Quiz day!

Today we reviewed test-taking tips from our last test.

Then we took a quiz on Speak, pp.1-65.

Homework:
1) Take your book home in case we have a snow day. By Monday: pp. 66-92.
2) Bring two objects to class that you are willing to donate (permanently) to the class. Make sure they're appropriate, legal, and not food or a biohazard. Within those limits, the stranger the better. EC for extra objects or extra weirdness.

Time to do some work

Today we journaled for 10 minutes.

Then we completed the exercise "Left Out" on page 24 of "Writer's Choice."

Then we had time to begin the reading for tomorrow through p. 65 -- We have a quiz tomorrow!

Quote sandwiches

Today we began class by discussing Speak (for points) and then we had time to get in our literary technique groups and find more examples of our assigned literary technique.

Then we got a handout to review how to make a quote-analysis sandwich, or, in otherwords, how to write a really good paragraph of analyzing a quote.

Our homework is to practice analyzing one of our literary techniques using the sandwich organizer.

Isn't it ironic?

Today we learned about irony. We added the definitions of situational, verbal and dramatic irony to our cheatsheets and then (for points) pulled out examples from Speak. We also turned in the homework reading guide from over the weekend.

Homework was a small slip with 4 questions for tonight's reading: pp.36-46 of Speak

Make-up Opportunity

Today we began class by journaling.

Then we reviewed how to earn back points for wrong answers on a test. Students need to write out why the right answer is right and why the wrong answers are specifically wrong. Everyone divided into pairs to do this for one of the questions of the test.

We will share these answers and continue to earn back points as time permits. 4th block did not use their time wisely and did not get to share any, but 6th hour did get to start the sharing.

The reading for the weekend is pp.13-36 in Speak and there was a worksheet that you should have picked up to go along with the reading. It will be due when you walk in the room on Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Creatively thinking about Speak

Students turned in their homework (the guided reading worksheet).

Then we did a creative activity where students could choose to write, draw, talk or graph about ideas in Speak. This activity was due after 15 minutes.

Finally, Mrs. Gilbert modeled what our "big" project will be for this book: a literary style presentation. Students got in groups of 1-3 and signed up for which term they will be responsible for presenting on. The presentations are not due until we're finished with the book, but the homework for this evening was to find one example from last night's reading.

A new beginning

Today we began class by organizing our 3-ring binders. Students who were not prepared with a binder were temporarily given one and must either 1) pay $1.25, 2) work off the binder with a 15 minute detention, or 3) bring in their own binder and return Mrs. Gilbert's in reusable condition.

Then we did a pre-reading worksheet for our new novel, Speak, and shared our answers. We also picked up a reading schedule for Speak (there is homework reading every Monday, Wednesday, and weekend).

Finally, we got a reading guide for tonight's reading of Speak, pp.3-13.

Complex sentences!

Today we took notes on and practiced complex sentences. Students were to take home the worksheet we completed in class over the last two days and use it to find samples of compound and complex sentences in books, magazines, newspapers or the internet. Everyone needs to bring in 3 of each pattern (#2, 3, and 4) that we went over. This is due Monday.

Don't forget to have a 3-ring binder and journal by Monday as well!

From Malcolm to beyond

Yesterday we turned in our Malcolm X projects and our books as we wrapped up that unit. We also discussed some changes in the class structure:
1) 3-ring binders are a requirement, and will be checked regularly.
2) journals are a requirement, and we'll be writing in them regularly.
3) participation when sticks are pulled will be required to get full participation points for the week.
4) disruption of others working will be result in removal from the room after two warnings and may result in future seating chart changes (e.g. getting to work in a corner by yourself)

Today we began a worksheet on writing compound sentences. We took notes today and ended by writing practice compound sentences. Tomorrow we'll go on to complex sentences.

Testing

Yesterday and today we took a common assessment (test) for Sophomore English.

