A timed writing tomorrow. You need to remember a lot. The first key is the theme to "The Dinner Party". Do you remember what it was? Check your notes. I'd want my copy of the story with me in class tomorrow.
Second, you need to remember "The Tell Tale Heart" story. We discussed it a lot. You wrote about it as well. You even saw a video of it twice. Here's the link to the film in case you want to see it again.
Third, you'll be discussing "Lamb to the Slaughter". We definitely spent a lot of time discussing that one. You should have a full understanding of it.
Your task will be to tie the theme of "The Diner Party" into the plots of the other two stories. Can you make the connection? I sure hope so!
Here's a link to the connotation/denotation quiz we looked at today. Check it out for some additional practice. You can rest easy that sine we have the in class timed writing scheduled, we probably will not have the connotation/denotation quiz. Monday sounds better.
Be sure to have your book with you tomorrow in class. There will be time for you to read it after the timed writing.
See you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Enriched 2-28-2013
Time to write a timed writing! Like that?
Tomorrow you'll be given about 35 minutes to write about the two pieces called "There Will Come Soft Rains". That's all you get tonight, but realize my affinity for making connections and you might have an idea about the topic.
ISTEP is in five days. Any practice on timed writing is time well spent.
Here's a link to the connotation/denotation quiz we were working on today. Check it out to help you practice and become more aware of the connotations of words. With the timed writing scheduled, we probably won't have the quiz tomorrow, but it will come eventually.
Project Imaginat10n is due in one week. Tell me tomorrow what you need from me to make the PI as successful as it could be.
You have the rubric for the Classic Debates now. Next week, say, Wednesday, March 6, we'll tell you which day you'll be debating. Bring that book. You'll have some reading time in class after the timed writing.
Sleep well tonight so you can write well tomorrow.
Tomorrow you'll be given about 35 minutes to write about the two pieces called "There Will Come Soft Rains". That's all you get tonight, but realize my affinity for making connections and you might have an idea about the topic.
ISTEP is in five days. Any practice on timed writing is time well spent.
Here's a link to the connotation/denotation quiz we were working on today. Check it out to help you practice and become more aware of the connotations of words. With the timed writing scheduled, we probably won't have the quiz tomorrow, but it will come eventually.
Project Imaginat10n is due in one week. Tell me tomorrow what you need from me to make the PI as successful as it could be.
You have the rubric for the Classic Debates now. Next week, say, Wednesday, March 6, we'll tell you which day you'll be debating. Bring that book. You'll have some reading time in class after the timed writing.
Sleep well tonight so you can write well tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Standard 2-27-2013
How are you doing? It's been a while...at least a lot longer than I ever expected it to be. Needless to say, I was wiped out. I'm feeling invigorated tonight, so let's get this party started.
Party? You bet! Language arts is a party. It's so much fun to read, analyze, discuss, and write. Okay, maybe that's just me, but you need to be coming on board as well. You only have fun if you give yourself over to the course. You only learn if you try. Leave the "I don't understand", I don't get it", and "I'm so confused" at the door. Instead of resorting to those tired, lazy phrases so quickly, put some more effort and thought into what ever is being discussed.
Take a look at "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl. Great story! A little eerie. A little unnerving. Sure. But it has a lot to say. Now you've been working on analyzing it over the last two days. Time to get moving. As a group of three, you shouldn't take this long to answer eight questions. These are the exact types of questions you'll be asked on ISTEP, Acuity, PARCC, Performance Tasks, SAT, ACT, AP, etc. Differences? You won't have partners to help you. You won't have me to throw some ideas by. You won't have unlimited time to decide what to write.
You all seemed to have nailed the summaries. Seeing as that is the easiest level question of the eight, and seeing as we have worked on summaries in the recent past, it should have been answered more quickly by most. We'll wrap up the other seven questions tomorrow, discuss them as a group, and then head into an in class timed writing. ISTEP is only six days away. A timed writing this close to the test can only be a positive experience for you. The more prepared you are the better you will write. I'll share more on the timed writing when I see you tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, you all need to have the book you've chosen to read in your hands tomorrow when you walk into class. I will be looking. You will be spending some time with it tomorrow.
Can't wait to get back at it tomorrow. I want to discuss this story! See you then.
Party? You bet! Language arts is a party. It's so much fun to read, analyze, discuss, and write. Okay, maybe that's just me, but you need to be coming on board as well. You only have fun if you give yourself over to the course. You only learn if you try. Leave the "I don't understand", I don't get it", and "I'm so confused" at the door. Instead of resorting to those tired, lazy phrases so quickly, put some more effort and thought into what ever is being discussed.
Take a look at "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl. Great story! A little eerie. A little unnerving. Sure. But it has a lot to say. Now you've been working on analyzing it over the last two days. Time to get moving. As a group of three, you shouldn't take this long to answer eight questions. These are the exact types of questions you'll be asked on ISTEP, Acuity, PARCC, Performance Tasks, SAT, ACT, AP, etc. Differences? You won't have partners to help you. You won't have me to throw some ideas by. You won't have unlimited time to decide what to write.
You all seemed to have nailed the summaries. Seeing as that is the easiest level question of the eight, and seeing as we have worked on summaries in the recent past, it should have been answered more quickly by most. We'll wrap up the other seven questions tomorrow, discuss them as a group, and then head into an in class timed writing. ISTEP is only six days away. A timed writing this close to the test can only be a positive experience for you. The more prepared you are the better you will write. I'll share more on the timed writing when I see you tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, you all need to have the book you've chosen to read in your hands tomorrow when you walk into class. I will be looking. You will be spending some time with it tomorrow.
