Tuesday, November 22, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss your responses to Walden. Turn in your worksheets. Then take out your original questions about nature and individualism. In a group, you will discuss what changes you've made in your thinking. I will then hand out a project, "This is your brain on Transcendentalism." It will be due later in the week that you return from break.

English 4 -- Be prepared to discuss and then turn in your responses to last night's reading assignment, "There's No Space Like Home." You will continue working on your research and outlines for your argument/persuasion essays. Outlines are due next Monday for fourth hour and Tuesday for eighth hour.

Speech -- Continue working on your outlines for your first major speeches.

Monday, November 21, 2005

English 3 : Turn in group worksheet over "Self-Reliance" if you have not yet done so. Remember, tomorrow your reflection over your personal road not taken is due. We will discuss Henry David Thoreau today. Tonight, read the excerpt of Walden and answer the questions about it. You will have some class time today to either work on your reflection or read and do the worksheet.

English 4 -- We will discuss what goes into an argument-persuasion essay. During class, you will work on your outline of your topic. For tonight, read "There's No Space Like Home" (I will give it to you) and write out how Quevedo uses Rogerian strategy to appease her audience. Your thesis and main points are due today.

Speech -- Today, your topic and three main points are due. I will show you what is expected on an outline today. You will need to begin working on it.

Friday, November 18, 2005

English 3 -- Socratic circles over "The Road Not Taken." Turn in your paragraph over an Emerson quote. Remember, if your group worksheet over "Self-Reliance" wan't completed yesterday and turned in, it is due Monday. You will have a personal reflection over difficult choices. This is due Tuesday.

English 4 -- We will discuss Rogerian Strategy tomorow and continue locating information for essays. Go to the following link to practic Rogerian Stragegy: http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/wood2/chapter11/multiple1/deluxe-content.html .

Speech -- Now that you have analyzed the audiences for speeches, you will begin locating information. By Monday, I want to know your topic and three main points (you may change them later if you need to, with my permission).

Thursday, November 17, 2005

English 3 -- We will work in groups discussing Emerson's "Self-Reliance." For homework, you will be given a worksheet with quotes from "Self-Reliance." Choose ONE and describe it's significance to you in a well-developed paragraph. Additionally, you will receive Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken." You should mark it for Socratic Circles tomorrow.

English 4 -- We will discuss Toulmin logic today. By Monday, you will need your topic, thesis statement, and three possible main points.

Speech -- You should have your first expository speech topic by today (you all said you had them yesterday). Today, we will complete an audience analysis and how to conduct research. Three main points are due by tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

English 3 - We will discuss Emerson's "Nature" and how it fits transcendental thought. Then, we will read aloud another piece by Emerson called "Self-Reliance" and discuss. We will look at famous quotes and decide which ones fit our lives by looking at what we wrote yesterday about nature, a person's spiritual side, and individuality.

English 4 -- We will discuss logical fallacies today. Additionally, there will be a little time to research online.

Speech -- We will begin discussing how to organize a major speech.

Reading--Keep working on your Power Point presentations over your book. You will need to get my ok before adding color, pictures, background, and so forth.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

English 3 -- Your Moby Dick Socratic circle reflections are due by the end of the day today. In class, we will begin learning about Transcendentalism and some Transcendentalist authors.

English 4 -- Fourth hour, we will review inductive and deductive reasoning. Next, we will discuss Toulmin logic. You will then continue researching for your chosen topic. Turn in your "In Praise of the F-Word" worksheet. 8th hour, you will have a guest speaker today from RLC (actually, she used to be your librarian in grade school when you were young...Beth Mandrell). Turn in your "In Praise of the F-Word" workhseet before you leave.

Speech -- Chapter 6 test.

Reading -- Continue working on your Power Point presentations. Be sure to practice pronouncing all the words so that when you read to us, you will make sense.

Monday, November 14, 2005

English 3 -- You will complete your Socratic circle reflections today. They are due tomorrow.

English 4 -- Fourth hour will have a guest speaker, Beth Mandrell, to show you how to access the RLC library online. Turn in your worksheets from the story assigned. Eighth hour will be tomorrow. Eighth hour today, we will continue discussing inductive and deductive reasoning. Go to http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.htm to see another explanation of inductive and deductive reasoning. We will then continue onto Tolumin logic. For homework, read "In Praise of the F- Word" and do the worksheet given to you.

Speech -- We will finish impromptu speeches and prepare for a Chapter 6 test tomorrow.

Friday, November 11, 2005

NO SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

English 3 -- Begin working on Socratic Circles reflection. We will continue working on Monday. It will be due Tuesday.

