Happy Holidays to everyone. Enjoy your time away from school.
BUT...once the holidays are over, and if you chose to wait until after break to present or debate, make sure to spend some time preparing for those presentations and debates.
Honors students: if you chose to hand your paper in after break, remember it is due Monday, January 5.
Standard students: you should have a polished rough draft in class on Monday, January 5.
Until next year...
Friday, December 19, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Final Drafts Tomorrow...Maybe
Honors: After talking about transitions and doing a little more editing and revising today, you have the option of turning in the final copy of the author's craft essay either Friday, December 19, 2014 or Monday, January 5, 2015. No penalty either way. Just have a hard copy printed off the day you are going to submit it. Look over the rubric one more time (or a dozen) to be sure your paper is as strong as it can be.
Standard: We talked about introductions today. I want everyone to write an introduction that opens with a hook, offers a brief synopsis and then finishes with the claim. This is not the only way to write an introduction but it is the only way I want you to write this introduction. Tomorrow you should have a complete dog draft in class for examination. Some of you have a bit of work to do tonight. The more you have prepared for editing tomorrow, the better off you will be.
One more day and then you can rest a bit.
Until next time...
Standard: We talked about introductions today. I want everyone to write an introduction that opens with a hook, offers a brief synopsis and then finishes with the claim. This is not the only way to write an introduction but it is the only way I want you to write this introduction. Tomorrow you should have a complete dog draft in class for examination. Some of you have a bit of work to do tonight. The more you have prepared for editing tomorrow, the better off you will be.
One more day and then you can rest a bit.
Until next time...
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Two Days To Go
Honors: Keep polishing. You looked more closely at the rough drafts today with a little peer editing. Tonight you should be reexamining, refining, and revising the author's craft essays. Make them as strong as can be. Tomorrow we will talk about transitions, have a little more editing/writing time and be ready to polish up our drafts tomorrow evening.
Standard: Keep writing. You should have three full body paragraphs typed up once you enter school tomorrow. I'll go over the introduction expectations tomorrow in class. You'll also have a little more writing time to put those instructions into practice. Be ready to have a complete dog draft in class by Friday.
Until next time...
Standard: Keep writing. You should have three full body paragraphs typed up once you enter school tomorrow. I'll go over the introduction expectations tomorrow in class. You'll also have a little more writing time to put those instructions into practice. Be ready to have a complete dog draft in class by Friday.
Until next time...
Monday, December 15, 2014
A Couple Helpful Links
Here is the rubric for the Author's Craft Essay.
Here is the link to the Author's Craft Sample Page
Today we worked on claims in the standard class and conclusions in the honors class.
The standard class learned that the claim should have the title, author, technique and goal mentioned in it.
The honors were reminded that the conclusion should restate the claim, remind the reader of the key arguments and then end with a cohesive ending or a jolt or a call to action or a surprising twist or a clever ending or a thoughtful statement or some other creative and effective form of closure.
The homework for the standard class consists of writing a claim and then writing one body paragraph.
The homework for the honors class consists of having a complete rough draft ready to be edited tomorrow in class.
Four more days!
Until next time...
Here is the link to the Author's Craft Sample Page
Today we worked on claims in the standard class and conclusions in the honors class.
The standard class learned that the claim should have the title, author, technique and goal mentioned in it.
The honors were reminded that the conclusion should restate the claim, remind the reader of the key arguments and then end with a cohesive ending or a jolt or a call to action or a surprising twist or a clever ending or a thoughtful statement or some other creative and effective form of closure.
The homework for the standard class consists of writing a claim and then writing one body paragraph.
The homework for the honors class consists of having a complete rough draft ready to be edited tomorrow in class.
Four more days!
Until next time...
Friday, December 12, 2014
Author Craft Progress...Slow
We need block scheduling!
There. I said it. Hopefully something will be changed next week. If not, we'll have to deal with the status quo for a bit longer.
Until then, we'll continue packing our days with presentations/debates, lessons, writing, conferring, sharing and discussing.
Today we did many of those in the honors classes. Our main focus was on sharing claims, writing introductions and discussing the process of writing and revisions. Our claims sounded pretty strong for the most part. For the introductions you need to be thinking about
The Hook
The Context
The Claim
I showed you a few examples of my own which is where the discussion of writing and revision came in.
This weekend be sure to polish those body paragraphs and write an introduction (or three). We'll have a complete draft in class for Tuesday.
In the standard classes our focus is still on exploring the stories for worthwhile topics to write about. remember, you need to write about a technique the author uses AND THEN EXPLAIN why he used it. What was the purpose of his decision to use that technique?
This weekend I want you to write 1-2 more pages on a specific craft move and the way the author uses it and how you see it developed in the story. You are still exploring and not essaying, but you should be narrowing your focus. On Monday we will identify claims for our papers and start writing the complete essays.
Until next time...
There. I said it. Hopefully something will be changed next week. If not, we'll have to deal with the status quo for a bit longer.
Until then, we'll continue packing our days with presentations/debates, lessons, writing, conferring, sharing and discussing.
Today we did many of those in the honors classes. Our main focus was on sharing claims, writing introductions and discussing the process of writing and revisions. Our claims sounded pretty strong for the most part. For the introductions you need to be thinking about
The Hook
The Context
The Claim
I showed you a few examples of my own which is where the discussion of writing and revision came in.
This weekend be sure to polish those body paragraphs and write an introduction (or three). We'll have a complete draft in class for Tuesday.
In the standard classes our focus is still on exploring the stories for worthwhile topics to write about. remember, you need to write about a technique the author uses AND THEN EXPLAIN why he used it. What was the purpose of his decision to use that technique?
This weekend I want you to write 1-2 more pages on a specific craft move and the way the author uses it and how you see it developed in the story. You are still exploring and not essaying, but you should be narrowing your focus. On Monday we will identify claims for our papers and start writing the complete essays.
Until next time...
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Claims and Dog Drafts
Time slipped away quickly today due to all the little things we had to take care of so we only scratched the surface of the planned lesson. Nevertheless, we did have some good student led discussion on what we saw in a couple dog draft paragraphs. We'll explore these and the claims a little more closely tomorrow.
Homework for the honors classes:
1) Prepare for the presentation/debate tomorrow
2) Write an additional body paragraph or two for tomorrow's class
We started looking at craft and goal ideas today. We had a large variety of connections, but then I showed you an example of a more focused exploration paragraph. Here's an example we discussed in class. That's what I want you to do tonight. Narrow the scope. Focus on one idea for a page and develop it well.
Homework for the standard classes:
1) Prepare for the presentation/debate tomorrow
2) Write 2 pages on potential topics. Write about one craft move/technique and the reason the author is using it for one page. Then choose a different craft move/technique and the reason the author is using it for a second page.
Until next time...
Homework for the honors classes:
1) Prepare for the presentation/debate tomorrow
2) Write an additional body paragraph or two for tomorrow's class
We started looking at craft and goal ideas today. We had a large variety of connections, but then I showed you an example of a more focused exploration paragraph. Here's an example we discussed in class. That's what I want you to do tonight. Narrow the scope. Focus on one idea for a page and develop it well.
Homework for the standard classes:
1) Prepare for the presentation/debate tomorrow
2) Write 2 pages on potential topics. Write about one craft move/technique and the reason the author is using it for one page. Then choose a different craft move/technique and the reason the author is using it for a second page.
Until next time...
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Acuity Today, Author's Craft Tomorrow
Today was acuity testing. I'm looking forward to reviewing the results and seeing the areas we need to focus on for the rest of the year. As a predictor for the upcoming ISTEP, the importance of the Acuity test has been significantly increased.
Honors students should be working on identifying some possible claims for their author's craft essay tonight. In addition, at least two body paragraphs should be attempted. These are dog draft quality but they should demonstrate where you are in the process at this moment. If I were you, I'd start typing my paragraphs. We're moving beyond exploring into essaying. It will be easier to read, share, edit, revise and discuss from this point forward if the work is typed.
Standard students should be writing two pages in their writer's notebooks tonight. You are just starting to explore so consider the following: What craft moves do you see your authors using? What patterns do you see developing with those craft moves? What reasons do you see for why the authors made the decisions they did? This is more stream of consciousness writing, but it should be focused on the craft moves and goals of your short story's author.
In addition, those that have not yet presented should be working diligently on their presentations or debates.
Until next time...
Honors students should be working on identifying some possible claims for their author's craft essay tonight. In addition, at least two body paragraphs should be attempted. These are dog draft quality but they should demonstrate where you are in the process at this moment. If I were you, I'd start typing my paragraphs. We're moving beyond exploring into essaying. It will be easier to read, share, edit, revise and discuss from this point forward if the work is typed.
Standard students should be writing two pages in their writer's notebooks tonight. You are just starting to explore so consider the following: What craft moves do you see your authors using? What patterns do you see developing with those craft moves? What reasons do you see for why the authors made the decisions they did? This is more stream of consciousness writing, but it should be focused on the craft moves and goals of your short story's author.
In addition, those that have not yet presented should be working diligently on their presentations or debates.
Until next time...
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Acuity Tomorrow!
The title says it all. Be ready to acuitize (let's just pretend it's a real word) to the best of your ability tomorrow.
The honors classes are pushing themselves to find the most powerful craft moves their authors have used so that they can write the best author's craft essay they can. Don't settle for something that anyone reading the story can identify easily. Look a little deeper for craft that demonstrates a depth of thought, an insight. You know symbolism is my favorite and there are plenty of examples out there in your stories, but there are plenty of other ways to get deep as well.
For Thursday have one or two or five claims written for your topic. Try to have two-three body paragraphs written out as well. We are in dog draft stage so there is no need to worry too much about nailing everything perfectly. But these paragraphs should be essaying. Our exploring days should be finished for a while.
In the standard class we went over the two charts of craft moves/techniques and the goals of those techniques. Here's a link to the pictured charts. Tonight and tomorrow night you should be exploring the possibilities your stories hold. Write two pages in your writer's notebook about the craft moves you see and the ways the author is using them. Remember, just identifying the craft moves will not be enough. You need to understand why the author uses the moves when he does.
All classes...prepare those debates and presentations.
Until next time...
The honors classes are pushing themselves to find the most powerful craft moves their authors have used so that they can write the best author's craft essay they can. Don't settle for something that anyone reading the story can identify easily. Look a little deeper for craft that demonstrates a depth of thought, an insight. You know symbolism is my favorite and there are plenty of examples out there in your stories, but there are plenty of other ways to get deep as well.