Can't wait to get back at it tomorrow. I want to discuss this story! See you then.
Enriched 02-27-2013
I'm back!
Two Weeks!
I had no idea that it would take two weeks for me to write my next blog. But our four day weekend, my 103 degree temperature, and just my overall feeling of malaise definitely put a crimp in my writing. The voice has pretty much returned, so it's time for the the blog to return as well.
Where have we been? All over, I know. Saki. O. Henry. Stein. Bradbury. Let's start there. You began a quick analysis of "There Will Come Soft Rains" today in class. You tried to come to some understanding on what exactly happened in the story and why Bradbury utilized so much personification. Tomorrow you'll be looking at the drastic mood shift that occurs in the tale as well. We'll discuss those elements before leading into your next timed writing. It's going to be over the story. That's all I'm telling you tonight. Know the story inside and out, listen to our discussion tomorrow, then be ready to write about it.
ISTEP is coming next week. You'll have two 55 minute writing prompts. Another timed writing practice before you dive into ISTEP can only be a positive experience. But just like you don't know what's coming for ISTEP, I'll keep you guessing a bit on this prompt as well. I'll admit, the astute individual will probably be able to figure out what the basic prompt will be for our timed writing. Are you astute?
Think about our last timed writing that we did in class that I did not assess. You discussed and analyzed the writings in small groups. Remember what the successful papers had. Remember what the successful papers did. Realize that you can be successful too.
Thanks for the input on the Classic Debate rubrics. I'll organize your ideas and come up with a suitable rubric to help you present the info as clearly and effectively as possible. Sometime next week we'll be assigning dates for you to make your presentations. The first presentations will be on March 11. Read those books. There will be no excuses accepted about being unable to debate because you have not yet completed your book.
Wow! 30 days ago March 8 seemed pretty far away. Today, it's a mere 8 days. That's when your completed scene and poem for Project Imaginat10n are due in class. I've read several scenes. Most seem to have the right idea--have good starts--but be unacceptably brief. Too many areas that can be fleshed out and developed to heighten your themes are being glossed over. Write your scene, and then go back and flesh the heck out of it. Don't add info to the beginning. Don't add info to the ending. Pick out the central part of your scene and bring it to life.
Remember, your poem needs to be completely different from your scene. The only connection is your theme. Show me how creative and insightful you can be by producing two completely different pieces that nail the same theme.
That's it for now. I'm feeling rusty. Hopefully, after a good night's sleep, the voice will be even better tomorrow. See you then.
Two Weeks!
I had no idea that it would take two weeks for me to write my next blog. But our four day weekend, my 103 degree temperature, and just my overall feeling of malaise definitely put a crimp in my writing. The voice has pretty much returned, so it's time for the the blog to return as well.
Where have we been? All over, I know. Saki. O. Henry. Stein. Bradbury. Let's start there. You began a quick analysis of "There Will Come Soft Rains" today in class. You tried to come to some understanding on what exactly happened in the story and why Bradbury utilized so much personification. Tomorrow you'll be looking at the drastic mood shift that occurs in the tale as well. We'll discuss those elements before leading into your next timed writing. It's going to be over the story. That's all I'm telling you tonight. Know the story inside and out, listen to our discussion tomorrow, then be ready to write about it.
ISTEP is coming next week. You'll have two 55 minute writing prompts. Another timed writing practice before you dive into ISTEP can only be a positive experience. But just like you don't know what's coming for ISTEP, I'll keep you guessing a bit on this prompt as well. I'll admit, the astute individual will probably be able to figure out what the basic prompt will be for our timed writing. Are you astute?
Think about our last timed writing that we did in class that I did not assess. You discussed and analyzed the writings in small groups. Remember what the successful papers had. Remember what the successful papers did. Realize that you can be successful too.
Thanks for the input on the Classic Debate rubrics. I'll organize your ideas and come up with a suitable rubric to help you present the info as clearly and effectively as possible. Sometime next week we'll be assigning dates for you to make your presentations. The first presentations will be on March 11. Read those books. There will be no excuses accepted about being unable to debate because you have not yet completed your book.
Wow! 30 days ago March 8 seemed pretty far away. Today, it's a mere 8 days. That's when your completed scene and poem for Project Imaginat10n are due in class. I've read several scenes. Most seem to have the right idea--have good starts--but be unacceptably brief. Too many areas that can be fleshed out and developed to heighten your themes are being glossed over. Write your scene, and then go back and flesh the heck out of it. Don't add info to the beginning. Don't add info to the ending. Pick out the central part of your scene and bring it to life.
Remember, your poem needs to be completely different from your scene. The only connection is your theme. Show me how creative and insightful you can be by producing two completely different pieces that nail the same theme.
That's it for now. I'm feeling rusty. Hopefully, after a good night's sleep, the voice will be even better tomorrow. See you then.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Enriched and Standard 02-13-2013
Tomorrow is in your hands in more ways than one.
The literal tomorrow is in your hands because I won't be there. I know that you will be on your best behavior for Mrs. Kemmerling. I also know that you will do the best you possibly can on the Acuity Predictive test you'll be taking. Read the question and answers first. Read the entire prompt. Eliminate wrong answers before selecting your final answer. Take your time.
The figurative tomorrow is in your hands as well since a good score on tomorrow's Acuity Predictive could lead to a more confident you come ISTEP, better results on that test, and a brighter future for you. Remember our goal: Pass Plus for every student.
Enriched students should be sure to bring their classics to class to read should you finish the test early. (I hope you don't but just in case). You also need to be sure to have a rough draft of the P.I. in class on our return Tuesday.
