Monday, October 24, 2005

English 3 -- We will present any Power Point presentations we did not see Friday. Then, we will discuss "The Devil and Tom Walker."

English 4 -- Work on your outline/draft of your cause-effect essay.

Speech -- Your radio ad will need to be recorded this week. It is due by next Monday. Additionally, continue working on your Power Point presentation over your invention. We will discuss in class what needs to be included in the presentation.

Reading Lab -- we will begin Power Point presentations over a book you have read so far.

Friday, October 21, 2005

English 3 -- Continue working on your Power Point presentations. After half the hour, you will present your vocabulary presentations to the class. For Monday, read "The Devil and Tom Walker" and answer the questions on the worksheet given in class.

English 4 -- You should have your topic chosen by today with a rough thesis sentence. We will then discuss how to proceed with your topic and discuss coming up with ideas and outlining.

Speech -- Your group should have named your invention and should have come up with a slogan yesterday. You should also have drawn a sketch of your invention and a brief description of what it does. Most of you began your advertisements yesterday. Continue working on them today. Be sure to incorporate your slogan, a picture, what the invention does, and an advertising technique we learned earlier this year. If you finish, you can begin writing your radio script to record.

Reading Lab--gone bowling today--HAVE FUN!!

Thursday, October 20, 2005

English 3: Remember to continue to strive towards finding success in your virtues. Fill out your journal each day. Today, we will be working with vocabulary words from our next story, "The Devil and Tom Walker." You can find these words at http://www.apstrategies.org/pdf/vocab/novels/Devil%20and%20Tom%20Walker.pdf . I will put you in groups and assign words to your group. You will be responsible for creating a Power Point with those assigned words. Directions will be given in class. For tonight, fill out the anticipation guide for the story.

English 4: We will discuss determining your audience and thesis. We will look at the topic assignments and choose for tomorrow. Additionally, we will look at a sample essay focusing on effects. For tomorrow, read "Our Schelules, Our Selves."

Speech : Continue working on your group invention.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss Franklin's Autobiography. Then we will work on coming up with a class list of virtues to practice over the next week.

English 4 -- You will type your answers to King's article on nicenet.org. We will discuss transitions in cause-effect essays. The website you will need is http://go.hrw.com/elotM/0030526671/student/ch03/lg1403104_121.pdf Scroll to page 5.

Speech -- You will be placed into groups today to begin a group project: marketing an invention.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

English 3 -- Read Franklin's Autobiography and answer the questions.

English 4 -- Essays are due by the end of the day. We will begin discussing cause-effect essays. You will need to access a link: it is http://go.hrw.com/elotM/0030526671/student/ch03/lg1403092_103.pdf#search= . Look at pages 7-10. You will do page 10.

Speech -- Group activity.

Monday, October 17, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss the Age of Reason and the difference between it and the Puritan era. For tonight, read Ben Franklin's Autobiography and answer the questions over it. You will have about half the hour to submit essays to Criterion and fix mistakes. Essays are due by the end of the day.

English 4 -- Work on your essays. They are due Tuesday by the end of the hour.

Speech -- Group work. You will be assigned a group and a task to complete by the end of the hour. You will evaluate yourself and your group members.

Friday, October 14, 2005

English 3 -- Test over The Crucible. Turn in essays Monday after you've checked it with Criterion.

English 4 -- Peer edit essays. They are due Tuesday by the end of the day.

Speech -- Tracey Webb from RLC will be here.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

English 3 -- Final drafts of your papers are due Friday at the end of the day.

English 4 --You will edit each other's drafts Friday. Finals are due Monday. Today, you have time to finish your draft, type it if needed, and check it over to make it look good before it is peer edited tomorrow. Bring a completed typed copy with you to class tomorrow.

Speech -- We will discuss Chapter 5, group communication, today.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

English 3 -- Today, you will peer edit. I will give you a worksheet to use when peer editing someone else's paper. Please give the paper you filled out back to the writer. When you receive yours back, after editing, keep the comments of your partner. Tomorrow, I will give you the hour to finish editing, and then the FINAL is due Friday by the end of the day. Thursday, we will not be typing in class, however. You will have a test over The Crucible Friday.

English 4 -- Work on your draft today. Your rough draft is due for peer editing Friday. The final draft is due Monday by the end of the day.

Speech -- Turn in your thank-you letters today. Tracey Webb from RLC will be our guest speaker today. Tomorrow, we will begin discussing Chapter 5, group communication.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

English 3 -- Continue editing your drafts. Today, I will discuss how to use vivid verbs and vary sentence beginnings and types.

English 4 -- Today, I will give you your essay topics. Please begin your draft.

Speech -- Chapter 4 test today. Guest speaker tomorrow.

Friday, October 7, 2005

English 3 --Draft due today. We will discuss how to introduce and explain quotes, as well as learn how to insert page numbers after the quotes.

English 4 --Turn in "Doublespeak" worksheets. We will read another sample essay today discuss how it incorporates division-classification and its effectiveness. Then, please use division-classification to classify teachers you have had in school.

Speech -- Final set of interviews today. Chapter 4 test Tuesday.

Thursday, October 6, 2005

English 3 -- You should come to class today having chosen which of the three essay topics over The Crucible you will write. Today, we will use all hour to work on a draft of your essay. The draft is expected to be completed by classtime tomorrow. Friday, we will discuss grammar and begin peer editing. Essay will be due next Wednesday (There's no school Monday!)

English 4 -- We will continue discussing the sample student essay we read yesterday. Afterwards, we will work on classifiying and dividing a topic given in class. For homework, read "Doublespeak" and do the worksheet given to you in class.

Speech -- Interviews are today and tomorrow. Test TUESDAY!

Wednesday, October 5, 2005

English 3 -- Turn in your letters to the governor of Salem. Please ensure that your letter is in correct letter form, has correct grammer and punctuation, is logical, and backs up what you say with proof from the play. Today, we will work with Criterion Online (the program we used last year to check our writing online). I will also give you an essay assignment with three choices of essays. Begin your draft at home tonight. Essay will be due Friday.

English 4 -- We will discuss "The Ways We Lie" and look at a sample student essay written in division-classification mode. For tonight, read "Doublespeak" and answer the questions on the worksheet I will give you.

Speech -- Tracey Webb from the RLC theater department will speak all hour. Tomorrow, we will begin our interviews and finish them Friday. The Chapter 4 test will be next week, most likely Monday or Tuesday.

Reading Lab -- We will present our Power Point presentations today.

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

English 3 -- We will finish the movie today. Next, please post your journal entries to blogger, which should now be cleared of Sonic Wall. Last, begin your letter to the governor of Salem, requesting that the trials be halted (see assignment paper I will hand out). Letter due tomorrow.

English 4 -- We will begin division and classification today. Comparison and contrast essays are due by end of day. For tonight, read "The Ways We Lie" and do the worksheet questions I will give you.

Speech -- We will practice answering questions in class in preparation for interviews. Tomorrow, a guest speaker from the RLC theater department, Tracey Webb, will present all hour. Interviews will begin Thursday and continue Friday.

Reading Lab -- work on your Power Point presentations.

October 3, 2005

English 3 - We will watch The Crucible movie.

English 4 -- We will discuss punctuation from the LBCH and edit drafts. Essays are due tomorrow.

Speech -- We will discuss interview questions and how to prepare for an interview. You will need to prepare 3-5 interview questions. Interviews will begin tomorrow.

Reading Lab -- You will begin creating individual Power Point presentations over your favorite book so far. We will present Wednesday.

Friday, September 30, 2005

English 3 --We will finish our Bookworm contest and I will award a prize to the winning team.

English 4 -- work on your essays.

Speech -- complete and turn in your resumes and applications in preparation for our interviews.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

English 3 -- We will have a Bookworm contest first hour. There is no class 6th or 7th hours due to the talent show and cookout.

English 4 -- Fourth hour may have classtime to type essays. There is no class 8th hour due to the talent show and cookout.

Speech -- We will discuss interviewing techniques in preparation for class "interviews" next week.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

English 3 -- We are watching more of the movie The Crucible. If you didn't turn in the Internet worksheet on the aftermath of the witch trials, do so ASAP.

English 4 -- I will be giving you credit for your rough drafts today. I will have you exchange with someone and peer edit. Final drafts will be due Tuesday, though this is the last week to type in class (that means those of you in 8th hour will need to type at home or some other time at school--or in my room before school from 7:30 -8:00 or after right after school if you let me know you're coming in)

Speech -- Today, we will sign up for "interviews" and figure out with what company and with whom we will interview. We will then complete our resumes by adding an objective statement and fixing anything else still needed.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

English 3 -- Turn in your worksheets from yesterday. We will begin The Crucible video.

