Review Creative Writing Packet and Requirements

Independent Reading & Reading Log/ Discuss and Select a Book

Discuss Current Events and Brainstorm a List of Topics (if there is time)

Closing

Wishing you a positive and productive day! :)

It's our last day! Enjoy your summer!

Keep

reading and writing! :)

jbenedetto@scsd.us

8/13: Welcome to Class! Two classes left after today!

Word of the Day:

Impermanent- temporary

"Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent."

(from Tuesdays with Morrie)

Continue reading and discussing Tuesdays with Morrie and

finish your reading projects by Wednesday

Closing. Wishing you wonderful day! :)

8/9/18: Good Morning!

Word of the Day:

Memoir- a historical account or biography written from personal

knowledge or special sources.

• • In 1924 she published a short memoir of her husband's time in Europe.

Independent Reading and Project Time

Next,

1. Tuesdays with Morrie- Reading and Packet # 2 "The Fifth Tuesday We

Talk About Family" (page 5 and 6 in the study guide, pages 26-29 in the

large packet with the book).

2. Begin reading the next section and work on the third packet.

Have a wonderful day! :)

12-9-14:

The research sheet is due by the end of class time tomorrow 12/10!

Be working on your rough drafts!

12-8-14:

Finish the "Three Ways to Persuade" article, I didn't get many today! This will not be given a full-credit grade tomorrow.

Continue researching your topics, a rough draft is due Friday.

12-5-14:

Annotate and answer the three questions of the "Three Ways to Persuade" article for Monday.

12-4-14:

1. Finish the exit-slip if you haven't already. The assignment was: Think of a time in the future, when will you need rhetoric to convince someone?

12-3-14:

1. Again, NO HOMEWORK! (Can you believe it??)

2. Please come in prepared to start a new unit tomorrow!

12-2-14:

1. I was very pleased with today's class! As a reward, we don't have any homework today! Prepare for a fun debate tomorrow!

12-1-14:

1. No homework today! I think we did enough reading over the break. :D

2. Use this time to catch up on assignments.

11-25-14:

You are more than welcome to contact me at MrBurtonEnglish@gmail.com -- I will check this email from 6-7pm.

1. For Thanksgiving Break:

-> Read Chapters 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38

*Suggestion: Split up your reading! Read 5 chapters tonight, 5 tomorrow, 5 Friday!

2. There will be a brief quiz following the break. Don't stress over this! If you've read, you will do well.

3. Happy Thanksgiving!!! Enjoy your vacation! :D

11-24-14:

1. Read Chapters 17-19 for tomorrow

2. Your project grades have been posted!

3. Let's have a good class tomorrow before Thanksgiving break!

4. Gobble gobble!!!!!!!!!

11-21-14:

1. Read Chapters 11-17 for Mon. (You can skip Chapt. 14)

2. Come prepared to discuss these chapters on Monday!

11-19-14:

1. Read Chapters 8-10, come ready to discuss these chapters tomorrow.

2. Let's push this reading into gear, I know we want to finish this book!

3. Be checking your grades on eSchool, and don't forget about your weekly participation grade while you're in class.

11-18-14:

1. Read Chapter 7 and answer questions for Wednesday!

2. Enjoy your half-day tomorrow! :)

11-14-14:

1. Read Chapters 5 and 6, no questions this weekend.

2. Always be prepared! There might be another pop-quiz, there might not be.

3. Check your grades on eSchool. Get those Prologue Sheets and Anticipation Guides in for partial credit.

4. Nice job today! Go sledding this weekend! Build a snowman and call it Mr. Burton! Take a selfie with it for brownie points. :D

11-13-14:

1. Read Chapter 4 and answer questions - this will be collected

2. Remember that tomorrow I will log a participation grade for the week -- each day I'm scoring you out of 20 pts.

11-12-14:

1. Catch up with reading (Prologue, Chapters 1,2, and now 3 for tomorrow), turn in Prologue sheet for a possible grade of 80% max.

2. Read Chapter 3 -- there will be a quiz tomorrow!

3. Answer questions for Chapter 3 on a separate sheet of paper.

4. Although it's a half-day, let's come ready to work!

11-10-14:

1. Finish the anticipation guide

2. Read the Prologue, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2!

3. Complete the worksheet for the Prologue (6 questions)

4. Enjoy Veterans' Day! Thank a soldier and/or veteran tomorrow.

5. My professor will observe our class on Wednesday -- be on your best behavior! :)

11-8-14: Homework this weekend... Please BE PREPARED for Monday's FINAL day of presentations. Please be on time as well. Have a fabulous weekend :) Nice job this week!

11-7-14

1. We are presenting again today.

2. Make sure everything is prepared and ready to go before class!

3. Don't forget your passwords/usernames if you need to log-in to Prezi or another site.

4. TGIF!

11-6-14

1. Projects are due today

2. Be ready to present today and tomorrow!

11-4-14

1. Wonder charts for "Night Women" and "Between the Pool and the Gardenias"

11-3-14:

1. Your Krik? Krak! projects are due this Thursday! Please be ready to present on Thursday and Friday of this week.

10/31: Happy Halloween!!!! Our website is up and running at school again! Just be

sure to use Explorer and not Fire Fox!