Standard students should bring a book to read as well--just in case you finish early. But don't rush through the test. You should also be sure to have the rough draft of the sonnet--typed--in class on Tuesday.
I might see you tomorrow since I'll be in the building, but if I don't, enjoy the long weekend.
The literal tomorrow is in your hands because I won't be there. I know that you will be on your best behavior for Mrs. Kemmerling. I also know that you will do the best you possibly can on the Acuity Predictive test you'll be taking. Read the question and answers first. Read the entire prompt. Eliminate wrong answers before selecting your final answer. Take your time.
The figurative tomorrow is in your hands as well since a good score on tomorrow's Acuity Predictive could lead to a more confident you come ISTEP, better results on that test, and a brighter future for you. Remember our goal: Pass Plus for every student.
Enriched students should be sure to bring their classics to class to read should you finish the test early. (I hope you don't but just in case). You also need to be sure to have a rough draft of the P.I. in class on our return Tuesday.
Standard students should bring a book to read as well--just in case you finish early. But don't rush through the test. You should also be sure to have the rough draft of the sonnet--typed--in class on Tuesday.
I might see you tomorrow since I'll be in the building, but if I don't, enjoy the long weekend.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Standard 02-12-2013
Thanks for the odes. I've already read some good ones.
You should be reading the end of "The Tell Tale Heart" tonight. Be sure you write the answer to the first question on page four as well: summarize the story in your own words. You can write that summary on the bottom of page four.
We'll look at the other three questions tomorrow.
We'll be going to the IMC tomorrow as well to pick out a fiction book.
We'll talk more about sonnets. Can you answer these questions?
How many lines in a sonnet?
How many syllables per line?
What is iambic pentameter?
What's the rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?
What's a closing couplet?
What do I mean when I say end it with an ironic twist?
See you tomorrow.
You should be reading the end of "The Tell Tale Heart" tonight. Be sure you write the answer to the first question on page four as well: summarize the story in your own words. You can write that summary on the bottom of page four.
We'll look at the other three questions tomorrow.
We'll be going to the IMC tomorrow as well to pick out a fiction book.
We'll talk more about sonnets. Can you answer these questions?
How many lines in a sonnet?
How many syllables per line?
What is iambic pentameter?
What's the rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?
What's a closing couplet?
What do I mean when I say end it with an ironic twist?
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 02-12-2013
Quick, everyone, what is an elegy? If you can answer that, then you are progressing nicely.
Thanks for doing your best on the in class timed writing today. Even though I am not going to be collecting them, they still have value. I'll be asking you to analyze your peers and discuss what makes a successful timed writing. You'll be taking a very important timed writing the first week of March. Any practice or help you can get between now and then to prepare you for the experience is valuable.
I have another timed writing in my back pocket: "The Interlopers" and "The Poison Tree". We'll decide tomorrow exactly how we will be handling those two pieces.
Remember to have your classic book with you tomorrow. I want to make sure that you have the correct version of the book AND you might have time to read tomorrow.
Keep working on the Project Imagination piece. Rough draft will be coming to class with you on Tuesday, February 19.
The acuity predictive test will be this Thursday. Then we are off for four days. That means we need to tie up some loose ends tomorrow. We'll pack in as much as we can.
See you tomorrow.
Thanks for doing your best on the in class timed writing today. Even though I am not going to be collecting them, they still have value. I'll be asking you to analyze your peers and discuss what makes a successful timed writing. You'll be taking a very important timed writing the first week of March. Any practice or help you can get between now and then to prepare you for the experience is valuable.
I have another timed writing in my back pocket: "The Interlopers" and "The Poison Tree". We'll decide tomorrow exactly how we will be handling those two pieces.
Remember to have your classic book with you tomorrow. I want to make sure that you have the correct version of the book AND you might have time to read tomorrow.
Keep working on the Project Imagination piece. Rough draft will be coming to class with you on Tuesday, February 19.
The acuity predictive test will be this Thursday. Then we are off for four days. That means we need to tie up some loose ends tomorrow. We'll pack in as much as we can.
See you tomorrow.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Standard 02-11-2013
I'll be collecting those odes tomorrow. Remember they need to rhyme. They need to have 20 lines. They need to make sense. They need to celebrate the object or person you are writing about. I want you to avoid any and all filler lines and silliness. I want you to try and nail a consistent rhythm too. Make sure they are typed too.
Thanks to those who offered to share their odes today. I appreciate your bravery and willingness to help others succeed.
Since I'm collecting the odes, we might as well move on to the next poem. I see a sonnet in your future.
We talked a bit about scary movies and stories and scary story elements today. That will lead us smoothly into our Edgar Allan Poe story, "The Tell Tale Heart". It's unnerving and maddening. It's a classic just like "The Dinner Party" but in a completely different way. We'll be checking it out together tomorrow.
I'll sign your Archer card if you come up to me before class and tell me the title of one other Poe story. Sorry, "The Pit and the Pendulum" doesn't count since we discussed it today.
See you tomorrow.
Thanks to those who offered to share their odes today. I appreciate your bravery and willingness to help others succeed.
Since I'm collecting the odes, we might as well move on to the next poem. I see a sonnet in your future.
We talked a bit about scary movies and stories and scary story elements today. That will lead us smoothly into our Edgar Allan Poe story, "The Tell Tale Heart". It's unnerving and maddening. It's a classic just like "The Dinner Party" but in a completely different way. We'll be checking it out together tomorrow.
I'll sign your Archer card if you come up to me before class and tell me the title of one other Poe story. Sorry, "The Pit and the Pendulum" doesn't count since we discussed it today.