For Thursday have one or two or five claims written for your topic. Try to have two-three body paragraphs written out as well. We are in dog draft stage so there is no need to worry too much about nailing everything perfectly. But these paragraphs should be essaying. Our exploring days should be finished for a while.
In the standard class we went over the two charts of craft moves/techniques and the goals of those techniques. Here's a link to the pictured charts. Tonight and tomorrow night you should be exploring the possibilities your stories hold. Write two pages in your writer's notebook about the craft moves you see and the ways the author is using them. Remember, just identifying the craft moves will not be enough. You need to understand why the author uses the moves when he does.
All classes...prepare those debates and presentations.
Until next time...
Monday, December 8, 2014
Exploring Author's Craft Take II
Two weeks to go before break and there is a lot on our plates.
We all will be taking our 2nd quarter ACUITY test on Wednesday. Review those notes.
We are making our debates and presentations. Go for depth and insight on your arguments. Remember that two to three well developed arguments are much better than 5-7 that scratch the surface. You are given two minutes to argue...use every second of them!
We are making headway with our author's craft essay (a little faster in the honors classes). In the honor's classes you need to be writing 2-3 pages tonight. You are still exploring potential author's craft moves and thinking about why the author is doing what he/she is doing. You are not writing a formal essay. You are just exploring ideas, like the examples I shared with you in class. Here's a link to them. By writing about them, you'll start to see if you have something to work with or not. You should also start thinking about claims!
In the standard class you need to be completing the reflections over the theme essays that were handed back today. If you reflect seriously you will learn, seriously. Here are the prompts.
Standard will jump headfirst into the author's craft essay tomorrow after presentations, and the honors classes will be identifying powerful craft moves and staking claims after their presentations.
Until next time...
We all will be taking our 2nd quarter ACUITY test on Wednesday. Review those notes.
We are making our debates and presentations. Go for depth and insight on your arguments. Remember that two to three well developed arguments are much better than 5-7 that scratch the surface. You are given two minutes to argue...use every second of them!
We are making headway with our author's craft essay (a little faster in the honors classes). In the honor's classes you need to be writing 2-3 pages tonight. You are still exploring potential author's craft moves and thinking about why the author is doing what he/she is doing. You are not writing a formal essay. You are just exploring ideas, like the examples I shared with you in class. Here's a link to them. By writing about them, you'll start to see if you have something to work with or not. You should also start thinking about claims!
In the standard class you need to be completing the reflections over the theme essays that were handed back today. If you reflect seriously you will learn, seriously. Here are the prompts.
Standard will jump headfirst into the author's craft essay tomorrow after presentations, and the honors classes will be identifying powerful craft moves and staking claims after their presentations.
Until next time...
Friday, December 5, 2014
Exploring the Author's Craft Essay
In the honors we had our first presentations today. They came off pretty well over all. A couple of points to improve but overall...success!
Homework tonight for the honors:
Continue to prepare for the debate/presentation if you haven't gone yet. Even though we have selected our Monday presenters, everyone needs to be prepared to go on Monday.
Satire is due Monday. I collected several today. Looking good!
You need to do some writing this weekend. This is not polished-intro-body-conclusion-essay writing. Instead you are doing some exploring. Some stream of consciousness writing. You are exploring your story for possible author's craft topics. Remember you need to select a craft move and then offer a reason why the author chose to use it. As a reminder here is a link to the charts we looked at in class. Remember they are not all-inclusive. Write two pages in your writer's notebook. Good luck.
In the standard classes we looked at a couple sample presentations. They were a little rough so we changed the plan for today and decided to add additional presentation work time. We are going live on Monday and we all need to be ready.
Until next time...
Homework tonight for the honors:
Continue to prepare for the debate/presentation if you haven't gone yet. Even though we have selected our Monday presenters, everyone needs to be prepared to go on Monday.
Satire is due Monday. I collected several today. Looking good!
You need to do some writing this weekend. This is not polished-intro-body-conclusion-essay writing. Instead you are doing some exploring. Some stream of consciousness writing. You are exploring your story for possible author's craft topics. Remember you need to select a craft move and then offer a reason why the author chose to use it. As a reminder here is a link to the charts we looked at in class. Remember they are not all-inclusive. Write two pages in your writer's notebook. Good luck.
In the standard classes we looked at a couple sample presentations. They were a little rough so we changed the plan for today and decided to add additional presentation work time. We are going live on Monday and we all need to be ready.
Until next time...
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Surprise!
Well, the best laid plans...
I was supposed to have a substitute today, but a sub shortage nipped that in the bud at 8:15 this morning. Due to the sudden switch, you had a work day. Quality time was spent working on the presentation and debate along with the satire assignment (due 12-8-2014) in the honors classes.
Tomorrow we begin our presentations. I can't wait to see what we have.
We'll also identify presentation dates for the rest of us...at least for Monday.
Once that is over we will shift to our Author's Craft Essay. More fun writing coming your way.
Until next time...
I was supposed to have a substitute today, but a sub shortage nipped that in the bud at 8:15 this morning. Due to the sudden switch, you had a work day. Quality time was spent working on the presentation and debate along with the satire assignment (due 12-8-2014) in the honors classes.
Tomorrow we begin our presentations. I can't wait to see what we have.
We'll also identify presentation dates for the rest of us...at least for Monday.
Once that is over we will shift to our Author's Craft Essay. More fun writing coming your way.
Until next time...
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Reflection Questions
Honors: Here are the reflection questions. Scroll down to the second group of questions.
Quick Recap:
We talked about the upcoming debate/presentation. It starts Friday, December 5. We have our volunteers from each class. We all need to be ready for Monday. Look on the blog for directions and hand-outs.
Our satire assignment is due Monday, December 8. Guidelines and the rubric are available on the blog.
We started talking about our author's craft essay today. We didn't get as far as I had hoped, and I am going to be at meetings for the next two days, so it will be Friday before we dive in headfirst. Can't wait.
Standard: After a bit of review with Acuity questions, we had the rest of the time to work on our presentations and debates. We have our volunteers and are looking forward to beginning the presentations on Friday, December 5.
Do not have text intensive slides.
Do not read your presentation.
Do have quotes from the book you read to support your arguments.
Do have at least one counterclaim that you refute after sharing.
Do bring passion and strong presentation skills on the day of the event.
Do have notes to help you (just don't read them).
Do prepare. This is worth 50 points.
Until next time...
Quick Recap:
We talked about the upcoming debate/presentation. It starts Friday, December 5. We have our volunteers from each class. We all need to be ready for Monday. Look on the blog for directions and hand-outs.
Our satire assignment is due Monday, December 8. Guidelines and the rubric are available on the blog.
We started talking about our author's craft essay today. We didn't get as far as I had hoped, and I am going to be at meetings for the next two days, so it will be Friday before we dive in headfirst. Can't wait.
Standard: After a bit of review with Acuity questions, we had the rest of the time to work on our presentations and debates. We have our volunteers and are looking forward to beginning the presentations on Friday, December 5.
A few debate/presentation tips for all students:
Do not read your presentation.
Do have quotes from the book you read to support your arguments.
Do have at least one counterclaim that you refute after sharing.
Do bring passion and strong presentation skills on the day of the event.
Do have notes to help you (just don't read them).
Do prepare. This is worth 50 points.
Until next time...
Monday, December 1, 2014
Paper Returns and Debate/Presentation Rubrics
In the first period honors class, we had only 12 students due to the band field trip. We pushed so those of you that were absent will need to get the notes from your peers and complete a bit of work outside of class.
Due to the number of usage errors in the theme papers, we started the honors class with a semi-colon refresher. We discussed independent clauses, coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs and went through several student examples. If any of this sounds foreign to you, you should be sure to ask questions tomorrow.
We then discussed the theme papers and highlighted a strong one. It wasn't flawless but it demonstrated deep insight into the theme and offered a strong set of insightful arguments.
I returned the papers and the students began their reflections. The reflection is where the real learning takes place because it allows the writer to become more strategic and intentional on future writings. We didn't complete these reflections today so we will start with them tomorrow.
We ran out of time to go over the rubrics for the debates and presentations. I've included a link or them here. You can look them over here and come with any questions tomorrow. Debates/Presentations will begin on Friday, December 5.
Satire assignment will be due Monday, December 8.
We will be starting our Author Essay tomorrow.
In the standard class we reviewed several techniques that authors use to convey a stronger message in their stories. It will be important for you to understand what these techniques are if you are to write an effective author essay. We will be starting our Author Essay tomorrow.
We then went over the rubrics for the debates and presentations. You can find a link to them here. Afterwards, you had time to work with your partner on the debate/presentation. Use your time wisely over the next few days. Our first debate/presentation will be made on Friday, December 5.
See me with questions.
Until next time...
Due to the number of usage errors in the theme papers, we started the honors class with a semi-colon refresher. We discussed independent clauses, coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs and went through several student examples. If any of this sounds foreign to you, you should be sure to ask questions tomorrow.
We then discussed the theme papers and highlighted a strong one. It wasn't flawless but it demonstrated deep insight into the theme and offered a strong set of insightful arguments.
I returned the papers and the students began their reflections. The reflection is where the real learning takes place because it allows the writer to become more strategic and intentional on future writings. We didn't complete these reflections today so we will start with them tomorrow.
We ran out of time to go over the rubrics for the debates and presentations. I've included a link or them here. You can look them over here and come with any questions tomorrow. Debates/Presentations will begin on Friday, December 5.
Satire assignment will be due Monday, December 8.
We will be starting our Author Essay tomorrow.
In the standard class we reviewed several techniques that authors use to convey a stronger message in their stories. It will be important for you to understand what these techniques are if you are to write an effective author essay. We will be starting our Author Essay tomorrow.
We then went over the rubrics for the debates and presentations. You can find a link to them here. Afterwards, you had time to work with your partner on the debate/presentation. Use your time wisely over the next few days. Our first debate/presentation will be made on Friday, December 5.
See me with questions.
Until next time...
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving!
Honors: Read that classic and work on the presentation if you have time. Presentations will officially begin on Thursday, December 4. You should not count on having much, if any, class time to work on the presentation.
The satire writing will be due Friday, December 5.
Standard: Read that novel and work on the presentation if you have time. Presentations will officially begin on Thursday, December 4. You should not count on having much, if any, class time to work on the presentation.
