36. Tuesday, October 12, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then matched the definitions to the words from our Expand Your Vocabulary. We took a reading check posted to Google Classroom. This is to see how well we listened and read along. Finally, we reviewed the contrasts and contradictions. For Thursday, there is a "Message in a Bottle" assignment posted to Google Classroom. CODE: Rainsford-jaguar
35. Monday, October 11, 2021: I know that I blogged yesterday, yet today it's not here. So I'll rewrite what we did yesterday. We read the rest of the story; I refer to this section as "the chase". At the end of the story, we learn that Rainsford does come out on top, but at what cost? For tomorrow, please look up the "expand your vocabulary" and also complete the contrasts and contradictions worksheet. CODE: beast at bay
34. Friday, October 8, 2021: We read for our ten minutes, and then we finished out the last two vocabulary words. We will tackle the "Expand Your Vocabulary" next week. Using a reading check posted to Google Classroom, we went through and checked our reading. If you were gone, please complete this assignment. Do not use your book please. We discussed the irony of the title. First, Zaroff says it's a "game," but also something that is being hunted is called "game". What a contrast. On Monday we will read the chase. Have a great weekend. CODE: game
33. Thursday, October 7, 2021: We read up to page 34 today. We learned that General Zaroff isn't all he appears to be. This story is full of contrasts and contradictions. We enjoyed reading things together and discussing this story. CODE: sophisticated
32. Wednesday, October 6, 2021: After our time with our books, we discussed the idea of evil. Is it tangible? Can you feel it? Then we defined the first three vocabulary words. Then as a group, we completed the reading quiz posted to Google Classroom. We did it together except for two questions (I was just checking to see if you read the story.) We will continue reading the story tomorrow. If you haven't read the first section, you need to get it down. CODE: Ship-Trap Island
31. Tuesday, October 5, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we compared our "Lost at Sea" rankings with our new table. We discussed the importance of predictions by watching a video where we had to predict what we thought was going to happen. For tomorrow, read "The Most Dangerous Game" up to page 27. You will fill in your prediction page while you read. There will be a check to see how well you're picking up the information. CODE: shaving mirror
30. Monday, October 4, 2021: We read for our ten minutes, and then we turned in our paragraph on the Lady or the Tiger. Then we read a short story called "Fish Cheeks" and identified the contrasts and contradictions within the story. We will be using this skill with the next few pieces of literature. For tomorrow, look up the definitions for our vocabulary words, and also, complete the activity called "Lost at Sea". Remember you promised to do this on your own without any assistance from others or the Internet. CODE: sextant.
29. Friday, October 1, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we reviewed how to embed quotations - the rules and the punctuation. Then we got into our respective groups - lady at one table and tiger at the other. We shared our reason along with what quotes supported those reasons. If we break down our paragraph, you should have one to two sentences stating your point, three sentences that reflect your reasons with evidence, three additional sentences that include explanations for that evidence, and then a link (which might be one or two sentences). At a minimum, your paragraph should be eight sentences long. This is due on Monday, along with reading journal #6. CODE: the colon
28. Thursday, September 30, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we went through how to embed quotations in our paragraphs. We used a Kahoot that helped us determine how to put things in parenthesis, quotation marks, end punctuation, colons, etc. It was a better way to teach this than I would have done. I enjoyed myself as well. You need to have one quote to share for tomorrow's class, because when you write your paragraphs, you will need three embedded quotations cited correctly. CODE: (Sandbulte 21)
27. Wednesday, September 29, 2021: We read for ten minutes, and then we finished our story detective. Then each chose the outcome they believed the doors contained - lady or tiger. Now we're going to look for specific evidence to support our choice. CODE: external conflict
26. Tuesday, September 28, 2021: We read for ten minutes. I reminded everyone that they need to fill out their reading contracts fully. I've been doing a lot of math lately! We then jumped in and finished our discussion of "The Lady or the Tiger" (well, we have a little bit left). We finished quite a bit of the story detective. For tomorrow, complete the No Red Ink diagnostic test. It's supposed to be difficult, just do your best and muddle through. CODE: foils
25. Monday, September 27, 2021: It is important that when you finish a book, you fill out a recommendation, and then a new contract for any new book you start. It's my way to see how your goals are progressing. Also, many of you aren't completing your weekly reading journals, and that is really impacting the overall grade. We signed up for No Red Ink today. It's important as this is the way we're going to review key grammatical and punctuation lessons. There is a diagnostic test you need to complete by Wednesday. We then started our review of the story detective of "The Lady or the Tiger". We got to the characters - major/minor; round/flat, or dynamic/static. We'll finish this up tomorrow. CODE: Frank Stockton
24. Friday, September 24, 2021: No class today. Ropes Course! I hope you had fun. I was on my couch sleeping and coughing. CODE: perseverance