English 4 -- Work on comparison and contrast draft.

Speech --We will be working on resumes. Be sure you have your www.careercruising.com username and password.

Monday, September 26, 2005

English 3--Now that we have finished The Crucible, we will look at the aftermath. You will be given a worksheet to complete in class. The work will require you to read two articles on the Internet and answer questions about what happened when the trials were over. I will have printed copies of the Internet pages if you do not complete them and need to work at home without Internet access. Worksheets are due tomorrow. We will then begin watching the movie. A Crucible test will follow next Monday.

English 4 -- Now that we have read several essays using comparison and contrast and completed some activites practicing organization, you should begin your draft. You were given a packet of papers to help you begin organizing your thoughts and to help you begin making lists of similarities and differences. Using the suggestions, develop a thesis statement and begin your draft. We will type today and Tuesday in class. Wednesday, we will peer edit. Essays will be due MONDAY at the beginning of class since 8th hour has no class Thursday or Friday. 4th hour may type in class Thurs. and Fri. and hopefully will not have any homework that way.

Speech -- We will be working on resumes.

Friday, September 23, 2005

English 3 -- We will, I think, finish The Crucible today.

English 4 -- We will discuss "The Ugly Truth about Beauty" and the activities we did yesterday. I will then give you your topic choices for compare-contrast and we will begin pre-writing.

Speech -- Today, you will get back in your group from yesterday and create your job ads. If time remains, we will begin creating resumes by going to www.careercruising.com .

Reading Lab -- continue reading!

Thursday, September 22, 2005

English 3 --We will attempt to post the last three journal entries to our blogs today. Then, finally, we will begin Act 4.

English 4 -- We will discuss Dave Barry's essay today. Then, with a partner, go to http://college.hmco.com/devenglish/wong/paragraph_essentials/1e/students/exercises/ch6_4.html and

http://college.hmco.com/devenglish/wong/paragraph_essentials/1e/students/exercises/ch6_3.html. You need to answer the questions and then print and turn in. We will discuss the answers at the end of the hour. Begin thinking about what compare and contrast topic you will choose.

Speech -- we will be discussing interviewing.

Reading Lab--read a book or the newspaper today and continue filling out your bookmark. Remember to look up works you don't know and then put a star by them.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

English 3 -- We will have Socratic Circles today. You MUST have your annotated text to participate and to receive a grade.

English 4 -- We will discuss "A Fable for Tomorrow" and the five questions assigned. Next, we will practice organizational patterns in comparison and contrast. Go to http://wps.ablongman.com/long_long_rw_1/0,8256,1453897-,00.html with a partner. Answer the questions and have the results emailed to me. Finally, do the following:
1. Find a partner. You must work with a peer.2. Link to Yahoo! Movies (http://movies.yahoo.com)3. Choose a movie (that is either in theaters or on its way) and click on the link for that movie. 4. Scroll down the movie's page until you find the "report-card" of reviews. 5. After browsing the entire set of reviews (you can click on the "more" option to get this), choose two reviews to compare. (When picking your reviews, try to steer clear of reviews that are extremely similar in their criticisms, or reviews that are very short.) 6. Decide on the structure you will use and formulate an outline. You'll have to decide if your comparison is either a point-to-point comparison or whole-to-whole comparison.
7. Turn in your outline with BOTH of your names on it.
For homework, read Dave Barry's "The Ugly Truth About Beauty" and answer question 1 on the first set of questions, and all four questions on the second set.

Speech -- We will continue Chapter 4. Today, we will discuss telephone conversations and practice some. If time allows, we will also discuss interviews.

Reading Lab -- Remember to look up unknown words on your bookmark and put a star or "ok" by them once you know what they mean.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

English 3 -- JOURNAL = Answer in your journal = Name one thing in your reading of The Crucible so far that you can somehow relate to or connect with in some way. (This could be an incident in the story, a character in the story, a particular scene, a line from one of the characters, etc.) Explain how you relate to or connect with what you've named. IN CLASS = Yesterday, we learned at the end of Act 3 that Rev. Hale has quit the court. We also learned that Elizabeth, who has (according to her husband Proctor) never lied before lied to the jury about her husband's affair with Abigail. We will discuss static and dynamic characters and plot the changes to the dynamic characters. HOMEWORK = I will be giving you a poem to mark the text for Socratic Circles tomorrow. We will spend a little time in class reviewing how to mark text.

English 4 -- We will go over "A Fable for Tomorrow" and the assigned questions. For tonight, read "The Ugly Truth about Beauty." Answer question1 from the first set and then all from the second set.

Speech = We will begin Chapter 4 today.

Reading Lab=continue reading your chosen books and filling out the bookmarks. Today, we will discuss how to think about things that you wonder about, since many of you are leaving that part blank on your bookmarks.

Monday, September 19, 2005

English 3 -- Today, in your blog (or in Word, if blogger is still blocked) answer the following: Write about a book or movie that has revenge as a theme. What movie or book is it? Explain how the idea of revenge is developed in that movie or book. We wil attempt to finish Act 3 today. We will also attempt to publish to our blogs what we wrote Friday.

English 4 -- Process analysis papers are due by the end of the day today. (You wil not have class time to type.) Today, we will begin comparison/contrast essays. For homework, read "A Fable for Tomorrow" beginning on page 351. Answer question 1 in the first set and all of the second set.

Speech -- We will finish viewing commercials and then attempt to finish impromptu speeches. Tomorrow, we will begin Chapter 4.

Reading Lab -- Now that you are reading books of your choosing, you will be completing bookmarks that ask you to think as you read. Remember to fill out those bookmarks as you are reading.

Friday, September 16, 2005

English 3 -- 1. Write in your blog. Write about a time when you (or someone you know of) were accused of something you did not do. How did you feel? Did the person who accused you ever realize that you did not do it? If the person never accepted you were innocent, how did you deal with it?
2. We will then continue reading Act 3.

English 4 -- Last day to work on your process analysis essay. Two pages, double spaced, Times New Roman--due Monday when you walk in the door. Today you will have time to peer edit.

Speech -- We will be watching commercials all hour and attempting to discern the logical fallacies and propaganda used.

Reading Lab -- Today, you will each get the book you chose yesterday and begin reading. Each day, you will fill out a paper before the end of the hour. These will be kept in a folder for my room.

Thusrday, September 15, 205

English 3 -- Turn in your worksheets from Act 2 today at the beginning of the hour. We will begin reading Act 3 today.

English 4 -- We will discuss your thesis sentences in class today. The rest of the hour will be yours to finish your drafts so that tomorrow you can peer edit for each other. Essays will be due Monday when you walk in the classroom.

Speech -- Test over Chapter 3 today. We will watch videos tomorrow.

Reading Lab -- We will watch your Power Point presentations today. Tomorrow, we will begin choosing books to read.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

English 3 --You will get into assigned groups and read Act 2. Assign each group member a part. Discuss periodically as needed. For homework, answer the questions on the worksheet the sub will give you.

English 4 -- Work on your rough draft. By the end of the hour, turn in your thesis statement. The following website might be of help in developing your theisis statement: http://www.wonderfulwritingskillsunhandbook.com/html/thesis_worksheet.html

Speech -- impromptu speeches

Reading Lab--finish working on your Power Point presentations.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

English 3 -- We will continue reading. Most of you have been assigned parts. Don't forget to be reading at home and practicing so that your presentation is smooth and has emotion.

English 4 -- We will have a guest speaker, Jason Swann, from RLC today. I do not know how much classtime he will take. It is possible that he might take all hour. Continue working at home on your drafts. We will practice more common grammar errors as well as discuss "The Fine Art of Complaining" tomorrow. Tomorrow, I will check for a thesis statement.

Speech -- You should be working on getting together to film your commercials. Remember, if you don't have access in your group to a video camera let me know ASAP so we can arrange for you to meet me before or after school to film. Commercials are due Friday in class. We will continue practicing recognizing logical fallacies and propaganda.

Reading Lab -- Keep working on your Power Point presentations. They are looking great! Remember, at least five slides and three pictuers that go with the book. In your presentation, tell what happened in the book. For your last two slides (Dustyn, just one last slide), tell what the favorite part of the book was and why for each person in your group.

Monday, September 12, 2005

English 3 -- We didn't get as far Friday as I had hoped we would. Therefore, we will take the vocab test today, then begin Act 2. Remember, you should have practiced your part so that today you can read it fluently and with emotion (we don't want to fall asleep from boredom :) ) Tonight, some of you will have new assigned parts to practice for tomorrow.

