9-30 Class

YOU CAN DO IT!!

Today we discussed Chapters 8-9.  I collected questions from chapters 6-9 as well as your grammar assignments with corrections.

Tomorrow we have mass and next week we take IOWA tests Monday-Wednesday.  This means we will not meet for class until THURSDAY October 7th.

Since we do not meet for so long, I am going to give you some additional reading.

Here is what is what you need prepared for Thursday October 7th:
(REMEMBER: YOU CAN DO IT!!)

1. Study for Unit 3 vocabulary test.  Complete the last section of Unit 3.  You will take the test on THURSDAY (10/7)!
2. You must read Chapters 10-12 and complete questions 54, 57, 58, 62.  We will be discussing these three chapters and I will be collecting the questions on THURSDAY (10/7).  Remember: this is not due until Thursday!  You can bring your book to mass tomorrow.  We are always bused over early; read in the pew before mass starts.  Also, bring your book to read to IOWAs.  Following each portion, with extra time, you can read!  You have a total of 6 evenings (giving you one evening of NO reading) from now until the due date.  You did 2 chapters with only two evenings of time to finish it!

ALTHOUGH WE ONLY MEET DURING CLASS FOR TESTING, please make AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE ME if you have QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS!!

9-29 Class

Today we did completed the following tasks:

1. Corrected Vocabulary
2. Worked on reading Chapters 8-9 and completing questions 37, 38, 39, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52 from the study guide

Homework:
We will be discussing chapters 8-9 tomorrow along with correcting the questions.  You also will be turning in your answers from your grammar pre-test along with the sentence corrections.

9-28 Class

Today we did the following activities:

1. Corrected vocabulary definitions and completing the sentences
2. Corrected Grammar
3. Corrected TKM questions Chapters 6-7

Homework:

• Vocab Unit 3 Syn/Ant/Choosing the Correct Word---DUE WEDNESDAY 
• Making corrections on your grammar (3 sentences for every portion you got wrong) (DUE WEDNESDAY) 
• TKM Chapter 8-9 reading and questions--DUE THURSDAY (you will have an in-class reading session tomorrow)
  

9-27 Class

Today you took the To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 1-5 Test.

Tomorrow the following things are due:

1. TKM Chapters 6-7 reading and questions
2. Vocabulary Unit 3 definitions and completing the sentences
3. Grammar pre-test assignment Page 464 #1-20 answers only

We will be correcting and discussing all of this work tomorrow!

9-24 Class

Happy Friday!  I know we had a jam-packed class session today, so to summarize, here is what we accomplished:

1. Vocabulary Test Unit 2 completed.  You also let me look at your book work to give you credit for completion.
2. We discussed the answers to the To Kill A Mockingbird Webquest.
3. We watched a short video about the Scottsboro Trials and how they inspired Harper Lee's novel.
4. You wrote down all of the information pertaining to the essay questions for Monday's TKM Ch. 1-5 Test.  You will choose one of the following topics to write on

• Urban legends: define, discuss how Boo Radley has become an urban legend and how it has affected the characters (Dill, Scout, Jem, Atticus, Boo, and the people of Maycomb County)
• "Walking around in someone else's skin"--the advice Atticus gives Scout.  You will need to explain what the quote means in your own words.  You will also have describe a scene when, if Scout used this advice, the situation would have worked out differently.  You will need to set the scene, tell who was involved, what the outcome was, AND how you THINK it would have turned out differently if she would have used the advice.

Looking Ahead:

Monday: everyone will take the TKM Chapter 1-5 Test

DUE ON TUESDAY: read and complete questions for TKM Chapters 6-7 and Vocab Unit 3 definitions and completing the sentences. (YES!  I decided to give you an extra day for the vocab.  I am such a nice teacher :)  

9-23 Class

Today we did the following:

1. Corrected Vocabulary---you should now have completed all of Unit 2 book work!  I will be checking it over tomorrow
2. Finished the Webquest
3. Discussed and corrected TKM questions 4-5

Homework:

Vocabulary Unit 2 Test FRIDAY

TKM Chapter 1-5 Test MONDAY

Read TKM and finish questions for chapters 6-7 BY TUESDAY

9-22 Class

You all did a wonderful job with the To Kill A Mockingbird Webquest; I was impressed by your ability to work in groups!

