Monday, August 31, 2015

Post date: Aug 31, 2015 8:00:34 PM

The first Monday of the new year. We started last week Tuesday, so we didn't have the full feel of a Monday. I must say I think we handled it quite well.

In Literature 9 we started with a funny video "Play Dead Bailey". I think it set a good mood for a Monday. We turned in our goals paper along with an envelope with the hope that we will read them towards the end of the year. We then received our books, filled out an inventory, and explained that a book cover would really help to prevent fines. Then we took our reading probe. We will do this a total of four times this year, and it is very important to do well on these probes to demonstrate our reading growth. Then we discussed our vocabulary. We're starting with the story "The Lady or the Tiger?" and how it is much easier to understand a story, an article, someone speaking when we share a common vocabulary. So we're definitely going to emphasize vocabulary in Literature 9 this year.

In English 10 we also watched the funny video "Play Dead Bailey". Then we too took a reading probe. We turned in our goals paper with the hope that we will reread them at the end of the year and see progress. Sixth hour still needs to write their goals paper. We then discussed the features of our vocabulary speeches. Everyone picked a word (some had a word thrust upon them) and they are to present theses words to their classmates. We discussed definition, synonyms (3 or more), antonyms (2 or more), two original sentences that reflect an understanding of the word, and a way to remember it. All presentations will be turned in on Wednesday.

In American Government we started with the funny video "Play Dead Bailey". Then we began discussing what makes a country a country (state). I pointed out that the four qualities - population, territory, government, and sovereignty (the ability to choose or who's in charge) - are needed for a country to be considered a country. We identified specific countries vs. entities that lacked one or more of the features. As homework everyone is supposed to choose a place they'd like to visit and outline the four features.

Hope everyone else had a great Monday!

Working on solving a murder.

Who killed Mr. Kelly?