Paper 1 Contest Submission Information

If you wish to submit your PAPER #1 to the Library of Congress contest AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN $1,000.00 follow these steps:

1. Go to the Papers Page of the class website

2. Read LOCEntryGuidelines Document and fill out the Entry Coupon

3. Attach the entry coupon to the LAST page of your paper

4. Make sure your name and complete return address appear in the UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE FIRST PAGE of the letter
letters w/o a return address will be disqualified

SUBMIT TO ME BY 10-15-13

Block Day 10-2 and 10-3

Today we reviewed more from Writers Choice Unit 20

The RULES pages 715-717 and then completed evens from exercise 7 pahe 719

The RULES pages 720 and 722 and then completed exercise 11 page 723

We also reviewed Vocabulary Units 1-3 by completing and correcting page 45

We read the Upfront Magazine (pages 12-13) and an additional article about Affirmative Action

We also started the article about" Car Culture" page 10

PAPER #2

The ROUGH DRAFT for PAPER #2 is due (uploaded to turnitin.com) by 11:59 PM in Monday 10-14-13

The rubric and rough draft need to be brought to class on TUESDAY 10-15-13 (for peer reviewing like we did for paper #2)

The FINAL DRAFT will be due (uploaded to turnitin.com) by 10-29-13. Block Day 10/30 and 10/31 the rubric will need to be returned to class.

As stated on the Papers Page of the class website, all papers are peer reviewed. I will go over papers of students who:
Scored below an 80% on paper #1
ask me to give their paper a review...just ask, I will give feedback!

As stated on the website...look for 1314CATEContest in the attached documents.

A PDF file of the CATE Contest information is also attached if you wish to read it to see what prizes you could earn!

HOMEWORK...Due 10-5-13. Read over the paper's directions. Let me know if you have any questions. I SUGGEST YOU START YOUR DRAFT THIS WEEKEND SINCE HOMECOMING IS NEXT WEEKEND!

Maus Quiz 10-1-13

Make-up Quiz for those who missed the quiz will be Monday 10-7-13 at lunch. Bring a PEN...meet me by the upper field where I have lunch duty!

October 1, 2013

Today we discussed the Cross Country Connections Blog and the requirements for participation .... minimum requirements as well as what needs to be done to earn a BONUS.

We then took MAUS Quiz 1

After MAUS quiz 1 we corrected Vocabulary quiz 3
and Read Writer's Choice pages 713-714
We completed ODDS from Exercise 4

Vocabulary and Writers Choice work is HOMEWORK if not completed in class

September 30th

Today Papers were passed back and upcoming assignments reviewed, like a normal Monday.

We completed Vocabulary Book pages 42-43 to start out Lessons 1-3 review

We complete Writers Choice pages 711-712 exercises 1-2-3 (ODDS)

We Started to read from the Upfront Magazine an article about Congress on pages 12-13.

Due Dates this week:
Tuesday by 11:59 PM Upload Paper 1 Final Draft to turnitin.com

Block Day:
Bring Paper 1 Rubric (same as rough draft) to class
Maus I completion WS

Friday
Grammar Quiz Lessons 20/21 (Multiple Choice PLUS written portion)
A reading selection will be given after the quiz, what is not active read will be homework for Monday

MAUS UNIT - Cross Country Connections

All of you need to respond to 4 MAUS discussions posted on Cross Country Connections BLOG Your response can be to the original question asked, or you can comment on a post made by another student.

Cross Country Connections is a BLOG community created after a conversation I had with one of my United States Holocaust Museum Teacher Fellow peers. WE set up the blog so that our students could virtually discuss a book that we were reading in class.

Make sure your responses are clear and communicated using textual evidence. Remember your audience is not necessarily in our classroom.

A blog response is 200-300 words, including textual evidence.

To get credit for your response, you need to sign your post with your first name and last initial, if not your last name as well!

You MUST complete TWO responses for each book...4 total!

Remember the BLOG IS PUBLIC. Good DIGITAL CITIZENS use appropriate language and cite sources.

Any student that thoroughly responds to EACH BLOG POST with a 200-300 word reply (that is thorough, and adheres to digital citizenship rules) will be eligible a LITERATURE BONUS.

Posts will be counted starting 10-1-13, the day the announcement was made in class. The closing date for the BLOG comments will be announced with a week to go...it should run through most of OCTOBER. Perhaps into November...

See me if you have any questions!

Friday 9-27-13

We took Vocabulary Quiz (3) today and Grammar Quiz (unit 21). New Upfront editions were passed out as well.

Over the weekend:
Look at comments made on turnitin.com...ask me if you have questions...or ask your peer reviewers

Due Next Week:
Tuesday 10-1-13 11:59 PM final draft uploaded to turnitin.com

NOTE: TUESDAY is MASS DAY ... TIE DAY ATTIRE


Block Day: Maus I completion/WS AND Return PAPART 1 RUBRIC

Friday 10-4-13
Grammar Quiz (20/21)

REMINDER: There WILL be a MAUS quiz each of the next two weeks


LOOKING AHEAD...PAPER #2 rough draft is due Monday 10-14-13 ...

Block Day 9-26/27

today we got new seats AND...

Completed Vocabulary Book page 40 (11-20)
Complete Writer's Choice SEMICOLONS (Rules on 733-734 and exercise on 737)

WE discussed book Censorship .... Banned Books Week in the USA and Book Burning during WWII in Berlin, Germany.

The first Maus Assignment was collected. The MAUS BLOG assignments will be discussed on Friday.

Tuesday 9-24-13

Today we reviewed Vocabulary Lesson 3 by completing 1-10 on page 40

We discussed paper revision topics with the entire group and then spent the rest of the time PEER EDITING

Due Block Day:
first MAUS assignment

Block Day we will discuss Cross Country Connections BLOG Requirements (while reading Maus)

The Week of September 23rd

Today papers were passed back and we reviewed THE USE OF COLONS in the Writers Choice book (page 733-734). We completed Exercise 3 on page 734 (some classes did evens and some odds)


WE discussed proper salutations for professional letters:
Use of colon
When to address a female with MISS, MRS. , or MS.

The time remaining was spent reading the latest UPFRONT magazine.

Upcoming assignments:
Monday 9-23-13 paper #1 draft uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 P.M.
Print draft and bring in ALL THREE PAGES of directions/Rubric to class TUESDAY 9-24-13

Block Day
Maus Read/Study Guide up to and including Chapter 3 is due
Maus quiz anytime after each reading assignment is completed.

Friday 9-27-13
Vocabulary Quiz 3
Grammar Quiz (unit 21)
BOTH Multiple Choice

NEXT WEEK:
Paper #1 Final Draft uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Rubric brought BACK to class Block Day 10-2 or 10-3

Block Day
Maus complete book 1 and study guide/prepare for a quiz

Friday 10-4-13
Grammar Quiz (units 20/21) BOTH Multiple Choice format AND correcting sentences.

Upcoming:
Maus II completed by BLOCK DAY 10-9 / 10-10
Vocabulary Test (MC format) lessons 1-3 on Friday 10-11
Paper #2 Rough Draft due 10-14 uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Paper 2 Rubric/draft brought to class for peer review 10-15-13

WED 10-16 PSAT TESTING

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY 10-18-13

Friday 9-20-13

Blocks 2 and 4 were given back Vocabulary Quiz Lessons 1 and 2. Corrections (words and definitions) are due on Monday.

Block 2 needs to complete paperwork for the 10th Grade Counselor (due Monday)

Blocks 5 and 6 are turning in their vocabulary corrections today.

ALL blocks will be viewing a PPT that goes into detail about how to read a graphic novel.

Assignments due next week:
Paper 1 needs to be uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM Monday
The rubric and Rough Draft need to be brought to class on Tuesday.

The FIRST Maus Assignment is due BLOCK DAY

Vocabulary Quiz and Grammar Quiz (UNIT 21) on Friday 9-27-13

NEXT WEEK: Bring Writers Choice, Vocabulary, and Maus (always have your planner and binder)

Block Day 9-18 and 9-19

I will go to St. Vincent de Paul today.