English 4 --We will discuss "Cyberschool" and the two sets of questions that followed. For homework, read "The Fine Art of Complaining." At home, begin working on your process analysis draft.

Speech -- Work on your draft for your commercial.

Reading -- We will begin working on your individual Power Point presentations over The Lottery Rose.

Friday, September 9, 2005

English 3 -- We will finish our vocabulary story that we started yesterday. Afterward, we will begin reading Act II. Several of you were assigned parts yesterday. You should be prepared to read fluently and with some emotion. Vocabulary test over Act I Monday.

English 4 -- We will discuss "Your New Computer" and the two sets of questions that followed. Tonight, read "Cyberschool" and do the two sets of questions that follow.

Speech -- We will go over the worksheet you completed with a partner (logical fallacies/propaganda). Next, we will discuss how to make commercials.

Reading Lab -- We finished our first book! Today, all hour, in celebration we will play Bookworm. Monday, we will begin creating Power Point presentations over the The Lottery Rose.

Thursday, September 8, 2005

English 3 -- Turn in completed character wheel worksheets that you completed yesterday with your group. We will practice vocabulary again today. Test wil be Monday.

English 4 -- We will discuss narration. I will hand back (I hope) your description essays today.

Speech -- We will continue practicing identifying logical fallacies and propaganda. If time allows, we will begin discussing commercials that you will create next week.

Reading Lab-- Only two chapters left in our book! We will continue "Say Something!" and our Bookworm contest.

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

English 3 -- You need to post your draft of your letter from Act I to your blog today. You will then be assigned a group to work with and a character wheel to complete in your group. Continue studying your vocabulary words. The quiz will be Friday. Tomorrow, we will play a game to help you remember definitions.

English 4 -- Several of you did not have your drafts completed yesterday, which made it difficult to have it checked over by a partner for vivid verbs, colorful language, similes, etc. Today is your last day to work in class, though your paper is due tomorrow (Thursday) by the end of the day. I will give you a rubric that I will use to grade your paper. This should give you a clear guide in which to check your paper before turning it in.

Speech -- You did great with mnemonic devices yesterday. Today, we will discuss logical fallacies and dissect several advertisements to see how they are persuading us.

Reading Lab -- You did awesome yesterday with "Say Something." We will read Chapter 12 and practice "Say Something" again. Also, we will continue our Bookworm contest. We're halfway through the contest. Keep making those longer words for more points!!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2005

English 3 -- We will finish reading Act I today in class. You will then need to write the following in your blog: Write a journal entry of either Betty, Abigail, or Reverend Parris that clearly shows his/her thinking so far in Act I. Include elements of the plot so far. Here's an example for Reverend Hale (not a choice for this assignment):


Salem, 1692
Well, here I am. I have been called from my hometown of Beverly by the Reverend Parris to determine what ails his daughter, Betty. They say she lies inert in her bed and has attempted to fly out her window. Apparently, Betty and some other girls danced in the woods and Goody Putnam has confessed to me that she sent her daughter Ruth to the woods to talk to her seven dead babies. The girls danced around a kettle with a frog inside. Additionally, Giles has now mentioned that his wife reads mysterious books and when she does, he cannot pray. However, after she puts away her books, he can again resume his prayers. Very suspicious. Since I am a learned man who has dealt with this situation just recently, I feel I am the one to solve their problems. Parris has agreed to abide by my decision as to whether witchcraft is or is not involved.

For homework, begin learning the definitions of the vocabulary words from Act I that I will give you today. They are words that often appear on ACT and SAT exams.

English 4 -- We will discuss your rough drafts today. I will ask you to look for weaknesses in vivid details, weak verbs, lack of similes and metaphors. Final drafts will be due Thursday by the end of the day. However, tomorrow is the last class day to work on them.

Speech -- We will continue discussing Chapter 3. We may try to get the following sites to work:
http://pbskids.org/dontbuyit/advertisingtricks/whatsinanad.html

http://www.coke.com/usa/tvcommercials/index.html

http://www.pbs.org/30secondcandidate/tricks_of_the_trade

Reading Lab -- I hope we will finish our book this week. We will continue working on asking questions and learn a new technique this week called "Say Something." We will also continue our Bookworm competition.

Friday, September 2, 2005

NO SCHOOL MONDAY!!!

English 3 -- We will continue in Act I today. If you were absent yesterday, see me immediately to make up the pop quiz from yesterday.

English 4 -- We will discuss "Bombs Bursting in Air" and look at a sample essay. Then, I will give you time to brainstorm and possibly begin your exemplification draft.

Speech -- Today, we will begin Chapter 3. The last 15 minutes or so we will continue impromptu speeches for those of you who haven't yet given them.

Reading -- We are close to being finished with our first book. I will again read aloud today and expect you to raise your hand if you don't understand something so we can discuss it. You have done very well with that the last two days. Afterwards, we will continue our Bookworm contest. Try to make longer words so you can earn more points!

Thursday, September 1, 2005

English 3 -- Take quiz. We will then continue Act I of The Crucible.

English 4 -- We will discuss "Tweens..." and work on revision from the concepts learned yesterday from the LCBH book. For homework, read "Bombs Bursting in Air" and do the two sets of questions that follow. Begin to think about which topic you'd like to write on for your Exemplification essay.

Speech -- Test today. Afterwards, we will give impromptu speeches.

Reading Lab -- We are really far along in the book The Lottery Rose. We will work on predicting again today and asking questions. Part of the hour, we will play Bookworm on the Internet and race against each other in teams for the highest score in making words.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

English 3 -- We will continue reading The Crucible.

English 4 -- We will discuss "Sexism and Language." For homework, read "Tweens: Ten Going on Sixteen" and do the two sets of questions that follow. In class, we will discuss "Clarity and Style" from the LBCH textbook.

Speech -- We will go over the review sheet for Chapter 2. Test is tomorrow. We will begin impromptu speeches today.

Reading Lab -- You are all doing very well on making predictions about the story we are reading. We are on Chapter 7 of The Lottery Rose.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

English 3 -- We will begin reading _The Crucible_ today.

English 4 -- Descriptive essays due today. We will begin exemplification and narration this week.

Speech -- We will go over the Chapter 2 study guide. Test is Wednesday.

Reading -- We will continue reading _The Lottery Rose_ and making predictions. Yesterday's predictions were awesome!

Monday, August 29, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss the author of _The Crucible_ and why it was written, then discuss the background of the Salem witch trials. Afterwards, we will begin reading.

English 4 -- We will put the final touches on final description drafts and turn them in by the end of the day.

Speech -- We will continue with Chapter 2.

Reading -- After reading more of the Lottery Rose, we will work on predicting.

Friday, August 26, 2005

English 3 -- We will finish discussing the Puritans today. Afterwards, we will discuss background to the Crucible and McCarthyism. With the remaining time, we will assign parts to _The Crucible_ and begin.

English 4 -- We will type and revise essays all hour. They are due Monday.

Speech -- We will continue with Chapter 2.

Reading -- We will continue to work on reading _The Lottery Rose_ and make questions and discover answers to our questions.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

English 3 -- Yesterday, we discussed the Gettysburg Address and "Imagine" by Lennon. After discussing what Americans are searching for and whether it is attainable, we will today learn about the Pilgrims and Puritans. If time allows, we will look at poetry by Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor and discuss how the Puritan views are/are not displayed.

English 4 -- Yesterday we discussed "The Jacket" and looked at the dominant impression, orgizational patter, and craft (similes, metaphors, personification). Homework assignment will be to read "Once More to the Lake" and answer the first two sets of questions that follow. In class, we will work on first drafts focusing on description. Your topic can be found on page 110, question 1. Tomorrow, after discussing "Once More to the Lake," you will be allowed time to type.

Speech -- we will begin Chapter 2 today.

Reading -- We will continue reading _The Lottery Rose_ and asking questions. The second half of class, we will look at the questions you wrote yesterday and we will discuss how to find the answers to those questions.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss how you marked the text of "Imagine" by John Lennon. Then, we will discuss Socratic Circles. For homework, you will be expected to mark text in preparation for a class discussion tomorrow.

English 4 -- Fourth Hour, since there was no class yesterday due to class meetings, we will catch up. We will finish discussing the chapter over description, then we will discuss your observations (page 82, question 2). Next, we will discuss Gary Soto's "The Jacket" and the first two sets of questions that follow the passage. We will get as far as we can and finish discussion tomorrow. For homework, please read "Once More to the Lake" on pages 104-109 and do the two sets of questions that follow.
Eighth Hour we will discuss what you came up with during your observation (page 82, question 2). Afterwards, we will discuss "The Jacket" and the questions that were assigned to open class dialogue about the author's craft. For homework, please read "Once More to the Lake" on pages 104-109 and do the two sets of questions that follow.