You read about some very interesting topics. Don't let these sites limit you! Feel free to explore the sites more thoroughly, espeically the PBS site---it's really good!

I know a few groups still need to finish up; don't worry, I will give you a portion of the hour to finish up.

LOOKING AHEAD: Imporant Assignment dates

• Finish TKM Chapter 4-5 reading and questions by TOMORROW (THURSDAY)! We will discuss and I will collect them. We will also check the rest of Vocabulary Unit 2 work as well---so make sure it is done.
• I am moving the Vocabulary Unit 2 Test to FRIDAY! After the test we will discuss the webquest answers and I will be showing you a short video clip about the Scottsboro Trials.
• You will have a TKM Chapter 1-5 Test on MONDAY.

9-22 Webquest for To Kill A Mockingbird

Today you will be responsible for researching and answering questions to better understand the historical background for To Kill A Mockingbird.

To Kill A Mockingbird Webquest


Introduction
To Kill A Mockingbird is set in the southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus Finch is asked to defend a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Through the young eyes of his children, Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the Deep South of the 1930’s. The consciousness of a town engulfed in prejudice, violence, and hypocrisy is changed by the quiet heroism of one man’s struggle for justice. In order to fully grasp the novel's lessons, you must first understand the author, the times, and the place in which the story is set.

Process
With a partner, you will go to the following websites and answer the questions together.

Questions

Website #1 Black Thursday

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Thursday

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street_Crash_of_1929

1. In terms of the government, what does Black Thursday refer to and when did it occur?

2. Although this is a complicated topic, how do you think The Wall Street Market Crash contributed to the Great Depression?

Website #2 – The Dust Bowl

http://drought.unl.edu/kids/impacts/dustbowl.htm

1. 3.Define the term "Dust Bowl".

1. 
   

1. 4.What occupation was hit hardest by the Dust Bowl?

1. 5.Who formed the New Deal Programs?

1. 6. How did the New Deal help those hit hardest by the Dust Bowl tragedy?

Website #3-- The Jim Crow Laws

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/jimcrowguide.pdf (read page 2 of this document)

7. Many African Americans were passionate about _____, despite the fact they were unable to learn in traditional schools.

8. What were some of the consequences for African Americans who defied authority and educated themselves?

9. What did missionaries from the North found in order to help African Americans become educated?

10. What two famous names are associated with early African American education?

11. What does the term the "Talented Tenth" refer to?

Website #4 – Scottsboro Trials

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_events_scotts.html

12. Who received unfair treatment in the Scottsboro trials? (include the # of people)

13. What were they accused of doing?

14. What date the first Scottsboro trial begin?

15. The Scottsboro tragedy finally ended with the pardon of Clarence Norris on what date?

The goal is to finish these questions

by the end of the hour.

9-21 Class

I was so sad when we had our technological meltdown today.

Tomorrow we WILL complete our webquest!

Instead of the webquest today we had to go with Plan B.

You had the class period to read Chapters 4-5 and answer the study guide questions DUE THURSDAY.

You also had the time to complete Vocabulary Unit 2 work. You will have your Vocabulary Unit 2 Test Thursday.

9-20 Class

Today we began by correcting vocabulary and your To Kill A Mockingbird questions for chapters 3-4. I collected the questions so I could give you credit for your efforts.

Next we took a look at using commas correctly. I gave you a handout to finish and turn in tomorrow.

The remainder of class was given to you to begin on your homework and ask questions throughout the hour. Remember to prioritize your time with the homework activities listed below.

Homework:

Finish the Commas worksheet and complete Unit 2 Vocabulary Syn/Ant by tomorrow

Read Chapters 4 & 5 and answer all of the questions for To Kill A Mockingbird by Thursday

Looking Ahead:

Tomorrow we will be doing a Webquest in class to continue learning about the historical references to To Kill A Mockingbird.

9-17 Class

Today you took a quick, 10 minute quiz on the characters in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Next we did some group work on writing concise sentences. You all did a fabulous job working in groups and leaning on one another when you had questions or asking me to come over if you could not decide.

Homework:

• Read Chapter 3 and finish questions #10, 15, 17, 18, 19, & 20 I WILL BE COLLECTING THE QUESTIONS! MAKE SURE YOUR ANSWERS ARE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES (except for #10, you can just write the definition next to the word). (Although I am not requiring the other questions, it would be a great benefit to you to do them. This will allow you to have a nice comprehensive study guide at the end of the novel.
• Unit 2 Vocabulary: finish "definitions" and "completing the sentences"

9-16 Class

Today we read aloud chapter 2 of TKM. I assigned speaking parts; you all did a great job with your parts and with aiding in our class discussion as we read!