Eat a lot of turkey and enjoy the break.
We'll begin our Author Essay Unit when we return.
The satire writing will be due Friday, December 5.
Standard: Read that novel and work on the presentation if you have time. Presentations will officially begin on Thursday, December 4. You should not count on having much, if any, class time to work on the presentation.
Eat a lot of turkey and enjoy the break.
We'll begin our Author Essay Unit when we return.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Author Essay Is Approaching
Quick hit today.
Honors: read the classic and be sure you are preparing for the presentation. The presentations begin next week.
I heard dozens of great satire ideas today in periods one and two. (Typed this prior to period 6). The best ones are the ones you care about, have an interest in or just are knowledgeable about. Now take those ideas, be creative and satirize the heck out of them. Come to class with a dog draft of your idea so we can hone, edit, revise and perfect it tomorrow.
Potential topics I can remember so far:
relationship goals
designer spending
fangirls
stereotyping
football safety
height
complaining about cafeteria food
lots of others too.
Here's a link to the rubric and expectations.
Standard: read the novel and be sure you are preparing for the presentation. The presentations begin next week.
You reflected on your timed writing today and we did a bit of work on acuity.
One more day to Thanksgiving!
Until next time...
Honors: read the classic and be sure you are preparing for the presentation. The presentations begin next week.
I heard dozens of great satire ideas today in periods one and two. (Typed this prior to period 6). The best ones are the ones you care about, have an interest in or just are knowledgeable about. Now take those ideas, be creative and satirize the heck out of them. Come to class with a dog draft of your idea so we can hone, edit, revise and perfect it tomorrow.
Potential topics I can remember so far:
relationship goals
designer spending
fangirls
stereotyping
football safety
height
complaining about cafeteria food
lots of others too.
Here's a link to the rubric and expectations.
Standard: read the novel and be sure you are preparing for the presentation. The presentations begin next week.
You reflected on your timed writing today and we did a bit of work on acuity.
One more day to Thanksgiving!
Until next time...
Monday, November 24, 2014
Satire
We reviewed some Acuity questions in the honors class today and then we also discussed satire. We looked at several examples and laughed out loud at some of them. The Onion is a great source for satire.
We reviewed our definition of the term and the examples helped to demonstrate the clever way satirists work. One tricky aspect of satire is comprehending what, exactly, is being satirized. Just because the satire is talking about baby shampoo, doesn't necessarily mean that baby shampoo is the target of the satire. In that example, the way modern society coddles its children is being satirized, from its hands-off approach to discipline to the practice of giving everyone a trophy. Regardless, good satire will make you laugh while making a strong, relevant point.
Tonight I want you to think about possible satire topics. What is ripe to be satirized? What topic or movement or law or idea or fad or news item deserves to have its ridiculousness pointed out satirically? Think about the sports world, world news, television, music, film, weather, etc. If you ask me the idea that One Direction just won Artist of the Year has a big target on its back. The unlimited power of Roger Goodell is begging to be satirized. Is anything off limits? Can ISIS be satirized? Ferguson, Missouri? Public education?
Whatever you choose, you just need to be sure you understand the point you are trying to make and be able to present it effectively.
Topics tonight...more discussion tomorrow.
In that standard class we celebrated our writing accomplishments and then turned around and offered one more day to strengthen the theme papers. Those that took advantage of the extra 24 hours will definitely benefit based on our class discussion.
We reviewed the expectations for the debate/presentation. Here's a link to them. In addition to reading, you should be making preparations for the debates/presentations beginning next week.
We took a look at a bit of Acuity too. Our next Acuity test is December 10. Let's be ready for it.
Until next time...
We reviewed our definition of the term and the examples helped to demonstrate the clever way satirists work. One tricky aspect of satire is comprehending what, exactly, is being satirized. Just because the satire is talking about baby shampoo, doesn't necessarily mean that baby shampoo is the target of the satire. In that example, the way modern society coddles its children is being satirized, from its hands-off approach to discipline to the practice of giving everyone a trophy. Regardless, good satire will make you laugh while making a strong, relevant point.
Tonight I want you to think about possible satire topics. What is ripe to be satirized? What topic or movement or law or idea or fad or news item deserves to have its ridiculousness pointed out satirically? Think about the sports world, world news, television, music, film, weather, etc. If you ask me the idea that One Direction just won Artist of the Year has a big target on its back. The unlimited power of Roger Goodell is begging to be satirized. Is anything off limits? Can ISIS be satirized? Ferguson, Missouri? Public education?
Whatever you choose, you just need to be sure you understand the point you are trying to make and be able to present it effectively.
Topics tonight...more discussion tomorrow.
In that standard class we celebrated our writing accomplishments and then turned around and offered one more day to strengthen the theme papers. Those that took advantage of the extra 24 hours will definitely benefit based on our class discussion.
We reviewed the expectations for the debate/presentation. Here's a link to them. In addition to reading, you should be making preparations for the debates/presentations beginning next week.
We took a look at a bit of Acuity too. Our next Acuity test is December 10. Let's be ready for it.
Until next time...
Friday, November 21, 2014
Dashes and Cohesive/Circular/Echo Writing
In the honors class it was all about the dash today. Okay I answered some questions about the upcoming classic assignment and I had you reflect on a recent timed writing, but then we dived into the dash headfirst.
We discussed how it is differentiated from the hyphen and stressed the three times the dash should be used. If you want to review, click on this link on the dash presentation. We looked at the difference between the en-dash and the em-dash and our discussion culminated in a one question quiz. We looked at the question from the Acuity test on dashes—the one that I missed—and our results were amazing. We went from 22/100 answering correctly on last month's test to over 70/100 getting it correct today. Bravo! Now we need to get the rest of you to understand fully.
Be sure to read that classic this weekend and start organizing your ideas for the debate/presentation.
In the standard class we did one last edit. You are going into the weekend with one final push to make your theme essay the very best it can be. Look at the rubric and assess yourself. What do you need to work on? Where can you improve? Who can you show your paper to in order to see how strong it is? This is a 100 points, so you want to do well.
We looked at cohesive writing today too. We could also call it circular writing or echo writing, but regardless of its name, it occurs when you echo an idea you use in your introduction by repeating it in your conclusion. Here is a link to an example I created. Try and do this with your writing. Look at your lead and conclusion and try to tie them together. Professional writers do it, so it's not a bad idea to copy.
Be sure to polish up that final draft this weekend. Print it out with double spacing. Can't wait to see them.
Read some of that novel too.
Until next time..
We discussed how it is differentiated from the hyphen and stressed the three times the dash should be used. If you want to review, click on this link on the dash presentation. We looked at the difference between the en-dash and the em-dash and our discussion culminated in a one question quiz. We looked at the question from the Acuity test on dashes—the one that I missed—and our results were amazing. We went from 22/100 answering correctly on last month's test to over 70/100 getting it correct today. Bravo! Now we need to get the rest of you to understand fully.
Be sure to read that classic this weekend and start organizing your ideas for the debate/presentation.
In the standard class we did one last edit. You are going into the weekend with one final push to make your theme essay the very best it can be. Look at the rubric and assess yourself. What do you need to work on? Where can you improve? Who can you show your paper to in order to see how strong it is? This is a 100 points, so you want to do well.
We looked at cohesive writing today too. We could also call it circular writing or echo writing, but regardless of its name, it occurs when you echo an idea you use in your introduction by repeating it in your conclusion. Here is a link to an example I created. Try and do this with your writing. Look at your lead and conclusion and try to tie them together. Professional writers do it, so it's not a bad idea to copy.
Be sure to polish up that final draft this weekend. Print it out with double spacing. Can't wait to see them.
Read some of that novel too.
Until next time..
Thursday, November 20, 2014
A Closer Look at Acuity Questions
In the honors class we looked at our Acuity questions. How'd we do? Well, as expected, we seemed to do better when we talked them through as a group. The test is tricky, and when it asks for the "best" answer, sometimes it can get confusing. Bouncing ideas off someone else will always help. But that help won't be there when you settle in to take the test yourself so be sure to:
-revisit the text often
-read it closely
-talk yourself through the questions and the responses
-eliminate two options quickly
-don't over think your responses
Realize that the people involved in the creation of the Acuity test are also responsible for the creation of the new ISTEP. The more practice you get on the these types of tests, the better you should do come ISTEP time.
We talked quickly about the coming Classic Presentation. As promised here is the link to the Classic Presentation!
Read it over and come to class tomorrow with any questions you might have.
Tonight you should read that classic.
In the standard class we continued editing our peers' papers. There is a lot of good discussion going on but you want to be sure you look at the development of the ideas and the support being offered along with the spelling or capitalization errors.
Tonight you should rewrite your paper to make it the best it can possible be. We'll do a bit more editing and revising tomorrow before officially collecting the papers on Monday.
Tonight you should revise and read that novel.
Until next time...
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Celebrations and Edits
Lot to celebrate in the honors class today. Before submitting the papers we took some time to celebrate what you accomplished.
You celebrated your understanding of cohesive writing.
You celebrated your ability to look deeper at a piece of writing to uncover the hidden gems of insight.
You celebrated your ability to revise, revise and then revise some more.
You celebrated your peers and the roles they played in helping you improve your writing.
You celebrated your family members and the roles they played in improving your writing.
You celebrated your paragraph development.
You celebrated your titles.
You celebrated your cleverness.
You celebrated your sophisticated word choice.
You celebrated your original themes.
You celebrated the improvements you made as a writer.
But mostly, you celebrated that you were submitting your theme essays.
That's a lot of celebrating! We have five days before Thanksgiving Break. We'll fill those days with some of the instruction that has been overlooked so far this year before jumping back into our writing program December 1.
Cohesive writing due tomorrow.
Read those classics by December 1.
In the standard class you have been revising and revising and revising on your own and with your partner. Today you received plenty of peer support that will help you along your revision trail. The Group of Four editing you're doing can go a long way to helping you write a successful paper if you ask the right questions and offer the detailed insightful responses to help the writer achieve his or her best.
We did not get through everyone today so we will pick up where we left off tomorrow. If you were helped today then be sure to go home and revise while the suggestions are fresh in your mind.
If you did not get help today, go home and revise your paper so that it can be as strong as possible. That way you will get the help on the important things instead of wasting time on little things you could improve on your own.
So...revise tonight and don't forget to read some novel too.
Until next time...