ALL classes will take a GRAMMAR DIAGNOSTIC TEST then have time to read MAUS.

The Grammar Test will allow me to see what units we need to focus more attention on this year and what units are merely a quick review. The test should be taken seriously but NO GRADE will be entered into the gradebook.

I spent 1 hour with BLOCK 6 ... after everyone finished the diagnostic we corrected Vocabulary Lesson 3 synonyms and Antonyms AS WELL AS page 38 11-20

BLOCK 6 also was given back Vocabulary Quiz 1 and 2. Corrections to Quiz 1 and 2 are due Friday. To fully correct the test, find the correct answer and circle it on the WHITE paper. THEN write the word and definition next to it. This will help reinforce meanings of words that were unclear the first time. Corrections will be made on each and every quiz where full credit is not earned. This IS an assignment.

Since I am not going to be available to review VOCAB IN ALL CLASSES...I am switching the Vocab Quiz to NEXT FRIDAY 9/27/13- coupled with the grammar quiz for unit 21.

REMINDER...Paper @1 is due on Monday night!

MAUS UNIT

The Maus Study Guide was posted as you took your Summer Reading Test. You can find it on the Maus Page of the class website.

Active Read Maus I up to and including Chapter 3 and complete the WS by BLOCK DAY 9/25 or 9/26 2013
Active Read The rest of Maus I and complete the WS by BLOCK DAY 10/2 or 10/3 2013
Active Read ALL OF Maus II and complete WS by Block Fay 10/9 or 10/10

For Time Management...
Book 1 is 150 pages... Up to and including Chapter 3 is 70 pages (10 pages a night)
Chapter 4 to the end is about 90 pages... about 13 pages a night
Book 2 is 133 pages ... about 20 pages a night


We will discuss both books and the historical era in class. We will focus on HOW to read a graphic novel, the concepts of memory, the idea of biography and autobiography.

Participation in Cross Country Connections Blog will be required.

Tuesday 9-17-13

Today we corrected the Synonyms and Antonyms from Vocabulary Lesson 3

We had the remaining 40 minutes to take the Summer Reading Test

Instructions for AFTER the TEST....
Vocabulary Book page 38 11-20
Read Maus

Monday 9-16-13

Today vocabulary Story Lesson 3 was turned in at the beginning of class. There was time given to complete Vocabulary Lesson 3 Completing the Sentences (1-10 on page 38) as well as synonyms and antonyms. We corrected Completing the Sentences ... synonyms & Antonyms are homework if not done in class. WE WILL correct thgem before tomorrow's test.

Upcoming Work:
Bring Summer Reading Books to the TEST tomorrow
Start bringing MAUS

Summer Reading Test will be SHORT ANSWER AND/OR ESSAY FORMAT. THOROUGH COW IS THE SECRET TO SUCCESS


FRIDAY 9-20-13
Vocabulary Multiple Choice Test Lesson 3

MONDAY 9-23-13
Paper 1 Rough Draft (see BLOG POST 9-3-13) due UPLOADED to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Bring to class on Tuesday 9-24-13 your rubric as well as a copy of the rough draft. Library of Congress Letters About Literature Paper Rubric can be found on Papers page of class website as well as into on 9-3-13 blog post.

Block Day 9-25/27-13 Study Guide for MAUS I

Friday 9-27-14
Grammar Quiz

Writing Pet Peeves

A few concepts to think about as you write:

OTHERS FIRST...do not write (me and my ... always address others before you address yourself)
Avoid unclear pronoun reference
Avoid dead and overused words
Avoid commonly confused words
Avoid contractions in formal writing...save that for conversation and social media
Do not end stories with THE END, rather have a natural conclusion to your story
Revise and use adjectives and adverbs rather than strings of prepositional phrases
Use sophisticated vocabulary...when is doubt, use a Thesaurus!

DO proofread
Do use spell check

Our NEXT Book....

will be Maus 1 and Maus II

A reading study guide will be posted TONIGHT. Please START bringing to class tomorrow, Tuesday 9-17-13. When you finish your Summer Reading test you can work on starting MAUS!

Part of our study will involve collaboration via a BLOG with a peer of mine, another United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow. There will be 1 or 2 blog posts each week for students in EACH OF OUR CLASSES to discuss together online. We will moderate the discussions. The blog allows the students to carry the conversation of the text outside the walls of the classroom, plus engage in a form of writing that is geared for the public, not academia. We will moderate to ensure the students are exhibiting proper DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP. Students will be required to respond to 50% of the posts from each book. Students who respond to 75% or more of the posts will be eligible for a MAUS BONUS!

BONUS OPPORTUNITY...

Warwick's is a privately owned book story in La Jolla. They often have events where authors come to speak. I am including a list of dates that have authors that might be of interest to you. Please do CALL them to confirm that there are no schedule changes!

How do you get a bonus?
1. Print out this blog post and have your parent print/sign/date below this statement expressing their approval that you attend the event.

2. Have an employee sign this form

3. Take a picture of yourself with the author.

4. Take notes when the author speaks and staple to this.

5. Bring the notes, this printed blog post, and the picture to school THE NEXT DAY BETWEEN 7 AND 7:15 am. You will be asked to share your experience with the class within the week of the event.

Potential Dates:
October 15th 7 PM Children's and YA Publisher Night
October 16th 7 PM Warwick's Recommends
October 21st 7 PM Publisher's Rep Night
December 9th Amy Tan

As I become aware of more opportunities, I will let you know!

If you hear of something....PLEASE SHARE!

Friday the 13th...

Everything went as planned in block 2 ... let's hope to keep it up the rest of the day!

Vocabulary Quiz 2 was today...time to read Upfront after the quiz.

Next week:
DUE MONDAY Vocab + Grammar story # 3 ... see blog September 3rd for details.
TUESDAY Summer Reading Test (essay/short answer format)
FRIDAY: Vocabulary Quiz #3

Next week details for the next book MAUS I and MAUS II will be posted. BRING TO CLASS ON TUESDAY to start reading AFTER SR TEST.


Upcoming:
Paper #1 ... Monday 9-23 uploaded to turnitin.com
9-24 bring rubric and a printed copy of paper to class for PEER REVIEW

HIGHLY SUGGESTED:
Come in and meet with me during the month of September. I will make myself available to talk to you about your goals for English class and strategies for success! I will be available before school from 7-7:30 each day...and Wednesday-Friday at lunch.

Block Day (9-11 and 9-12)

Today in class we discussed strategies for studying for the vocabulary quizzes each week

We also discussed the Outside Reading Bonus Opportunities

We completed CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORD from vcab lesson 2
We corrected WC esercis 20 (evens) page 753 and part of ex 22 page 756

We discussed the Ted Koppel interview in a compare/contrast situation with the book Tuesdays With Morrie.

We completed the Tuesdays With Morrie CONFLICT CHART

LINK

a few emailed with trouble with the link...here it is again

Tusday 9-10-13

Today we corrected Exercise 18 from page 751 of Writer's Choice.

We also completed pages 31-32 in the Vocabulary book

The vocabulary Stories from Lesson 2 that were graded last night were returned.

We started discussing the conflict chart with the CHARACTER MORRIE. We will continue tomorrow!

Tuesdays With Rene' ... BONUS Opportunity Begins Today

Remember...to qualify for a BONUS, all work for the semester must be turned in...and on time! A BONUS is an opportunity ABOVE AND BEYOND what is expected of you!

You can always come watch the movie for review, even if you are not using it as a bonus opportunity!

Monday 9-9-13

Today I passed back the Summer Reading Projects and Vocabulary Story Lesson 1

I also passed out a handout from the library that should be placed in the WRITING section of teh class binder...Research Resources for Saintsmen

We started our day by working on Synonyms and Antonyms on page 32 of the Vocabulary Book (Lesson 2)

Vocabulary Lesson 2 was collected and Scholastic $ was collected.

We discussed Upcoming assignments and started working on the conflict chart, due tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will correct WC activities from Friday.