Homework: Study for exam! Review your notes and the well developed paragraph outline.

10/21/14 and 10/22/14:

WELCOME!

Introduction to inquiry, project options, databases, and Web 2.0 Tools

Brainstorm

Research and take notes on your graphic organizer

Talk and Turn

Closing: Please share your project topic (whole group) if you are ready

Work on your projects!!!! Fabulous job today!!!

*10/16 to 10/20*

1. Please compete the open book quiz for stories two and three in Krik? Krak!

2. Read summary guide and analysis after you've read "A Wall of Fire Rising". Complete the questions as the end of your study guide.

3. Read stories four and five in Krik? Krak! and complete the Wonder Chart (four to five quotes and explanations).

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

10/7 Agenda:

1. Study quietly for quiz on " Children of the Sea".

2. Edmodo/ Take quiz on Edmodo (maybe) .

3. Review responses to Ralphy's Essay from last Friday (period 1 only!).

4. Literature Questions with a partner (in writer's notebooks).

5. Locate answers for your questions from yesterday's homework and activities.

*****HW: 1. Be prepared to discuss the next piece tomorrow! I'll also check your notes (questions and wonderings). Please push yourselves this time around if you didn't last time. Go for 5-8 questions/wonderings! 2. Finish answering the questions for "Children of the Sea" that i gave to you in class.

10/6: 1. Please get caught up on the work that was due today. See Friday's homework post below if you need a reminder. Thank you to everyone who was prepared for class! 2. There will be a quiz tomorrow on the first story and information about Haiti.

10/4: Sites to explore as you find answers to your questions:

Haiti Facts:

http://www.factmonster.com/country/haiti.html

http://online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country.php?&contid=9&wmn=North_America&cn=Haiti&cid=69

http://www.mohhaiti.org/about_haiti#.VDKGTX8rOJQ

Author Facts:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/151211/Edwidge-Danticat

Story Facts/ Information/ Analysis:

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/krikkrak/summary.html

10/3:

1. Read "Children of the Sea" and "Nineteen Thirty-Seven" in Krik? Krak! (I'm sorry I misspoke about the amount of pages! You will be just fine).

2. Take notes on everything and anything that you are thinking or wondering about as you read, whether it's the story, the characters, or Haiti. You may use index cards, post-its notes, lined paper, your notebooks, etcetera. Please do not do any research! I want your questions to be organic! I'm giving you time to do research in the library.

3. Please meet me in the library for class next week. Have a lovely weekend :)

9/29: Read independently for homework all week and plan your project or continue working on your reading logs. Happy Reading! For students who missed class, we started "Deciding What To Say"; I'll attach that as well.

P.S. I'll still post homework assignments as needed this week.

9/26: No quiz on Monday! You did a fabulous job in class! Your reward is a break from studying. Enjoy!

9/25:

1. Bring in something for our end of unit celebration! Our theme is "I am offering you this..." (you fill in the blank). There are 22 people in our class. Some people are singing, sharing a quote or a video clip that's appropriate for school, or bringing in a light snack. You decide! Be creative!

2. Study your literary terms!

9/23:

1. Finish EVERYTHING (all of the stations!) that you are cable of finishing at home from your "7 Habits of A Good Reader Stations" (see packet). The posters are the only items that you might not be able to finish from home. I'll give you a few minutes in class. Be prepared and ready to go!

2. In class, you were instructed to come up with a plan with your group members for homework. The plan was... who is going to do which tasks to complete the packet by tomorrow. This saves each of you time and you are functioning as a productive group!

3. Lastly, all of the packet information is attached below in the attachments section. You'll need to scroll down to the bottom of this page to see the attachments.

Good luck and e-mail me of you need help! jbenedetto@scsd.us

9/19: TGIF!

1. Study your literary term notes every night.

2. Know your grading policy! Please become acquainted with our grading policy on the sidebar of this website.

3. Read independently for 20 minutes (you have your independent reading books).

Have a wonderful weekend!

9/18: Study your literary terms and techniques (please see double sided notes).

9/17:

Sub Plan: Read independently and/or complete some activities on the SAT Prep page.

9/15 & 9/16: Study your literary terms and techniques (please see double sided notes).

9/12:

1. Check our SAT prep page on this website. Loom over a few of the activities to see what this page has to offer.

-OR-

2. Complete the vocabulary activity that I showed you in class.

Have a wonderful weekend!

9/9:

Please do the following by Friday:

1. Keep a reading log of EVERYTHING that you read.

2. Bring in your favorite poem or song lyrics.

3. Work on your poem, the questions pertaining to the poem, and the visual if you need to do so. You will have eight-ten minutes for your DIN to finish your work.