Speech -- Chapter 1 test today. If time allows, we will begin Chapter 2.

Reading -- We will begin Chapter 2 of _The Lottery Rose_ and continue drawing pictures of what we hear as well as writing questions that we wonder about and making predictions of what we think will happen. Then, we will go back to the story that we discussed yesterday (unknown words) and write questions about it.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss how to mark text for discussion and how to choose what works best for you. We will then practice marking text for class.

English 4 -- We will continue our discussion of Chapter 2: "Description." In addition, please do page 82, question number 2 and read "The Jacket" and do the two sets of questions after the selection for tomorrow. I will not see fourth hour very long due to class meetings, but you still will be expected to the homework assigned.

Speech -- We will continue working on the Chapter 1 study guide. Test is tomorrow over Chapter 1.

Reading -- We will read more in our book The Lottery Rose. Also, we will look at the story you highlighted yesterday and work on finding places with questions and predictions.

MONDAY August 22, 2005

English 3 -- Friday, most of you posted your "American Dream" paragraphs to your blog. If not, do that ASAP. Additionally, several of you need to turn in your signed papers NOW. Today, we will discuss what type of reader each of you is. We will also discuss discussion, dialogue, and debate.

English 4 -- We will finish Chapter 1 and move on to description. Your first essay is due Friday.

Speech -- We will review Chapter 1 and prepare for our first test. We will also finish any bag speeches we did not get to Friday.

Reading -- We will be reading and practicing goal setting and questioning.

August 19, 2005

English 3 -- Today, we will discuss the theme for this class for this year. We will take a tour of my website so you are familiar with where everything is. We will write our personal views of what it means to be an American and what your American dream is then publish it on our blogs.

English 4 -- We will finish Chapter 1 in _The Longman Reader_ and begin Chapter 1 in _The Little, Brown Handbook_.

Speech -- Remember, bag speeches are due tomorrow. You will earn full credit just for bringing five items in a bag and presenting those items to the class. Please, do NOT show or tell others what is in your bag before you present. Today, we will continue discussing Chapter 1.

Reading -- Yesterday, we discussed why it is important to read well. We learned two strategies for becoming a better reader. Those were
1) Set a purpose for reading before you begin
2) Make sure you notice (we highlighted) words you do not understand.
We then discussed what we can do to figure out answers to what we don't understand. Today, we will practice doing more of the same. Also, we will learn to ask questions about what we read.

August 18, 2005

English 3 -- Turn in signed forms ASAP. We will be creating our own blogs for posting and commenting this year.

English 4 -- We will begin discussing Chapter 1: "The Writing Process" of _The Longman Handbook_.

Speech -- We will begin Chapter 1 today.

Reading -- Most of you mentioned yesterday that you hope to learn to read better and faster in this class. Today, we will begin discussing what good readers do and start to learn some strategies for reading better.

August 17, 2005

Whoo Hoo! School has begun. I hope you all had a great summer and are ready to learn some more! Below is what we will do August 17, 2005.

English 3 -- I will hand out the class syllabus, with rules, expectations, a class supply list and plagiarism statement today. I will also hand out your English textbooks. You will not need to bring them until further notice, however. Return the signed syllabus ASAP to receive your Pass Card.

English 4 -- I will hand out the syllabus for dual-credit English with rules, expectations and plagiarism statement today. We will dislcuss what is expected of you from our high school as well as Rend Lake College so that you can determine whether or not to remain in this class. There will be lots of work! Those of you who choose to continue on in this class will receive your textbooks. Return the signed syllabus ASAP for your Pass Card.

Speech -- I will hand out the syllabus with rules and expectations. I will then discuss your first assignment, due FRIDAY: the bag speech. In addition, return the signed syllabus ASAP for your Pass Card.

Reading Lab -- Today, we will discuss your expectations from this class, as well as your feelings about reading and what you like to read.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

English 3 -- Yesterday, we discussed the Gettysburg Address and "Imagine" by Lennon. After discussing what Americans are searching for and whether it is attainable, we will today learn about the Pilgrims and Puritans. If time allows, we will look at poetry by Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor and discuss how the Puritan views are/are not displayed.

English 4 -- Yesterday we discussed "The Jacket" and looked at the dominant impression, orgizational patter, and craft (similes, metaphors, personification). Homework assignment will be to read "Once More to the Lake" and answer the first two sets of questions that follow. In class, we will work on first drafts focusing on description. Your topic can be found on page 110, question 1. Tomorrow, after discussing "Once More to the Lake," you will be allowed time to type.

Speech -- we will begin Chapter 2 today.

Reading -- We will continue reading _The Lottery Rose_ and asking questions. The second half of class, we will look at the questions you wrote yesterday and we will discuss how to find the answers to those questions.

THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS AUGUST 16!

School begins Tuesday, August 16. Class will meet first hour only (juniors) to discuss the school handbook. Regular classes will begin Wednesday, August 17.

See you soon, juniors and seniors!!

Mrs. Webster

April 29, 2005 Friday

Now you know: A ten gallon hat holds 3/4 of a gallon, or 3 quarts.

Speech: We had two more good speeches yesterday. Presenting for us today will be Gilbert and Sierra.

Sophomores: Remember, the first 8 lines (I said seven yesterday--sorry) of Antony's funeral speech must be memorized by Monday. The rest of the speech is for extra credit as is dressing in a toga that day. Today, we will watch the part of the play that we did not read. You will have a worksheet with questions that must be answered, so those of you that were daydreaming or *sleeping* or whatever during the movie yesterday will need to pay attention!!

Freshmen: 3rd hour: I'm proud of you all for your efforts in reading the assigned portion of Romeo and Juliet and trying to figure out what Shakespeare meant. Good first try! Today, we are going to discuss what problems you encountered while reading. Then, we will see how Romeo feels, since we've seen how Juliet is taking all this. You will write an advice column for Romeo today, telling him what you think he should do.
fifth and seventh hours: We will read what the prince decrees for Romeo's punishment and how Juliet feels about Romeo now. We will be working on a worksheet.

April 27, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: Only one satellite has been destroyed by a meteor--the European Space Agency's Olympus in 1993.

Speech: Today, Ashlee and Mallory will start off persuasive speeches.

Sophomores: We will be watching Caesar on video this week. Eighth hour is a day behind. Today, we will begin the video. Act III diary entries due by end of day.

Freshmen: We will be continuing reading and watching Romeo and Juliet, Acts 2-3. Today, third hour will read in groups and attempt to determine what Lady Capulet, Lord Montague, and the prince feel the punishment should be. Finally, we will write a diary entry predicting how we would feel if we were Juliet and had found out that the man we just married had murdered our cousin. Fifth and seventh hours will watch the fight scene until Tybalt dies and then, reading the text in partners, answer worksheet questions 1-13.

April 22, 2005 Friday

Now you know: 1961 was the most recent year that could be written both upside-down and rightside-up and appear the same. The next year that this will be possible will be 6009.

Speech: Yesterday, you got a sheet telling you what to check over in your outlines. Today, we will highlight some portions to make them stand out when I look them over throughout the weekend. They are due before you leave class today.

Sophomores: We will finish Act III today. Then, we will work with a few vocabulary words (in your book at the end of Act III) and begin the Act III diary entry.

Freshmen: You started your letters on computer yesterday. Today, you will need to finish them and do a self evaulation (or a peeer check, if you don't care for someone else reading your letter about love). Your letter is due by the end of the hour. The remainder of the hour, or for homework if you don't get to it, will be a worksheet over Act 2, what we've read so far.

April 21, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: The roaring lion in the MGM logo was named Volney and lived at the Memphis Zoo.

Speech: Work on outlines. I saw several yesterday, and they're looking much, much better. Today, use the checksheet I will hand out to make sure it contains some of the required elements that you may have neglected to add. Tomorrow, they are due.

Sophomores: We will continue listening to Caesar.


Freshmen: We will watch the famous balcony scene today. Letters are due today (not 5th hour, though--we're behind that hour).

April 20, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: To sting, a bee uses 22 muscles.

Speech: After discussion yesterday, I think the outlines are looking better. They are due, completed, Friday.

Sophomores: Act II diary entries are due at the beginning of the hour today. We will begin Act III on tape.


Freshmen: Worksheets due at beginning of hour from Act II, the chorus and scene 1. We will read the famous balcony scene, scene 2, today.

April 19, 2005 Tuesday

Speech: Continue working on your speeches. Remember to look at the sample ones I gave you, as well as the errors you made on your last one. Several of you are making up your own style for your outline, which is costing you points. That's why I give you a sample one. Follow it!