23. Thursday, September 23, 2021: Yep, we read for ten minutes. Next, we went over the rest of the vocabulary words. Monday, we'll tackle those Expand Your Vocabulary. We did take a moment or two and discuss "what makes a piece of literature a classic?" I'm not sure I feel that this story falls into the classic realm, but many would disagree. We then played a few rounds of Quizlet Live. I didn't know there were some questions from our next story, so I'll have to fix that for later game play. Have fun tomorrow at the ropes course. CODE: fervent fan
22. Wednesday, September 22, 2021: After our traditional ten minutes, we each identified what side of the debate we're on - lady or the tiger. We then took a reading check over the story, and by the sounds of things, it went well. Then we shared our thoughts (points) on the homework debate. Next, we watched the video "The Lady or the Tiger" and filled in our chart. For tomorrow, you need to pick a side, and then find the proof in the story - actual quotes. For example, when it comes to love, the story says they were like one soul. That's pretty powerful evidence. Place that evidence below the chart I provided. CODE: semi-barbaric
21. Tuesday, September 21, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we discussed the three "brain-worthy facts" we should hold onto concerning Frank Stockton. Those facts should be written in the corner of the Story Detective worksheet that I handed out. Then we reviewed two of the vocabulary words (also on the same worksheet). We discussed the setting of the story (filled in that box) and then what are the differences between a major/minor, round/flat, and dynamic/static character. We might not always know, but we can deduce that the king is probably a minor, flat, static character. I handed out another worksheet - The Lady or the Tiger? Debate. Watch the video posted to Google Classroom and fill in the chart. CODE: impartial
20. Monday, September 20, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we reviewed the process we went through to write our paragraphs on whether homework should be banned. We discussed how a paragraph like this should be about 10 sentences. It might break down this way: point (stating your position) maybe two sentences, evidence should be three at the minimum, the explanation should be between three and four, and then finish it off with the link another sentence or two. Then we introduced Frank Stockton and his story "The Lady or the Tiger". I started reading it, but this is a tough short story. There is an audio link posted to Google Classroom. Use that to listen to the story. Listen to the story and we'll start discussing it in class. CODE: barbarism.
19. Friday, September 17, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then shared our paragraphs (written in the PEEL chart) with two classmates. After reading the paragraph, the editors should comment using the comment function. Several paragraphs look like they need expanding. The evidence and explain steps require several sentences. Also, the "link" step is NOT an URL address; it means to link it all the way back to your claim. It's kind of restating your opinion. Other than that, just looking over people's shoulders, it looks like we may be on the right track. Have two classmates edit before coming to class on Monday. CODE: link
18. Thursday, September 16, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we looked at our PEEL worksheet. Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link is such a wonderful format to follow when writing and structuring a paragraph. I then shared some examples. Then everyone was supposed to go to Google Classroom and find the assignment where they color code a paragraph for PEEL. For tomorrow, they are to write their paragraph on homework using the PEEL method. CODE: audio didn't work.
17. Wednesday, September 15, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then started to scope out the question, should homework be banned, is it beneficial? After talking in groups, I showed everyone the website Pro/Con.org. This is the website that you should use as you research this question. We will then try to structure our paragraph using PEEL. Code: Pro/Con
16. Tuesday, September 14, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we discussed the issue of "Everyone should be required to be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus." We had a civil discussion, something many adults should follow. This was the start of a conversation about P.E.E.L. - an organization technique we're going to use when writing paragraphs and essays. We then discussed the issue, "Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?" In partners, we fill out a chart that asked us to come up with ideas for, against, and neutral. Hold onto that chart. For tomorrow, please read the handout called P.E.E.L. CODE: distraction
15. Monday, September 13, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we began our writing unit on literary analysis. We did a gallery walk where we walked around the room and answered questions about the analysis of literature and why it's important. We watched a few videos about this very topic. For tomorrow, please complete a self-assessment and also watch "Why We Read" (the link is on Google Classroom. CODE: "I speak three languages."
14. Friday, September 10, 2021: We jumped right in and reviewed for today's quiz over the literature we've read so far. It seems to me some didn't really study. I could be wrong, I'm just evaluating body language. After the quizzes were completed, then everyone had an opportunity to read. I took page numbers down at the end of class. Have a great Monday! CODE: Advice
13. Thursday, September 9, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we finished our discussion on "Walter Mitty". Today was the first time I really felt like we were connecting and in a rhythm in class. It was a lot of fun to hear your responses and opinions on Walter Mitty's sanity. I just to remind everyone, that yes, I don't collect a lot of worksheets - that's where your participation points come in. When I collect notebooks, if those pages are blank, you lose points on your overall grade. We are going to have a quiz tomorrow over the advice from literature we've studied so far - Lucinda Matlock, Fiddler Jones, George Gray, Webster Ford, Richard Corey, and Walter Mitty. CODE: Is he insane?