9/5:

1. Make a decision about your independent reading book.

2. Make a decision about which assignment you'll be completing.

3. Read at least 20 pages.

4. Have a wonderful and productive weekend!

Welcome to your homework page!

9/4:

1. Finish letters

2. Bring an independent reading book to class. Thanks!

9/3/14:

1. In addition to last night's homework, please work on your ice-breakers. I'll give you a few minutes to finish and present your work at the start of class. You will have eight to ten minutes. Afterwards, you will complete one of two writing assignments.

Have a stupendous evening!

9/2/14

Period 1:

1. Please bring back your pink emergency card after your parent or guardian completes the information by Thursday.

2. Bring back the completed lunch form by Thursday.

3. Locate an independent reading book by Friday.

4. Have a nice evening!

Last year: 2013-2014

6/24/14 (11:12 AM): I've attached your SUMMER READING below with the attachments!!!!! You must fulfill the reading requirements if you are taking English 11Advanced Placement! The attachment is labeled "English 11 AP summer reading list 2014". Enjoy your summer! I've posted this information on my classroom Facebook account as well. Please spread the word!

6/9- 1. The movie isn't here yet- boo. 2. Finish your log prompt responses for chapter 6 & 7.

6/6/15:

1. Please read chapters 6&7 of Kite Runner.

2. Share your visuals on Monday.

3. Have a

fabulous and safe weekend!

6/3: Read chapter 5. Thank you to everyone who participated today! Thank you for sharing your rich insights!!! Fabulous job!

6/2:

Get caught up! Make sure that you've read chapters 1-4 and have completed the log response sheet for chapters 2&3 and 4 in your writer's notebooks.

5/30:

Anticipation guide and chapter summary (see agenda from the sub).

5-27: Please meet in the library tomorrow (on time) to take your last SRI. You will earn credit for completing this task. Thank you!

The School Week of 5-19:

You've made it! Presentations and self reflections will take place this entire week! Good luck!

Please work on the following until 5-16:

Link to Blog: http://nottlms.blogspot.com/

1. Welcome to class!

2. Continue researching!

3. Use your requirement sheet, your outlines, and your rubric as a checklist. Yes, you will have in text citations AND a Works Cited page or pages for pictures AND facts.

4. Please follow the directions for your in text citations- I showed you how to do this in class (see attachments below).

5. Everything we've been doing is on this website or on a handout that you have in your folders.

6. Remember to set a goal each day and work towards accomplishing your goal by the end of each class.

7. Due date: 5-19

8. Mini-conferences

5-2: Link to Blog: http://nottlms.blogspot.com/

1. Continue with research projects.

2. Use the outlines and follow the directions for this project. You have all of the handouts and we've gone over them a few times! They are also listed below as attachments in the attachments section (scroll down to the bottom of this page).

3. A. Create a thesis statement (slide 2 of your project). All of the slides and how they are supposed to be set up are on your outline for this project. B. There are sample thesis statements hanging up in the Career Center Computer Lab. Please look at them before you draft your thesis statement.

5-1: Link to Blog: http://nottlms.blogspot.com/

Agenda:

1. Research! Look to previous entries below if you need guidance

2. Create a thesis statement (at least start drafting one and have it by tomorrow)

3. Review MLA style for this project (see slides)

4-30: Link to Blog: http://nottlms.blogspot.com/

Agenda:

1. Web 2.0 Presentations with our Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Page (Prezi, Digital Story 3, and Photo Peach).

2. Research! Search for information and pictures regarding the Who, What, Where, why, When, and How of your topic.

3. Classwork- credit check for period 1(folder and resource).

Reminders: A. Use your outline and requirement sheets as checklists. B. Work on your thesis statements that will be due tomorrow and/ or Friday.

4-29: Link to Blog: http://nottlms.blogspot.com/

1. Review outline for this project (power point and hard copy).

2. Look over requirements as needed (see sheet).

3. Create a folder on your desktop for your visuals and a resource page in Microsoft Word for links

regarding your pictures AND your databases if you haven't done so.

4. Hold mini-conferences with students.

5. Notes: Keep track of your notes by handwriting them or keeping your notes in a Word Document.

6. Begin writing your thesis statement. I'll check them by Thursday.

*Ongoing homework: Work on your projects if you have fallen behind or want to get ahead*

4-28-14: Welcome Back!

DIN: Please take out your poem and share them in small groups.

Agenda:

1. Review research project essentials by doing the following: A) Create a folder on your desktop for visuals B) Create a word document to keep track of and organize your resources (databases and pictures) titles "Resources" AND C) Review format and requirements for this research project (see Smart Board)

2. Work on research project from now until May 16th (if needed)

3. Set a goal each day and work towards that goal by the end of the period

4. Look over rubric (attached)

Homework: Your ongoing homework for this entire research project will revolve around what you need to do for your project. I've attached the handouts and presentations from today's class below (see attachments).

