12.22.11,
Thursday
- Vocabulary #14 quiz.
- New grammar section.
- Julius Caesar, Act III read in class.
- No reading assigned until January 3; happy vacation!
12.20.11,
- Discussion of Scottish Rite essay due on Thursday, December 22. Potential to win $100 or $350! Counts as an exam.
- Julius Caesar, Act II discussed and reviewed. Read aloud in class. Finish for Thursday.
- Vocabulary #14 activity for quiz on Thursday, December 22.
12.16.11
Friday
- Julius Caesar, Act II completed for Thursday. Complete Study Questions and During Reading Questions as you go.
- Vocabulary quiz #13 in class. Receive #14 for quiz on Thursday, December 22.
- Review of Julius Caesar, Act I, and questions 1 - 9 from Masterprose questions.
12.14.11,
Wednesday
- Scottish Rite Family Life writing contest discussed in class. Final draft due Thursday, December 22.
- Vocabulary #13 and activity: Select five words from the list to explain how they would be used. For example, if the word is incoherent, I might say: a type of person who might be incoherent - sleepy, drunk, has a head injury, or has a speech problem. Quiz on Friday.
- Shortened class due to early release day.
- Welcome to our new student in class! :)
12.12.11,
Monday
- Vocabulary EXAM over #7 - 12 TODAY!
- Julius Caesar - Act I. Complete Study Questions over Act I and During Reading Questions over Act I.
- Looks Exam - Respond to essay question in class. Use at least two quotations from the book to support your answer. If you have read the book and are familiar with the characters, plot, similes, metaphors, and themes, you should be fine; however, it would be a good idea to skim and scan the book to refresh your memory.
Thursday
- Vocabulary #12 quiz. Exam over #7-12 on Monday, December 12. Use Quizlet to study the words, please!
- Take home essay over "Slip or Trip" due by December 14! Five points will be deducted for every day late, including weekend days.
- Julius Caesar begun. 50 vocabulary words given for mid-term exam on January 20; complete answers for Pre-reading Questions, #1-6 (note form is fine).
Tuesday
- "Twenty Most Common Language Usage Errors" - quiz
- Discussion of take-home essay. Due 12/14. Rubric here.
- Vocabulary #12 activity
- Looks discussion. Essay exam in class on Monday, December 12.
Friday
- "Twenty Most Common Language Usage Errors" - Study for quiz on Tuesday. No, you will not be able to use the worksheet. Please STUDY.
- Vocabulary #11 quiz
- SAT Essay #4. Graded on use of Claim-Data-Warrant method: strength of claim (aka thesis), data (aka evidence), and warrant (bridge); format: four margins, last line blank, 2" indent; and legibility. (Yes, the reader needs to be able to read your essay.)
- First take-home essay will be "Slip or Trip" assignment. Counts as a test. Details forthcoming. Will be due Wednesday, December 14.
Wednesday
- Grammar: "Conjunction" and "Words Used in Different Ways, Part I"
- Exam over the parts of speech
- Vocabulary #11 activity for quiz on Friday, December 2
- Looks - chapter 17
- SAT essay #4 in class.
Monday
- Vocabulary #11 packet; quiz on Friday, December (yes, DECEMBER!) 2.
- Review of parts of speech. Test on Wednesday
- Continue Looks. Finish chapter 16 for homework.
- Discussion of CDW method and discussion of better use of the "W" (aka warrant or bridge).
11.21.11, Monday
- Vocabulary #10 quiz
- Read: 14 & 15 for Monday, November 28.
- Essay prep - Claim/Data/Warrant activity
Definition: Double entry journals are ways to help you read with an investigating eye. It helps you to slow down and pay attention when you read. Double entry journals teach you the critical art of close reading. For an example, click here.
At the top of the page write, "Looks;" at the top of the left column write, "From the Text;" and at the top of the right column write, "My Thinking..."
In the left-hand column, write three excerpts of quotations from Looks from Chapter 14 and/or 15 and include the page numbers.