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 02-11-2013
I asked you to read tonight, so I'm glad you are here. I'll make it worth your while.
Good discussion today. A majority of you seem to think that the friendship between Ulrich and Georg--if it had been allowed to survive the night in the woods--would probably not have lasted very long. Your conclusion that years of hatred would be difficult to forget is a logical, if somewhat cynical, view of humanity. In addition, the attitudes of the rest of the families would undoubtedly not be receptive to the sudden change.
You listed many different antagonists: Ulrich, Georg, Ulrich and Georg, nature, the tree, the wolves, and the people back in the community. I think the most intriguing antagonist mentioned was the hatred the men felt. That's a force they were battling to overcome from the beginning. Just when they have it conquered (perhaps), a new conflict comes racing down the hill.
Kudos to Claire Frederick for offering a great theme to the story. I don't remember her exact wording, so you should ask her for it tomorrow.
The title? Again, several suggestions were offered. We'll look at that one a little bit closer tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, you will have an in class timed writing tomorrow. I'll give you no more than fifteen minutes (15 minutes) to write a response to the question on the quotes listed on your prompt sheet. Be sure you have selected the quote you want to write about (Ecclesiastes? Franklin? Fosdick?) and try to nail down your support. We'll be doing something different with it when you are finished.
Is "The Interlopers" a classic? Can you connect it to "The Bet"? We'll look at those tomorrow as well.
Then "The Poison Tree" will also come into play.
Elegy and free verse too. Yikes! Will someone please authorize a block schedule for us?
Nate Mark asked for it, so here it is. I'll sign your Archer card if you suggest to me a classic short story we should look at next. You need to be able to give me a good reason for reading the story.
See you tomorrow.
Good discussion today. A majority of you seem to think that the friendship between Ulrich and Georg--if it had been allowed to survive the night in the woods--would probably not have lasted very long. Your conclusion that years of hatred would be difficult to forget is a logical, if somewhat cynical, view of humanity. In addition, the attitudes of the rest of the families would undoubtedly not be receptive to the sudden change.
You listed many different antagonists: Ulrich, Georg, Ulrich and Georg, nature, the tree, the wolves, and the people back in the community. I think the most intriguing antagonist mentioned was the hatred the men felt. That's a force they were battling to overcome from the beginning. Just when they have it conquered (perhaps), a new conflict comes racing down the hill.
Kudos to Claire Frederick for offering a great theme to the story. I don't remember her exact wording, so you should ask her for it tomorrow.
The title? Again, several suggestions were offered. We'll look at that one a little bit closer tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, you will have an in class timed writing tomorrow. I'll give you no more than fifteen minutes (15 minutes) to write a response to the question on the quotes listed on your prompt sheet. Be sure you have selected the quote you want to write about (Ecclesiastes? Franklin? Fosdick?) and try to nail down your support. We'll be doing something different with it when you are finished.
Is "The Interlopers" a classic? Can you connect it to "The Bet"? We'll look at those tomorrow as well.
Then "The Poison Tree" will also come into play.
Elegy and free verse too. Yikes! Will someone please authorize a block schedule for us?
Nate Mark asked for it, so here it is. I'll sign your Archer card if you suggest to me a classic short story we should look at next. You need to be able to give me a good reason for reading the story.
See you tomorrow.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Standard 02-10-2013
Are you celebrating something this weekend? I hope so! I'm looking forward to seeing what you put together for those odes. I'm looking for 20 lines that rhyme and celebrate the the object or person of your choice. They should be typed and ready to be shared. Have some fun but be sure to avoid the silly filler lines. Make every line meaningful and make every rhyme sharp. Yes, it will take more time, but it will be worth it in the end.
I have started assessing the WDIWTLMA papers. Some good ones, some not so good ones. The not so good ones fall under the plagiarism umbrella. As we discussed in class you needed to cite any information you learned whether you are quoting it directly from the text or if you put it in your own words. BUT if you take it directly from the source and DO NOT cite it, then you are guilty of plagiarism. It's often pretty easy to tell (astounding word choice is a first clue) and easy to check (usually one minute on my iPad will do the trick). Plagiarism is lazy research and lazy writing. You can't be lazy and be successful. Unfortunately, some of you are going to find this out the hard way.
We looked at "The Dinner Party" story and "Women in Combat" article last week. We also discussed what constitutes a classic story. We'll be looking at a new story tomorrow, but will it be a classic? We'll see.
The Predictive Acuity test is coming this Thursday. This will give us a good indication of how you will do on ISTEP which starts the first week of March. Do well this week and it could inspire you to o well on ISTEP.
That's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your day.
See you tomorrow.
I have started assessing the WDIWTLMA papers. Some good ones, some not so good ones. The not so good ones fall under the plagiarism umbrella. As we discussed in class you needed to cite any information you learned whether you are quoting it directly from the text or if you put it in your own words. BUT if you take it directly from the source and DO NOT cite it, then you are guilty of plagiarism. It's often pretty easy to tell (astounding word choice is a first clue) and easy to check (usually one minute on my iPad will do the trick). Plagiarism is lazy research and lazy writing. You can't be lazy and be successful. Unfortunately, some of you are going to find this out the hard way.
We looked at "The Dinner Party" story and "Women in Combat" article last week. We also discussed what constitutes a classic story. We'll be looking at a new story tomorrow, but will it be a classic? We'll see.
The Predictive Acuity test is coming this Thursday. This will give us a good indication of how you will do on ISTEP which starts the first week of March. Do well this week and it could inspire you to o well on ISTEP.
That's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your day.