Please bring a poem to class on 4-28. It's Poem in Your Pocket Day on 4-24! Let's celebrate!

4/17/14:

Today's Agenda:

1. Review topics for research projects (see handout and look through your research packet).

2. Select topics listing your first, second, and third choice on an index card. Please use the packet for a list of names for topics 2 and 3. Include names on your cards.

3. You will be assigned a topic before you leave class. If I do not receive an index card, I will select a topic for you.

*************Homework:

1. Your homework was collected today for Act III and IV of Julius Caesar. It's been a hectic week! Therefore, if you would like to get your work to me by the end of the day, that's fine. Thank you to my students who helped out today!

2. Please bring a poem to class on 4-28. It's Poem in Your Pocket Day on 4-24! Let's celebrate!

4/16/14

Welcome To Our Unit 4 Research Project!!!

Blog:

http://nottlms.blogspot.com/

Research Topic Options:

See sheet.

Databases for Research!

(The resources below match the topics. You may also use other resources.)

Option 1 Resources

· http://rome.mrdonn.org/achievements.html

· http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ancient-roman-achievements.html

· http://www.roman-empire.net/children/achieve.html

· History Reference Center (SCSD Library Database under Social Studies)http://www.syracusecityschools.com/librarylinks/home.html

· History.com

· SCSD Library Links Database http://www.syracusecityschools.com/librarylinks/home.html

Option 2 Resources

· Excerpts from John Wilkes Booth's diary, where the infamous assassin (and professional actor) paints himself as an American hero and compares himself to Brutus after shooting President Abraham Lincoln.http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/lincolnconspiracy/boothdiary.html

· Assassinations and Attempts in the U.S. Since 1865 http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0194022.html

· Assassinations and Attempts http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3697.html

· Britannica Annals of American History SCSD Library Database under Social Studies)http://america.eb.com/

· ABC CLIO Database (SCSD Library Database under Social Studies)http://databases.abc-clio.com/Multi/?webSiteCode=SLN_DB&returnToPage=%2fMulti%2f&token=9D51E907852B71F58AE613C71AE507DD&casError=False

· History Reference Center (SCSD Library Database under Social Studies)http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search/basic?sid=508d77e1-204b-47ee-b391-5fd18b6b69c9%40sessionmgr110&vid=1&hid=125

· History.com

· SCSD Library Links Databasehttp://www.syracusecityschools.com/librarylinks/home.html

Option 3 Resources

· ABC’s Twelve Worst Betrayers http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=79400&page=1&singlePage=true#.UWwM2dnXoa8

· Debate – Is Patriotism Justified http://www.debate.org/debates/Patriotism-is-Justifiable/1/

· American Brutus – The Lone Gunmanhttp://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/19/books/review/19WINIKL.html?_r=1&

· Book Discussion – C-SPAN – American Brutus http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/180092-1

· 10 Notable Traitors in History http://listverse.com/2012/06/19/10-notable-traitors-in-history/

· Is Our Patriotism Moral? http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/03/is-our-patriotism-moral/

· Britannica Annals of American History (SCSD Library Database under Social Studies)http://america.eb.com/

1. Learn more about parenthetical documentation and in text citations with Mrs. Page, our LMS2. Make a Works Cited page and add your first citation by using the Son of Citation Machine3. If you missed class during our last writing unit, the links you need to see and use are below

Son of Citation Machine:

http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&reqsrcid=MLAWebDocument&srcCode=11&more=no&mode=form

MLA In Text Citation You Tube Clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK2W7QZN7RQ

Purdue OWL: MLA Formatting and Style Guide:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

***** The MLA resources from our last writing unit are still attached in the attachments section below. Students also have packets and information in their folders. MLA is MLA, whether you are using it for this assignment or another writing assignment that requires MLA style.

4-14:

1. Read Act IV of Julius Caesar. Please be prepared to discuss what you've read as I will call on each table to participate. Keep a mental note of "noticings" and/ or questions. If it behooves you to do so, take notes.

2. Finish the questions for Act 3 if you need to do so.

4-1:

Read Act II, Scenes 3 and 4. Be prepared to read aloud and discuss.

3-31:

*** I apologize for the late post:

A. Please get caught up on your reading if needed (see previous posts).

B. Brainstorm a possible theme or themes that you have seen in the play thus far. Be able to back up your example with a specific example.

3-29:

1. First, I'd like to commend you on your work with Julius Caesar! Bravo! Please read Act II, scene 2 by Monday (it's a little over four pages). If you haven't read Act II, scene 1, be sure to catch up ASAP! We will finishing reading Act I, scene 1 in class. I would also like to read scene 2.

2. Read the Act 2 FYI sheet. Be prepared to discuss and/ or make connections to what we've read thus far in the play for your DIN.