In the right-hand column, explain why you selected this quotation and what significance it has to the storyline or what connection it makes for you.
Include three quotations and your reflection of them. Use of a conversational tone is fine; typed or legible handwriting is fine.
SAMPLE uploaded 11.26.11
11.17.11,
Thursday
- Vocabulary review activity; quiz on Monday, November 21. Absent students MUST see me on Friday to get the activity sheet and your assigned word. Due Monday at the latest. Thanks for stopping by, T.E., B.R., and Z.G.! Great job. :)
- Looks in class. Discussion of simile and metaphor: discover 5 similes and 5 metaphors and include page numbers. Due in class unless absent. Chapters 13 & 14 for homework.
Tuesday
- Vocabulary #10 packet; quiz on Monday, November 21. Don't forget to STUDY! :)
- Discussion of Looks: themes, character development, simile, metaphor, etc.
- Grammar EXAM over adverbs and prepositions TODAY! Ave: 73
11.10.11,
Thursday
- Vocabulary #9 quiz. Ave: 92 :)
- Read Looks, chapters 9 - 12 in class and finish for homework
- Identify the subject and the complete verb in the "Preposition" side of the grammar worksheet. Be prepared to discuss these and identify the prepositions and adverbs in all sentences. A: You CAN DO THIS! And you did. Woo hoo! GREAT job. :) All of you can. Come see me for help.
- Exam over adverb and preposition for Tuesday, November 15
Tuesday
- Activity with vocabulary #9 set; quiz on Thursday, November 10
- Review of worksheet over adverb - EXAM on Tuesday, November 15.
- Initial discussion of Looks; read chapters 5 - 8 for Thursday
Friday
- SAT essay #3 done IN CLASS. Rubric areas will be provided during execution of essay.
- Vocabulary #9 packet for quiz on Tuesday, November 8.
- Adverb and preposition
- Next novel: Looks. Read chapters 1 - 4.
Wednesday
- Grammar EXAM over adjectives and auxiliary verbs
- SAT essay #3 - graded on proper indent, details (underlined), and proper thesis.
- Discussion of writing technique
Monday
- Grammar exam over the adjective and auxiliary verbs Wednesday, November 2
- Continue oral presentations
- Vocabulary #8 quiz; ave: 79
- Discussion of auxiliary verbs and adjectives
- Collect LAWKI books
Thursday
- Vocabulary #8 packet for quiz on 10.31.11, Monday. See Quizlet for assistance studying.
- Practice adjectives and auxiliary verbs for exam on Wednesday, 11.2.11
- Bring in a list of your vocabulary grades and the average score along with an action plan for how you can do better. Include three strategies, tools, or resources you can use to improve. If your average is 92 or higher, what strategies, tools, or resources do you currently use to attain success? This counts as a quiz. Please type this up with your name and the required information. Double-space, font of Times New Roman, size 12, margins of 1".
- Oral presentations - test activity
- Comic strip due by today
Tuesday
- COMIC STRIP ASSIGNMENT WILL BE REVIEWED AND DISCUSSED. DUE THURSDAY. WORD ON THE STREET IS THAT EVERYONE PANICKED WITH THIS ASSIGNMENT. OOPS!
- Vocabulary #7 quiz. Ave: 81 :)
- Complete cover sheet and research proof (include URL for each) with highlighted information needed for oral presentation. Submit by end of class for credit THEN take with you to prepare for your presentation.
- Discussion of oral presentation rubric
- Adjectives and Auxiliary Verbs worksheet discussed.
Friday
I am out sick today so our schedule will be modified. Please be understanding and flexible. Don't panic about the Survivor project; we'll continue our agenda when I return. See October 25 for vocabulary quiz, etc.
- Please review the oral presentation rubric. We will begin oral presentations on Thursday, October 27. Be prepared to deliver on that day!
- Continue working on and preparing for the LAWKI Survivor test project.
- Using Comic Life on your MLTI laptops, create a comic strip of Life As We Knew It, including the following:
- At least five scenes from the book, showing detail and characters. Include the page numbers.