Upcoming Work Due Dates:
Tuesday 9-10-13
Scholastic $
Conflict Chart (a copy of the chart can be found HERE (titled CharacterandConflictChart) if you lost your copy)

Wednesday/Thursday (YOUR BLOCK DAY)
Watch the Ted Koppel Interview with Morrie and complete the WS
The worksheet is ATTACHED (TedKoppelInterview) on the Summer Reading Page of the class website...the video URL is on the WS

Friday
Vocabulary Lesson 2 Quiz...Multiple Choice...same format as Quiz #1

Friday 9-6-13

Friday is the FIRST Vocabulary Quiz Day!

After Vocabulary Quiz #1 students will complete Writer's Choice activities (using PEN and printing neatly):
page 751 Exercise 18 (events)
page 753 Exercise 20 (evens)
page 755 Exercise 22 (evens)
What is not done in class is homework

Homework due Monday is Vocabulary Story Lesson 2 + Grammar. Details of this assignment on a blog post from 9-3-13.

Summer Reading Projects need to go home...second reminder!

Monday 9/9 we will go over the CONFLICT Chart we did not get to on Block Day
I will also pass back Vocabulary Stories Lesson 1 AND Summer Reading assignments

Next Week's assignments...looking ahead:
1. Conflict Charts not done in class Monday will need to be finished by Tuesday 9-10

2. If you did not have a portfolio you need to bring in a 1/2 inch to 1 inch size binder by Monday. You will START your portfolio this year!

3. Tuesday 9-10 please have in all Upfront Magazine money ($15.00 cash or check made payable to Saint Augustine High School)

4. Block Day have watched Ted Koppel video and complete WS. (Document called TedKoppelInterview is linked on the Summer Reading page of the website)

5. Vocabulary Quiz #2 on Friday 9-13-13

Block Day and PAPER #1

In class we will start in the LIBRARY.

First we will get our CLASS ID and PASSWORD to register for www.turnitin.com.

Second we will look at the PAPERS page of the class website to find where details of each paper will be located. Read the instructions about PAPER #1 as homework. Ask me outside of class time if you have any questions about how to begin or if you wish me to look at your brainstorming or a rough, rough draft.

Rough drafts of paper # 1 need to be UPLOADED to turnitin.com by MIDNIGHT Monday 9-23-13. Bring to class a printed copy of your rough draft AND your rubric on TUESDAY 9-24-13. You will give me your rubric and work with your peers in a peer review session on Tuesday 9-24-13.

Information for future papers will be located on the papers page of the class website.

After the time in the library we will:
Correct Vocabulary Homework from Tuesday
Review vocabulary prior to Friday's quiz
Share SR Projects AND TAKE THEM HOME
Start to discuss CONFLICTS. Conflict CHART MUST be completed by Monday 9-13-13.

We did not get to the conflict chart in ANY block...we will START that Monday (updated 9-5-13 at 2:22 PM)

Vocabulary Stories Lessons 2 and 3 + Grammar

ALL vocabulary stories will be:
Typed - double spaced using Times New Roman 12 Point Font
Each vocabulary word will be indicated in BOLD
The word count (based on guidelines) will be listed after the FINAL WORD
Have a title
Be at least three paragraphs (remember 1 idea per paragraph) ... which means it is a story as it has a beginning, middle, and an end (is fully developed)

Lesson 2 Story is due Monday 9-9-13
Word Count 200-400 words
GRAMMAR add in...please put in italics and BOLD:
1. TWO DIRECT QUOTATIONS
2. TWO titles of short literary works
3. TWO unfamiliar slang expressions
STORY TOPICS...PICK ONE TO FINISH THE STORY:
1. It was a sunny May morning when I awoke with a special spring in my step. Somehow, overnight, I had merged with a slinky and was able to do all sorts of things other humans could not. For instance, when I...
2. You are a father who just discovered a major dent in your car. You approach your teenage son. Start with: It has come to my attention...

Lesson 3 Story is due Monday 9-16-13
Word Count 200-400 words
GRAMMAR add in (21.12, 21.13, 21.14) ... please put in BOLD:
1. TWO compound adjectives and/or numbers
2. TWO abbreviations
3. TWO numbers
STORY TOPICS...PICK ONE ... START WITH THE WORDS BELOW AND FINISH THE STORY:
1. There is no one more berserk than ___ on Christmas Eve.
2. At an early age, the little boy discovered...

Tuesday 9-3-13

In class we took care of a few more "start of school" items:
Portfolios from 9th grade were passed back to be used this year
Names were put on "cards"

Normal class routines were started:
Vocabulary Lesson 1 + Grammar story was collected
The calendar updates were announced

Classwork:
Vocabulary Lesson 1 SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
We completed Characterization Chart

Upcoming Assignments:
Block Day 9/4 and 9/5: Vocabulary Lesson 1 Completing the Sentences + Choosing the Right Word (1-10 both)
Friday 9-6-13 Vocabulary Quiz

Monday 9-9-13 Vocabulary Story Lesson 2 + Grammar
Tuesday 9-10 Scholastic $ due
Friday 9-13 Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 3

SUMMER Reading Test MOVED to Tuesday 9-17-13 due to our library use Block Days this week!

****** Students that did not create a Portfolio last year need to purchase a 1/2 or 1 inch binder to use as a portfolio. On the outside of the portfolio they need to neatly have their name and title English Portfolio.THis needs to be brought to class by Monday 9-10-13

Vocabulary Lesson 1 ...includes Grammar

*** Each Friday a new grammar and vocabulary unit/review will be covered. A story will be due on Monday and a subsequent quiz the following Friday. That will be ROUTINE this year.

ALL vocabulary stories will be:
Typed - double spaced using Times New Roman 12 Point Font
Each vocabulary word will be indicated in BOLD
The word count (based on guidelines) will be listed after the FINAL WORD
Have a title
Be at least three paragraphs (remember 1 idea per paragraph) ... which means it is a story as it has a beginning, middle, and an end (is fully developed)


Friday in class we will begin review UNIT 21 in the Writer's Choice Book. It is expected that you follow the grammar rules outlined in UNIT 21 (Lessons 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 and 21.10) when you create your vocabulary story. Both the Vocabulary and Grammar topics will be covered on a quiz.

Vocabulary Lesson 1 + Grammar Unit 21 REVIEW Begins
DUE Tuesday 9-3-13
Word Count 200-400 words

Write your story using ALL 20 vocabulary words. Base your story on ONE of the following prompts:
A character from one of the summer reading titles.
A character from one of the books from 9th grade English class.
A character from a Disney ANIMATED film.

Vocabulary Quiz #1 covers lesson 1...FRIDAY 9-6-13
Multiple Choice Format (definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and completing the sentences)

Seating Charts

I will be making SEATING CHARTS ... YES, assigned seats start next week. The seats will not be the ones you MUST sit in all year, but for a month or so.

Please send me an email to rmacvay@sahs.org if you wish to tell me about a seating preference. We will utilize BOTH the front and back boards so the only time there is a "front" to the classroom is when the screen is being used.

If you have a preference, let me know via email by FRIDAY night.

Thanks!

Ms. MacVay

Block Day

Today I passed out a letter to give your parents, asking for them to send you to school with cash or a check (made payable to the SCHOOL) to cover the cost of the year's Upfront Magazine subscription. Please bring in the $15.00 by September 10th.

Today we discussed:
1. How a book cover reflects marketing practices (target audience, etc)
2. Who the target audience of the book is, in our opinion, after reading each book.
3. The author's choice of setting and how it helps us relate to characters
4. The author's character development in relation to setting


We got through MOST of the Characterization WS ... BLOCK 2 ... please complete the chart so we can discuss Friday due to Mass Shortened-Class

WE ALSO discussed TECHNOLOGY in the class
1. How to FOLLOW the blog
2. How to follow a hyperlink and download a worksheet so that is can be saved on a personal computer and the answers TYPED under the questions!

Remember...my Tutoring Hours are Wednesday 7-7:30 ...
Remember...Block 2 students drop off your BACKPACKS/OTHER ITEMS in the classroom BEFORE MASS so we can maximize our mass-shortened time together!