3. See you homework for 3-27 (below) and make sure that you've completed those tasks as well.

4. Have a fabulous weekend!

3-27:

1. A. Explore the website that I provided you with in class. B. Come to class prepared to discuss anything that you found noteworthy with your peers . Here's the link again: http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/caesar1/a/Caesar.htm

2. Please answer the following question on an index card or a half sheet of paper: In your own words, what is a good leader? What does it mean to be a good leader? Explain. We may not get to this discussion until Monday. But I'll be able to read over your ideas.

3-26:

1. Answer questions 1-7 for Act I on the handout for tomorrow. You may write on the back or on a separate piece of paper. Question eight is extra credit. Therefore, you should go above and beyond. Your work should be typed as well.

2. For Friday, please answer the following question on an index card or a half sheet of paper: In your own words, what is a good leader? What does it mean to be a good leader? Explain.

3-25:

1. Be sure to get caught up on your reading if you need to do so. You should be prepared to discuss Act I, Scenes two and three of Julius Caesar tomorrow.

2. Paraphrasing activity. I have hard copies available in my room. The copy machine has been fixed! Look over the assignment and think about how to put the original text in your own words. I'll let you write down your thoughts in class tomorrow for the DIN.

3. I've attached a brief character list below.

3-24:

1. Read Act I, Scene iii (pages 35 - 45).

2. Come to class with reactions, questions, and/or anything that you found noteworthy. This should be written down on an index card or a couple of post it notes. Please use both sides of the index card or the post it notes. However, students who turned in their homework today get a free pass. You do not need to complete this task. Please spread the word!

3. Please use the following as a resource as needed: http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar/

***** Remember, try reading on your own first, then use your resources. Good luck! We are off to a fabulous start!

3-21:

Beware the Ides of March!

1. Read Act I, Scenes One and Two of Julius Caesar . Beware the Ides of March!

2. Complete a dialectical journal based upon your reading. I've attached the assignment sheet below. Scroll all the way down to attachments and look for the attachment.

3. Be sure to use the notes on the side of each page while you read. They will be helpful to you as you navigate your way through each page. Enjoy, Hugger- muggers!

3-20: 1. Please finish your anticipation guide reflection exercise.

2. Please read the article that I gave to you in class; be prepared to

discuss one point of interest.

3-17: I am grading your essays this entire week. Please be patient with the process. I'll log your grades ASAP! I love and appreciate your enthusiasm :]

3-12 and 3-13:

Please be prepared to turn in your essays tomorrow. They should be typed and printed. If you need to print, please arrive to class ASAP. Thank you!

3-11-14:

We are meeting in the classroom tomorrow!

1. You have been given one more day to finish your essays. Please see all of the requirements once more on previous homework listings (below) or on your hard copies.

2. If you have turned in your essays (typed and double spaced), please be prepared to read independently while I conference with students.

3-10:

Another busy writing day!

We are meeting in the library tomorrow

Please read all four listings for tonight's homework

1. Continue editing and perfecting your literary analysis essays. Be sure to look at your essay in relation to your rubric AND the literary analysis checklist that I gave to you in class.

2. See the following attachment below (scroll all the way down to attachments) for citing your work properly: MLA PowerPoint Presentation AND the following link for citing poetry:

http://www.uta.edu/english/rosenberg/mla_poetry

**** If for some reason you can't locate a page for A Long Way Gone, simply go to Cliff's Notes and look through the chapter summaries. This will direct you to the correct chapters. Remember, chapters 12-16 are when Ishmael is a soldier; chapters 17 and 18 are when he is in a rehabilitation center.

3. Do not underestimate the power of the outline and the resources that I've supplied you with! I will grade your essays with three documents in front of me: 1) The outline 2) The rubric AND 3) The literary analysis checklist.

4. Link to Son of Citation Machine: http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&mode=form&rsid=1&reqsrcid=MLABook&more=yes&nameCnt=1

3-7:

Finish your entire essay! You may write on your outline or on a lined piece of paper. You should be ready to type all four of your paragraphs on Monday and Tuesday. The writing conferences we were able to have this week went well! Thank you! And thank you to everyone who stayed after for feedback.

Good luck!

3-6: Finish your second body paragraph and work on your conclusion. Here is the link for the "Dead Words" we discussed in class: http://www.syracusecityschools.com/tfiles/folder720/unit03-Deadwords.pdf

3-5: Please write your second body paragraph. I've uploaded the documents we've been using in class. See the attachments below. Scroll all the way down.

3-4: Write your first body paragraph for your literary analysis. Please use your outline. Great job today!

3-3-14:

1. Please be sure to have the homework completed that was due today by tomorrow if you still need to do so. The assignment is listed under 2-28. Thank you.

Writing Prompt: Identity is part of everyone's journey. We must all decide who we are and who we want to become. Throughout our unit on identity, we have read several pieces that dealt with the concept of identity. Choose two pieces that you've read during our unit and discuss the person's or character's journey regarding identity. Was the journey difficult? What did she or he learn about themselves? How do you know? Create a thesis statement that advances the theme of identity. Develop a claim (s) about how a particular author (s) developed this theme throughout a specific text. Provide textual evidence from each text to support your claim (s).