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 02-10-2013
It'll be a busy day tomorrow. Several things to cover. Tops on the list will be the classic book assignments. You are to come to class with a couple titles you would be willing to read. The goal will be to allow everyone his/her first choice as long as that doesn't mean we will have duplicates in a class. If that is the case, we will need to randomly decide who gets to read the coveted book for this classic assignment.
We also will be continuing our discussion of "The Interlopers". Several questions to look at yet. In addition we have that in class timed writing I hinted at last Friday. Oh, don't worry, it won't be tomorrow, but it's coming. I also have a poem called "The Poison Tree" by William Blake that may or may not be a good fit for "The Interlopers". Here's a sneak peak at it. Tell me what you think, but keep it under wraps from the rest of the class.
Speaking of poetry I want to discuss the elegy. I also think we should try our hand at a free verse poem prior to our Project Imagination submission. I want you to feel comfortable writing either a rhyming poem or a free verse poem.
Speaking of Project Imagination, I trust you are working on your scenes and making sure they fit those themes you submitted last Friday. We need to set up the next due date. I'm thinking of some class time to examine drafts. But how soon? We'll work that out tomorrow.
This Thursday looks like a Predictive Acuity day. This will be the final predictive test you take this year. This Acuity test will give us a general idea as to how well each of you will do on the ISTEP test (part one of ISTEP is the first week in March). Remember, our goal for everyone in the class is a Pass Plus. Doing well on this predictive test could be a great springboard to a successful 8th grade ISTEP experience.
I WILL pass back the sonnets tomorrow and I will return the "Ozymandias" and "The Bet" (notice how I wrote those two titles?) paragrpahs as well. There will be limited redo opportunities for both pieces.
If there is something else, it escapes me at the moment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. See you tomorrow.
We also will be continuing our discussion of "The Interlopers". Several questions to look at yet. In addition we have that in class timed writing I hinted at last Friday. Oh, don't worry, it won't be tomorrow, but it's coming. I also have a poem called "The Poison Tree" by William Blake that may or may not be a good fit for "The Interlopers". Here's a sneak peak at it. Tell me what you think, but keep it under wraps from the rest of the class.
Speaking of poetry I want to discuss the elegy. I also think we should try our hand at a free verse poem prior to our Project Imagination submission. I want you to feel comfortable writing either a rhyming poem or a free verse poem.
Speaking of Project Imagination, I trust you are working on your scenes and making sure they fit those themes you submitted last Friday. We need to set up the next due date. I'm thinking of some class time to examine drafts. But how soon? We'll work that out tomorrow.
This Thursday looks like a Predictive Acuity day. This will be the final predictive test you take this year. This Acuity test will give us a general idea as to how well each of you will do on the ISTEP test (part one of ISTEP is the first week in March). Remember, our goal for everyone in the class is a Pass Plus. Doing well on this predictive test could be a great springboard to a successful 8th grade ISTEP experience.
I WILL pass back the sonnets tomorrow and I will return the "Ozymandias" and "The Bet" (notice how I wrote those two titles?) paragrpahs as well. There will be limited redo opportunities for both pieces.
If there is something else, it escapes me at the moment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. See you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Enriched and Standard 02-07-2013
Sorry this is so late and so short but we are celebrating Mrs. O'Malley's birthday tonight.
Enriched, be sure to actively read "The Interlopers". Select a picture and a theme for Project Imagination and type it up. Be thinking, researching, identifying a classic for the classic project.
Standard, tomorrow is the day. Be sure you have completed the WDIWTLMA paper. Have a polished, typed final copy in class tomorrow. Have a separate Works Cited page. Be sure to bring all the drafts as well.
See you tomorrow.
Enriched, be sure to actively read "The Interlopers". Select a picture and a theme for Project Imagination and type it up. Be thinking, researching, identifying a classic for the classic project.
Standard, tomorrow is the day. Be sure you have completed the WDIWTLMA paper. Have a polished, typed final copy in class tomorrow. Have a separate Works Cited page. Be sure to bring all the drafts as well.
See you tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Standard 02-06-2013
Good discussion of "The Dinner Party" today. Love that story. So much is packed into such a quick read. And how about that ironic twist at the end? We talked about summarizing (thanks for sharing Michelle Allen, George Maxwell, Killian Braunsdorf, and Rachel Snyder) conflicts, mood, irony, and theme. Nice job Nic Cowsert and John Wantuch for correctly identifying the theme of the story: men and women are equal. That's definitely something we will be working with.
Classic stories are all the rage--at least they will be in room 110 for the next few weeks.
We need to spend some more time on the odes tomorrow. Quick what is an ode?
You should be putting those finishing touches on the WDIWTLMA paper tonight and tomorrow.
Block scheduling anyone?
Show me your powerful closing line tomorrow and I'll sign your Archer card.
See you tomorrow.
Classic stories are all the rage--at least they will be in room 110 for the next few weeks.
We need to spend some more time on the odes tomorrow. Quick what is an ode?
You should be putting those finishing touches on the WDIWTLMA paper tonight and tomorrow.
Block scheduling anyone?
Show me your powerful closing line tomorrow and I'll sign your Archer card.
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 02-06-2013
In each class, students nailed the connection between "The Bet" and "Ozymandias" by realizing that both pieces show the fleeting nature of power, money, and fame. Death and time show themselves to be much stronger than anything the cruel, domineering Ozymandias or the greedy, arrogant banker were able to accumulate or produce. Many of you also brought in that deadly sin hubris and discussed how all three characters (Ozymandias, the banker, and the lawyer) paid the price for believing themselves infallible. Nice work.
Is "The Bet" a classic short story? What do you think? Well, today in class you brainstormed some ideas about what it takes to be a classic, so lets see if it does. Ask yourself, does "The Bet"...