Sophomores: Continue working on the Act II diary entry. It is due by tomorrow, first thing.

Freshmen: Choose one of the following questions below. Write your opinion to the question on my website. Once you've arrived at my website by clicking on the link above, choose "Romeo and Juliet Online Discussion" for your hour. Then, respond to AT LEAST three other students' postings.
1. Does Romeo gain your sympathy in Scene 1? Give reasons.
2. Explain the close relationship between Juliet and the nurse. Do you find the nurse amusing or annoying?
3. Is Romeo’s sadness real or imaginary? Explain.
4. Describe how and why Romeo and Juliet fall in love.
5. Describe Lady Capulet's attitude to Juliet when asking her if she is willing to marry Paris. Do you regard her as a good mother? Give reasons.

You are expected to reply in an educational manner.

For homework, read Act II, the chorus and scene 1 and do the worksheet given to you in class.

April 18, 2005 Monday

Speech: Continue work on your persuasive outlines.

Sophomores: Work on Act II diary entry letter. Due tomorrow by end of hour.

Freshmen: Mr. Shapkoff will speak with you most of the hour about how to make a schedule for registration Friday.

April 15, 2005 Friday

Remember: We drop fifth and sixth hours today.

Speech: Continue working on outline.

Sophomores: Today, we will finish Act II of Caesar. Then, we will finish the questions and begin our Act II diary letter. Letter will be due Monday at end of hour.

Freshmen: What awesome masks you make yesterday!!! It was so fun to see them all. We have very creative students! Today, we will continue in Act I. We will see how Tybalt reacts to Romeo attending the Capulet party (fifth hour will do this Monday).

April 14, 2005 Thursday

Speech: We will begin typing our outlines, now that we have narrowed topics and begun locating information.

Sophomores: We will again listen to Act 2 on tape and do the questions that go with it.

Freshmen: Yesterday, we learned the Pilgrims and Saints dance. Today, with our masks, we will dance and then vote on masks: most original design, most colorful, most unique materials, most carefully done, wildest, funniest, and best representative mask. Then, we will begin reading the dance scene.

April 13, 2005 Wednesday

Speech: Begin outlines.

Sophomores: We didn't get as far as possible since Mr. Shapkoff spoke most of the hour. We will work on Act II in assigned groups.

Freshmen: Pictures of Queen Mab due. We will work on getting ready for the Capulet party.

April 12, 2005 Tuesday

Speech: Work on finding information over your speech topic. Today we worked on audience analysis and how to back up what you say.

Sophomores: Julius Caesar letter due. Turn it in with the final on top, then the rough drafts, and finally, the peer edit sheet from yesterday. Mr. Shapkoff will be here to discuss next year's scheduling...and to help you get your schedules ready for registration Friday. Next, we will begin reading Act II.

Freshmen: We will discuss the worksheet over Act I, scenes i and ii. Today we will watch part of the video (to the end of scene iv) and then discuss what occurred. Queen Mab picture due tomorrow.

April 11, 2005 Monday

Speech: Work on finding information for your speech. Since many of you will be gone to attend the RLC Tech-Prep College Career day, we will work on locating information all hour.

Sophomores: Julius Caesar diary entries due today. We will begin Act II.

Freshmen: Today, we will begin reading Act I scene ii.

April 8, 2005 Friday

DON'T FORGET THAT WE DROP THIRD AND FOURTH HOURS TODAY DUE TO JUNIOR SCHEDULING.

Speech: We are working on narrowing persuasive topics and finding the cause/solution.

Sophomores: (No class 4th hour today)--work on typing your diary entry and adding two pictures. Due Monday at end of hour.

Freshmen: (No class 3rd hour today)--we will finish Act I scene i and do a worksheet.

April 7, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket!

Speech: Today, we will discuss in depth our last major speech, the persuasive speech. I know some of you have already chosen the topic you'd like to give. Be thinking about yours if you are still undecided.

Sophomores: We will begin our first project from Julius Caesar. You will write a diary entry as if you were a character from the play. We will type it in class and find pictures to go with it.

Freshmen: Yesterday was fun. You did a great job "sword fighting!" Today we will discuss the worksheet you did and make sure everyone understands what has happened so far in the play. We will then continue reading the play.

April 6, 2005 Wednesday

Speech: Mallory will finish off our biographical speeches today. We had an awewome field trip yesterday!


Sophomores: Today, we will finish Act I of Caesar and will discuss it in depth.

Freshmen: Today is the fun day! We get to "sword" fight! After we present our version of Act I scene i of Romeo and Juliet, we will watch a video of the fight to compare. Also, we can see the way they dressed and how the city might have looked. Be sure that you turned in your worksheet that was given to you in class yesterday.

April 5, 2005 Tuesday

Now you know: Jellyfish have no brains, yet they can tell light from dark, and sense movements.

Speech: Our last two speeches are today, Chrissy and Mallory. Then, we leave on our field trip.

Sophomores: You will be given a worksheet to complete. You will answer the questions on both sides, but for now, please exclude number 10 as we didn't get that far yesterday. 8th hour, please print and turn in your Power Point presentation if you haven't done so already.

Freshmen: Shakespeare quiz today. Afterwards, you will fill out a worksheet over what we read yesterday.

April 4, 2005 Monday

Welcome back! I hope you had an enjoyable Spring Break. We're in our last quarter of school!!

Speech: Alyssa and Blake are scheduled to speak today. FIELD TRIP tomorrow to WSIL TV3 and Clear Channel Radio.

Sophomores: We will attempt to get through most of Act I in Caesar today. Be sure to bring the notes we took before break, as we will add to them today.

Freshmen: Shakespeare quiz tomorrow. You were given the study guide before break. Today, we will begin Act I, scene i of Romeo and Juliet. We will discuss meaning in preparation for acting it out Weds. Tomorrow, you will have a sub as I will be taking my speech class on a field trip.

March 23, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.

Speech: Two more speeches today.


Sophomores: We will continue with Julius Caesar. We will also present a Power Point presentation on Greek/Latin root words.

Freshmen: We will continue with Romeo and Juliet. Today, we will be learning how Shakespeare formed insults, which is how the play begins. Go to http://www.geocities.com/alemry/Shakespeare.html for the definition of the words you get in class. We will also present a Power Point presentation on Greek/Latin root words.

March 22, 2005 Tuesday

Now you know: Shrimps' hearts are in their heads.

Speech: Jesse and Frank (and maybe Travis) will go today. Be ready. IF the people before you are absent or unprepared, you will be called upon to give your speech.

Sophomores: Today, two groups will present their Greek and Latin root word presentations. We will begin Caesar, Act I scene 1 today.

Freshmen: Groups will need to finish their Greek and Latin presentations today. Tomorrow, we will begin presenting, two groups a day. We will begin the Prologue to Romeo and Juliet.

March 21, 2005 Monday

Speech: We will resume speeches where we left off last week.

Sophomores: Today, you should turn in a printout of your slides from the Greek and Latin root words Power Point presentation you created last week. To do this, go to "file", "print", then on the left side in the middle choose the drop-down box and select "handouts." Then print. If time allows, we may begin presenting them today. If not, we will begin tomorrow, one or two groups a day throughout the week. We will discuss some background to Julius Caesar and then begin Act I.

Freshmen: Today, you should turn in a printout of your slides from the Greek and Latin root words Power Point presentation you created last week. To do this, go to "file", "print", then on the left side in the middle choose the drop-down box and select "handouts." Then print. Next, I will hand out a packet of papers for Romeo and Juliet. We will answer some questions included in the packet. Then, we will discuss the background for Romeo and Juliet and hopefully begin the Prologue. If at any time you are having difficulty understanding the text, you may wish to visit http://www.clicknotes.com/romeo/SP1.html . Be warned, however, that Shakespeare wrote with crude humor to capture his audience and the authors of this site explain it in full detail. Do not go here if you may be insulted or embarrassed. If there is not enough time, we will instead present some of the Power Point presentations. The presentations will continue, one or two groups a day, throughout the week.

March 15, 2005 Tuesday

Speech: Due to my absence yesterday, no speeches were given. Those scheduled to go yesterday will go today.

Sophomores: If you read today's blog like you are supposed to, you knew to turn in the "ex" worksheets. However, since I was absent, as long as they're in at the beginning of the hour, they will not be late. We will continue with the Caesar presentations today.

Freshmen: If you read today's blog like you are supposed to, you knew to turn in the "ex" worksheets. However, since I was absent, as long as they're in at the beginning of the hour, they will not be late. Today, we will discuss Shakespeare and the web quest answers you should have. We will then begin ROMEO AND JULIET.

March 14, 2005 Monday

Now you know: The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma.

