Tuesday September 29, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: "Scarlet Ibis" and supporting non-fiction videos

• Class started by students turning in their WOR packet from last class period.
• We then assembled the Time Capsules. Students sealed the letter to themselves in a small envelope, then the letter and all other items were put in a large manila envelope.
• I showed a 12 minute video to prepare the students to read the "Scarlet Ibis". The video was produced by ESPN. It is called "Outside the Lines: Carry On."
• We then read/listened to the short story "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst. The students completed the elements of short stories notes sheet as they read.
• After the story we reviewed possible themes and symbols. If the notes were not finished in class, the students need to finish the notes for homework.
• I also distributed some personal reflection questions to be answered for homework based on "The Scarlet Ibis".
• I then showed the episode on 30 Days in a Wheelchair. We will finish watching the video next class period.
• Homework: Finish "The Scarlet Ibis" notes, complete the personal reflection questions, finish the Outside Reading Log #1 and upload it to Turnitin.com by Wednesday night.

Monday September 28, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Reading Quiz & Peer Editing

• We started the period with a quiz on "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "The Quest for the Holy Grail"
• While the students took the quiz, I checked VFA #5 & 6
• After all of the quizzes were turned in, we corrected the quiz in class.
• The students then peer edited the WOR Revision paragraph. They colored the paragraph the way we colored the Harry Potter paragraph in the Basic Paragraph Organization Power Point last week. They also corrected for grammar and spelling, and they wrote two comments: one area that needs improvement and one area that they did well.
• We then reviewed the homework and I answered questions about the Heraldry project and the Outside Reading Log #1
• We spent the last 30 minutes watching Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail.
• The homework is: Finish and upload the Heraldry Project, Work on the Outside Reading Log due Friday, and Check grades online-Grade corrections are due Thursday.

Friday September 25, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Vocab/Spell Quiz, SSR, Write-O-Rama

• I collected several assignments at the beginning of the period: Vocab #3 & 4 Review, "House on Mango Street" Notes, "Hair" Notes, Elements of Short Story Definitions; "Two Kinds" Notes
• The students took the Quiz for Vocabulary & Spelling #3 & 4.
• After they completed their quiz, they read silently for about 20 minutes.
• The students filled out their reading card to indicate the number of pages they read over the last two weeks.
• We then reviewed the definitions of the elements of the short story.
• We ended the period with one Write-O-Rama writing session. The students got to decide which topic they wrote about. Both topics were based on Amy Tan's "Two Kinds".
• The homework for the weekend is: Write-O-Rama Reflection Questions & Revision; Work on the Outside Reading Log #1; Finish the Time Capsule

Thursday September 24, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Grammar Quiz, Write-O-Rama

• We started with the Grammar Quiz on Unit 1
• While the students took their quiz, I checked the homework activity ("Hero" based on "Sir Lancelot" page 9 in the Arthur Activity Packet)
• After the quiz, the students wrote on two Write-O-Rama topics. These WOR's were 20 minutes long since the students were required to write analytical paragraphs (as opposed to the free-form writing that we've done before). The WOR topics for this writing session are on page 11 in the Arthurian Legends Activity Packet.
• After the writing sessions were over approximately 5 students shared their paragraphs.
• The homework for the weekend is: Complete the WOR Reflection Questions and revision of one topic; VFA Lessons #5 & 6; Read: "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "The Quest for the Holy Grail"; Work on the Heraldry and the OR Log Assignments.

Wednesday September 23, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Elements of Short Stories & "Two Kinds"

I was absent today, so below is the sub plans for the day:

1. Have them trade their “Hairs” or “Home” descriptive narrative with the person sitting in front or behind them. The students will need to draw (using paper and color utensils in my room) the other person’s home/physical trait. This activity should take no more than 20 minutes. If student(s) do not have a descriptive narrative completed when they come to class, they will need to work on it during class; therefore, no student will create a picture from their narrative.

2. When the students complete the drawing activity, please have them staple it to the narrative, and give them the vocabulary review to work on.