2-28-14:

Writing Prompt: Identity is part of everyone's journey. We must all decide who we are and who we want to become. Throughout our unit on identity, we have read several pieces that dealt with the concept of identity. Choose two pieces that you've read during our unit and discuss the person's or character's journey regarding identity. Was the journey difficult? What did she or he learn about themselves? How do you know? Create a thesis statement that advances the theme of identity. Develop a claim (s) about how a particular author (s) developed this theme throughout a specific text. Provide textual evidence from each text to support your claim (s).

2-13-14: TESTING. No homework. Enjoy :]

2-11-14: 1. Today's presentations were fabulous! Nicely done! Also, the work I've been seeing for this assignment is stupendous! 2. Keep up the great work! No homework tonight :] (Unless you owe work.)

2-10-14: Get caught up! We went over everything in class.

1/29:

Your Independent Reading Project is Due Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!

This is listed below as well. See 1/4.

1/21/13to 1/25: Regents Week!!!!!

1. You must finish your essays before next Monday. They should be typed and double spaced as we talked about in class. We had over a week to work on the essays in class. Please finish the work that you've started. Thank you!

*******A helpful resource for your essays: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/1/

The week of 1/14/13- 1/18/13:

We are back to researching your topics for your persuasive/ argumentative essays. Continue to chart your research and use the databases and search engines provided below (scroll down to 1/4/13).

Many students have their minimum of two sources and are writing their essays.

Please use the rubric and all of the persuasive wriitng samples that I've given you as a resource when you are writing. Remember, I need to conference with you about your writing before Friday. Looking over the rubric and the samples needs to happen before our conference.

Remember, at the very minimum, you need an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Your essays are to be typed and double spaced. Thank you and good luck!

Due date: January 28th.

******Writing Contest: http://aynrandeducation.org/essay-contests.html

I have books! This is extra credit. Please let me know if you are interested ASAP.

1/11/13:

Reflection #1: Please write a reflection regarding our work this week in the computer lab. This must go on your reflections page on your new E-portfolio! What went well? What surprised you? What have you added to your E-portfolio? What else would you like to add to your E-portfolio? Do you have any further questions? Is there anything that you are wondering? Remember to include a date for each reflection. There will be more reflections. Thank you!

1/10/13:

********We created e-portfolios today in the library through g-mail accounts with Mrs. Page. Nice work! Thank you!

Your homework is to do the following:

1. Get your media release form signed and bring it to class tomorrow.

2. Write a personal statement for the

front page of your e-portfolio. We went over student exemplars today. The exemplars are also on the sidebar of my website under "Wall of Fame! Student Websites!".

3. Continue to work on your independent reading and reading logs. I will collect your last reading log for the book that you are currently reading next Tuesday. You should either be done or almost done with your book. After that, you will have time to focus on your independent reading projects.

1/7/13:

See 1/4/13 (that is still your homework)

****Search engines for your research:

The New York Times:

http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/#/online+schooling/

Login and password: jbennie617@twcny.rr.com and september29.

SCSD Databases:

http://www.syracusecityschools.com/librarylinks/home.html

See News and Opinions: Start with Opposing Viewpoints

Login and password: syrsls

1/4/12:

1. Independent Reading and Reading Log (three entires per sheet with the fourth serving as extra credit).

2. Continue researching your topic or topics on the SCSD Databases.

3. Write three practice introductions with a thesis for each introduction.

4. I've changed the due date for your Independent Reading Projects to January 30th. You are welcome!

1/2/13: Happy New Year!

1. Continue to read independently and complete another reading log by next Monday.

2. I've also uploaded today's agenda below. Please scroll down to the attachments and look for "Agenda for 1/2/13".

12/21/12: Read independently and brainstorm ideas for your independent reading project that is due on 1/17/13 . I will collect your reading log after break (1/2/13).

12/12/12:

• Read your independent reading book three separate times before turning in your work (15-20 minutes minimum). Each time that you read, complete a reading log. After you've read three times and completed the reading logs, you should respond to the other questions on the back of the sheet.

• I will collect your reading logs every Monday and hand out a new sheet for the week.

12/3 to 12/7:

1. Find an independent reading book by Monday.

2. Present your advertisement by next Tuesday and apply it to the rhetorical appeals (the one you created and the one you brought in for the class).

11/30: Study for quiz and be prepared to present if you have not done so. Great job today!

11/27/12:

1) Study for a quiz on your rhetorical appeals notes (Friday).

2) For Friday: Bring in an advertisement, article, speech, etc. where an appeal or the the appeals are clearly present. Be able to explain your findings.

11/19/12:

Good Morning!

:

Tiiso, Julianna, Nya, Melody, Naomi, Asma Aintnajim, and Cole.

Boy in the Striped Pajamas:

Hawa, Patience, Famo, Asma Abdulkadir, and Kayla.

Sarah's Key:

Sterling, Oona, Blerta, Semaj, and Arianna.