After we finished I gave you a list of things that need to be completed for Monday:

• Read Chapter 3 and finish questions #10, 15, 17, 18, 19, & 20 (although I am not requiring the other questions, it would be a great benefit to you to do them. This will allow you to have a nice comprehensive study guide at the end of the novel.
• Unit 2 Vocabulary: finish "definitions" and "completing the sentences"

Tomorrow you will have a short 12 question quiz matching characters with the correct description.

9-15 Class

Today we only had a 30 minute class because of mass. In order to make sure everyone understood the first chapter of TKM, we discussed it the entire hour, including answering your questions from the study guide. I did not collect it for a grade and allowed you to fill in answers you got wrong.

Tonight's Homework:
I'm not officially assigning reading tonight. HOWEVER, if you get behind easily or struggle with reading, I encourage you to read ahead! It will help you!

9-14 Class

Today you took your first vocabulary test!

Following the test you received your study guide for the novel To Kill A Mockingbird. You were assigned to read the first chapter and to complete questions #1,2,5,6,7,8 & 9. The other questions are not required, but they will aid you in having a complete set of notes to take for quizzes and tests.

Homework:
Finish reading Chapter 1 of TKM and finish the required questions.

We will discuss the reading and the previous day's extra credit to get the book rolling.

9-13 Class

Today I gave back a few assignments. If you have any questions, please see me during homeroom. This is my prep time. You can email me to make an appointment to let me know what you would like to discuss and what day. I am also available after school, but please let me know a day ahead of time so I can make sure to set aside time.

Next we corrected the last of the vocabulary. I went over the structure of the test you will take tomorrow. Remember you will need to know how to spell every word as the first portion of the test is a spelling test. All of the words will be used once in the second portion of the test which will be a combination of synonyms, antonyms, and completing the sentence. If you study and know the definitions, there shouldn't be any surprises.

Finally we ended class by taking a look at a clip from Dove products. The video made us think about true beauty and how we choose to define it. We also questioned the media and how it changes our self-perceptions. The media changes reality to make PERFECTION.

Homework:
Bring your To Kill A Mockingbird Novel novel to class
Study for Vocab Unit 1 Test

Extra Credit:
1) List 5 facts about Harper Lee. (Good, juicy facts ONLY! Not "she is a girl").
2) What historical era is To Kill A Mockingbird set in? What of historical significance is happening during this time?

9-10 Class (FEAR)

First we corrected last night's assignment. I collected the grammar assignment to grade this weekend.

Next we discussed FEARS.

"It's always good to face your fears," is an age old adage (vocabulary word this week). Sometimes when we boil it down, our fears aren't horrible; they can be tackled and tamed.

We watched a 10 minute clip from "What About Bob?" and discussed the characters and their true fears. As Bob talks with Siggy about his fear of diving he says, "So what is about diving? Break it down for me."

In your writing assignment I want you to face fear. There are a number of acceptable ways you can do this:

HOMEWORK Assignment #1: A writing on FEAR

• OPTION #1: By taking one of my pre-written titles and rolling with it in a short-story format or a personal essay format. Make sure if you are choosing this type of writing you MUST type it and include the proper MLA format in the upper right-hand corner:

1. ___ (#) steps to conquering ____
2. I Ain't Afraid of ____
3. My Fear of _____
4. or make up your own title and go with it!

• OPTION #2: Poetry/Creative Approach: Since this approach will probably be "less" writing, make sure it shows SOLID effort and time spent on the assignment.

1. A 5 senses poem on Fear (Fear smells like..., tastes like..., looks like..., feels like..., sounds like...). This could be a five lined poem or a poem with a number of lines in each stanza.
2. A "Fear Is" poem. Using a variety of the sentences where each like is a metaphor. Each line begins Fear Is...
3. A Comic strip with a character battling a fear/coming to a resolution
4. Acrostic Poem

HOMEWORK Assignment #2: Finish Vocabulary Unit 1 in workbook

In addition, you must finish Vocab Unit 1 work (page 26 & 27). All work MUS T BE completed. I will be checking for COMPLETION of UNIT 1 on Monday. Your vocabulary test will be Tuesday.