You celebrated your understanding of cohesive writing.
You celebrated your ability to look deeper at a piece of writing to uncover the hidden gems of insight.
You celebrated your ability to revise, revise and then revise some more.
You celebrated your peers and the roles they played in helping you improve your writing.
You celebrated your family members and the roles they played in improving your writing.
You celebrated your paragraph development.
You celebrated your titles.
You celebrated your cleverness.
You celebrated your sophisticated word choice.
You celebrated your original themes.
You celebrated the improvements you made as a writer.
But mostly, you celebrated that you were submitting your theme essays.
That's a lot of celebrating! We have five days before Thanksgiving Break. We'll fill those days with some of the instruction that has been overlooked so far this year before jumping back into our writing program December 1.
Cohesive writing due tomorrow.
Read those classics by December 1.
In the standard class you have been revising and revising and revising on your own and with your partner. Today you received plenty of peer support that will help you along your revision trail. The Group of Four editing you're doing can go a long way to helping you write a successful paper if you ask the right questions and offer the detailed insightful responses to help the writer achieve his or her best.
We did not get through everyone today so we will pick up where we left off tomorrow. If you were helped today then be sure to go home and revise while the suggestions are fresh in your mind.
If you did not get help today, go home and revise your paper so that it can be as strong as possible. That way you will get the help on the important things instead of wasting time on little things you could improve on your own.
So...revise tonight and don't forget to read some novel too.
Until next time...
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
The Theme Essay Due for Honors
Tomorrow is the day. Your theme essay is due if you are in the honors class.
Be sure you are offering clear, developed arguments.
Be sure you double check your conventions and challenge yourself to be creative with them.
Be sure you don't stress over the paper.
Here is a quick checklist to be sure you are as prepared as you need to be.
1) Type it. Double space it. Print it.
2) Have the self-assessed rubric stapled to the top of your paper.
3) Have a new rubric stapled on top of that (available in class tomorrow).
4) Make sure the final copy is neat and clean.
5) Bring it to class.
Once that is turned in you can turn your full attention to the classic reading and the cohesive assignment. I can't wait to start assessing them.
In the standard classes you have a couple more days. Use the time wisely by revising nightly. Take what we discuss in class and apply it to your own writing. As John Updike said, "Writing and rewriting are a constant search for what we are trying to say."
Keep revising. When you think you have it, look again, more deeply. You can always improve what you've written.
Revise tonight and read some of your novel.
Until next time...
Be sure you are offering clear, developed arguments.
Be sure you double check your conventions and challenge yourself to be creative with them.
Be sure you don't stress over the paper.
Here is a quick checklist to be sure you are as prepared as you need to be.
1) Type it. Double space it. Print it.
2) Have the self-assessed rubric stapled to the top of your paper.
3) Have a new rubric stapled on top of that (available in class tomorrow).
4) Make sure the final copy is neat and clean.
5) Bring it to class.
Once that is turned in you can turn your full attention to the classic reading and the cohesive assignment. I can't wait to start assessing them.
In the standard classes you have a couple more days. Use the time wisely by revising nightly. Take what we discuss in class and apply it to your own writing. As John Updike said, "Writing and rewriting are a constant search for what we are trying to say."
Keep revising. When you think you have it, look again, more deeply. You can always improve what you've written.
Revise tonight and read some of your novel.
Until next time...
Monday, November 17, 2014
Honors Thematic Essay Due Date Approaches
In less than 48 hours you will have handed in your thematic essay...if you are in an honors class. Today we completed our group of four peer edits and spent some time revising our papers.
We also introduced the idea of syllogisms. We defined syllogism as a form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions. As an example we used a classic syllogism from Socrates:
All humans die.
Socrates is a human.
Therefore, Socrates will die.
Since the first two statements are true, we can conclude that the third statement would be true. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes the logic in a syllogism is faulty.
Mindy is nice to me.
I like Mindy.
Therefore, Mindy likes me.
While the first two statements are true, the conclusion is not necessarily valid. Mindy might be nice to me just because she is a nice person. She may not like me or even know me. While the second example is still a syllogism, it is an invalid one.
You need to look for this kind of faulty logic and reasoning showing up in your papers. Be sure you read your essay carefully and remove any logical fallacies from your writing.
Tonight you should push this paper to the brink of final draft submission. We will look at the paper for one more day tomorrow, but then the final draft should be printed off and handed in on Wednesday.
Don't forget to read your classic and work on your cohesive writing assignment as well.
In the standard class we did some quick peer editing of our rough drafts.
After that we saw how authors might use some literary techniques to help them develop their themes. Some of the examples of literary techniques they might use include:
parallel structure
foreshadowing
similes and metaphors
personification
sentence length
descriptive words and sentences
repetition
You made a plan to revise your papers for tonight and to read some more of that novel of yours as well. Be thinking about the classic issue as you read.
Until next time...
We also introduced the idea of syllogisms. We defined syllogism as a form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions. As an example we used a classic syllogism from Socrates:
All humans die.
Socrates is a human.
Therefore, Socrates will die.
Since the first two statements are true, we can conclude that the third statement would be true. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes the logic in a syllogism is faulty.
Mindy is nice to me.
I like Mindy.
Therefore, Mindy likes me.
While the first two statements are true, the conclusion is not necessarily valid. Mindy might be nice to me just because she is a nice person. She may not like me or even know me. While the second example is still a syllogism, it is an invalid one.
You need to look for this kind of faulty logic and reasoning showing up in your papers. Be sure you read your essay carefully and remove any logical fallacies from your writing.
Tonight you should push this paper to the brink of final draft submission. We will look at the paper for one more day tomorrow, but then the final draft should be printed off and handed in on Wednesday.
Don't forget to read your classic and work on your cohesive writing assignment as well.
In the standard class we did some quick peer editing of our rough drafts.
After that we saw how authors might use some literary techniques to help them develop their themes. Some of the examples of literary techniques they might use include:
parallel structure
foreshadowing
similes and metaphors
personification
sentence length
descriptive words and sentences
repetition
You made a plan to revise your papers for tonight and to read some more of that novel of yours as well. Be thinking about the classic issue as you read.
Until next time...
Friday, November 14, 2014
Weekend Tasks
Honors: Be sure to keep revising, polishing and perfecting the theme essays. In addition you should be reading your classic and don't forget about that cohesive writing assignment. Due date is 11-20-2014.
Standard: You should be typing up a complete draft of your theme essay. No need to print it for Monday just have a draft completed. You should also be reading your novels.
Enjoy the weekend.
Standard: You should be typing up a complete draft of your theme essay. No need to print it for Monday just have a draft completed. You should also be reading your novels.
Enjoy the weekend.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Peer Edits
I like the work that we were doing today in the honors classes. Focusing groups of four on editing a paper can be powerful. There is little that will get by four pairs of eyes, and the depths that you were hitting were impressive. We'll be continuing our editing process tomorrow. I'll be having you work on the papers over the weekend with an eye on turning them in, say...Tuesday. You can use the time wisely by
-coming to the discussion with specific questions
-knowing what areas you need help with
-focusing on the big ideas...what is really important
-listening when someone else is talking
-analyzing the piece together
Don't forget to read your classic and work on your cohesive writing assignment. 8 down 92 to go.
In the standard class I shared the rubric with you. Here's another link to it. We also started the writing of our final theme essay. It's still in draft form but you should be busy tonight typing at least one page of material.
Think through your arguments:
Are they actually supporting my theme?
Is my evidence doing what I need it to do?
Did I fully analyze that evidence and explain the point or is there more that I can do?
Good writing takes time and I know you can take the time to write well.
Be reading your novel as well.
Until next time...
-coming to the discussion with specific questions
-knowing what areas you need help with
-focusing on the big ideas...what is really important
-listening when someone else is talking
-analyzing the piece together
Don't forget to read your classic and work on your cohesive writing assignment. 8 down 92 to go.
In the standard class I shared the rubric with you. Here's another link to it. We also started the writing of our final theme essay. It's still in draft form but you should be busy tonight typing at least one page of material.
Think through your arguments:
Are they actually supporting my theme?
Is my evidence doing what I need it to do?
Did I fully analyze that evidence and explain the point or is there more that I can do?
Good writing takes time and I know you can take the time to write well.
Be reading your novel as well.
Until next time...
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Complete Drafts Tomorrow and What It Takes
We had a small interruption in period one today due to the band absences (17 people missing) so I added another day of writing to the schedule. That allowed me to finish meeting with several students on their themes and arguments and allowed the students to keep working on those drafts.
For tomorrow you should each have a completed draft in class. It's a draft not a final copy. No need to print it off. The Google Doc will be good enough for what we will be doing. We'll do some peer editing tomorrow using the rubric, talk about transitions and come to grips with the difficult task of revising. As you know, this paper was scheduled to come in by this Friday, but it's becoming clear to me that that just isn't going to happen. I'll keep you posted on the new due date.
Don't forget to read your classic novel and complete your cohesive writing assignment (11-20-2014).
In the standard class we took one more look at What It Takes To Write a Successful Essay. We emphasized the need to
-have a lead
-have an introduction
-mention the title and author
-share a theme/claim
-offer context
-S.P.A.T.
-state the argument
-provide the evidence
-analyze the evidence
-tie it back to the claim
-cite the quotes
-offer a conclusion
-use paragraphs
We also looked closely at our own essays and one in particular. You know what it takes to write a successful essay. You also know that my expectations are high. I won't settle for pretty good and I hope you won't either.
Tonight I need you to identify what your theme will be for the thematic essay you'll be writing. I also want you to identify your three arguments. Write them all in your writer's notebook and be clear.
Since you don't have to write much tonight, you should also spend some time reading your novel.
Until next time..
For tomorrow you should each have a completed draft in class. It's a draft not a final copy. No need to print it off. The Google Doc will be good enough for what we will be doing. We'll do some peer editing tomorrow using the rubric, talk about transitions and come to grips with the difficult task of revising. As you know, this paper was scheduled to come in by this Friday, but it's becoming clear to me that that just isn't going to happen. I'll keep you posted on the new due date.
Don't forget to read your classic novel and complete your cohesive writing assignment (11-20-2014).
In the standard class we took one more look at What It Takes To Write a Successful Essay. We emphasized the need to
-have a lead
-have an introduction
-mention the title and author
-share a theme/claim
-offer context
-S.P.A.T.