Tuesday August 27th

This week we will continue to discuss class expectations.

Today I will collect signed syllabus forms and we will start to discuss summer reading.

The CHARACTERIZATION chart needs to be completed (definitions) if not done in class. If the document handed out in class is lost, it can be found on the DOCUMENTS PAGE of the class website.

BRING Summer Reading Books every day until we have a summer reading test.
BRING vocabulary book every day starting FRIDAY this week (photocopy someone's lesson 1 if you do not have one yet and make sure you have your copy with you in class on Friday).

BRING Writer's Choice Book Friday...you do NOT have to bring it each day. The book is TOO heave to carry each day!

Ms. MacVay

DID you bookmark the blog and follow it? I can "see" who follows the blog and how many people check the posts. Homework last night was to do this...only 9 of you did! Take care of this tonight...do not lose participation points.

Welcome to English 2 for the 2013-2014 Academic Year

I look forward to exploring literature and writing with you this year. Together we'll share ideas about the literature we read, work on developing our writing, review grammar, and learn new vocabulary words!

I'll announce homework in class and SOTW but all detailed information will be here on the BLOG. Bookmark this page.

Documents you need for class can be downloaded from the class website. We will use www.turnitin.com to upload papers.

The first day of school and the entire first two weeks of school, bring to class your summer reading books, vocabulary book, and grammar book.

Homework Due Tuesday 9-27-13
1. Use www.dictionary.com to complete the 4 definitions on the CHARACTERIZATION handout (if you lost it it is on the documents page of the class website). We'll complete the rest IN class on TUESDAY.
2. read over the syllabus with your parents and sign and complete the last page. Bring in the teacher copy of the signed syllabus form. Keep the family copy.

DUE by Friday 9-30-13
Have all of your supplies and your binder organized.

DUE By 10-9-13

Bring in your check or cash for the New York Times Upfront Magazine.

Summer Reading for 2013-2014 Academic Year

Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven are the two summer reading novels for all 10th Grade Students! Assignments are posted as of today!

2013-2014 English 2 Summer Reading
FOR ALL INCOMING 10th GRADE STUDENTS
Summer Reading is 10% of your Semester 1 Grade

Active read Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and complete the assignment posted on the teachers’ websites....hyperlinks below....

ALL incoming 10th grade students will complete the same assignment, posted by June 15, 2013 by both Mr. Osberg and Ms. MacVay.


Contact Mr. Osberg at gosberg@sahs.org or Ms. MacVay at rmacvay@sahs.org if you have any questions.

Last Day Of Class

We corrected page 178 in the vocabulary book and discussed Tempest Topics from previous blog post.

See me Tuesday of you have any questions about the final exam!

Good Luck on your finals!

Do not forget your summer reading for ENGLISH 3 ... enjoy your summer!

Stop by next year and say hello!

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday we read HArriet Tubman from our Poetry Packet ... come classes also read Zen and the Art of Peanut Butter.

We corrected Vocabulary Book Pages 172-173 (SAT PREP Activity) and the antonyms section.

Thursday I returned the Final Paper (Vocabulary Story) and reflection and the papers were filed in the binders that will be passed on to the JUNIOR ENGLISH teachers.

After the test, Blocks 4-5-6 were given "Poetry Tweet" Worksheets. (Block 2 got one on Wednesday). I modified the requirement to be 100-140 character poem about Sophomore Year, We will share in class Monday.

Monday: We will discuss the following concepts from The Tempest:
The allegorical nature of the characters
The role of repentance and forgiveness
The uses of: Magic and Music in the play
The Use of HUMOR in the play

FINA EXAM:
Wednesday 6-5-13
8:30 AM

Block 2 ROOM 322 ... I will proctor
Block 4 ROOM 231
Block 5 ROOM 317
BLOCK 6 ROOM 318

BRING PENCILS and ERASERS for the SCANTRON portion of the test (50-100 questions)
Bring a BLUE or BLACK PEN (or two) to PRINT YOUR ESSAYS (2 essays total)

Final exam study guide posted earlier this month (5-3-13) in a previous blog post

Tuesday 5-28-13

WHAT A DAY!

I was/was not in class. I collected the final paper and graded it as the sub administered the VOCABULARY TEST 10-12.

After the Vocabulary Test, Upfront Magazines were passed out.

Wednesday and Thursday will NOT BE block days...they will be regular schedule like today. Therefore, Wednesday we will review another poem, review Vocabulary Book pages 172-180, and discuss The Tempest. Thursday will be the POETRY TEST.

Next Monday June 3, 2013, we will finish discussing The Tempest, review Vocabulary 13-15, and The Tempest.

FOR WEDNESDAY'S class ... be prepared to discuss:

How Prospero used MAGIC to control his enemies
The role of MUSIC in the play
The role of HUMOR in the play

Change in Schedule...

Due to SHORT CLASSES, Senior March, and Yearbook distribution...

The Vocabulary Test for Lessons 10-12 will take place on TUESDAY 5-28-13

The assignment for Tuesday will still be due Tuesday...the LAST PAPER GRADE ... Vocabulary Story/Reflection lessons 13-15. Details on Blog post earlier in the month where lessons 10,11,12 details were located!

I have jury duty tomorrow...bring your vocabulary book...the sub plans cover review of lessons 13-15. Make a copy of the review lessons if you do not have a book!

Summer Reading for ENGLISH 3 STUDENTS

READ The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
Read the book and take notes on it with respect to characters, plot development, timeline, symbolism, conflicts, outcomes, etc.

There will be NO Summer Reading assignments for AP English Language.

Week of May 20th

Tuesday we reviewed for the Vocabulary Test Friday on lessons 10-12

Block Day we completed the review pages in the vocabulary book and started on the cumulative review (147-148)

Our Tempest Discussion looked at the elements of a Fairy Tale (linked to the TEMPEST page of the class website)

Block day we discussed:
elements of a fairy tale found in The Tempest
The Tempest ... literally and figuratively
Humor in the play
Sibling Rivalries
How characters were related to one another

TO DO:
Discuss how conflicts resolved...next time!

LAST THREE GRADES...THEN FINALS

Friday we have the Vocabulary Test - lessons 10-12 (multiple choice)

Tuesday 5-28-13 the paper/reflection for lessons 15-15 is due. The instructions ate on the blog post with the instructions for lessons 10-11-12 stories

Block Day 5-29/30
Poetry Test - read and answer questions based on the poem given to the class. This requires TPCASTT knowledge, understanding of poetry vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Final Exam ... Wednesday June 5, 2013 8:30 AM
Study Guide posted a few weeks ago - bring pencils and pens
Block 2 ROOM 322 (I will proctor)
Block 4 ROOM 231
Block 5 ROOM 317
Block 6 ROOM 318

Monday 5-13-13

CORRECTION...

ACTS 4 and 5 of THE TEMPEST are on the same worksheet...it will be due FRIDAY 5-17-13

Homework due Tuesday:
Vocabulary Book Lesson 14 Completing the Sentences, Synonyms, and Antonyms

Lesson 15 (came activities ...due BLOCK DAY)

Today papers were passed back and we discussed lesson 13 in the vocabulary book.

We looked at the poem When I Think About Myself by Maya Angelou
We TPCASTT the poem and focused on TONE

More Poetry Tuesdau and Block Day - Tempest Discussion Next Week!

Monday 5-20-13

Today we completed Vocabulary Book Pages 141-143 (review of lessons 10-12).

We discussed the Desert News article as it relates to forgiveness/repentance...a THEME in The Tempest

Tomorrow:
Vocabulary Review

Tempest discussion...
The idea of Forgiveness/Repentance in the Tempest
Elements of a Fairy Tale and How the Tempest fits the definition of a Fairy Tale

Friday 5-17-13

Today papers were passed back and the LAST homework assignment was collected.

IF you still own me a RESUME...bring it BEFORE SCHOOL MONDAY.

Due Monday: read the Article from the Desert News. Prepare for a class discussion on The Tempest Monday.