12. Wednesday, September 8, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we worked on our vocabulary. For tomorrow, please complete the "Expand the Vocabulary." We then looked at a few more of his daydreams. It seems like it's taking us a while to get through this story. Also, fill out the psychological report - is he insane? CODE: webbly-viccers
11. Tuesday, September 7, 2021: After kind of scolding those that were gone on Friday, we started reading. Those that missed last Friday had to take their reading check during their 10 minutes with their independent reading book. We then moved onto talk about Walter Mitty's daydreams along with the way that James Thurber structured his dialogue (rather than one line for each line of dialogue, he smooshed it all into one paragraph). We discussed that this might have been a choice, because how else would you show the chaos of one's thoughts. For tomorrow, please answer the questions that I distributed. CODE: malapropism (using words incorrectly).
10. Friday, September 3, 2021: We had several people (almost half the class) gone today. We read for ten minutes. If you were gone, you need to email or send via Remind your page number; I need to be able to close out our reading for this week. Then we discussed the concept of "stock characters". A stock character is a type of character that always seems to show up in a specific type of story. For example, in Westerns, there is always a sheriff, a villain, a saloon girl, a goofy deputy. Then we took a reading check. If you were gone, you MAY NOT TAKE IT OUTSIDE OF MY CLASSROOM. If you do, you will not get credit. On Tuesday, you will need to come in during a study hall or before or after school. There is a Reading Journal Week #2, but it's not due until Tuesday at 4:00 PM Have a great weekend. CODE: stock characters.
9. Thursday, September 2, 2021: Now we're getting into a routine - reading for ten minutes. Then we made up words - and there were some great ones. We then watched a short video where two children are trying to get their made-up word into the dictionary (orbisculate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc0EprCpna8) Then we went over two of the vocabulary words writing new sentences with each word. Finally, we reviewed the first daydream of Walter Mitty. You will need to read the entire story for tomorrow. You will be given a reading check to see if you read it. CODE: shricken (just ask Levi)
8. Wednesday, September 1, 2021: Guess what? We started with reading for ten minutes! Then we shared our poems, and I have to say I was so impressed. Some of them sounded fantastic! Then I distributed our textbooks and took down your page numbers. Dominick, your book is at the front of my classroom. We then read the biography of James Thurber (pg. 189). For tomorrow, read the first three daydreams of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. CODE: blind in one eye
7. Tuesday, August 31, 2021: After our normal ten minutes, we then began editing and revising our poem. We highlighted or marked our nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Then we turned to our own poems and started to mark them for interesting nouns, verbs, and adjectives. I tried to model what it would look like - changing words and adjusting lines. Then I shared the Google Slide that showed the final product. Poems are due tomorrow. CODE: nouns
6. Monday, August 30, 2021: After reading for ten minutes, we then talked about the best advice we had ever received. For me it was from my grandmother - Be better today than you were yesterday. I can do that! I handed out a worksheet that had two more individuals on it - Webster Ford and Richard Cory. One was from Spoon River Anthology and the other from another author Edwin Arlington Robinson. We shared their stories and advice. Then we went to Google Classroom and looked at a poem I put together. It didn't seem like people worked very hard on their own individual poems. Tomorrow you need to have some kind of draft - something where you end with advice. CODE: Find your voice.
5. Friday, August 27, 2021: We started our 10 minutes of reading in preparation for meeting our first weekly goal. We then discussed George Gray. We indicated what his name might have meant, what words we struggled with, the image that would appear on his headstone. We then discussed our writing project - a "look-alike" poem. Each of these poems is a mini-biography with a piece of advice at the end. We're going to write our own poem and provide our own advice, along with an illustration. For Monday, complete a rough draft of your poem. CODE: furled sail.
4. Thursday, August 26, 2021: We reviewed our reading contracts and did a little adjustment. I'm a little picky about how they're filled out in order to make it easier for the future. I had this video to show, but the Internet just lagged, so it didn't ever load. Maybe tomorrow. Then we read "Lucinda Matlock" and "Fiddler Jones". Both of those poems set a tone for high school - It takes Life to love Life and to die without a single regret. I just would like to live a life where broke my "laugher". For tomorrow, complete the last poem "George Gray". Don't forget to also read for 10 minutes.
3. Wednesday, August 25, 2021: We discussed our reading personality. For example, I'm eclectic. I love historical fiction, but then I can turn around and read Harry Potter. I am a fast reader, but I also get distracted easily. Often I find that I have to reread because I spaced out. I have a pretty good vocabulary, but if the book is about science, then I feel like I need to look up the terms in order to understand. We also did a gallery walk to look at each All About Me collage. We ended the day with a few snacks and a chance to pick out a book for our independent reading. CODE: chocolate.
2. Tuesday, August 24, 2021: Today we got to know the way I grade - participation, grade break down, etc. This took most of the class period. Then I reminded everyone to have their collage "All About Me" completed. It's important that everyone starts picking out a book for our independent reading program. CODE: Ormie the Pig.
Monday, August 23, 2021: The first day of your freshmen year. I hope it went well. I shared a little background information, then we filled out our reading cards. Then we watched a cat/dog video along with a ski jumper. I passed out our first assignment called "All About Me". This isn't due until Wednesday, but it was nice to hear how some of you are going to get a jump on it right away. CODE: Harry Potter
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