3. When they finish the vocabulary review, stamp it (tell them that I will collect it next time) and allow them to check their answers on the answer key.

4. Then give the students the Elements of Short Story handout. They will need to use the orange textbook to complete the Elements of Short Story handout. They will be looking for definitions in the textbook. I have provided you with the key, so that you can give them hints on where they can kind the information. Do not allow them to copy information from the key.

5. When they have completed the notes, give them the blank elements of short story notes.

6. They will need to read “Two Kinds” (in the textbook, pg. 88) and complete the notes outline about the story.

7. Whatever is not finished in class will be homework.

8. Please remind them of their homework: finish all work that is not completed in class; study for the Vocabulary & Spelling #3 & 4 quiz; bring your Outside Reading Book.

Tuesday September 22, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Paragraph Format & Sir Lancelot

• We started by reviewing the parts of speech grammar packet. For the quiz, the students will need to know the various definitions of the parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, conjunctive adverbs, interjections). They will also need to be able to identify the parts of speech in a sentence (including the sub-topics of each part of speech, i.e. identify the verbs in the sentence and tell me whether they are transitive or intransitive).
• We then went through a power point to review the basic paragraph format. See my website for the power point and the notes.
• I then discussed the homework. Whatever we didn't finish reading in class would be homework. The students also need to complete the "Hero" handout in the Arthur Activity packet (page 9) based on the reading of "The Tale of Sir Lancelot".
• We spent the rest of the period reading "The Tale of Sir Lancelot".

Monday September 21, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Author Posters & Name Stories

• I reviewed the Outside Reading Log Assignment. The students have four main tasks: read 200 pages, write a one page summary (additional requirements apply), 10 new vocabulary words in context and defined, and a visual with a half-page explanation. See the handouts on my website for more information.
• The author posters will displayed around the room and the students shared the interesting facts about the author they studied.
• I introduced the homework assignment. The students must read two vingettes: "Hairs" and "House on Mango Street". They will complete the notes assignment on the vingettes the same way we took notes last week on "My Name". After they complete the reading and notes the students will decide which story they want to model. The students will need to write a descriptive piece about either their home or a physical trait (body part). See the assignment sheet on my website (Modeling Assignment).
• We spent the remaining part of the period hearing the name stories from each student in the class.

Friday September 18, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Quiz and "Arthur Becomes King"

• I reviewed the Heraldry (DUE Sept. 30) and Quest (DUE Oct. 24) assignment by taking questions from students.
• I reviewed the Outside Reading Log Assignment (DUE Oct. 2) by going through the packet and answering questions about the various parts. I also showed student sample of the visual assignment (1st: Book jacket; 5th Diorama).
• The students took the vocabulary and spelling quiz for lessons #3 & 4.
• The students read silently for approximately 20 minutes following the quiz.
• We corrected the vocabulary and spelling quiz in class.
• We reviewed the rules of courtly love (Arthur Reader packet, page 13).
• We read Le Morte d'Arthur's "Arthur Becomes King" (Arthur Reader packet, pages 17-19).
• We then watched a scene from Disney's The Sword in the Stone, to review how Arthur became king.
• For homework, the students need to work on the following assignments: VFA (Vocabulary for Achievement) Lessons #5 & 6 (DUE 9/28); the Heraldry Project (DUE 9/30); the Outside Reading Log (DUE 10/2).

Thursday September 17, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Short Stories and Write-O-Rama

• We started the period with a Write-O-Rama connected with topics that will come up in the next short stories we read. The students wrote on 2 (Home, Pick-a-Part: feet, hair or eyes) topics for ten minutes each.
• After the writing session, approximately 10 students shared one of their pieces with the class. Each student took notes about the pieces (a minimum of 5) that they connected with.
• The students then listened to the short story "Chrysanthemum".
• We read the vingette "My Name" (story and notes outline on my website) by Sandra Cisneros. While reading, I introduced the students to the format of taking cornell notes. After each paragraph, the students wrote a one sentence summary and wrote either one question or one connection.
• After going through both short stories, I told the students about my name. My first, middle, last, nicknames, the good, bad, and ugly about my name.
• This led into the name assignment that the students will complete over the weekend. The students will have to write a minimum of one page about his/her name. See the assignment on my website.
• Homework is to finish the author poster assignment, complete the WOR reflection and revision, type the name assignment and complete VFA (Vocabulary for Achievement) Lessons #3 & 4.