Next Week:
OR BONUS ... due BEFORE SCHOOL on MONDAY 5-20-13

Class Time: Vocabulary Lessons 10-12 reviews/Tempest Talk/Poetry

Friday 5-24-13 Vocabulary Test Lessons 10-12

Block Days

Continue with Vocabulary Introduction of Lesson 15 - correcting completing the sentences and synonyms and antonyms

return papers

discuss poem: THE FISH by Elizabeth Bishop

Upfront Magazines passes out (Facebook & Free Speech on the cover)

The Week of Monday 5-13-13

Monday we will correct Vocabulary Book Pages 154-155 (completing the sentences, Synonyms, and antonyms from lesson 13)

Monday, Block Day and Friday the last THE LAST THREE homework assignments are due ...acts 3-4-5 ... do your best...end the year STRONG!

This week we'll Introduce Vocabulary lessons 13 and 14, discuss poetry, and The Tempest.

Tuesday 5-7-13

Today we corrected Vocabulary Book Pages 134-135 then took the FRANKENSTEIN ESSAY TEST.

AFTER the test...for Homework if not done in class:

Vocabulary Book pages 136-137

If done with all of that:
Read The Tempest or Upfront Magazine

Monday 5-6-13

Today Vocabulary Lesson 12 + Grammar Concepts story was turned in at the start of class (resume' also, if applicable)

We discussed Romantic and Gothic "elements" in literature and how they applied to the novel Frankenstein ... also connected with Macbeth and BNW.

Multiple Choice Frankenstein Part of the test...

Tomorrow ....

Vocabulary Activity Lesson 12
Frankenstein essay test
Tempest Act 1 WS due

Outside Reading Bonus...

The Week of May 6th is the last week to get a book approved. ALL OR projects must be completed by Monday 5-20-13.

Remember BONUS Projects do not count if all required class work is not completed.

FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

The English Final Exam will be SCANTRON and ESSAY. Bring a few pens, pencils, and erasers.

Essay Portion:
There will be 1 essay question that covers The Tempest specifically. It will cover concepts relating to THEMES, STORY STRUCTURE, PLOT, CONFLICT, AND CHARACTERIZATION.

There will be a second essay relating to books from the ENTIRE YEAR. The essay will require COW from two books from each semester...first semester only one of the choices can come from Summer Reading.

Poor scores were on one of the essays on the semester 1 final due to A LACK OF READING DIRECTIONS (LIT BOOK STORIES QUESTION...ANSWERED WITH NOVEL INFORMATION). Read the question and answer the question that is asked of you...not what you wished was asked. The question will require you to demonstrate your understanding of concepts that ran through all the novels from the year.

Multiple Choice Portion:
Vocabulary Book Lessons 13-15
The Tempest

I have LUNCH DUTY on Thursdays...drop by and see me then if you have questions about something that will be covered on he final exam.

Friday 5-3-13

Vocabulary Quiz 11 was taken after reviewing Antonyms and Vocabulary in Context

After Quiz:
Read Upfront Magazine
Read Frankenstein
or Read The Tempest

DUE Monday:
Vocabulary Story 12
Frankenstein Test (MC)
We will discuss Romantic and Gothic elements of the novel

Tuesday:
The Tempest Act 1 WS
Frankenstein Essay part of Test

Block Day...POETRY Discussion

Due Friday 5-10-13
Vocabulary Quiz 12 (MC)
The Tempest Act 2 WS

Frankenstein Reviews This Week

We discussed:

the role of book and the power of words
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
The evidence of religion/faith in the novel
The Prometheus Myth
Relating Victor and the Creature to Prometheus as well as God and Adam/Eve
Human Nature

Monday 4-29-13

Today Vocabulary Lesson 11 (and grammar topics) story was turned in - as well as resumes!

We completed Pages 127-128 (completing the sentence) in the vocabulary book and reviewed the salmon color paper re: Frankenstein. We discussed the connection with the Prometheus Myth ad well as the ides of connecting God creating Adam with Victor creating the Creature.

Tomorrow: Work on Expository Paper in library - suggested: have rough draft done for peer editing and for me to give assistance. REMINDER: I am available at lunch if you have writing/editing questions!

Expository paper due UPLOADED TO TURNITIN.COM BY 11:59 PM ON THURSDAY MAY 2ND

Friday May 3rd:
Bring Resume to Class
Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 11

REMINDER: RESUMES DUE THE DAY AFTER I RETURN THEM TO YOU. THEY WILL BE REDONE TILL FULL CREDIT, IF YOU TURNED IT IN ON TIME.

Friday 4-26-13

Today we completed Vocabulary Book page 123 as a review before the Quiz.

We took the vocabulary Quiz lesson 10 (scantron)

Papers were passed back

Resumes were collected


HOMEWORK:
A copy of the Prometheus Myth was distributed ... and a salmon colored Frankenstein WS ... the myth needs to be read and the WS completed for Monday class discussion.

Vocabulary Story Lesson 11 - with grammar component - due Monday 4-29

Thursday 5-2-13 Expository Paper due by 11:59 uploaded to turnitin.com

Friday 5-3-13 Bring Expository directions/rubric to class, Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 11 (Scantron)

REMEMBER...RESUMES ARE DUE THE DAY AFTER i RETURN THEM TO YOU...THEY NEED TO BE DONE TILL FULL CREDIT (IF TURNED IN ON TIME) IS ACHIEVED

Upcoming:
Frankenstein Test Monday May 6th
Tempest Assignments are due Starting May 7th...start reading NOW

Frankenstein Discussion Topics - Block Days 4-24/25

Victor's Family and Childhood
Two Turning Points in Victor's Life
Physical Manifestations of Victor's Guilt
Who died in the Story ... natural causes or a result of Victor's Playing "God"
Important Females in Victor's Life
What it Means to be Human
Wanting to Fit In/Being Lonely
(Subtle) Signs of Religion


Connections with PAST STORIES:
Creating Life Artificially - BRAVE NEW WORLD
Signs of Guilt/Knowing Right vs Wrong - MACBETH
Power of Books/Knowledge - BRAVE NEW WORLD

Expository Paper

Your paper is due UPLOADED to turnitin.com by 11:59 on THURSDAY 5-2-13

Drop is help at lunch on
Friday 4-26
Monday 4-29
Tuesday 4-30
Block Days 5-1 and 5-2

Library Work Day - Tuesday 4-30-13

Happy Birthday (449) William Shakespeare

The Tempest

We are done reading FRANKENSTEIN...some of you may wish to get a start on the last story...THE TEMPEST.

WS can be found on the TEMPEST PAGE of the class website.

DUE DATES:
Act 1 - Tuesday 5-7-13
Act 2 - Friday 5-10-13
Act 3 - Monday 5-13-13
Act 4 - Block Day 5-15/16-13
Act 5 - Friday 5-17-13

The Tempest will be TESTED on the final exam.

Monday 4-22-13

Today we completed Vocabulary Lesson 10 pages 120-121 in class then we discussed the concept of being LONELY in FRANKENSTEIN through an analysis of the characters Walton, Frankenstein, and the Creature.

Vocabulary Story Lesson 10 was turned in ... as well as any resume re-dos...remember re-dos are due the day after I give them to you. They will be redone till perfect. This is one assignment we will have have full credit on, if turned in on time to start with!

FRANKENSTEIN test MOVED TO MONDAY 5-6-13 - MULTIPLE CHOICE + ESSAY

UPCOMING ASSIGNMENTS:
Block Day this week - Frankenstein Quiz up to and including Chapter 10
Multiple choice and short answer
Friday Vocabulary Quiz (10) - MC format

NEXT WEEK:
Monday Vocabulary Story lesson 11
Thursday 11:59 PM - Expository paper uploaded to turnitin.com
Friday Vocabulary Quiz (11) MC format, rubric for expository paper brought to class

Warwick's AUTHOR Events

Below I list a few events I am aware of at Warwick's. If you wish to go to a bonus, check with the store to make sure the event is still going on as publicized online, take notes, print this blog post and have an employee sign, and take a picture with the author. BRING ALL materials to room 322 BEFORE SCHOOL...the next school day.