-state the argument
-provide the evidence
-analyze the evidence
-tie it back to the claim
-cite the quotes
-offer a conclusion
-use paragraphs
We also looked closely at our own essays and one in particular. You know what it takes to write a successful essay. You also know that my expectations are high. I won't settle for pretty good and I hope you won't either.
Tonight I need you to identify what your theme will be for the thematic essay you'll be writing. I also want you to identify your three arguments. Write them all in your writer's notebook and be clear.
Since you don't have to write much tonight, you should also spend some time reading your novel.
Until next time..
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Work Day
As the title says, this was mostly a work day in all classes.
The honors students identified their themes and arguments and then I walked around and conferred with them about the directions they were going. I didn't meet with everyone, but plan on finishing the task tomorrow.
For tonight, the honors students should be finishing up draft #1 of the theme essay. Don't forget to read some classic and remember that the cohesive writing assignment is due in 9 days.
The standard students took a closer look at S.P.A.T. with an emphasis on stating the argument. I believe that they all had a clearer sense of how to do that by the time we were finished. I assigned a 2 page theme writing, complete with introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion for class tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to read some of your novel.
Until next time...
The honors students identified their themes and arguments and then I walked around and conferred with them about the directions they were going. I didn't meet with everyone, but plan on finishing the task tomorrow.
For tonight, the honors students should be finishing up draft #1 of the theme essay. Don't forget to read some classic and remember that the cohesive writing assignment is due in 9 days.
The standard students took a closer look at S.P.A.T. with an emphasis on stating the argument. I believe that they all had a clearer sense of how to do that by the time we were finished. I assigned a 2 page theme writing, complete with introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion for class tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to read some of your novel.
Until next time...
Monday, November 10, 2014
Locked and Loaded Themes
Honors: You have had your practice writings and have narrowed the field of themes. You have selected a final theme and now are on to the draft stage of the theme essay. Now you apply all you know to your writing and develop the best essay you can.
We talked about the themes you selected today. There were some that are playing it safe and others taking real chances. I like the bold moves. Still, delivering on the evidence and analysis could take a fairly standard theme and turn it into an amazing paper. Keep pushing yourself. Keep reading the stories so that you can find the evidence you need to offer an original and convincing paper.
Have at least one page typed for class tomorrow (double spaced). We'll take a quick look at what you have and then spend more time writing.
We also looked at archetypes today. We defined the term and offered several examples. In addition I collected some cohesive writing pieces and reminded the students to read their classics.
In the standard class we discussed the novels you are reading outside of class. Be sure to bring that novel to class everyday. Be constantly asking yourself, "Is my book a classic? Why or why not?" Use the notes we shared.
Most of our time was spent working on and analyzing our S.P.A.T. paragraphs. We emphasized the need to offer a clear argument in that first sentence. You are doing a decent job providing evidence but you need to be sure to offer the context so that the reader can understand the discussion. Our analysis has been present but thin. Beef it up a bit. We were having some trouble tying the discussion back to the claim, but I believe we have cleared that up. Nevertheless, after seeing the struggles we had today, I'm assigning another night of S.P.A.T. writing. Give me one fresh, new paragraph that applies what you learned today. It should probably be at least one page to be successful (unless you write small). I need effort on these paragraphs tonight. Come in with the best paragraph you can write.
Until next time...
We talked about the themes you selected today. There were some that are playing it safe and others taking real chances. I like the bold moves. Still, delivering on the evidence and analysis could take a fairly standard theme and turn it into an amazing paper. Keep pushing yourself. Keep reading the stories so that you can find the evidence you need to offer an original and convincing paper.
Have at least one page typed for class tomorrow (double spaced). We'll take a quick look at what you have and then spend more time writing.
We also looked at archetypes today. We defined the term and offered several examples. In addition I collected some cohesive writing pieces and reminded the students to read their classics.
In the standard class we discussed the novels you are reading outside of class. Be sure to bring that novel to class everyday. Be constantly asking yourself, "Is my book a classic? Why or why not?" Use the notes we shared.
Most of our time was spent working on and analyzing our S.P.A.T. paragraphs. We emphasized the need to offer a clear argument in that first sentence. You are doing a decent job providing evidence but you need to be sure to offer the context so that the reader can understand the discussion. Our analysis has been present but thin. Beef it up a bit. We were having some trouble tying the discussion back to the claim, but I believe we have cleared that up. Nevertheless, after seeing the struggles we had today, I'm assigning another night of S.P.A.T. writing. Give me one fresh, new paragraph that applies what you learned today. It should probably be at least one page to be successful (unless you write small). I need effort on these paragraphs tonight. Come in with the best paragraph you can write.
Until next time...
Friday, November 7, 2014
A Sample Paragraph
This weekend's homework for the honors class is as follows:
1) select a theme for the theme essay
2) reread your story with the theme in mind, being sure to think about author's craft as well
3) read some of that classic (should be finished by December 1)
4) see what cohesive writing examples you can find (due November 20)
Today in class we took a closer look at your practice essays. After that we talked a bit about the decisions an author makes to with his craft to help convey the theme of his writing. Some literary devices to be on the lookout for include:
1) select a theme for the theme essay
2) reread your story with the theme in mind, being sure to think about author's craft as well
3) read some of that classic (should be finished by December 1)
4) see what cohesive writing examples you can find (due November 20)
Today in class we took a closer look at your practice essays. After that we talked a bit about the decisions an author makes to with his craft to help convey the theme of his writing. Some literary devices to be on the lookout for include:
parallel
structure
personification
comparisons
(similes/metaphors)
repetition
sentence
length
descriptive
words/sentences
You might have noticed all the repetition that Poe uses in a "The Tell-Tale Heart" or all the figurative language employed by Myers in "The Treasure of Lemon Brown". Why do they do these things? Is the repetition or the figurative language helping either author develop his theme? That's what I want you to consider, and perhaps, write about in your essay. I've included a link to the sample paragraph I shared with you in class today.
This weekend's homework for the standard class is as follows:
1) write a good S.P.A.T. paragraph in your writer's notebook; if the first one isn't good, then write another one
2) read your novel (should be finished by December 1)
Today in class we discussed what makes a book a classic. You received the hand-out summing up the notes so be sure to be referring to it when you read your book so that you can be making an educated decision on whether or not your book will become a classic.
We also looked at a couple S.P.A.T. paragraphs. It quickly became evident that we need to work on these. With that in mind we are slowing down the train. That's why you are not writing another 2 pages tonight; instead, you are writing the best S.P.A.T. paragraph you can write. Good luck.
Until next time...
Thursday, November 6, 2014
The Rubric and the Cohesive Writing Assignment
Some solid S.P.A.T. conversations in the standard class today. After looking at a couple examples we discovered that we need to work on our spatting a bit. Here are a few observations taken from class today:
1) Know the difference between your theme and your arguments. Be sure you offer your arguments--and not your theme/claim--at the start of the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs are supporting your theme. Each body paragraph should offer a different reason (argument) as to why your theme is correct for your story.
2) Offer context. You need to offer enough information about what happened in the story so that the reader can understand your paper. You are writing this as if your reader has not read your story.
3) Make sure the analysis says something new and doesn't just repeat what is stated in the quote.
4) Sometimes it might be necessary to offer more than just one quote as evidence.
5) If quoting something you better be sure that what is in the quotes comes directly from the text.
Write another two pages tonight on a different theme and bring it to class tomorrow.
Most of you chose books to read with your partner today too. If I've approved your choice, start reading. We won't do anything officially with them until after Thanksgiving but don't procrastinate. 10 pages a night is a lot easier to handle than 35.
In the honors classes we also confirmed our books. A lot of good classic novels were selected. Again, start reading now, especially if you have The Count of Monte Cristo!
Before traveling to the IMC we looked at cohesive writing. We have defined it as ending a piece of writing back where you began. You return to the idea mentioned in the lead which adds a level of cohesion for the reader. You now get to locate a good example yourself and type it up for a quick 10 points. Here's a link to the work I want you to do with it. Good luck.
We also went over the rubric for the theme essay. We focused on the A because that is where I want you to end up. Here's a link to the entire rubric so you can write with it in mind.
Tonight you are writing a third theme essay (2 page minimum) before making the big decision tomorrow. Good luck tonight.
Until next time...
1) Know the difference between your theme and your arguments. Be sure you offer your arguments--and not your theme/claim--at the start of the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs are supporting your theme. Each body paragraph should offer a different reason (argument) as to why your theme is correct for your story.
2) Offer context. You need to offer enough information about what happened in the story so that the reader can understand your paper. You are writing this as if your reader has not read your story.
3) Make sure the analysis says something new and doesn't just repeat what is stated in the quote.
4) Sometimes it might be necessary to offer more than just one quote as evidence.
5) If quoting something you better be sure that what is in the quotes comes directly from the text.
Write another two pages tonight on a different theme and bring it to class tomorrow.
Most of you chose books to read with your partner today too. If I've approved your choice, start reading. We won't do anything officially with them until after Thanksgiving but don't procrastinate. 10 pages a night is a lot easier to handle than 35.
In the honors classes we also confirmed our books. A lot of good classic novels were selected. Again, start reading now, especially if you have The Count of Monte Cristo!
Before traveling to the IMC we looked at cohesive writing. We have defined it as ending a piece of writing back where you began. You return to the idea mentioned in the lead which adds a level of cohesion for the reader. You now get to locate a good example yourself and type it up for a quick 10 points. Here's a link to the work I want you to do with it. Good luck.
We also went over the rubric for the theme essay. We focused on the A because that is where I want you to end up. Here's a link to the entire rubric so you can write with it in mind.
Tonight you are writing a third theme essay (2 page minimum) before making the big decision tomorrow. Good luck tonight.
Until next time...
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The First Practice Theme Essay
In the honors class that's one practice theme essay down...and hopefully you learned a lot to apply to the second practice theme essay you'll be writing tonight.
You discussed the difficulties and successes you had last night with the writing. Your peers then helped you to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.
We were reminded that we all need to include
-a lead/introduction
-title and author
-a theme/claim
-context
-S.P.A.T.
-conclusion
-paragraphs.
In addition you need to be sure that the arguments you share are accurate and developed well enough to support the theme you identified from the story. I'm looking for well-developed and insightful analysis of each story's theme. Don't limit yourself.
With that in mind, be aware that the two pages you write in your writer's notebook will most likely be insufficient for the final draft. What you are writing in your notebooks is a start, a draft. Once you select a theme to fully develop, it should be expected that the length of the paper will grow.