Wednesday September 16, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Arthur Quiz & Write-O-Rama

• The students took a quiz (on page 7 in the Arthur Activity packet) about the background information they were instructed to read for homework.
• We corrected the quiz in class.
• After we reviewed the background information, we started a Write-O-Rama (WOR). The students wrote on 3 different topics for 10 minutes each (Chivalry, Home, and Rules of Dating). After the writing session, approximately 10 students shared one of their pieces with the class. Each student took notes about the pieces (a minimum of 5) that they connected with.
• For the last 15 minutes of class we review the code of chivalry in the reader packet (pages 10 and 12).
• For homework, the student will need to complete the WOR reflection questions and revision of one topic (typed), complete the grammar packet, bring an outside reading book, and study vocabulary and spelling #3 & 4.

Tuesday September 15, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Library Orientation & Author Research

• I distributed a new course calendar that covers the next two weeks.
• The librarians conducted a library orientation
• The students took a quiz on MLA format, Title punctuation, Forbidden Errors, and Quote punctuation.
• I introduced the author study and poster assignment. The students picked a partner and I assigned each partnership an author to study.
• The ultimate goal is to create an author poster. The poster will include pictures and images on the front of the poster that depict not only the author him or herself, but also images that tell a story about the author (interests, facts, likes/dislikes, etc.). The back of the poster will include more detailed information. See the assignment sheet on my website.
• The students had about 20-30 minutes to work on their research .

Monday September 14, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Russian Revolution Presentations

• Each group presented their Russian Revolution Project to the class.
• After the presentations, I introduced out next unit: Arthurian Legends
• Each student received a reader packet and an activity packet (the activity packet is available on my website).
• I introduce the Heraldry assignment. Each student will create a coat of arms, made up of three parts: a crest, a shield, and a motto. The assignment is explained on pages 1-2 in the Arthurian Legends Activity Packet. There are also samples hanging in the classroom. The Heraldry Assignment is DUE on October 2.
• I also introduce the Quest (Community Service) Project. Each student will complete SIX hours of community service and write a reflective essay as described on page 12 in the Arthurian Legends Activity Packet. The Quest Project is DUE October 24.
• Tonight's Homework is to read pages 1-6 in the Arthurian Reader packet. There will be a quiz on Wednesday. Work on the grammar packet DUE on Friday September 18. Start thinking about potential service, and begin working on the Heraldry Assignment.

Friday September 11, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Quiz & Writing Assessment

• Today was the first vocabulary and spelling quiz. Each student got a quiz answer card. We went over quiz protocol: you may not write on the quiz, you must use pen, you must write the vocabulary answers in all caps, during the spelling portion I will say all of the words one time through-if you need to have a word repeated, I will do that at the end.
• The students took the vocabulary portion of the quiz after I read all 20 spelling words.
• The students read silently in their outside reading book until there was one hour remaining in the period.
• Each student filled out a reading card, indicating the number of pages read so far.
• We corrected the vocabulary & spelling #1 & 2 quiz.
• I distributed the writing assessment booklets.
• I read the directions & the prompt and the students had 45 minutes to complete an expository essay about Ender's Game.
• The homework is to study the power points from Wednesday (MLA Format & Forbidden Errors), also review the course syllabus. There will be a quiz over all of the material on Tuesday.