Speech: Two more speeches today.

Sophomores: Turn in "ex" worksheet. Present Caesar projects today.

Freshmen: Turn in "ex" worksheet. Finish Shakespeare web quest by end of hour today. Tomorrow, we will disucss them.

March 11, 2005 Friday

Now you know: The raised reflective dots in the middle of highways are called Botts dots.

Speech: Casey and Jesse are scheduled to go today.


Sophomores: Work on “ex” worksheets. They are due Monday. I will be handing out a sheet with any zero grades you have received. Please check them over to make sure there were no errors in my recording of grades. If you feel there was an error, please see me TODAY. The rest of the hour, you should finalize your presentation plans. Finish your projects, check them over with the checksheet I will give you, and make copies of your brochure. Print a copy of your test and answer key and a copy of your Power Point, please, to turn in by the end of the hour. You may wish to take a few minutes to practice what you will say. Monday, each group will present in order (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, then 6). Most likely, we will finish Tuesday. During your presentation, you will present your Power Point, hand out your brochures, and ask the audience the questions from your quiz to see if they remember (or can find the answers on the brochure). Should you finish and have extra time, begin working on your "ex" worksheets.


Freshmen: Work on “ex” worksheets. They are due Monday. I will be handing out a sheet with any zero grades you have received. Please check them over to make sure there were no errors in my recording of grades. If you feel there was an error, please see me TODAY. Continue working on the Shakespeare webquest by going here.

March 10, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: The pitches that Babe Ruth hit for his last-ever home run and that Joe DiMaggie hit for his first-ever home run were thrown by the same man.

Speeches: Sierra and Anthony will go today.

Sophomores: We will begin the hour by going over the "therm" and "bio" worksheets. We will then discuss the other root words we did the previous week. Last, you will be given time to finalize your project for presentation tomorrow. I will tell you what order you will present for tomorrow.

Freshmen: Those I-Searches are FINISHED! Today, we will begin discussing William Shakespeare, the author of ROMEO AND JULIET. You will be put into groups to do a webquest about his life and works. You will have two days to work on this before turning it in. Use your time wisley. You may have a partner, if you so choose, but I will accept groups of two only. We will also spend a few minutes going over the "therm" and "bio" worksheets.

March 9, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: Napoleon constructed his battle plans in a sandbox.


Speech: Due to the bus safety training and the presentation by the Illinois Petroleum Resource Board, there will be no speeches today. Tomorrow will be Sierra and Anthony.

Sophomores: Today is the day for bus safety training and the presentation by the Illinois Petroleum Resource Board. Class schedules will be confusing. IF you are in class, you will be working on your Caesar presentation.

Freshmen: Today is the day for bus safety training and the presentation by the Illinois Petroleum Resource Board. Class schedules will be confusing. IF you are in class, you will be working on getting your I-Search final paper turned in. You will need a folder for it and the drafts, etc. Put all copies, stapled, with the cover pages. It all goes in a folder. I will have you do a final check before you turn it in...the order is as follows:

Left side: Include all copies, notes, rough drafts, etc. PUT THE FINAL CHECK ON TOP OF IT ALL, THEN THE DRAFTS, THEN EVERYTHING ELSE.

Right side: Put your I-Search paper, in its entirety (Title page, outline, then each section (make Section 5 on a page by itself, called "Works Cited" with no quotation marks and NOT labeled Section 5) on the right side.

Turn it in to me and get a receipt saying it was turned in on time. Keep that receipt until you get your paper back, graded.

March 8, 2005 Tuesday

Speech: We will have students who were not prepared yesterday go today. If time allows, we will also listen to Sierra and Anthony.

Sophomores: You will have all hour to work on your projects. However, since some of you will be on a field trip, you will need to work on your part of the assignment on your own time.

Freshmen: Today, you will get back your Section 3 papers, graded. You will need to spend most of the hour correcting errors. Please recheck for grammatical errors, as I did not fix everything--just what I happened to see. Afterwards, continue stapling drafts, Internet copies, journal printouts, etc. in preparation for turning in your final I-Search paper. I am hoping to be ready tomorrow by the end of the day.

March 7, 2005 Monday

Now you know: In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak!?!?!?

Speech: I am seeing improvement from your first speeches. Today, Raquel and Eric will inform us.

Sophomores: Friday, you received your "governmental" assignments as welcoming committee for Caesar's new Roman citizens. You should have begun researching your assigned topic. Hopefully, you've been saving the information AND the websites where you found the information. Today, continue locating your answers and decide how to divide up the projects you have to accomplish. You will have Tuesday and Wednesday to work in class (Weds. and Thursday for 8th hour since tomorrow (Tuesday) Miss Newton will teach a lesson). Thursday, I will speak to you about Shakespeare. Presentations are scheduled to begin Friday.

Freshmen: Today, we will finish the Works Cited on www.easybib.com and reprint your Section 3 and the new Works Cited you created. You will finish highlighting today. We will look to be certain that you are citing sources correctly and using only the ones you mentioned in your Works Cited. If time allows, we will begin putting all the drafts, copies, journal pages, etc. together. Hang on! We're almost finished!

March 4, 2005 Friday

Now you know: Gilligan of Gilligan's Island had a first name that was used only once, on the never-aired pilot show. His first name was Willy.

Speech: Bobby and Kyle will entertain us today.


Sophomores: No bellringer today. "Them" and "bio" will be due next week. Today, we will begin a new project in preparation for JULIUS CAESAR by Shakespeare. We will be taking on roles of a welcoming committee and researching for a presentation to the class. To begin, click this link.


Freshmen: No bellringer today. "Therm" and "bio" will most likely be due next week, after I-searches. We will finish our Section 5, the Works Cited page on www.easybib.com today. If you started it yesterday, type in the number it gave you and yesterday's work will magically appear! Once you've gotten all your sources from Section 3 in easybib, you will hit the little blue print button and click "open." Copy and paste on the first blank page under Section 4. DO NOT label it as Section 5. It should just say Works Cited. Save. Print a new copy of Section 3 and the Works Cited page. We will highlight (instruction to be given in class).

March 3, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: In 1963, baseball pitcher Gaylord Perry remarked, "The'll put a man on the moon before I hit a home run." On July 20, 1969, a few hours after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Gaylord Perry hit his first, and only, home run.


Speech: Tippie, Lucas, and Richard give speeches today.


Sophomores: Do "Bio" worksheets...due tomorrow. IT'S D-DAY...time to turn in those I-Search papers! They are due by the end of the day. Be sure to highlight your sources from the Works Cited page with your Section 3. Also, put all copies, stapled, with the cover pages. It all goes in a folder. I will have you do a final check before you turn it in...the order is as follows:

Left side: Include all copies, notes, rough drafts, etc. PUT THE FINAL CHECK ON TOP OF IT ALL, THEN THE DRAFTS, THEN EVERYTHING ELSE.

Right side: Put your I-Search paper, in its entirety (Title page, outline, then each section (make Section 5 on a page by itself, called "Works Cited" with no quotation marks and NOT labeled Section 5) on the right side.

Turn it in to me and get a receipt saying it was turned in on time. Keep that receipt until you get your paper back, graded.


Freshmen: Do "Bio" worksheets...due tomorrow. Finish your Section 4 paper. Then, we will go to www.easybib.com to make Section 5, called a Works Cited. I will show you how to do it. You will need the information from all your sources that you used in Section 3. That information should be in your journal.

March 2, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: The Grateful Dead were once called The Warlocks.

Speech: Scott, Ryan, and Tippie give speeches today. Good job, Brad, on your speech yesterday.

Sophomores: No bellringer today. Continue fixing errors in Section 3. Highlight sources in your Works Cited and your Section 3 if you haven't done so already. Make a title page for your entire I-Search paper. Staple all copies and notes to the pages I give you. Get ready...tomorrow we turn them in. Be sure you have a folder for the entire paper and copies.

Freshmen: No bellringer today. Begin Section 4. I will give you examples of good ones to look at. You will use the worksheets from yesterday to type Section 4. It goes under Section 3. Save as Section 4.

March 1, 2005 Tuesday

Happy March! Spring Break is this month!!!

Now you know: Dr. Samuel A. Mudd was the physician who set the leg of Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth...and whose shame created the expression for ignominy (great personal dishonor or humiliation), "His name is Mudd."

Speech: Brad and Scott give their speeches today. We will be evaluating them as a class as well.

Sophomores: Bellringer worksheet: "THERM". Print another copy of Section 3 and your Works Cited. Highlight like last year (I will explain again in class). If I get your Section3 papers graded, you need to fix mistakes. Staple covers for your drafts, copies, etc. Make cover for entire I-Search paper. Remember to turn in signature on thank you letter by tomorrow.