You will need to know how to spell all 20 words and know the definitions for all of the words.

9-9 Class

First we corrected homework from last night.

We discussed how I grade homework.

I told you the difference between an EXPOSURE ASSIGNMENT and a MASTERY ASSIGNMENT. Because this was not an assignment to see if you have mastered the information, this was an EXPOSURE ASSIGNMENT. With any exposure assignment these are the things I require

1. That you do the ENTIRE assignment. Even if you are unsure of an answer, I expect that you at least attempt it.
   
2. Correct your work the next day in class with a different color. Be HONEST with your checking ability.

EXPOSURE grades are not given based on the number right/wrong. EXPOSURE grades are given based upon #1 and #2 above. For example, if you complete the entire assignment. Check your answers and get 4 of the 10 wrong, you will still earn a 10/10 points!!!

The object of an EXPOSURE grade is simply that---to expose you to the concepts. You cannot be exposed to the material if you do not complete it. And you will never learn from your mistakes unless you attempt to correct them.

We will discuss Mastery Grades when we get to that type of an assignment.

Next we discussed Adjective Clauses on page 568-569.

Homework:
Page 569 #1-10 answers only
Page 570 Choose any 5 from the 10 in exercise 3. Write out the entire sentence
Vocabulary Unit 1 Synonyms and Antonyms

9-8 Class

Today we checked and I collected your work on comma splices and fused sentences.

Next we discussed the vocabulary words for unit 1.

Finally I gave you a short assignment on subordinate and independent clauses.

Homework:
Complete the sentence for vocabulary unit 1. Read pages 564-565 and complete exercise 1 #1-10 answers only (I or S).

9-7 Class

Today we found that only 2 of you were missing vocabulary books. Make sure you bring your vocab book tomorrow as we will begin the first unit! Also bring your grammar book.

Next I told you I graded your friendly letters. Overall, OUTSTANDING JOB! I was quite impressed. I will hand them back either tomorrow or Thursday.

Finally we discussed a grammatical issue I saw in the majority of the papers I corrected: comma splices and fused sentences. Both of these issues cause run-on situations. I gave a hand-out and lectured on both of these issues.

HOMEWORK:
Finish both worksheets and hand them in tomorrow. No Late Assignments allowed.

9-2 Class

Today you turned in your COMPLETE PACKAGE! I am excited to read your "juicy" detailed friendly letters this weekend!

Next you chose the activity. You watched an inspirational piece about Nick V. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY

We discussed "Universal Message/theme" and we all decided it was a lesson that we can all learn from. After watching the video you had to determine the universal message and then write how it related to your life.

With the time remaining I asked for volunteers to share any of the journal entries this week. I was really impressed by what I heard. You will need to sharpen these "impromptu" writing skills as this is a key assessment on the ACT!

Have a terrific weekend. You have no homework for the holiday weekend!

Next week, please bring your vocabulary books and your grammar books!

9-1 Class

Today we began class with a very heartwarming story/video about Tara and Bella. Many themes rang true in this video: tolerance, caring for the sick, and trust. You had time to journal about one of these themes including a personal experience that speaks close to your heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjyb0t5Jm44

Next you had a second editing session. Before we began I told you it "looked like" the editing sessions went well yesterday, but looks can be deceiving. I asked to hear from you some comments you received and if it was in fact benefical to you. You did a very nice job giving feedback. Indeed our editing sessions were successful! NICE WORK!

Homework:
The COMPLETE PACKAGE of your Friendly Letter is due TOMORROW 9/2.

Here are some MUSTS for your COMPLETE PACKAGE:

• Must use font size 10, 11 or 12 on the typed final draft
• final draft font styles: times/times new roman, arial, tahoma, calibri: CHOOSE ONE OF THESE!
• do not double space or use an MLA heading on the Final Draft
• I want your rough draft(s) as well and they MUST have two signatures somewhere from your editors
• print out a rubric

I DO NOT EXCEPT MY PRINTER WOULDN'T PRINT AS AN EXCUSE! Come early (I am here at 7:30 am, save it to a USB, and I will help you out! The LRC is also open early. You also had homeroom and afterschool hours today to utilize a printer. IF....IF IF IF....for some very odd reason, the solutions do not work, PLEASE bring a letter or have your parents send an email to explain the EXTENUATING circumstances.