...stand the test of time?
...have a strong sense of purpose/an enduring theme?
...show itself to be creative and original?
...offer a strong sense of time and place?
...generate scholarly discussion?
...find relevance across cultural and generational lines?
...carry with it a sense of excellence?
...have a little luck?
If you can answer yes to all or most of those questions, then you'd have to concede that it is indeed a classic short story.
Now what about classic novels? You will be reading one--with a partner--and then presenting something in front of the class (tune in tomorrow in class to find out what!) with that partner. I want you to choose a book you feel comfortable with. Here's a link to a pretty strong list of classic novels.
There are some things on the list that we have already said are not acceptable due to the maturity level, length, etc. Nevertheless, there are plenty of superb choices to examine.
Don't forget that you need to have your picture and theme identified by Friday. Whatever you hand in will be what you will use. No exceptions.
Ah...you sneaked out before we had time to distribute "The Interlopers". It's a great short story that you will be actively reading tomorrow. But what is an Interloper? Will this story have anything to do with "Ozymandias"? "The Bet"? Is "The Interlopers" a classic?
And what of this elegy that was on the board yesterday? We didn't get to it so guess what...It too is on the way. Block scheduling would make this so much easier.
Tell me what an interloper is and I'll sign your Archer card.
See you tomorrow.
Is "The Bet" a classic short story? What do you think? Well, today in class you brainstormed some ideas about what it takes to be a classic, so lets see if it does. Ask yourself, does "The Bet"...
...stand the test of time?
...have a strong sense of purpose/an enduring theme?
...show itself to be creative and original?
...offer a strong sense of time and place?
...generate scholarly discussion?
...find relevance across cultural and generational lines?
...carry with it a sense of excellence?
...have a little luck?
If you can answer yes to all or most of those questions, then you'd have to concede that it is indeed a classic short story.
Now what about classic novels? You will be reading one--with a partner--and then presenting something in front of the class (tune in tomorrow in class to find out what!) with that partner. I want you to choose a book you feel comfortable with. Here's a link to a pretty strong list of classic novels.
There are some things on the list that we have already said are not acceptable due to the maturity level, length, etc. Nevertheless, there are plenty of superb choices to examine.
Don't forget that you need to have your picture and theme identified by Friday. Whatever you hand in will be what you will use. No exceptions.
Ah...you sneaked out before we had time to distribute "The Interlopers". It's a great short story that you will be actively reading tomorrow. But what is an Interloper? Will this story have anything to do with "Ozymandias"? "The Bet"? Is "The Interlopers" a classic?
And what of this elegy that was on the board yesterday? We didn't get to it so guess what...It too is on the way. Block scheduling would make this so much easier.
Tell me what an interloper is and I'll sign your Archer card.
See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Standard 02-05-2013
The OWL. Easybib. Two sure fire ways to get your works cited page correct. Remember to keep the works cited on its own page. Title it: Works Cited. ABC order for the sources. Indent the second line of any entry that goes over one line. Ask me if you have any questions.
We saw some good conclusions today. Brooke Hoffman and Veronica Procaccino both offered some pretty solid ones today in period four. We were able to get some good ideas from Jordan Vargo and A.J. Crawford in period three. All four know that they need to add some things to make their conclusions fully successful, but they are all headed in the right direction. How is your conclusion? Is it on the right path?
restating the claim
summation of ideas
thoughts on how you feel about what you discovered
new questions
powerful closing line
Paper is due Friday. What can you do between now and then to make the paper the best it can possibly be?
We started work on our own odes today. You are celebrating someone or something that you know well. You'll be writing 20 lines. It must rhyme. The AABB rhyme scheme is a simple way to go but any rhyme scheme can be used. Have fun with it. Be creative. Don't be silly. Don't offer me any filler lines or rhymes. (A filler line or rhyme is a line or rhyme you use because you can't think of anything else to use. It does little to develop the idea or demonstrate creativity). I won't have you working on those at home for now because I want your focus on the WDIWTLMA paper. But I'll expect you to take full advantage of any time in class given to you. Rhyming dictionaries are great tools, by the way.
We'll visit the IMC tomorrow. We'll take a look at a short story as well. A shower of short stories will soon be raining down upon you. Don't bring an umbrella. Just enjoy the rain.
See you tomorrow.
We saw some good conclusions today. Brooke Hoffman and Veronica Procaccino both offered some pretty solid ones today in period four. We were able to get some good ideas from Jordan Vargo and A.J. Crawford in period three. All four know that they need to add some things to make their conclusions fully successful, but they are all headed in the right direction. How is your conclusion? Is it on the right path?
restating the claim
summation of ideas
thoughts on how you feel about what you discovered
new questions
powerful closing line
Paper is due Friday. What can you do between now and then to make the paper the best it can possibly be?
We started work on our own odes today. You are celebrating someone or something that you know well. You'll be writing 20 lines. It must rhyme. The AABB rhyme scheme is a simple way to go but any rhyme scheme can be used. Have fun with it. Be creative. Don't be silly. Don't offer me any filler lines or rhymes. (A filler line or rhyme is a line or rhyme you use because you can't think of anything else to use. It does little to develop the idea or demonstrate creativity). I won't have you working on those at home for now because I want your focus on the WDIWTLMA paper. But I'll expect you to take full advantage of any time in class given to you. Rhyming dictionaries are great tools, by the way.
We'll visit the IMC tomorrow. We'll take a look at a short story as well. A shower of short stories will soon be raining down upon you. Don't bring an umbrella. Just enjoy the rain.