MAY 2nd 7:30 PM
Kevin Powers THE YELLOW BIRDS

MAY 7TH 7:30 PM
Seth Lerer PROSPERO'S SON

MAY 15TH 4:30 PM
LIVE STREAMING OF DAN BROWN: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER

MAY 21ST 7:30 PM
FRED STOLLER MAYBE WE'LL HAVE YOU BACK

Week 1 Fourth Quarter

Tuesday we went to the library to work on the Expository Paper.

Block Day:
Wednesday I left for part of the day to go to St. Vincent de Paul.
Blocks 2-4-6 had time to work in class on Frankenstein short answer questions.
Blocks 2 and 6 had 1 Macbeth Project presentation
Blocks 2 and 4 discussed Frankenstein Story w/in a story w/in a story concept

KEEP re-submitting your resume the DAY AFTER it is returned to you...until you get full credit....then file in PORTFOLIO BINDER in the classroom.

Block 5: Macbeth projects and Frankenstein discussion/WS will be completed in class.

The Fourth Quarter Begins Today

Today we started to move papers into our PORTFOLIO. I will hold onto the PORTFOLIO in the classroom and give it to your JUNIOR YEAR TEACHER in the fall.

Papers were returned to all blocks.

Blocks 2-4-5 read "Celebrities for Sale" OP-ED piece from the latest Upfront Magazine.

Block 6 was able to continue with a Macbeth project that was started last week.

THERE will be NO FRANKENSTEIN QUIZ THIS WEEK.
Next week's quiz will cover up to and including chapter 10

The Frankenstein Test is MOVED to Block Days ... May 1st and 2nd

DUE TOMORROW:
Resume Redo
Have read all instructions for Expository Paper ... come to class with a few topics in mind

Expository Paper

Starting Tuesday 4-16, and the rest of the Tuesdays in the month of APRIL, we'll work on the EXPOSITORY PAPER assignment in class. The final draft is due UPLOADED to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM May 2, 2013. The rubric needs to be brought to class Friday 5-3-13.

The rubric/instructions are on the PAPERS page of the class website. The document is titled 1213EXpositoryPaper.

GOALS for completing the project...sooner than a minute before the deadline:
TUESDAY 4-16:
Read assignment instructions prior to coming to class on Tuesday 4-16. Come to class with a topic or two in mind.
Pick a topic while in class
Research and find articles on ProQuest or CQ Researcher (a credible website is OK if you cannot find enough articles).
During the week read the articles to make sure they are what you need. Find new ones if needed.
Create and outline and THESIS STATEMENT and bring to class Tuesday 4-23
Tuesday 4-23:
In class work on developing your rough draft with a catchy hook and proper in-text citations. Work on your Works Cited page simultaneously. As you use a source, add it to the Works Cited page.
Remember Purdue's OWL is a great resource for MLA format. The link is on the Blog's list of Helpful Links.
During the week...finish the rough draft
Tuesday 4-30:
In-class have a peer read your paper to make sure it makes sense...make sure you did not leave out anything by Typing and Thinking at different rates!
Make changes as suggested.
During the week: finish edits, proofread, etc. Submit.

RESUMES

the resume is a KEY document as it helps you for college and the work world.

Those of you that did not follow directions and lost credit need to resubmit your work. This is ONE assignment that everyone will redo until they get FULL credit.

Resubmission guidelines:

Turn in NEW version STAPLED TO TOP of the old version/rubric.
DUE DATE: 4-16-13

Block Days

Resumes were turned in by those students that did not finish theirs in the library on TUESDAY.

We read "Trying Times" from the Upfront Magazine and discussed the arti9cle.

A few group projects were completed in each block.

Friday:
Frankenstein WS due
Group Projects

Vocabulary Story Topics FOURTH QUARTER

This will be finalized by the start of the 4th QTR ... 4-15-13

For Lessons 10-11-12:

Type, double space, using 12 point times new roman font
Include a title
Your story needs a beginning, middle, and an end
You need a CATCHY HOOK to draw in the reader
Use 10 of the vocabulary words from EACH LESSON - BOLD, UNDERLINE, or HIGHLIGHT
NOTE: GRAMMAR FOCUS in each lesson
Use spell check
Proofread
Word Range 400-800 words

Lesson 10
Topics Options:
Everyone has regrets. List one regret you have in the area of writing. NOW turn the regret into a positive lesson by focusing on one positive facet. Start with "I am proud of..."
Start with "I've told you a million times"
Without moving write down (list) 6 items in your line of sight. N0w use all 6 items in a story that begins: "It's funny, the more I ..."
Grammar Focus: Pronouns (Grammar Book page 445 AND Unit 17 pages 636-661
Use WHO/Whom correctly at least once...underline the use
Include an elliptical adverb clause using than and as - chose correct pronouns ... underline clause
Make sure you have clear pronoun reference and your pronouns agree in gender and number with antecedents (PROOFREAD)


Lesson 11:
Topic Options:
Start with" If the mute button worked on people..." OR "The pickpocket gingerly..."
Grammar Focus: Unit 10 - CONJUNCTIONS
(Underline and label as you use them) Include at least TWO Correlative Conjunctions, at least TWO Subordinating Conjunctions, and at least TWO Conjunctive adverbs

Lesson 12:
Topic Options:
Set your story during the GOLD RUSH. Start with: "The rope was tight..."
What food do you consider a COMFORT FOOD. Explain.
Start your story with: "The act of writing feels..."
Grammar Focus: UNIT 12 - Verbals
(underline and label as you use them) Include at least THREE Participle phrases and THREE Gerund phrases

Lessons 13-14-15:
TOTAL 1250-1500 Words ... underline or bold the 30 words as you use them
Use 10 words from each lesson - 30 total
Rubric will be linked on PAPERS Page of class website. Document titled: FinalVocabStoryMAY
DUE MAY 28th
Grammar Focus: Underline ALL PREPOSITIONS
TOPIC OPTIONS:

Imagine you have the ability to travel through time and space. What historical era would you like to travel to and what historical figure would you like to meet? When you meet this person you need to (properly) write in dialogue and communicate to this historical figure what SOCIAL MEDIA is AND HOW IT EFFECTS THE WORLD.

OR

Imagine you have the ability to travel through time and space. You are given an unlimited budget to travel over this upcoming summer vacation. In JUNE, JULY, and AUGUST you will travel to a DIFFERENT historical era. Where will you go? Plan your trip and explain why you chose the three historical eras and geographic locations.

Monday 4-8-13 ... APRIL Assignments

Today we got organized after a long break. We read an article in the Upfront Magazine and had an opportunity to work with our groups on the project due BLOCK DAY.

Upcoming Assignments for APRIL:

Tuesday 4-9-13 Library work time. Resume due at end of class time
Block Day - Macbeth project presented in class
Friday - Frankenstein Reading Assignment #3
Monday 4-15 Frankenstein Reading Assignment #4, Bring Portfolio to Class
Block Day Frankenstein Assignment #5, Quiz Frankenstein (Reading Assignments 1-3)
Friday 4-19 - complete Frankenstein ...Reading Assignment #6
Monday 4-22 Vocabulary Story Lesson 10
Block Day Frankenstein Quiz (Reading Assignments 4-6)
Friday 4-26 Vocabulary Quiz 10
Monday 4-29 Frankenstein Test, Vocabulary Story 11
Thursday 5-2-13 Upload Paper (Expository) to turnitin.com
Friday 5-3 Bring Expository Rubric to class, Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 11

Outside Reading Bonus

Last Opportunity to turn IN an OR Bonus this semester is MONDAY May 20, 2013

Last Day to get a book approved...the week of May 6, 2013

Resume

Tuesday April 9th we will work on our resume in class. As the counselors stated, use your parents as a reference as they will remember events you have participated in that you may not remember. What is not completed in class will be homework due the next day.

You CAN work on the resume over break, but it is not required. You will complete the resume in NAVIANCE as that is where you started it with the counselors a few weeks ago.

The rubric for the resume is on the papers page of the class website. It is labeled 1213Resume.