Freshmen: Bellringer worksheet: "THERM". Finish correcting Section 1 and 2. Remember to turn in signature on thank you letter by tomorrow. Do Section 4 worksheet.

February 28, 2005 Monday

Now you know: When two words are combined to form a single word (e.g., motor + hotel = motel, breakfast + lunch = brunch, spoon + fork = spork), the new word is called a "portmanteau."

Speech: Speeches begin tomorrow. Today, finish getting your outline ready, practice, and go over comments from last speech.


Sophomores: Finish "logy" worksheets. Turn in packet by end of day today. Finish Section 4 and save under Section 3. Go to www.easybib.com and make Section 5, which is the Works Cited page. When you are finished with easybib.com, hit the "save" button on their site and copy the number. Then, hit the "print" button (which does not pring on paper-just your screen as a Word document). Copy and paste it under Section 4 on the next blank page and save as Section 5. You're done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow, we will make sure everything is correct, highlight your sources, and put everything together. Hopefully, we will get them turned in today. If time runs short, it will be Weds.

Freshmen: "Logy" worksheets due today. Turn in packet. We will discuss them. Then, we will circle our sources in Section 3 to make sure you used them all. The rest of the hour, you will correct Sections 1 and 2 as well as correct errors in your thank you letter to prepare to send them.

February 25, 2005 Friday

Now you know: Los Angeles's ful name is "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina do los Angeles"

Speech: We will draw names for the order of speeches which begin next Tuesday, March 1st.

Sophomores: Check your . In your bellringer for today, label it number 73 and tell me how many you missed. Then, begin the "logy" worksheet, due Monday. Continue working on Section 4. When it is finished, go to www.easybib.com and begin your Works Cited page. Remember to use only those you mentioned in Section 3!!!!!!! If you have to save and return to the page, copy the number it gives you. IF not, you have to start all over.


Freshmen: Check your . In your bellringer for today, label it number 73 and tell me how many you missed. Then, begin the "logy" worksheet, due Monday. Continue submitting your Section 3 to Criterion and fixing errors. You may, if you wish, have one more person peer edit. When you are confident that you have no plagiarism, and that your citations are correct, you are ready to turn in the hardest part, Section 3. It is due by the end of the day, in the following order:
TOP = Final copy of outline (if you changed anything in your paper, change the outline to match)
Final draft of Section 3
All rough drafts (of Section 3 AND outlines)
Peer edit sheets

February 24, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: The word "set" has ore definitions than any other word in the English language.

Speech: Today we will discuss your visual aids, spending most of the time talking about Power Point. We will draw for speech order Friday. Speeches will begin Monday.

Sophomores: We will begin substituting a study of Greek and Latin root words in place of bellringers for the next few weeks. At the beginning of class each day, you will be given a worksheet to complete. You will spend about 5-10 minutes on it, and whatever is not finished then becomes homework to go over the next day in class FOR A GRADE. Today, you will learn "ject." Finish editing Sections 1 and 2. Send your corrected thank you letter and show me proof it was sent (either I stamp it and mail it, or you get the person's signature, or you send me a carbon copy if it was emailed). Begin Section 4. It is due by the end of the day tomorrow.

Freshmen: We will begin substituting a study of Greek and Latin root words in place of bellringers for the next few weeks. At the beginning of class each day, you will be given a worksheet to complete. You will spend about 5-10 minutes on it, and whatever is not finished then becomes homework to go over the next day in class FOR A GRADE. Today, you will learn "ject." You should receive your Section 3, edited, back from your assigned peer editor. Fix errors. Reprint and get a new edit sheet and then have someone of your choice peer edit. Again, fix mistakes. KEEP ALL OLD DRAFTS!!! Last, submit to Criterion Online to have it edited by the computer. Fix any errors it finds. Final drafts are due Friday by the end of the day in the following order:

TOP: Final draft of outline (fix your old outline if there were errors or if you changed anything in your Section 3)
Final draft of Section 3
ALL old drafts (Section 3 and outlines)
Peer edit sheets

February 23, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain was born on a day in 1835 when Haley's Comet came into view. When he died in 1910, Haley's Comet came into view again.

Speech: Continue working on outlines. Tomorrow and Friday we will work on visual aids. Speeches will begin early next week.


Sophomores: Bellringer 72. (Should it not work, you will do it on paper, the old-fashioned way.) The worst part is finally over! Section 3 has been handed in. Today, you will get back your Section 2 papers and will have time to correct errors from the first two sections. As well, I will give you a worksheet to fill out, which will soon become Section 4.


Freshmen: Bellringer 72. (Should it not work, you will do it on paper, the old-fashioned way.) I will return your Section 2 papers today. Don't forget to correct any errors from it and Section 1 as soon as you can. We will begin peer editing today, looking for plagiarism and errors in citing sources. Final draft of Section 3 will be due Thursday by the end of the day.

February 22, 2005 Tuesday

Now you know: The dot over the letter "i" is called a "tittle."

Speech: I hope you had a good day off and are healthy and ready to work. We will be putting your information into outline form for the next couple of days.

Sophomores: Continue peer editing, replacing "dead words," submitting online, and correcting errors. Final draft of your paper is due by the end of the day today. Final order is as follows:
TOP: Final, corrected outline that matches your paper
Final draft of Section 3
All old drafts (should show some editing/revision)
Peer edit sheets

Freshmen: Today, we will begin the process of peer editing for plagiarism and for correct internal citations. We will also work on improving word choice.

February 21, 2005 Monday

HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY!

See you tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy your day off and get healthy!!!

February 18, 2005 Friday

Did you know: All 50 states are listed across the top if the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill?


Speech: Print your sources for your biographical speech. Highlight the different source types.


Sophomores: Finish peer editing for plagiarism and correct MLA citations. Fix errors. If time remains, check hour Section 3 online. Fix mistakes again. You should, at that point, have several drafts: the original one, the one with words "spiced up" so that, as my 2nd grader says, "you don't sound like first graders," and the draft (or drafts) from peer editing and online computer editing. Tuesday, you will have all hour to fix errors, finish getting it edited, print, and turned in.


Freshmen: We will spend about 10 minutes discussing how to incorporate direct quotatons correctly so that they do not "float." We will also do a quick check to see that your citations are correct. You will have the rest of the hour to finish your Section 3. It should be completed and ready to peer edit Tuesday.

February 17, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League All-Star Game.

Speech: We have a guest speaker, Tracey Webb from the Rend Lake College theater department, coming in to speak with us today. We will resume research tomorrow.

Sophomores: Rough drafts are due today during class. We will peer edit and fix some errors I am often seeing. Final drafts are due by the end of the day Monday.

Freshmen: Continue working on your drafts of Section 3. Draft due by Friday do that Monday and Tuesday we can check over plagiarism, citations, etc. Final due Tuesday at end of the day.

February 16, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.


Speech: Continue locating information on your biographical speech. Begin highlighting information according to the info type (statistics, etc.) Tomorrow, we will begin constructing an outline.


Sophomores: Continue typing your Section 3 papers. They are due in draft form tomorrow.


Freshmen: We will work on Section 3 today. Continue typing, attempting to give credit where it's due.

February 15, 2005 Tuesday

Speech: Since the Internet was blocked yesterday (sorry), today we will attempt to narrow down our search and to locate information. Tomorrow, we will work on highlighting information according to the type it is (statistic, testimony, etc.)

Sophomores: Today, we will go through how to avoid plagiarism again and continue typing Section 3, due Thursday in rough draft form at the beginning of the hour. Remember, you have this hour AND computer hour (2 hours a day) so you should, if you use your time wisely and effeciently, have no problem being finished by then. Many of you chose to waste TWO hours yesterday rather than type. Not a wise choice. Turn in your thank you letter today.

Freshmen: Today, we will discuss plagiarism and what it looks like. We will discuss how to give credit to your sources. Turn in your thank you letter. The rest of the hour will be spent typing Section 3.

February 14, 2005

~~HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!~~

Now you know: The first Ford cars had Dodge engines.


Speech: Friday, we did not get a lot accomplished due to the absence of many students gone to the Accounting Challenge. Today, we will continue to research and find proof to back up what we say.


Sophomores: Work on your draft of Section 3. Remember to avoid plagiarism! Use internal citations everytime you state something that is not your original idea!


Freshmen: Work on drafting Section 3. Try to avoid plagiarism. Remember the information we learned about giving credit to your sources!

February 12, 2005 Friday

Now you know: An iguana can stay underwater for 28 minutes.

Speech: Now that you've chosen your topics, you need to be locating information. Remember to be locating the four types of information. You must have at least one of each.