Night (another book will be announced as both books are rich in content but short in length):

Dustin, Leila, Jatnier, and Toneisha.

Clara's War:

Meg, Alize, Deanna, Jillian, Ursula, Eva and Jenyia.

****Day 1/3, bock 3****

The Book Thief :

Ryan, Conner, Jouliana, Monique, Nickoy, Kaitlyn, and Ashley.

Boy in the Striped Pajamas:

Justus, Symone, Amir, Jouliana, Quzette, Shivhari, and Saundra.

Sarah's Key:

Chloe, Natasha, Theeaziah, Diamond, and Courtney.

Night AND Behind the Bedroom Wall

(reading these two titles will be equivalent or less than the length of the other books, however, they are both just as rich in context as the other titles):

Natalie, Jadasiah, Emily, Alex, Luis, and Jeffrey.

Fahrenheit 451 Timelines are due on January 30th and 31st! You are welcome! Do your best work! This will be the first major grade for the next marking period.

Important Notice:

**********The Book Thief Writing Contest!!!****************

See the attachment below please. It's listed alphabetically as "Book Thief Writing Contest". You must scroll way down to the attachments at the bottom of the page. I will give you extra credit that is equivalent to a test grade for participating! Good luck!

Please don't forget to check the library calendar below (at least a few entries below)!!! I'm going to take a few days off as we don't need the space. However, we will use at least half of the session tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

Reflection #1: Please write a reflection regarding our work this week in the computer lab. What went well? What surprised you? What have you added to your E-port? What else would you like to add? Do you have any further questions? Remember to include a date for each reflection. Thank you.

Cool Tools for Your E-Portfolios!!!!

http://www.nextgennowpd.com/cool-tools

11/11/ and 11/12:

Create a timeline for all three parts of Fahrenheit 451in a creative format of your choice. You may use a technological format or something traditional. This is a test grade. Please do your best!

ATTENTION Both Blocks: Homework for the rest of the year is to check the homework page!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will do random checks to make sure that you've been utilized our homework page.

1/9/12 and 1/10/12 (day 1/3, we will be doing our benchmarks that day as well):

Meet me in the computer lab!

We will be in the computer lab tomorrow and throughout the week creating websites/ e-portfolios. Here is what you will need to do or bring:

1) Create a g-mail account.

2) Write a short biography (see mine on the front page of my website if you need an example).

3) Bring any photos or works that you'd like to upload.

4) Remember that this is an academic space.

***** I'm hoping there is time to present your chapter notes as well- be prepared! We will bring the chapter notes to the library if we need to do so.

1/3/12 ans 1/4/12/12:

1) Benchmarks are this Thursday and Friday!

2) Finish your chapter notes and be prepared to present next class after the benchmarks have been completed (40 minutes for benchmarks).

Link to our library calendar with dates of when we'll be creating e-portfolios:

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=f7itk8e8nl6me6gj0bi65klf7s@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York&pvttk=3c47b77d791442a6d9dd5235a3a9c689&gsessionid=OK

Homework Over Vacation: Happy Holidays!!!!!!!! Enjoy! :]

1) Read Part III of the novel and take notes (with page numbers) for our in class discussion.

2) If you'd like to get started early, you may work on your timeline regarding important events in the novel, which you will turn into a visual of your choice.

3) I'm also offering eveyone extra credit!!! I'll upload the assignment in a day or two. Basically, you will read a book (or finish reading a book) of your choice, create a bookmark according to the assignment and you'll receive extra credit. The extra credit is due at the end of the marking period.

On12/21 and 12/22, students will take an open book quiz on Part II of the novel. There isn't any homework other than to have already read Part II and to know where improtant sections are in this particular section of the novel. We spent last class discussing and analyzing important sections of the novel.

If you've already completed the packet for Part II and turned in your second well developed paragraph, then you should be all set. Have a nice day!

****** Attention Spotlighting Justice Members: Please do not forget to send Wendy your short biographies (a few sentences will suffice) for our blog this week at least the day before the meeting on Friday!!!!!! Many Thanks!!!!!

~ Mrs. Benedetto (If you click on this shaded area, it will bring you to our Facebook page where you can send Wendy a message with your information). I've also attached the link to our blog below.

Spotlighting Justice Blog:

https://awnastas.expressions.syr.edu/

12/9/11 and 12/12/11:

1) Finish answering the questions for pages 55- 68.

2) Study for a quiz on part one of the novel. The quiz will take place next Tuesday.

3) Read Part II of the novel by next Thursday and take notes on anything noteworthy for our in class discussion.

Have a productive weekend!

12/7/11and 12/8/11:

1) Read pages 55- 68 and complete the close read activity.

2) Another great day of in class discussions! I'm glad to see that people are reading and enjoying or at least wondering about the novel!

3) Study for a quiz on part one of the novel. This will take place next class for students in my day 1/3 class.