- There should be at least ten dialogue boxes with paraphrased or actual quotes from the novel.
- Color. Be sure to use colored pencils to enhance your comic
- Assure that your comic strip is accurate, both in actions and words. Characters should only "say" what is found in the book; however, those words can be your paraphrasing (or interpretation) rather than a direct quote.
THIS COMIC WILL COUNT AS AN EXAM SO IT SHOULD REFLECT THAT.
- Use Quizlet to study for vocabulary #7 on Tuesday.
- Be sure that your worksheet on auxiliary verbs and adjectives is complete and ready for discussion on Tuesday.
Wednesday
- Vocabulary EXAM today! Ave: 58 out of 75
- Vocabulary #7 packet for quiz on Friday.
- LAWKI Survivors TEST product. Research in class and for homework. From this research, you will produce:
- A body of research including the cover sheet (available for download on Links page). Be sure the URL is included on the printed pages. ONLY print what is necessary. Copy and paste if it can reduce paper used. Highlight all required information for the cover sheet and the oral presentation. This research component counts for half of your test score.
- An oral presentation. Refer to the oral presentation rubric on the links page for how you will be graded. As for content, include the who, what, when, where, and the outcome of your chosen survivor's story. Make at least two direct correlations between Miranda in Life As We Knew It and your survivor. How are they alike? How different? Keep it interesting and engaging for the audience. This oral presentation component counts for half of your test score.
Survivor examples: Eric LeMarque (snowboarding), Joe Simpson (Andes), Simon Yates (Andes), Jeremy Harris (Utah), Justin Harris (Utah), Bethanny Hamilton (Hawaii), Yossi Ghinsberg (Tuichi River), Aron Ralston (arm), Tami Oldham Ashcroft (yacht), Ricky Megee (Australia), Carol Martini (pirates), Jay Barry (pirates), Juliane Kopcke (Peru), Steven Callahan (sailor), Paul Templar (hippo).
Adjectives and Auxiliary Verbs worksheet. Discussion on Friday. 10.17.11,
Monday
- Review vocabulary #1 - 6 for EXAM on Wednesday. Use Quizlet and your packets (be sure all your answers are right) to study.
- EXAM over "More About Pronouns" and "The Verb."
- Discussion of LAWKI themes
Thursday
- Vocabulary quiz #6. Ave: 98
- Feedback from PSAT experience
- Life as We Knew It discussion. Finish Life as We Knew It by Monday, October 17. Reading time in class.
- Vocabulary illustrations due today at the latest.
- Review of SAT Essay #2:
- Skip the last line of every page
- Don't skip a line or lines between paragraphs
- Follow side margins. If your paper doesn't have a margin already, draw one approximately one inch from either side.
- Indent a full 2" for each paragraph or use the length of your thumb from where it joins your hand to tip. A computer needs to be able to detect an indent and over-doing it is OK ONLY WHEN a computer is grading your essay. :)
- Review vocabulary #1 - 6 for EXAM on Wednesday. Use Quizlet and your packets (be sure all your answers are right) to study.
- EXAM over "More About Pronouns" and "The Verb" on Monday, October 17.
Tuesday
- Vocabulary packet #6 - word parts. Quiz on Thursday, October 13.
- Create illustration of words using word parts. Graded on accuracy (50 points), illustration of the word (30 points), color (10 points), and neatness (10 points).
- Adjectives and verbs sheet reviewed: See YouTube videos on "Frequently Used Links" for adjective and verb "rock" videos. Yes, they're for young kids, but used as a reminder for material you were taught years ago.
- SAT prep #2 essay results on Thursday
- SAT prep online. Use "College Board" link on "Frequently Used Links" under your class page. Reading and Writing practice questions.
- Finish Life as We Knew It by Monday, October 17.
Friday Inservice day. NO SCHOOL! 10.5.11,
Wednesday
- IVS Vocabulary #5 quiz. Average score: 76
- Discussion of adjectives and verbs worksheet
- SAT Prep essay #2. Graded on: deep indents, use of details, and length. Counts as a TEST.