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 2-05-2013
Good to see so many of you have already looked at the pictures for the Project Imaginat10n assignment. Allison Riggs already turned in her typed picture choice and theme. Michael Knutson already wrote a rough draft of his scene and poem! Maybe I should move that due date up? Just playing. Remember, I want the photo choice and theme by Friday. Once you submit, you are locked in to that choice, so don't be rash.
Speaking of rash behavior, how about the lawyer and banker in "The Bet"? Both acted rashly several times during the story, but there's one thing the lawyer did that definitely wasn't rash. Tell me what that is tomorrow before class, and I'll sign your Archer card.
Good discussions today on the short story. A couple key ideas that were discussed were the significance of the fifth year (he could've been out!), the personality of the banker (it stayed the same, the jerk!), and the theme of the story (Ha! not gonna tell you because...)
...because that is tied into the writing for tonight. What connections do you see between the story "The Bet" and the poem "Ozymandias"? Type up a paragraph that explains a connection between the two--specific references to the text are, of course, always a must. This is a ten point assignment. Be sure to offer a valid connection that is well developed.
Papers were returned today. If you want to rewrite the paper (only scores below 45/50), come and see me before next Tuesday. You can raise your grade to a 45/50. If you want to fix the works cited, just correct it on your own (unless you have questions) and bring it into me with the original. You can earn up to 10/10 on the works cited.
Tomorrow...whew...a second long term assignment is coming your way. Good thing? No papers are involved ( I can't say no writing because you'll be writing down notes and ideas and thoughts). You already have a long term writing assignment, so any guesses what this will involve? You'll find out tomorrow.
In addition to the previous paragraph, we'll look at your connection writings, spend some time in the IMC, and cover a couple more things in our quick time together.
Oops! Almost forgot. Here's a link to the movie Bryce Dallas Howard created from the eight winning photographs from last year's Project Imagin8ion. It's about 28 minutes long. If you have time, check it out. Did she use the pictures the way you thought she would? See if you can find all eight photos. Let me know what you think.
See you tomorrow.
Speaking of rash behavior, how about the lawyer and banker in "The Bet"? Both acted rashly several times during the story, but there's one thing the lawyer did that definitely wasn't rash. Tell me what that is tomorrow before class, and I'll sign your Archer card.
Good discussions today on the short story. A couple key ideas that were discussed were the significance of the fifth year (he could've been out!), the personality of the banker (it stayed the same, the jerk!), and the theme of the story (Ha! not gonna tell you because...)
...because that is tied into the writing for tonight. What connections do you see between the story "The Bet" and the poem "Ozymandias"? Type up a paragraph that explains a connection between the two--specific references to the text are, of course, always a must. This is a ten point assignment. Be sure to offer a valid connection that is well developed.
Papers were returned today. If you want to rewrite the paper (only scores below 45/50), come and see me before next Tuesday. You can raise your grade to a 45/50. If you want to fix the works cited, just correct it on your own (unless you have questions) and bring it into me with the original. You can earn up to 10/10 on the works cited.
Tomorrow...whew...a second long term assignment is coming your way. Good thing? No papers are involved ( I can't say no writing because you'll be writing down notes and ideas and thoughts). You already have a long term writing assignment, so any guesses what this will involve? You'll find out tomorrow.
In addition to the previous paragraph, we'll look at your connection writings, spend some time in the IMC, and cover a couple more things in our quick time together.
Oops! Almost forgot. Here's a link to the movie Bryce Dallas Howard created from the eight winning photographs from last year's Project Imagin8ion. It's about 28 minutes long. If you have time, check it out. Did she use the pictures the way you thought she would? See if you can find all eight photos. Let me know what you think.
See you tomorrow.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Standard 02-04-2013
Friday, February 8 it is. That's when the WDIWTLMA paper will be due. That means you have a few more days to do additional research, tweak your writing, add those citations, squeeze in some more personal response to the info learned, and tighten up that conclusion. Best of luck. See me with questions.
We'll be working on odes tomorrow as well. What is it again? Come up to me tomorrow before the bell rings to start your class and say, "Mr. O'Malley, an ode is a celebration of someone or something," and I will sign your Archer card.
We'll mention inferences again and then start looking at a story as well. Going up!
See you tomorrow.
We'll be working on odes tomorrow as well. What is it again? Come up to me tomorrow before the bell rings to start your class and say, "Mr. O'Malley, an ode is a celebration of someone or something," and I will sign your Archer card.
We'll mention inferences again and then start looking at a story as well. Going up!
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 02-04-2013
Well, there you have it! (I found more explanation points.) Project Imaginat10n is in your hands. Have you checked out the photos yet? Here's the Project Imaginat10n link in case you don't have the assignment sheet.
I really liked that Good Will Hunting scene we looked at today. The opening image made for a perfect photo: the backs of two men staring at a lake in a park. Once the scene started, you could tell the two men had a tense relationship. But who were they? What was their relationship? What was said about the painting? What happened next? All are legitimate questions that weren't answered just by viewing the scene; yet, the scene itself was still very powerful. When the Robin Williams character starts talking about holding the hand of a loved one dying from cancer, anyone listening (or reading if it were your scene) would be in silent awe. Even in the short scene, the theme (you need to experience life, not just read about it in books) comes across easily. That's what I want you to be able to do with this assignment.
Choose that photo and identify your theme by this Friday. Then you can start working on that scene and center it around the picture and theme. The poem comes later; for now, focus on the scene.
Promise: we will wrap up our discussion of "The Bet" tomorrow and I will assign the paragraph on the short story and the Shelley poem. All the more reason to look at the photos tonight.