One thing I'd like to explain about S.P.A.T. I know writing is not formulaic, and writing that is formulaic tends not to be as strong as more creative endeavors; however, for the sake of this paper, S.P.A.T. gives us all a place to start. I do not want anyone thinking or believing that all you need to do to be effective is to follow S.P.A.T. To the contrary feel free to go beyond S.P.A.T. If you want to layer multiple quotes effectively in your analysis then by all means do so. The most successful papers will not be written by rote. Start spatting but then be creative and make the writing truly your own.
Both the honors and the standard class should be writing a 2 page minimum theme paper tonight over one of your themes that you have not written about yet. As you write be sure to make the adjustments that your partners, teacher, peers and self noted. This paper, though still a draft, should be stronger than last night's paper (for the honors classes; this is the first night of writing for the standard class).
We'll go to the IMC tomorrow for book selection: classics for honors and novels for standard. Bring your book if you already have it.
Until next time...
You discussed the difficulties and successes you had last night with the writing. Your peers then helped you to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.
We were reminded that we all need to include
-a lead/introduction
-title and author
-a theme/claim
-context
-S.P.A.T.
-conclusion
-paragraphs.
In addition you need to be sure that the arguments you share are accurate and developed well enough to support the theme you identified from the story. I'm looking for well-developed and insightful analysis of each story's theme. Don't limit yourself.
With that in mind, be aware that the two pages you write in your writer's notebook will most likely be insufficient for the final draft. What you are writing in your notebooks is a start, a draft. Once you select a theme to fully develop, it should be expected that the length of the paper will grow.
One thing I'd like to explain about S.P.A.T. I know writing is not formulaic, and writing that is formulaic tends not to be as strong as more creative endeavors; however, for the sake of this paper, S.P.A.T. gives us all a place to start. I do not want anyone thinking or believing that all you need to do to be effective is to follow S.P.A.T. To the contrary feel free to go beyond S.P.A.T. If you want to layer multiple quotes effectively in your analysis then by all means do so. The most successful papers will not be written by rote. Start spatting but then be creative and make the writing truly your own.
Both the honors and the standard class should be writing a 2 page minimum theme paper tonight over one of your themes that you have not written about yet. As you write be sure to make the adjustments that your partners, teacher, peers and self noted. This paper, though still a draft, should be stronger than last night's paper (for the honors classes; this is the first night of writing for the standard class).
We'll go to the IMC tomorrow for book selection: classics for honors and novels for standard. Bring your book if you already have it.
Until next time...
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Some Keys for Spotting Classics
So what is a classic novel? We had that discussion today in the honors class and came up with some pretty good ideas. They included:
-it should have social significance
-it should have a universal theme
-it should be timeless
-it should be original
In addition to these ideas we looked at an amalgam of ideas from a variety of resources including Princeton University and Italo Calvino. Here is what they had to say.
- A classic usually expresses some artistic quality--an expression of life, truth, and beauty.
- It’s original.
- A classic stands the test of time. The work is usually considered to be a representation of the period in which it was written; and the work merits lasting recognition. In other words, if the book was published in the recent past, the work is not a classic.
- A classic has a certain universal appeal. Great works of literature touch us to our very core beings--partly because they integrate ideas that are understood by readers from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience. Thematic ideas of love, hate, death, life, and faith touch upon some of our most basic emotional responses.
- A classic makes connections. You can study a classic and discover influences from other writers and other great works of literature. Of course, this is partly related to the universal appeal of a classic. But, the classic also is informed by the history of ideas and literature--whether unconsciously or specifically worked into the plot of the text.
- The classic book has the ability to be reinterpreted, to seemingly be renewed in the interests of generations of readers succeeding its creation.
- Ancient books are classics not because they are old but because they are powerful, fresh and healthy.
- A classic is a work which constantly generates a pulviscular cloud of critical discourse around it, but which always shakes the particles off.
- A true classic has an author who has enriched the human mind, increased its treasure, and caused it to advance a step; who has discovered some moral and not equivocal truth, or revealed some eternal passion in that heart where all seemed known and discovered; who has expressed his thought, observation, or invention, in no matter what form, only provided it be broad and great, refined and sensible, sane and beautiful in itself; who has spoken to all in his own peculiar style, a style which is found to be also that of the whole world, a style new without neologism, new and old, easily contemporary with all time.
- 'Your' classic is a book to which you cannot remain indifferent, and which helps you define yourself in relation or even in opposition to it.
- A classic is a work which persists as a background noise even when a present that is totally incompatible with it holds sway.
These are the ideas you will need to be considering when you are reading your classic novel and preparing your presentation. You will definitely need to be taking notes as you read. Remember that you will also need to have information from an expert outside source, someone who has done some critical writing on your novel.
I want you to look deeply into the topic and offer insightful reasons as to why your novel should or should not be considered a classic.
For homework tonight, you need to be finalizing a classic selection. You should also write two pages (minimum) of one of your theme essays. This is a dog draft but should be written with a lead, S.P.A.T. and a conclusion. Don't forget to offer context and use paragraphs.
In the standard class you and your partner discussed the thematic ideas and themes you came up with last night. You pointed out some holes and identified other possible pieces of evidence your partner might use. Tonight you are to go home and re-read the story, being sure to annotate it for all of your possible themes as you read. Reading the story a second time with your themes in mind should enable you to see some things that you missed the first time. Be alert! And have those highlighters and pens close by.
In the standard class you and your partner discussed the thematic ideas and themes you came up with last night. You pointed out some holes and identified other possible pieces of evidence your partner might use. Tonight you are to go home and re-read the story, being sure to annotate it for all of your possible themes as you read. Reading the story a second time with your themes in mind should enable you to see some things that you missed the first time. Be alert! And have those highlighters and pens close by.
Until next time...
So,+
Monday, November 3, 2014
Reading and Writing While Thinking
I trust after this long hedonistic weekend of candy debauchery and lots of naps that you are ready and raring to go on to our first paper of the new quarter. Well, ready or not here we go.
Today in the honors classes I had you and your partner discuss the thematic ideas and themes you came up with over the weekend. You pointed out some holes and identified other possible pieces of evidence your partner might use. Tonight you are to go home and, after printing off a hard copy of the story, re-read it, being sure to annotate it for all of your possible themes as you read. Reading the story a second time with your themes in mind, should enable you to see some things that you missed the first time. Be alert! And have those highlighters and pens close by.
We also discussed the classic novels and the work you will be doing with those. Basically, I need you and your partner to identify a classic novel you both agree to read. Later this quarter (after Thanksgiving), you will be presenting info to the class. You will either be arguing together for the book to remain a classic or to be taken off the classic list. Should you disagree with each other, you will be debating your opinions on the classic issue. We will be discussing what makes a book a classic later this week. Let me know quickly your title quickly. I have final say and I want to avoid any repeats if at all possible.
In the standard class, you had some good discussions on the plots of your stories and then dabbled with some thematic ideas. Tonight I want you to do a sort of stream of consciousness writing--a brainstorming--of thematic ideas and themes. You should write for two pages on any ideas or themes you come up with talking about possible evidence you would use or potential problems you might encounter. I'll be looking for those two pages tomorrow.
You also will be reading a book on your own. While your book will not be a classic, you will be making a presentation on whether or not your book should be elevated to classic status or if it is fine right where it is. If you and your partner agree, you will present your information together. Should you and your partner disagree, you will be debating the topic in front of the class.
All classes will make a trip to the IMC later this week.
Good luck.
Until next time...
Today in the honors classes I had you and your partner discuss the thematic ideas and themes you came up with over the weekend. You pointed out some holes and identified other possible pieces of evidence your partner might use. Tonight you are to go home and, after printing off a hard copy of the story, re-read it, being sure to annotate it for all of your possible themes as you read. Reading the story a second time with your themes in mind, should enable you to see some things that you missed the first time. Be alert! And have those highlighters and pens close by.
We also discussed the classic novels and the work you will be doing with those. Basically, I need you and your partner to identify a classic novel you both agree to read. Later this quarter (after Thanksgiving), you will be presenting info to the class. You will either be arguing together for the book to remain a classic or to be taken off the classic list. Should you disagree with each other, you will be debating your opinions on the classic issue. We will be discussing what makes a book a classic later this week. Let me know quickly your title quickly. I have final say and I want to avoid any repeats if at all possible.
In the standard class, you had some good discussions on the plots of your stories and then dabbled with some thematic ideas. Tonight I want you to do a sort of stream of consciousness writing--a brainstorming--of thematic ideas and themes. You should write for two pages on any ideas or themes you come up with talking about possible evidence you would use or potential problems you might encounter. I'll be looking for those two pages tomorrow.
You also will be reading a book on your own. While your book will not be a classic, you will be making a presentation on whether or not your book should be elevated to classic status or if it is fine right where it is. If you and your partner agree, you will present your information together. Should you and your partner disagree, you will be debating the topic in front of the class.
All classes will make a trip to the IMC later this week.
Good luck.
Until next time...
Thursday, October 30, 2014
The Seven Stories
Here are the links to the stories. You should have looked at them all for tomorrow. You will have time with your partner to make the final decisions.
The Bet
The Treasure of Lemon Brown
The Monkey's Paw
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Elevator
Lamb to the Slaughter
Old Glory
The Bet
The Treasure of Lemon Brown
The Monkey's Paw
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Elevator
Lamb to the Slaughter
Old Glory
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Reading Closer and Thinking Deeper
That was the thrust of today's class. It is through close reading and deep thinking that you will find the true gold hidden in the stories and be able to expand upon them so that you can offer a fleshed out, unique piece of writing.
Tonight, as you write your two page theme paper, I want you to push yourself to write a complete theme analysis, using all the relevant details the author offers. Don't just settle on the protagonist or the first idea that comes to mind. Analyze all the characters, all that happens in the story so that you can write the most comprehensive piece possible.
Bring those two complete pages to class tomorrow.
As I said today, I won't be in class tomorrow. You will be doing some reading and selecting. I'm giving you seven choices. That leaves only about 8 minutes per piece of writing. You won't have time to read all of the stories but I do want you to look over as many as you can. As you read them be thinking about the types of papers you will be writing this quarter.
Which of the stories will offer the best opportunity to write a theme paper?
Which of the stories will offer the best opportunity to write an analysis of the author's writing style?