Monday
- IVS Vocabulary #5 packet for quiz on Wednesday. Use Quizlet! I think you should be finding that it does, indeed, help you study.
- EXAM over nouns and pronouns. Study the worksheet, watch the videos again, and seek online help if you can't stop in to see me in person. Average score:
- If failing, I would advise coming to see me before the exam over nouns and pronouns on today.
- Life As We Knew It aloud in class. Discussion. Read to page 228, Chapter Fifteen.
9.29.11,
Thursday
- SAT Daily Warm-ups #4 - 5 DUE.
- Life as We Knew It. Read chapters 13 - 14 for Monday.
- I'm still waiting for ALL students to submit the casual essay on your response to the three videos from YouTube last Friday. This does count as a quiz and will help your grade, most likely. ASAP, please, people!
- If are failing, I would advise coming to see me before the exam over nouns and pronouns on Monday .
- Vocabulary #4 quiz. Average score: 78
- Review of the noun and pronoun.
- Submit your writing explaining what you learned about the noun and pronoun from watching the videos. See instructions from Friday, September 23. Counts as a quiz.
- SAT Prep Weeks 3 - 5 in class. Discussion.
- LAWKI - Chapters: NONE
Friday
I'm out sick today so PLEASE be patient and cooperative with my substitute.
- Please take student survey on homepage (lower right) before class on Friday. This input is crucial to our constant improvement of your education.
- Complete Vocabulary #4 packet for quiz on Tuesday.
- Use Quizlet to study for #4 quiz.
- Under "College Sophomores - '11 - "12" above, click on the sub-menu to go to "Frequently Used Links" and watch the three grammar videos on the right.
- After watching videos, explain what you have learned about pronouns and nouns from watching them. Even if you earned a 100 on the noun/pronoun quiz, I'm sure there is something new to you. For those of you struggled with the previous quiz, I hope these videos made some fresh connections for you. Upon my return, we will further discuss pronouns and antecedents before re-testing and moving on to apostrophes, etc. The writing you do today does NOT have to be formal, but I do need to be able to read it, please. And thank you.
- Read chapters 11 & 12 in LAWKI.
- It is expected that everyone will work quietly today. No exceptions.
- Vocabulary #3 quiz - Did you study? Average score: 86. :)
- SAT essay writing tips - reviewed and reinforced for future essays
- Grammar worksheets on the apostrophe and noun (to be completed in class after the vocabulary quiz) Apostrophe worksheets due on Friday; noun/pronoun sheet due by homeroom on Thursday at the latest.
- Read chapter 10 in LAWKI
- PLEASE REMAIN SEATED AND SILENT UNTIL I INDICATE EVERYONE HAS FINISHED THE QUIZ. Thank you.
- Vocab. #3 packet; quiz on Wednesday
- Continue discussion of Life As We Knew It; read chapter 9 for Wednesday.
- Discussion of LAWKI essay prompt brainstorming
- Please bring laptops, charged! Thank you. :)
- Introduction to Quizlet and setting up of accounts
- Vocab. #2 quiz - average score: 77
- Reading of Life as We Knew It - Chapter 9 for Monday
- Discussion of Life as We Knew It essay prompts
- Vocabulary quiz tips
- SAT Daily Warm-ups, Week 1
- Vocabulary #2 packet; quiz on Thursday, 9.15.11
- Group prep for Life as We Knew It essay topics
- Life As We Knew It - chapters: 7 & 8
- Vocabulary quiz #1- average score: 79
- SAT #1 practice essay
- Discussion of SAT tips and insider info.
- In Life as We Knew It, read chapters 3-5 for Tuesday.
- Vocabulary #1 packet completed. Study and practice words for quiz on Friday, 9.9.11
- Discussion of classroom expectations and features
- Complete index card with name, email address, birthday, PHS (post high school) plans, and what your senior superlative (most likely to....) might be. Give to me.
- Name game: adjective to describe you that starts with same letter as your first name
- Begin reading "Life as We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer, chapters 1-2 due Friday.