Papers will be returned tomorrow. Surprisingly, the number one concern is still the citation. Too many decent papers were torpedoed by citation errors.
See you tomorrow.
I really liked that Good Will Hunting scene we looked at today. The opening image made for a perfect photo: the backs of two men staring at a lake in a park. Once the scene started, you could tell the two men had a tense relationship. But who were they? What was their relationship? What was said about the painting? What happened next? All are legitimate questions that weren't answered just by viewing the scene; yet, the scene itself was still very powerful. When the Robin Williams character starts talking about holding the hand of a loved one dying from cancer, anyone listening (or reading if it were your scene) would be in silent awe. Even in the short scene, the theme (you need to experience life, not just read about it in books) comes across easily. That's what I want you to be able to do with this assignment.
Choose that photo and identify your theme by this Friday. Then you can start working on that scene and center it around the picture and theme. The poem comes later; for now, focus on the scene.
Promise: we will wrap up our discussion of "The Bet" tomorrow and I will assign the paragraph on the short story and the Shelley poem. All the more reason to look at the photos tonight.
Papers will be returned tomorrow. Surprisingly, the number one concern is still the citation. Too many decent papers were torpedoed by citation errors.
See you tomorrow.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Standard 02-03-2013
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Okay, maybe not. I'm getting a little tired of shoveling snow and running on ice and snowpack while trying to dodge cars. But spring is just around the corner according to Punxsutawney Phil. Let's hear it for the sun!
Let's hear it for the Super Bowl! The commercials! Beyonce! The food!
San Francisco 23 Baltimore 17
That's just a prediction. No gambling here.
No gambling on your papers either. Hopefully, you've cleaned up last Friday's rough draft, and plan on coming to class with an updated draft of your WDIWTLMA paper. We edited in both periods, but I think we did a better job in period four, so we will continue that format on Monday. Be prepared!
To be prepared you should have plenty of CITED facts in your paper (whether they are quoted or not; any learned information needs to be cited). You should also have plenty of response. What do you think about what you just discovered? I want to know. I want you to include that in your body paragraphs. Good luck.
There's more on our plate as well. Inferences, short stories, poetry...it all will come together this week. I won't spend too much time on them now because I know you want to watch the game instead of reading me. Enjoy.
See you tomorrow.
Okay, maybe not. I'm getting a little tired of shoveling snow and running on ice and snowpack while trying to dodge cars. But spring is just around the corner according to Punxsutawney Phil. Let's hear it for the sun!
Let's hear it for the Super Bowl! The commercials! Beyonce! The food!
San Francisco 23 Baltimore 17
That's just a prediction. No gambling here.
No gambling on your papers either. Hopefully, you've cleaned up last Friday's rough draft, and plan on coming to class with an updated draft of your WDIWTLMA paper. We edited in both periods, but I think we did a better job in period four, so we will continue that format on Monday. Be prepared!
To be prepared you should have plenty of CITED facts in your paper (whether they are quoted or not; any learned information needs to be cited). You should also have plenty of response. What do you think about what you just discovered? I want to know. I want you to include that in your body paragraphs. Good luck.
There's more on our plate as well. Inferences, short stories, poetry...it all will come together this week. I won't spend too much time on them now because I know you want to watch the game instead of reading me. Enjoy.
See you tomorrow.
Enriched 02-03-2013
Super Bowl Sunday so I'm sure you aren't going to spend too much time reading this blog. I'll make it quick.
Be sure to reread the short story "The Bet". I'm sure most of you already have, but we'll be doing some serious discussion on it tomorrow (see questions below)
We'll also be doing (as you saw last Friday on the board) some writing on "The Bet" and "Ozymandias". I'll want you to find a connection between the story and the poem. Start thinking now. But don't listen to Spencer Kilmer! He tried to talk about it last class, but was unceremoniously cut off by yours truly. Sorry, Spencer.
With the scoring of the NBTs almost complete, it's time for a new longer term writing assignment. I've been asking about Project Imaginat10n. Tomorrow just might be the day when it all comes together. Keep your fingers crossed.
That it will happen! Keep your fingers crossed that it will happen1
Enjoy the Super Bowl and the commercials and Beyonce.
See you tomorrow.
Be sure to reread the short story "The Bet". I'm sure most of you already have, but we'll be doing some serious discussion on it tomorrow (see questions below)
1) Would you take the bet? Explain why or why not?
2) Was the bet fair? Explain.
3) Identify the conflicts and the types of conflict in the story.
4) Identify some irony in the story. There are plenty of examples.
5) How do the lawyer's reading interests shift over the 15 years. Why do you think they follow the course they do?
6) What happens during the fifth year the lawyer is locked up? Why do you think this occurs?
7) Why does the lawyer spend so much time on the New Testament? Explain.
8) Does the lawyer change over the course of the story? Explain your answer.
9) Does the banker change over the course of the story? Explain your answer.
10) What roles do ambition, greed, and hubris play in the story? Explain your answer.
11) What’s the theme of Chekhov’s story?
We'll also be doing (as you saw last Friday on the board) some writing on "The Bet" and "Ozymandias". I'll want you to find a connection between the story and the poem. Start thinking now. But don't listen to Spencer Kilmer! He tried to talk about it last class, but was unceremoniously cut off by yours truly. Sorry, Spencer.
With the scoring of the NBTs almost complete, it's time for a new longer term writing assignment. I've been asking about Project Imaginat10n. Tomorrow just might be the day when it all comes together. Keep your fingers crossed.
That it will happen! Keep your fingers crossed that it will happen1
Enjoy the Super Bowl and the commercials and Beyonce.
See you tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)