Sophomores: Turn in outlines today. Work on Section 3 draft.

Freshmen: Turn in outlines today. Finish and turn in website evaluation forms. We will then discuss plagiarism.

February 10, 2005 Thursday

Now you know:

Speech: Work on locating information on your new speeches. Remember, you need one of each type.

Sophomores: I am going to have a few of you at a time try the bellringer. The rest of the hour, you need to be finishing your outline for Section 3. We will also discuss plagiarism and how to avoid it in Section 3.

Freshmen: I am going to have a few of you at a time try the bellringer. The rest of the hour, you need to be finishing your outline for Section 3. After that, I am going to have each of you evaluate two of your helpful websites from your research (the information should be in your journal).

February 9, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: Montpelier, Vermont is the only U. S. state capital without a McDonald's.


Speech: We will work on choosing and researching a new topic for our next speech.[


Sophomores and Freshmen:

Hello. I am either grading your Section 2 papers right now or I am at a workshop. I’m sure you miss me! Here are some things you need to know:
A. Treat the sub the same way you would treat me.
B. Do the work you are assigned today.
C. Be sure you have turned in Section 2.
D. You should not be doing anything inappropriate on the computers (like playing games when your work is not finished, playing unapproved games, etc.)
E. Should your name be given to me by the substitute, either for misbehaving or inappropriate use of the computers, you will pay the consequence, whether it be a detention, a lowered participation grade, or loss of computer privileges for a week.
F. Have a good day. After all, you get a break from me!


Now, on to your assignment. Try the bellringer from yesterday. Next, Miss Meadows will give you an outline packet (some of you got them yesterday). Read over requirements on worksheet packet and then begin to fill out your outline. You may modify the outline to match your needs (in other words, you can delete or add Roman Numerals, add or delete letters C, D, etc.). Each Roman Numeral (I, II, III, etc.) should be a paragraph topic. What you’re doing is taking the information you learned from research and breaking it into topics. Each topic is a Roman Numeral. If you finish, you should begin typing their outline. Nothing is due tomorrow, though I should see LOTS of evidence of working on your outline.

February 8, 2005 Tuesday

Now you know: February 865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon!

Speech: Today you will continue to work with your partner finding facts, statistics, etc. It will be due tomorrow morning.

Sophomores: Bellringer 72. It looked like most of you finished yesterday. However, today may get hectic due to group/organizational pictures, so finish editing, correcting mistakes, submitting to Criterion Online, and then turn in your paper by the end of the day. SEE YESTERDAY'S POST FOR THE ORDER TO TURN IN YOUR PAPER. If time remains, begin drafting your outline of information learned.

Freshmen: Bellringer 72. Finish editing, correcting mistakes, and submitting your paper to Criterion Online. Section 2 due at beginning of hour tomorrow. SEE YESTERDAY'S POST FOR THE ORDER TO TURN IN YOUR PAPER. If time begins, begin drafting your outline of information learned.

February 7, 2005 Monday

Now you know: The Boston University Bridge (on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts) is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under a plane.

Speech: Since Richard intrigued us so yesterday with his information on backward recorded messages, we did not get to discuss your first speeches. We will do so today and then learn how to better find and label statistics, testimony, etc.

Sophomores: Bellringer 71. Today is your last day to get your Section 2 completed. You typed Thurs. and Friday and had time in Mrs. Kelton's class to finish and peer edit once in her room and once in mine. Today, please attempt to finish typing, peer editing, and correcting your errors. Today, I am going to have you submit your writing to an online grading program to let you see your errors and have one more chance at correcting them. Your final is due tomorrow by the end of the day, though there won't be a lot of class time tomorrow to work. The order is as follows:
TOP: Final Draft
Any rough drafts you may have (if not, don't panic)
Your two (or more) peer edit sheets from partners

Freshmen: Bellringer 71. Today, you need to peer edit and submit your Section 2 to Criterion Writing. Tomorrow, we will spend about half the hour finishing the corrections of our errors and getting ready to turn it in. Your final is due tomorrow by the end of the day, though there won't be a lot of class time tomorrow to work. The order is as follows:
TOP: Final Draft
Any rough drafts you may have (if not, don't panic)
Your two (or more) peer edit sheets from partners

February 4, 2005 Friday

Now you know: The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.

Speech: Richard will give his speech (saved the best for last, right Richard?) today. We will then discuss as a class how you think you did overall for your first speech. We will then discuss ways to better back up what you say using facts, statistics, testimony, and examples.


Sophomores: Bellringer 70. Be sure you turned in your evaluating websites worksheets. Today, work on finishing Section 2 (you are also getting time in Mrs. Kelton's computer class). When you are "finished," have a student in HER class and also a student in MY class peer edit your paper. That means it will be edited at least twice. Then, fix errors. She will have forms for peer editing and I will have some, too.

Freshmen: Bellringer 70. Work on typing Section 2. When you are "finished," have a student peer edit your paper. I have the forms on the desk in my room.

February 3, 2005 Thursday

Now you know: In every episode of Seinfeld, there is a Superman somewhere.

Speeches: We're almost finished! Today should be the last day. Don't forget to watch yourself on video and fill out/turn in the self-eval. with the video.

Sophomores: Bellringer 69. Turn in your three website evaluations, stapled together, today. You have all hour to work on typing Section 2 and fixing Section 1. Remember not to lose your Section 1...it is now a rough draft and should be kept in your classroom portfolio in the drawer.

Freshmen: Bellringer 69. You have all hour to work on typing Section 2 and fixing Section 1. Remember not to lose your Section 1...it is now a rough draft and should be kept in your classroom portfolio in the drawer. Also, be working on evaluating at least three of your websites you visited, preferrably the three best ones. Evaluation worksheets are due by next Tuesday by the end of the day.

February 2, 2005 Wednesday

Now you know: Cat's urine glows under a black light.

Speech: Continue with speeches and self-evaluations.

Sophomores: Bellringer. Today's the day! You should have your interviews conducted, your books read, copied and highlighted, your Internet information printed, etc. We are ready to begin Section 2: The Search. I will be giving you a hefty pack of papers, most of which are samples of good Section 2 papers from last year. There will also be a paper which tells you what is required in Section 2. We will write and type this paper the rest of this week. It will be due Friday by the end of the day. Today, you need to turn in your three website evaluation forms. Staple them ALL together before turning them in.


Freshmen: Bellringer. Today's the day! You should have your interviews conducted, your books read, copied and highlighted, your Internet information printed, etc. We are ready to begin Section 2: The Search. I will be giving you a hefty pack of papers, most of which are samples of good Section 2 papers from last year. There will also be a paper which tells you what is required in Section 2. We will spend quite a bit of time today going over what a good Section 2 looks like, since many Section 1 papers look weak and without much substance. We will write and type this paper the rest of this week. It will be due Monday by the end of the day. Today, you need to turn in your three website evaluation forms. Staple them ALL together before turning them in.

February 1, 2005 Tuesday

Now you know: The average ear of corn has eight hundred kernels arranged in sixteen rows.

Speech: Same as Monday.

Sophomores: Bellringer 67. You should still be working on locating research and matching it to your questions. Copy all final information from books, the Internet, etc. and have it highlighted ASAP. We begin Section 2 tomorrow. PRINT your journals today and KEEP them...you'll need them tomorrow for Section 2. Don't forget (since we didn't get to it yesterday) to highlight information from your interviews like you did with Internet and book information. Here's an ordered list of what to accomplish today:
1. Do the bellringer
2. Update and print journals and keep them for tomorrow
3. Finish printing and highlighting information (books, magazines, interview answers, Internet info, etc.)
4. Copy any needed book or magazine pages
5. Make sure you have useable information from a print source (book, movie, magazine), an interview, and the Internet.
6. Bring it ALL back tomorrow.

Freshmen: Bellringer 67. You should still be working on locating research and matching it to your questions. Copy all final information from books, the Internet, etc. and have it highlighted ASAP. We begin Section 2 tomorrow. PRINT your journals today and KEEP them...you'll need them tomorrow for Section 2. If you didn't take the online writing test yesterday, you MUST do so today if you want credit. Otherwise, it is a zero (unless it's makeup from missed days). Don't forget (since we didn't get to it yesterday) to highlight information from your interviews like you did with Internet and book information. Here's an ordered list of what to accomplish today:
1. Do the bellringer
2. Update and print journals and keep them for tomorrow
3. Finish printing and highlighting information (books, magazines, interview answers, Internet info, etc.)
4. Copy any needed book or magazine pages
5. Make sure you have useable information from a print source (book, movie, magazine), an interview, and the Internet.
6. Bring it ALL back tomorrow.