Block Day March 25 and 26

we corrected Vocabulary Book Review Unit 7-9 then COMPLETED the WRITING EXAM

Homework for Wednesday: Cumulative Review pages 114-116

Wednesday: Blocks 1-6 ... Vocabulary Test Units 7-9 (50 Multiple Choice Questions)

Important Things to REMEMBER Bfore Easter Break

If you miss any time during the WRITING EXAM this week...you need to make it up NEXT WEEK. When? Check out the WRITING EXAM post that I made a few weeks ago...it listed make up times (as well as drop in study sessions for those of you who wished to get some extra help before the exam). I'll see you one or more of those times to complete the exam!

Frankenstein Assignments 1 and 2 are DONE...the next assignment is due after break...keep reading...do not put the pressure on yourself to cram at the last minute. The vocabulary in Frankenstein is complex...it does take a bit of time to read!

Complete the Vocabulary Units 7-9 review. We'll correct next week and have lessons 7-9 TEST on Wednesday

Monday and Tuesday next week are block days (ESLR Essay in Homeroom both days). Wednesday next week is a normal MONDAY schedule)

DUE the week we return:
Macbeth Group Project = TEST GRADE
We'll complete our resume in class...perhaps gather details over break
Frankenstein

Vocabulary

complete Vocabulary Book review section 7-9 for Monday 3-25-13

Test 3-27-13

Bonus Opportunities

Warwicks Teen Author's Tell All March 28th

Warwicks The First Draft is the Easy Part ... Registration Required - April 15th

As always...bring in this blog post signed by an employee, a picture of yourself there, and your notes to school the class day AFTER the event. I'll give you a bonus assignment.

Please do check with Warwicks to confirm the events are still running as planned!

Monday 3-18-13

Blocks 2 and 4 corrected vocabulary book pages 108-110

Blocks 5 and 6 had a guest speaker ... blocks 5 and 6 will correct tomorrow

The group Macbeth "responsibilities" papers were collected from team leaders, naviance papers were collected, and Frankenstein from last Friday was collected, if not turned in before school.

Reminder:
Frankenstein WS #2 due tomorrow

Writing Exam starts tomorrow

Tuesdays With Rene' tomorrow

DUE MONDAY 3-25-13 ... the rest of the vocabulary lesson 7-9 review pages

Friday 3-15-13

Today we took the Vocabulary Lesson 9 quiz.

After the quiz students had time to:
Read Frankenstein
Use electronic devices to work on Naviance assignment due Monday
Complete Vocabulary Book pages 108-110 DUR MONDAY
SOME CLASSES...organize binders after papers passed back

GROUP LEADERS: Turn in Macbeth Project Assignments by Monday

Next Week:
Tuesday 3-19 Frankenstein ACTIVE READ and complete WS #2
Wednesday-Friday WRITING EXAM IN CLASS

*** Starting in the 4th Quarter we will put our WRITING PORTFOLIO together. Locate the binder in your locker or bring back from home...

Block Days March 13th and 14th

Part of the Day will be spent in the library with the college counselors for continued NAVIANCE training.
The Do What You Are survey needs to be completed and turned in by Monday (a homework grade).
The RESUME will be due in April. We will spend time in the library the first TUESDAY after Easter Break working on the RESUME and, what is not completed in class will be due the following Monday, April 15th.

In class, we corrected Synonyms and Antonyms in the Vocabulary Book and also completed page 104

The MACBETH GROUP Projects were organized. Team leaders need to submit the group selection and list of team members and their roles/responsibilities by Monday 3-18-13. I'll make a copy and give back to team leaders. Due to the length of the library training...the group project was pushed back to DUE ON BLOCK DAY 4-10/4-11 ... WE'LL HAVE TIME TO WORK (30 MINUTES) IN CLASS ON BLOCK DAYS DURING HOLY WEEK (the original due dates). Do some work between now and then outside of class so your time together is productive!

Frankenstein Assignments

Reading Assignments are uploaded on the Frankenstein page of the class website. The file is titles 1213FrankensteinReadingGuide.

Due Dates:
Friday 3-15-13 Prologue + Letters
Tuesday 3-19-13 Chapters 1-5
Friday 4-12-13 Chapters 6-10
Monday 4-15-13 Chapters 11-14
Block Day 4-17/18 Chapters 15-20
Friday 4-19-13 Chapters 21-end

Macbeth Test Day...

After the Macbeth Test...or for homework:

Complete Synonyms and Antonyms in the Vocabulary Book - Lesson 9

Due Friday: Frankenstein Assignment #1 ... details on Frankenstein Blog Post

Macbeth Test Tomorrow

40 Multiple Choice Questions
1 essay (2 choices)

Macbeth Group Project (test grade) given out after the test...teams created block day - with time to work THIS week on block day. Due Date...Block Days...Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week. (March 25th or 26th depending on class)

Essay Prep:
If you have timer for last minute review...go through notes from class re: theme, character development, conflicts, fatal flaws, characters that died and who was responsible for the death, influences upon a character, the role of nature as an additional character, and quotes we looked at as well as those at the end of the book.

The Macbeth Page of the class website could be helpful. You can watch the BBC video again and get reminders of concepts we covered.

Upcoming Assignments

Friday 3-8
Poetry Terms Quiz and Vocabulary Lesson 8 Quiz

Monday 3-11 Vocabulary Lesson 9 Story
Tuesday 3-12 Macbeth TEST
Friday 3-15 Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 9

BRING LIT BOOK, MACBETH, FRANKENSTEIN and Vocabulary books to class next week.

BEFORE EASTER BREAK:
English Writing Exam (in=class) 3-19 to 3-22
Macbeth Test Part 2 - group project/presentation Monday 3/25 and Tuesday 2/26 (Block Day)
Vocabulary Test 7-8-9 (multiple choice) Wed. 3-27-13

Macbeth Themes

In class on block days we discussed the themes in Macbeth and found evidence for how to support the themes in all 5 acts.

We looked at the themes with essay (claim/data/warrant) format in mind. We discussed what constitutes enough COW to support a claim.

THEMES DISCUSSED:
ambition
guilt
trust vs betrayal
fate vs free will
natural vs unnatural

Also...completed page 96 in the vocabulary book

Writing Exam

The Writing Exam is 10% of your grade this semester. The writing exam will be IN CLASS on Tuesday 3-19 - Friday 3-22. For those that miss due to absence, sport, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. The make-up times will be:
Monday 3-25 LUNCH, After School 2:00-2:45
Tuesday 3-26 Before School (7 AM), Lunch, or after school 2:00-2:45
Wednesday 3-27 Before School (7 AM) or lunch

OPTIONAL WRITING EXAM PREP / TIME TO ASK ME QUESTIONS
Lunch Wednesday 3-13 in the classroom
Lunch Thursday 3-14 outside with me while I am on lunch duty
Friday 3-15 BREAK TIME

Tuesday 3-5-13

Make-up Macbeth and vocabulary Quizzes at lunch

Today we discussed characterization in Macbeth and Character's Fatal Flaws

Homework: Complete your group's section of the ACT 5WS ... Themes
NOTE: This needs to be done to display how the themes are evident from ACT 1-Act5

Poetry TPCATT handout given as well as Sonnets.
TPCASTT can also be found on Poetry Page of class website, if ever lost.

Tuesdays With Rene'

We start back up tomorrow...

The first BONUS opportunity is FRANKENSTEIN...it will be the next book we read.

Come to watch, take notes, and eat lunch A bonus opportunity is there for those who WATCH, TAKE NOTES, AND COMPLETE THE WRITING ASSIGNMENT. You must be present at all showings.

Monday 3-4-13

Today Vocabulary Lesson 8 story was turned in and Completing the Sentences on page 94-95 in the book was done as a class warm-up.

A Poetry Terms handout was given (document linked on Poetry Page of class website also...if ever lost ... it can be found!)
Terms to know for this week:
alliteration
assonance
allusion
free verse
couplet
diction
figurative language
free verse
hyperbole
irony
metaphor
narrative poem
personification
quatrain
rhyme
simile
sonnet
stanza

The poetry Terms and vocabulary quiz will BOTH be Multiple Choice

In class...we discussed CHARACTERIZATION in Macbeth. We categorized characters as:
Dynamic Round, Static Round
Dynamic Flat, Static Flat

We will discuss the characters' fatal flaws in class tomorrow.