Which of these two stories will offer the best opportunity to write a compare/contrast paper?
Ask yourself these questions while you are reading the pieces. Select the two that you think give you the best opportunity to write these papers well. Let me know on Friday. If you need more time with them, look here tomorrow night for a link to the pdfs.
Until next time...
Tonight, as you write your two page theme paper, I want you to push yourself to write a complete theme analysis, using all the relevant details the author offers. Don't just settle on the protagonist or the first idea that comes to mind. Analyze all the characters, all that happens in the story so that you can write the most comprehensive piece possible.
Bring those two complete pages to class tomorrow.
As I said today, I won't be in class tomorrow. You will be doing some reading and selecting. I'm giving you seven choices. That leaves only about 8 minutes per piece of writing. You won't have time to read all of the stories but I do want you to look over as many as you can. As you read them be thinking about the types of papers you will be writing this quarter.
Which of the stories will offer the best opportunity to write a theme paper?
Which of the stories will offer the best opportunity to write an analysis of the author's writing style?
Which of these two stories will offer the best opportunity to write a compare/contrast paper?
Ask yourself these questions while you are reading the pieces. Select the two that you think give you the best opportunity to write these papers well. Let me know on Friday. If you need more time with them, look here tomorrow night for a link to the pdfs.
Until next time...
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
The Start of the Literary Essay Unit
Investigative Journalism is in the past and the Literary Essay is now here, but that doesn't mean you should forget everything we went over during the first unit. Instead, you should be drawing on the writing aspects that carry over to this type of writing.
You are still going to need to write creative leads.
You are still going to need to use paragraphs.
You are still going to be making claims.
You are still going to need to support your claims with evidence and quotes.
You are still going to need to balance your writing between narrative and argumentative.
You are still going to need to close with a BANG! or a jolt or a clever twist or a cohesive ending.
You are still going to need to write and edit and revise and submit a polished paper when we are finished.
Our first literary essay will be theme based. You will be writing an essay identifying and supporting a theme from a short story. With that in mind we agreed on a definition for theme:
A theme is a sentence that identifies the universal moral/message/central idea the author is trying to get across.
We also distinguished between thematic ideas:
love
curiosity
power
And themes:
Love is blind.
Curiosity killed the cat.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Sorry, all the above examples are cliche, but you get the idea.
For tonight, the honors classes are completing their two page writing on a theme they identified from "All Summer in a Day".
For tonight the standard classes are taking two thematic ideas (period three: hope and jealousy) (period four: individuality and jealousy) and turning them into themes that could be used in conjunction with "All Summer in a Day".
We will read and write more tomorrow.
Until next time...
Monday, October 27, 2014
Classics
Here is a list of classic novels for you. This list is not all-inclusive. If you want to read something not on this list, just let me know, and I will check to see if it is okay.
Gulliver's Travels
Gulliver's Travels
The Great Gatsby
Brave New World
The Sound and the Fury
Catch-22
Grapes of Wrath
1984
Slaughterhouse Five
Invisible Man
Native Son
As I Lay Dying
All the King's Men
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Lord of the Flies
The Naked and the Dead
The Catcher in the Rye
A Clockwork Orange
Heart of Darkness
Lord Jim
The Call of the Wild
Sophie's Choice
To Kill a Mockingbird
Battlefield Earth
The Hobbit
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Dune
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Martian Chronicles
Fahrenheit 451
One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest
Jane Eyre
Emma
Wuthering Heights
Pride and Prejudice
David Copperfield
Oliver Twist
A Christmas Carol
Great Expectations
White Fang
Treasure Island
Kidnapped
Tess of the D'Ubervilles
The Count of Monte Cristo
Of Mice and Men
A Tale of Two Cities
Dracula
Frankenstein
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Gone with the Wind
The Once and Future King
Watership Down
Moby Dick
The Three Musketeers
The Man in the Iron Mask
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Four Day Break
Enjoy your time away from school. Check back here this weekend for a list of classic novel possibilities.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Student-Lead Conferences Day II
Another long night tonight, but it's all worth while if I get to meet some parents. Can't wait!
Today we looked at theme in the honors class. We agreed that it
-was the central idea of a piece of writing
-shared the point the author was trying to get across
-was the moral
-was universal in scope
-was a stated in a sentence, not a single word (like courage)
When it came to the theme in "All Summer in a Day" one class emphasized the importance of thinking through decisions before acting. Another class stressed the power of jealousy and how it makes us act. Period 6? I'll find out in an hour. the classes offered support and argued for their selection in a debate. Good material.
As you can tell from the Acuity tests, knowing how to identify themes is an important skill. You will be tested on it again so we will be working on it often this year.
The standard class had a good discussion on "All Summer in a Day". We didn't get to theme, but we still managed to demonstrate our understanding of the text and dig a bit into character motivation and development.
Tomorrow we will write for 45 minutes. Be sure you have a good topic you feel fired up about. It would also behoove you to have some research handy. Facts, figures, quotes and evidence will all add credibility and strength to your paper. Remember, you will be writing this essay tomorrow and won't have access to a computer. I also will not be allowing any printing tomorrow. Bring what you need to school tomorrow so that you are prepared.
Until next time...
Today we looked at theme in the honors class. We agreed that it
-was the central idea of a piece of writing
-shared the point the author was trying to get across
-was the moral
-was universal in scope
-was a stated in a sentence, not a single word (like courage)
When it came to the theme in "All Summer in a Day" one class emphasized the importance of thinking through decisions before acting. Another class stressed the power of jealousy and how it makes us act. Period 6? I'll find out in an hour. the classes offered support and argued for their selection in a debate. Good material.
As you can tell from the Acuity tests, knowing how to identify themes is an important skill. You will be tested on it again so we will be working on it often this year.
The standard class had a good discussion on "All Summer in a Day". We didn't get to theme, but we still managed to demonstrate our understanding of the text and dig a bit into character motivation and development.
Tomorrow we will write for 45 minutes. Be sure you have a good topic you feel fired up about. It would also behoove you to have some research handy. Facts, figures, quotes and evidence will all add credibility and strength to your paper. Remember, you will be writing this essay tomorrow and won't have access to a computer. I also will not be allowing any printing tomorrow. Bring what you need to school tomorrow so that you are prepared.
Until next time...
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Preparing in Lab C
Today was a rather low key day after a late night at student-lead conferences. It was great seeing a lot of you with your parents. It's easy to see where you all get your intelligence and good looks. (Shameless brown nosing.)
We went to Lab C to do a bit of research for the upcoming Unit II pre-write this Thursday. On that day you will be writing about a topic you feel strongly about, something that really gets you excited and passionate (there's that word again!). We often feel we know a lot about what we feel strongly about, but a little hard evidence and a few facts or statistics go a long way. That's what today's (and tonight's and tomorrow night's) research is for. Find the quotes, the facts, the support that will lend strength and credibility to your argument.
Remember you will not be typing this on the computer. You will be writing this in class on a piece of lined paper, so you need to have your researched notes printed out or written down. Since you might use material that you found through research, you must, of course, have the information necessary to cite the material in your paper.
Tomorrow we will bring our discussion of "All Summer in a Day" to a close. Have an idea what you think the theme of the story is so that we can have an amazing conversation. Can't wait to see where this discussion ends up.
Until next time...
We went to Lab C to do a bit of research for the upcoming Unit II pre-write this Thursday. On that day you will be writing about a topic you feel strongly about, something that really gets you excited and passionate (there's that word again!). We often feel we know a lot about what we feel strongly about, but a little hard evidence and a few facts or statistics go a long way. That's what today's (and tonight's and tomorrow night's) research is for. Find the quotes, the facts, the support that will lend strength and credibility to your argument.
Remember you will not be typing this on the computer. You will be writing this in class on a piece of lined paper, so you need to have your researched notes printed out or written down. Since you might use material that you found through research, you must, of course, have the information necessary to cite the material in your paper.
Tomorrow we will bring our discussion of "All Summer in a Day" to a close. Have an idea what you think the theme of the story is so that we can have an amazing conversation. Can't wait to see where this discussion ends up.
Until next time...
Friday, October 17, 2014
The Weekend Post!
Ah! The weekend has arrived and we can now relax and slow down for a couple days...unless you have some travel tournament in the next time zone that has you leaving tonight and getting back late Sunday. I must say that I am glad those days are behind me.
Once you have recovered a bit and before I see you again on Monday, be sure to do a couple of things.
The irony assignment is due on Monday. No 10/10 score is possible after that.
We are on the home stretch of the QBTs. If you haven't gone yet, be sure to practice. These last few should be the best ones yet seeing as you've been able to watch well over 20 examples by now.
Honors: Be sure to look at the prompts for "All Summer in a Day" again, especially the one on theme. You'll need to be able to identify what the theme of the story is and back it up with evidence from the text. That's all of you! Also you should be thinking about the classic novel you will be reading second quarter.
Standard: You need to revise that synthesis paper. Make it as strong as possible. Then clean it up. Get rid of all the highlights and comments. Print it off and bring it to class on Monday.
Until next time...
Once you have recovered a bit and before I see you again on Monday, be sure to do a couple of things.
The irony assignment is due on Monday. No 10/10 score is possible after that.
We are on the home stretch of the QBTs. If you haven't gone yet, be sure to practice. These last few should be the best ones yet seeing as you've been able to watch well over 20 examples by now.
Honors: Be sure to look at the prompts for "All Summer in a Day" again, especially the one on theme. You'll need to be able to identify what the theme of the story is and back it up with evidence from the text. That's all of you! Also you should be thinking about the classic novel you will be reading second quarter.
Standard: You need to revise that synthesis paper. Make it as strong as possible. Then clean it up. Get rid of all the highlights and comments. Print it off and bring it to class on Monday.
Until next time...
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Diversity Discussion and Synthesis Writing
How does diversity shape people's perspectives?
That's the question that was posed today in the honors class. The responses were thoughtful and they varied from increasing acceptance to sparking creativity to encouraging ignorance. While we didn't make connections to "All Summer in a Day" yet, you can bet those will be coming.
In order to enhance our discussion in class tomorrow, be thinking about the following prompts. You do not need to write out responses, but you should make little notes on your story that will help you respond quickly in class tomorrow.
That's the question that was posed today in the honors class. The responses were thoughtful and they varied from increasing acceptance to sparking creativity to encouraging ignorance. While we didn't make connections to "All Summer in a Day" yet, you can bet those will be coming.