Thursday September 10, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Quiz & Writing Assessment

• Today was the first vocabulary and spelling quiz. Each student got a quiz answer card. We went over quiz protocol: you may not write on the quiz, you must use pen, you must write the vocabulary answers in all caps, during the spelling portion I will say all of the words one time through-if you need to have a word repeated, I will do that at the end.
• The students took the vocabulary portion of the quiz after I read all 20 spelling words.
• The students read silently in their outside reading book until there was one hour remaining in the period.
• Each student filled out a reading card, indicating the number of pages read so far.
• We corrected the vocabulary & spelling #1 & 2 quiz.
• I distributed the writing assessment booklets.
• I read the directions & the prompt and the students had 45 minutes to complete an expository essay about Animal Farm.
• The homework is to finish and upload the Russian Revolution Research project (www.Turnitin.com); Complete VFA #3 & 4; bring your Animal Farm packet with you, and work on the grammar packet(due Friday September 18)

Wednesday September 9, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: MLA & Computer Lab

• I check Vocabulary for Achievement (VFA) Lessons #1 & 2.
• I handed out the new class calendar (downloadable from my website)
• Students took notes about MLA format from a power point presentation (Notes packet and power point are available on my website).
• Students then took notes about Forbidden Errors, Title Punctuation and Punctuation with Quotation marks (Notes packet and power point are available on my website).
• We then went to the computer lab to type the Ender's Game Paragraph.
• Students signed up for Turnitin.com (2nd period class ID: 2821006; 4th period class ID: 2821008; 6th period class ID: 2821009 and password: Minyard).
• Students then set-up their paper in MLA format based on instructions provided by me (instructions available on my website).
• By the end of the period, all students printed their Ender's Game paragraph, uploaded their paragraph to Turnitin.com, and turned in the paragraph and Ender's Game packet.

Tuesday September 8, 2009

Comp/Lit 10: Library Computer Lab

• At the beginning of the period, I introduced Turniti.com, my website (www.lghs.net/teachers/english/sminyard/index.htm) and my blog (mrsminyard.blogspot.com).  
• You will have to submit all major typed assignments to Turnitin.com (1st period class ID: 2821003, 5th period class ID: 2821004, password: Minyard).
  
• My website has all class documents that can be downloaded in pdf format.  Refer to my website if you need to replace an assignment.
• My blog will contain a narrative of what took place in class. 
• I checked Vocabulary Lessons #1 & 2
• I passed back the first Write-O-Rama assignment
• The students worked for about an hour on their research assignment.  Today was the last day in the library computer lab.  The Russian Revolution Research assignment is DUE on Monday September 14.  Each group must upload their assignment to Turnitin.com by Sunday night.  Each group must submit a typed works cited in MLA format.
• I distributed a new course calendar (downloadable from my class website).  I also passed out a grammar packet-Parts of Speech review DUE on September 18.

Friday September 4, 2009

Comp/Lit 9: Personal Museums

• We finished the Personal Museum Presentations
• I introduced the Vocabulary & Spelling Assignment.  You are responsible for 20 vocabulary and 20 spelling words every two weeks.  See your VFA Workbook for the vocabulary words, and see your spelling list for the spelling words.
• We did our final colors activity.  Students got together with other students that are the same color.  Each color group answered a set of questions on a poster.  The posters/responses were shared with the class.
• DUE next class: Vocabulary Lessons #1 & 2.  Ender's Game paragraph organizer.

Thursday September 3, 2009

Comp/Lit 10

• Today we met in the Library Computer Lab.  
  
• We begin with an introduction to the Vocabulary & Spelling Routine.  You will be required to study 2 lessons of vocabulary and 2 lessons of spelling every two weeks.  Vocabulary & Spelling quizzes will take place every two weeks (on Fridays).  See my website for the spelling list.
  
• I introduced the Outside Reading Log assignment.  See my website for the Outside Reading Log Assignment sheet.  The first OR Log is due October 1.
• I provided a handout with specific instructions on how to format a Word Document in MLA format.  Every student completed the set-up and printed out a formated document.  See my website for the MLA Format Page Set-up document.
• Each student signed up for his/her Outside Reading Book.
• The remaining hour was spent doing group work on the Russian Revolution Research Assignment.