***If character charts not completed by table groups during class time, that is homework.

Friday 3-1-13

Today we took the Vocabulary Quiz for lesson 7 and Macbeth Quiz Acts 1-3
MAKE UP quizzes for those who missed the quiz today: TUESDAY 3-5-13 AT LUNCH

Assignments due next week:
Vocabulary Story 8 (lesson 7-8-9 topics on a previous blog post) is due Monday 3-4-13
Friday 3-8-13 Vocabulary Quiz 8 and Poetry Terms (MULTIPLE CHOICE)

What to bring to class:
Macbeth, Literature Book, and Vocabulary Book

Upcoming:
Macbeth Test 3-12-13 (part 1), Part 2 is due block day Holy Week)
Writing Exam week of 3-18

Options:
Macbeth Play Bonus
Outside Reading Bonus

Tuesday 2-26-13

Today in class we continued to review VOCABULARY ... page 87 and 89 (11-20)

We looked at Macbeth Famous lines and phrases (end of the book page 221...knowing quotes and their relevance to the play is important for upcoming quizzes/tests.

A SONNETS WS was handed out ... to be completed when active reading the Lit Book ... if you have a different version of the book than I do...the page # on the WS are incorrect...change to 641-644

Macbeth WS were handed out for Acts 1-5. We discussed part of Act 1 together and table groups completed Act 1 in class.

What was not done from table groups and Sonnet WS was homework.

DUE BLOCK DAY ...what was not completed in class today
AND
Short Story...upload to turnitin.com and print copy...with picture and rubric and bring to class!

A PLACE to find quotes online...a study guide is Quizlet

Week of February 25th

Today in class we completed and corrected Vocabulary Book page 87 and 89 (1-10)

We watched the BBC Animated Macbeth...and took note of similarities and differences with the book version

Each class needs to finish where they left off...the video link s can be found on the MACBETH page of the class website

***Bring Lit Books to class starting tomorrow!

Block 2: Part 3 ... we stopped at 2:42
Block 4: Part 2 ... we stopped at 5:50
Block 5: Part 3 ... we stopped at 7:45
Block 6...FINISHED!

Assignment details are in previous blog posts

DUE Monday 2-25-13 Vocabulary Story (7)

Due Block Day - Short Story (Bring a copy to class including your picture and rubric...upload a second copy to turnitin.com)

Due Friday 3-1-13 Vocabulary Quiz (7), Macbeth Quiz Acts 1-3 (Multiple Choice for BOTH)

Week of February 19th

Since we have the filed trip this week...and the PLAN TEST is Friday, no homework is due this week. Spend the time working on the upcoming assignments, or working on material from other classes/going to tutoring hours since you are missing a block day.

Assignment details are in previous blog posts

DUE Monday 2-25-13 Vocabulary Story (7)
Due Block Day - Short Story
Due Friday 3-1-13 Vocabulary Quiz (7), Macbeth Quiz Acts 1-3 (Multiple Choice/Short Answer)

Creative Short Story

Details about the Creative Short Story are on the rubric of the same title linked on the PAPERS page of the class website.

One copy needs to be printed and brought to class, a copy needs to be uploaded to turnitin.com

DUE Block Day 2-27/28

Vocabulary Story Prompts

Vocabulary Lesson 7 story is due no later than Monday 2-25-13
Lesson 8 is due no later than Monday 3-4-13
Lesson 9 is due no later than Monday 3-11-13

Guidelines for ALL stories:
Use 15 of the words - underline them as you use them
All stories must have a creative title
All stories need a beginning, middle, and end
HOOK the reader...appeal either to REASON (LOGOS) or EMOTIONS (PATHOS).
Word Count 300-400 words - include word count at bottom of paper

Topic for Lesson 7:
Start with...I COULD NOT HELP STARING or WHILE SURFING THE WEB

Topic for Lesson 8:
Imagine you are a disgruntled Tooth Fairy. You are upset that the Easter Bunny is getting more attention than you are. You just visited a family with triplets that expected $50.00 each. Start with I CANNOT BELIEVE

Topic for Lesson 9:
I REMEMBER THE DAY IN JULY WHEN IT HAILED

or

FINISH THE STORY ... WHAT IF, AT WILL, PEOPLE COULD GROW MORE THAN TWO ARMS?

Friiday 2-15

this week we concluded discussing Acts 1-2-3 of Macbeth. We discussed:
Nature as an "extra" character in the story
The dynamic nature of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
The evidence in the text that shows where Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth has a conscience
Context - to understand the world WHEN the play was written/first performed
Story Mountain: Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution


Upcoming Due dates:
2-25 Vocabulary Story Lesson 7
2-27/28 Block Day Paper #1 Short Story
3/1 Macbeth Quiz Acts 1-3, Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 7

3-4 Vocabulary Story Lesson 8
3-8 Vocabulary Quiz (8)
3-8 Poetry Terms Quiz

3-12-13 Macbeth Test

Week of February 11th

Monday and Tuesday we read section of Macbeth aloud.
We looked at Act 1 Scenes 5, 6, and part of 7
We looked at Act 2 Scenes 1-2-3

Our focus was on:
better understanding the ERA in which the play was written and first performed
understanding who the target audience of the play was
understanding proper succession to the throne
establishing the relationships between characters at the start of the play
understanding gender roles in society when the play was written
noticing how nature is the "hidden character" in the play
noticing the relationship between MACBETH and Lady Macbeth
...of course...making OLD ENGLISH seem accessible!

Block Day we'll continue where we left off Tuesday, start to look at Sonnets in our Lit Book, and finish reading/debating topics from the Upfront Magazine.

Macbeth BONUS Opportunity...

A student brought to my attention the fact that Macbeth is going to be performed in San Diego in March. Check out the link to find out dates, times, and cost of tickets.

If you can attend the play...bring your ticket stub to class the following day and I will give you a bonus assignment to complete.

Bonus Opportunities

I was informed about the San Diego Jewish Film Festival that runs from February 7th-17th. If you deem a film appropriate for your son to view, he may attend the film and earn BONUS POINTS if he does the following:

Brings in his ticket stub
Writes a 2 page reflection after the movie. The topics that need to be addressed:
After viewing this film I learned:
This film changed my perspective/opened my eyes...
This film left me wondering...

Bring in the ticket stub and reflection BEFORE SCHOOL ... the day AFTER the MOVIE attended.

*** One of the films is about the author of MAUS

Block Days Feb 6th and 7th

Block Days we are continuing to work on creative writing...and sharing. Upfront Magazines will be read and the class will debate.

What is no not finished will be covered on Friday!

Tuesday 2-5-13

Today we recycled the GRAMMAR and VOCABULARY papers from our binders.

Macbeth Act 1 WS was turned in and the upcoming Macbeth assignments announced...details in previous blog post.

Due Friday:
Sign up for Feb 20th/21st field trip

Spirit Dress Wednesday
Homeroom Wednesday and Thursday
Tie Day Friday - Grandparents' Day

Course selection forms need to be picked up from the main office (and AP Contracts too) if you did not attend the January 23rd meeting.

The Curriculum Guide is linked on the SOTW homepage under the Follett link.

Macbeth Assignments

The MACBETH page of the class website has links to:

an online version of the book
key concepts/themes/terms
homework assignments (MacbethReadingWS)

Upcoming Due Dates: DOCUMENT TITLED MACBETHREADINGWS
Active Read Act 2 and complete WS Friday 2-8-13
Active Read Act 3 and complete WS Monday 2-11-13
Active Read Act 4 and complete WS Block Day 2-13/14-13
Active Read Act 5 and complete WS by Friday 2-15-13

Semester 2 Begins Tuesday 2-5-13

We will start the semester with a discussion of Macbeth and Poetry.

Along with your binder, bring with you to class the first week Macbeth, Vocabulary, and Literature Book.