12/5/11 and 12/6/11:

1) Read pages 33 to 55 and complete the double entry journal for next class.

2) Be prepared to share your answers to your assigned questions.

3) Great job to my students today!!! We had a rich discussion- thank you :]

*** Banned Books List:

http://www.banned-books.com/bblista-i.html

*** Information About Communism (this will be helpful in understanding how Montag's dystopian futuristic society operates):

The first link has a listening feature:

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=107&sid=9cd78129-7022-4274-b111-8f6ce55bf847%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=khh&AN=6345771

AND/ OR

http://www.history.com/topics/communism

12/2/11 and 12/3/11:

Read pages 1-32 of Fahrenheit 451 and be prepared to discuss the reading next class.

Tips from my students who took my class last year "Make sure that you read!" and "Tell them to really read".

Enjoy your break!

Congratulations! You've made it through the first marking period! Your homework assignment for the next few classes is to finish your speeches and presentations. I will teach you how to write a critical lens essay based upon Julius Caesar when the presentations have been completed. I will not collect the play until the essays have been written. Please continue to take of your copies ! Thank you :]

*****The rubric for your speech/ presentation is also located as an attachment below.

11/14/11 (day 1/3):

1) Continue working on your speeches and be prepared to present this Monday and Friday!

2) I've attached the speech assignment below. It clearly states on the sheet that I handed out that you will be writing a speech. Please look over the directions. Thank you and good luck!

11-8 and 11-9:

1) Continue researching, writing your speeches, and planning your presentations for next week.

2) Study your rubrics. I was extremely specific as to what will earn an A+.

3) Please contact me if you have questions via facebook or e-mail. You may also see me after school. Good luck!

Son of Citation Machine: http://citationmachine.net/index2.php

11/7/11 (days 1/3):

****Several of you did a wonderful job today in the computer lab. Thank you! For those who did not, please set some goals for yourselves and act accordingly.

1) Writing assignment: Write two well developed paragraphs about Brutus Vs. Cassius' "deaths" (attachment is below). One WDP will focus on Brutus and the other will focus on Cassius.

2) DIN (salmon colored sheet)

3) Review rubric for presentation!

4) Work on speeches

11/4/11 (days 2/4):

1) Writing assignment (see attached document below)

2) Come to our next class prepared to research! What questions do you need answered for your speech assignment? What data and proof will you search for online and in the library? What are your big questions?

Have a wonderful weekend!

11/2/11 and 11/3/11:

1) Please finish reading Act V and complete the double entry journal. Nice job today!

2) Work on your speeches. There will be a writing assignment this Friday and next Monday. I've attached the assignment below.

3) Be sure to come to our next class with questions that you need answered for your speech! The more prepared you are for our library time, the more you'll accomplish!

11/1/11:

1) Work on your speeches.

2) Come prepared to read your parts for Act V.

10/31/11: Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!

1) Work on your speech assignment and get caught up on your work. The due dates for your class will be 11/15 and 11/17.

2) We are going to read a portion of Act V in class on Wed. Some students may want to practice reading lines aloud before Wed. Some students also asked if they could read ahead! Yes, you may do so! Just don't ruin the ending for your fellow classmates :]

10/26/11 and 10/28/11(Day 1/3):

1) Finish reading Act IV (scene iii) and answer the questions for next Tuesday's class.

2) Work on your speeches. I will give you a due date next week.

3) Finish writing your Kia Soul WDP on a separate piece of paper if you have not done so yet.

4) Finish the commercial activity on a half sheet of paper.

Have a nice weekend!

1) Commercial or advertisement activity (half sheet of paper).

2) Read Act IV, Scenes ii and iii and answer the questions (see attachment).

3) Finish writing your *WDP for the Kia Soul commercial and transfer your notes onto a piece of paper.

Have a wonderful weekend!

* Well Developed Paragraph

***** I've uploaded the possible speech topic notes from class below (see attachments)

10/24/11 (Block 3, Days 1/3):

1) Commercial activity (hot pink paper).

2) Read Act IV, Scenes i and ii and answer the questions. Students who were prepared for class and did the work for Act IV, scene i will receive extra credit.

I've also uploaded activities and samples for writing a well developed paragraph.

10/20/11 and 10/21/11:

1) Read Act IV, scene i and complete the questions for this reading, which are attached below. The questions are for all of Act IV, however, you are only responsible for answering the questions that go with your assigned reading (Act IV, scene i). If you want to get ahead, that's up to you, just don't ruin the reading for anyone! It's a short scene. However, I've kept you rather busy lately and I decided to give you a a little break :]

2) Make sure that you've answered all of the questions for Act III (see the attachment below). If you click on the download option, the questions will look just like the copies I've handed out in in class.

3) Brainstorm ideas for your persuasive speech topic.

4) I've also attached review for our benchmark next week if you'd like to start practicing! Our benchmark tests are next Thursday and Friday in class. I will prepare you even more on Monday and Tuesday.

Have a restful and productive weekend!