August 27, 2014 (Wednesday)

Post date: Aug 27, 2014 6:26:36 PM

I think we're slowly getting into the routine. My study hall is quiet and it looks like people are working. I must admit though, I'm looking forward to a three-day weekend. Maybe then I can get a little more caught up.

In English 10 we reviewed the communication model (nonverbal/verbal; formal/informal; intrapersonal/interpersonal), 5 communication arenas and finally the seven characteristics of an ethical speaker. We then added to our notes - why do we communicate. In all honesty, we probably should have started with that. Tomorrow they will be having a quiz over the material. I also handed out the perimeters for their first speech. They should read that handout and try to develop a concept for their first speech.

In American Government we talked briefly about their current events forum. They should post a summary and reflection by Saturday. We then reviewed the four qualities of a state, the difference between a state and State, the four theories of how a state is born, and ended with what is a nation state. We then took notes on Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. We also discussed the four purposes ALL governments have - maintain social order, provide public goods and services, provide national defense and security, and finally making economic decisions. Using illustrations, they will be creating a collage of 12 pictures (3 for each purpose) exhibiting the four purposes of government.

In Literature 9 we're still reviewing the importance of prior knowledge. We discussed how we would feel and what we would do if we discovered a sibling committed a horrible crime. We then reviewed the five vocabulary words. I reminded them that they needed three (3) synonyms. You might have to go to the root word to find those three synonyms. We then started to discuss the difference between the structure of an essay and the structure of a graphic novel. For tomorrow they are to read "A Brother's Crime" and write down ten (10) important details from the reading.

Now I feel like we're getting into what the year is going to be all about. See you tomorrow!