In order to enhance our discussion in class tomorrow, be thinking about the following prompts. You do not need to write out responses, but you should make little notes on your story that will help you respond quickly in class tomorrow.
1) What do you think the title of Bradbury’s story
means? Do you think it’s
a good title? Why or why not?
2)
How might this experience effect Margot and the children who
mistreated her? Will they react more positively toward each other
now or will the relationships be even more strained?
3) How does the setting of this story (including the weather)
serve as a major plot
element?
Would there be a story if Bradbury’s Venus had less extreme
weather? Explain.
4) From what you know of her character based on her
behavior throughout
the
story, how do you think Margot will react when she is let out of the
closet? Should
Bradbury
have described what happens next, or do you like the story as it is?
Explain.
5)
There is a rain shower of metaphors throughout this story. Identify some and explain how Bradbury uses the metaphors? What does he convey with the metaphors?
6)
Make a real world analogy for the children's reaction to the arrival and
departure of the sun.
7)
What is the central idea/theme of “All Summer in a Day” what
message was Bradbury trying to get across?
In the standard class we were working on synthesis writing. You shared ideas on what should be included in your writings and the list was pretty solid.
1) Leads
2) Titles and authors
3) Clearly stated claims
4) Quotes for support
5) Cited quotes
6) Explanations of those quotes and how they tie into your claim
7) Conclusions
I was impressed. Now the real challenge will be if you are able to produce all of those things in a well written essay. We tried today and will assess those short essays tomorrow.
Until next time...
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The Student Lead Conference Preparation Day
Here is a link to the prompts for the reflection on the Investigative Journalism Article.
Today we prepped for the Student Lead Conferences next week. If you haven't completed the reflection that we started in class today, be sure to click on the link above and finish responding to the prompts. Then, save it to your LA submit folder and be sure to print off a copy and bring it to class tomorrow.
No QBTs to day but we will be on them again tomorrow.
Honors students: Be sure to print, read and annotate a copy of Ray Bradbury's "All Summer in a Day" short story. We will be using it in class tomorrow. Be thinking about how the setting of the story serves as a major plot point.
Until next time...
Today we prepped for the Student Lead Conferences next week. If you haven't completed the reflection that we started in class today, be sure to click on the link above and finish responding to the prompts. Then, save it to your LA submit folder and be sure to print off a copy and bring it to class tomorrow.
No QBTs to day but we will be on them again tomorrow.
Honors students: Be sure to print, read and annotate a copy of Ray Bradbury's "All Summer in a Day" short story. We will be using it in class tomorrow. Be thinking about how the setting of the story serves as a major plot point.
Until next time...
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
No Copiers? No Problem!
I had several things to copy when I arrived at school today. Imagine my surprise when not one, not two, but all three copiers in the school were not working. The horror!
Thank goodness for the laptops and Google Docs. I quickly altered my plans and decided that we would be typing our in class timed writing today in the honors class. I shared the image, prompt and rubric through Google Docs and we were ready to go.
You had one task to do today: write an essay that explains how the image I selected could be a symbolic representation of one of the short stories, "Harrison Bergeron" or "The Pedestrian", or the poem "Caged Bird". You had 40 minutes, the same time that you would have for an AP writing assignment. That meant you needed to think fast, organize your ideas, find the support and write, write, write. I'm looking forward to reading them over the next few days.
Another potential casualty of the broken copiers was tonight's homework. Fortunately, we have the internet. I want you to go to the following link: "All Summer in a Day", print off the story, (it's four pages) read it and annotate it. This needs to be completed by Thursday.
Don't forget your irony assignment. I received over a dozen today. They were very good examples and explanations, but remember, now you can't do them. Complete the assignment quickly but correctly.
We are over half way on the QBTs. Keep them strong!
In the standard class we also have the irony and the QBTs to do, but our focus in class was on the writing of the synthesis paper between "Harrison Bergeron" and "The Pedestrian". We wrote one part and saw some of the areas we needed help with. We'll take a closer look tomorrow and write some more. I was impressed with the way you identified the texts, identified your claim and used information from both pieces. We are getting there!
Until next time...
Thank goodness for the laptops and Google Docs. I quickly altered my plans and decided that we would be typing our in class timed writing today in the honors class. I shared the image, prompt and rubric through Google Docs and we were ready to go.
You had one task to do today: write an essay that explains how the image I selected could be a symbolic representation of one of the short stories, "Harrison Bergeron" or "The Pedestrian", or the poem "Caged Bird". You had 40 minutes, the same time that you would have for an AP writing assignment. That meant you needed to think fast, organize your ideas, find the support and write, write, write. I'm looking forward to reading them over the next few days.
Another potential casualty of the broken copiers was tonight's homework. Fortunately, we have the internet. I want you to go to the following link: "All Summer in a Day", print off the story, (it's four pages) read it and annotate it. This needs to be completed by Thursday.
Don't forget your irony assignment. I received over a dozen today. They were very good examples and explanations, but remember, now you can't do them. Complete the assignment quickly but correctly.
We are over half way on the QBTs. Keep them strong!
In the standard class we also have the irony and the QBTs to do, but our focus in class was on the writing of the synthesis paper between "Harrison Bergeron" and "The Pedestrian". We wrote one part and saw some of the areas we needed help with. We'll take a closer look tomorrow and write some more. I was impressed with the way you identified the texts, identified your claim and used information from both pieces. We are getting there!
Until next time...
Monday, October 13, 2014
The Irony Assignment and the IJA Return
I've been gone a couple days but now I'm back and I'm bringing an irony assignment along with me!
By next Monday you are going to submit an example of irony. I want you to find an example of irony in your own life, in the newspaper, in a magazine, on-line or in some other way. Identify a picture/image to represent the irony and copy/paste in to your document. Below the image offer a thoughtful, clear, detailed explanation of the image and why it is ironic. Be sure to identify the type of irony in your example. Also be sure to include a heading. 10 points if it is turned in correctly and on time. Here is my example again.
In the honors class we spent time discussing and hearing a successful example of an investigative journalism piece. The writings were pretty good, but there is some work to do. Our primary focus should be clearly identifying the topic we are writing about. It's hard to tell if the piece is organized and on topic if the topic isn't clearly stated. In addition we need to be sure to
-cite all our sources
-be sure our interviewees each shares unique information
-do research that strengthens the overall paper
-be sure the point you are trying to make is actually made
Bring those papers to school tomorrow. We are not finished with them yet.
A "Harrison Bergeron"-"The Pedestrian"-"Caged Bird" writing is coming either tomorrow or Wednesday. I have a picture for you. Ask me questions if you have any.
Book Fair Wednesday. Bring your money if you want to buy something.
Until next time...
By next Monday you are going to submit an example of irony. I want you to find an example of irony in your own life, in the newspaper, in a magazine, on-line or in some other way. Identify a picture/image to represent the irony and copy/paste in to your document. Below the image offer a thoughtful, clear, detailed explanation of the image and why it is ironic. Be sure to identify the type of irony in your example. Also be sure to include a heading. 10 points if it is turned in correctly and on time. Here is my example again.
In the honors class we spent time discussing and hearing a successful example of an investigative journalism piece. The writings were pretty good, but there is some work to do. Our primary focus should be clearly identifying the topic we are writing about. It's hard to tell if the piece is organized and on topic if the topic isn't clearly stated. In addition we need to be sure to
-cite all our sources
-be sure our interviewees each shares unique information
-do research that strengthens the overall paper
-be sure the point you are trying to make is actually made
Bring those papers to school tomorrow. We are not finished with them yet.
A "Harrison Bergeron"-"The Pedestrian"-"Caged Bird" writing is coming either tomorrow or Wednesday. I have a picture for you. Ask me questions if you have any.
Book Fair Wednesday. Bring your money if you want to buy something.
Until next time...
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Be Insightful
We are discussing "Harrison Bergeron", "The Pedestrian" and "Caged Bird". We are trying to figure out themes and connections and deeper meanings. In order to do this and do it well, we need to be...INSIGHTFUL!
You need to start challenging yourself to go beyond the obvious answer that anyone can pick out. Go past the literal meanings and interpretations and seek the figurative meanings. Look for the metaphorical reads. Find the analogies. "Caged Bird" is not just about a being locked in a cage. There is so much more meaning in those words. Maya Angelou trusts her readers (just like Vonnegut and Bradbury do) to find that meaning.
To the same extent you need to be thirsty for knowledge. I told you there was more meaning to the title of "The Pedestrian" than the initial idea that comes to mind. Yet, very few of you took the extra minute to look up the word "pedestrian" in the dictionary and discover what other definitions it has. Once you do, you discover that Bradbury is saying more with the title than you initially thought.
I want students to crave knowledge. Offer insightful commentary. Look for analogical interpretations. Go beyond the average and allow yourself to excel.
Today we discussed "The Pedestrian" in the standard classes and all of the pieces--with an emphasis on "Caged Bird"--in the the honors classes. If you have been absent, make sure you have read the material and annotated it well. Check out the prompts from the last few days too.
We will finish our discussion in class once our Acuity testing is over tomorrow. I am not sure how long that will take.
Honors will be receiving their papers back on Friday. Standard classes will receive them early next week.
Until next time...
You need to start challenging yourself to go beyond the obvious answer that anyone can pick out. Go past the literal meanings and interpretations and seek the figurative meanings. Look for the metaphorical reads. Find the analogies. "Caged Bird" is not just about a being locked in a cage. There is so much more meaning in those words. Maya Angelou trusts her readers (just like Vonnegut and Bradbury do) to find that meaning.
To the same extent you need to be thirsty for knowledge. I told you there was more meaning to the title of "The Pedestrian" than the initial idea that comes to mind. Yet, very few of you took the extra minute to look up the word "pedestrian" in the dictionary and discover what other definitions it has. Once you do, you discover that Bradbury is saying more with the title than you initially thought.
I want students to crave knowledge. Offer insightful commentary. Look for analogical interpretations. Go beyond the average and allow yourself to excel.
Today we discussed "The Pedestrian" in the standard classes and all of the pieces--with an emphasis on "Caged Bird"--in the the honors classes. If you have been absent, make sure you have read the material and annotated it well. Check out the prompts from the last few days too.
We will finish our discussion in class once our Acuity testing is over tomorrow. I am not sure how long that will take.
Honors will be receiving their papers back on Friday. Standard classes will receive them early next week.
Until next time...
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