At home, you should be reading the last chapter of Malcolm X and wrapping up the little project on it. They are due tomorrow.

The end of Malcolm X

Today we finished the Malcolm X movie and we received the final assignment for Malcolm X.

Homework (due Wednesday of next week): Read all of chapter 19 (pp.398-418) and complete one of the project choices (and the project will be loaded onto the website by Saturday if you lost the instructions).

Next week Monday and Tuesday we'll be doing a test over the skills and terms we learned this past quarter so be here and be prepared!!!

Oral presentations!

Today and tomorrow we'll be doing oral presentations of our projects.

All projects are due today to Mrs. Gilbert unless you previously negotiated an extension.

Preparing to turn it in

Today we reviewed how the multi-genre project should be turned in. In particular, you will need to have your final draft (visual, table of contents, introduction/reflection, all 5+ pieces) stapled in one pile. Then all of your process work (journals, aborted drafts, notes, handouts, drafts #1, 2, 3, etc.) will be in a separate pile. Each pile will be put into a folder (that I'll give you tomorrow) and turned in.

Also tomorrow (and Wednesday) we'll be doing oral presentations for our project. Pick two excerpts, totalling less that 3 minutes, to read aloud to the class. Your grade will be based on
1. picking interesting excerpts
2. reading clearly and loudly
3. being organized and prepared -- which you show by being ready to go when called on, and by smoothly introducing yourself and your excerpts
4. participating appropriately as an audience member -- which means being attentive, respectful, and encouraging to other presenters.

For the last little bit of the hour, we watch a bit more of the Malcolm X movie.

Change in plans...

Hey folks,

I’m so very sorry, but my daughter is still sick enough to have to stay home from school. So today’s plans have been thrown to the wind. Here are the new plans:

PLEASE keep your multi-genre project stuff. DO NOT turn it in to the sub. What we were going to do today, we’ll do on Monday instead, so bring ALL your drafts, notes, handouts to class then.

On the back wall, on the bottom shelf of the far right bookcase, are books called “Writer’s Choice.” Please use these for the hour and THEN RETURN THEM TO THE SHELF for the next class to use.

Please complete the following tasks on some paper and turn them in to the crate by the end of the period.
1. Look at the cover of the book, flip through the pages. In sentences, tell me what you think this book will be about?
2. Read pages 19-22; In sentences, explain what will this book do for you? How will it work?
3. In the book, they refer to “sentence combining” – This essentially refers to taking short, choppy sentences and “combining” them into longer, more creative sentences. In sentences, what advice do they give you about sentence combining?
4. Try completing the exercise on page 23 (“Playing First”) on your paper. Be sure to read their instructions! -- Make sure you use ALL of the information in their sentences, but you can decide how to combine the bits and pieces into paragraph of your own style. You can delete unnecessary (repetitive) words, and you can also add words/details of your own.
5. If you have time at the end of the period, why don’t a few people share their versions aloud – notice how there are so many different ways to write the same information!

Proofreading...

Today we were supposed to work on editing our paper in the computer lab, so that students would be prepared to turn in final drafts either tomorrow or on Friday.

6th Period accomplished their task.

4th Period refused to follow directions and lost their computer lab time. We went over proofreading strategies in the classroom instead.

Nearing the end...

Yesterday (Oct. 31) we finished typing our projects and we went over how to revise our reflections. We have to type our revised reflections (which include quotes of quality writing from our project) and include the reflection in our project as an Introduction or Afterward.

Today we discussed the requirements for the visual part of the project and students signed up for who will turn in their project on Friday and who will turn it in onTuesday.

Then we had a discussion about chapters 14-15 of Malcolm X and turned in our quotes. Students who wish to make up credit for not participating in the discussion should choose 3 quotes to analyze thoughtfully in writing.

DUE TOMORROW: Fully completed 2nd draft of the multi-genre report. We'll meet in C-13 to edit it and print out the final draft!