English 4 -- We will spend some time locating information on your chosen topics. We will look at not only supporting evidence, but also differing viewpoints from your own.

Speech -- Impromptu speeches.

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

English 3 -- Socratic Circles today. Come prepared to discuss deeply!

English 4 -- We will discuss audience analysis, avoiding a hostile tone, organizing supporting evidence, and acknowledging and refuting differing viewpoints. We will begin looking at topics of interest and locating differing viewpoints online.

Speech -- Impromptu speeches. Remember to move a bit and use gestures.

Tuesday, November 8, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss Moby Dick and Herman Melville. Socratic circles today.

English 4 -- Be prepared to discuss the statements from Friday. We will continue working with ethos, pathos, and logos. Additionally, we will discuss using logos in argumentation-persuasion.

Speech -- We will finish Chapter 6 discussion today. We will begin another round of impromptu speeches, with more expectations attached to this one.

Monday, November 7, 2005

English 3 -- Worked on ACT reading review since I was absent.

English 4 -- Read TIME magazine article and highlight instances of ethos, pathos, and logos.

Speech -- Study hall.

Reading -- Work Keys.

Friday, November 4, 2005

English 3 -- Either correct your Crucible essay or mark up the text of Moby Dick. Both are due Monday.

English 4 -- Turn in your essays today. We will begin argumentation-persuasion. For homework, look at the worksheet with statements lacking in logic. Be prepared to discuss them Monday.

Speech -- We will continue discussing Chapter 6.

Thursday, November 3, 2005

The first Scholar Bowl match is tonight. Come support us!

English 3 -- Turn in your poems. I will ask for a few of you to share yours (volunteers, only). Next, you will post to your blog (I HOPE!). Online, post the answers to three of the following:

1. How does this poem make you feel? Why? How does Poe make you feel this way?
2. Consider the motif of the word “nevermore.” How does this motif become increasingly more important as the poem goes on?
3. This poem has been popular for more than one hundred years. Explain why you think the poem does or does not merit this continued attention.
4. What does the Raven eventually come to represent?
5. Do you think grief can truly cause a person to permanently lose the ability to reason? Explain.

We will then discuss Herman Melville and his famous novel, Moby Dick. For homework, read the excerpt from Moby Dick and mark text for discussion in Socratic Circles Monday. Tomorrow, you will have the hour to work on your revision of your Crucible essay. If you are finished, please work on the Moby Dick excerpt.

English 4 -- You will have about half the period to work on correcting your drafts. Finals are due Friday by the end of the day. We will begin discussing argumentation-persuasion as our last type of writing.

Speech -- We will begin Chapter 6.

Wednesday, November 2, 2005

English 3 -- We will continue looking at the Interactive Raven website to discuss Poe's craft in "The Raven." Additionally, we will discuss the meaning and symbols in the poem. Turn in your Poe worksheet over his background. Tonight, write a poem using alliteration, assonance, internal rhyme and external rhyme. Your poem can be about anything school-appropriate. When finished, write the rhyme scheme (ABCBBB , etc.)

English 4 -- We will peer edit today. Essays are due Friday by the end of the day.

Speech -- Chapter 5 test today.

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

English 3 -- "Devil and Tom Walker" vocabulary test today. In class, we will discuss assonance, internal and external rhyme scheme, tone and mood. Then, we will look at how Poe put together "The Raven" for effect. We will go to the following websites in this order:
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/writer/internal.asp
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/writer/external.asp
http://knowingpoe.thinkport.org/writer/challenge.asp .

With a partner, you will then look at the Interactive Raven: http://www.teachersfirst.com/share/raven/start-fl.html . Afterwards, you will have a worksheet, though we most likely will not get to that part until tomorrow.


English 4 - Finish your draft. I will give you a check sheet to make sure you are still on track. Tomorrow, we will peer edit.


Speech --We will finish presentations today. Afterwards, you will each rate your group members as well as yourself. I will then hand out a study guide for the test tomorrow and hand back your last test.

Monday, October 31, 2005

Happy Halloween!

English 3 -- Turn in your anticipation guide update when you arrive. You will then take 5 minutes to get back in your virtues group to discuss your successes and failures. Next, we will begin a unit on Edgar Allen Poe (Appropriate, isn't it?). You have a vocabulary test over the words from "The Devil and Tom Walker" tomorrow. Remember to continue working on your "Crucible" revision. It is due a week from today.

English 4 -- Work on your draft. We will peer edit Wednesday.

Speech -- Presentations over inventions begin today.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

English 3 -- We will play a review game over the vocab from "The Devil and Tom Walker." Vocab. test Monday.

English 4 -- 4th hour only= continue working on your draft in class. 8th hour, work on your draft on paper or computer at home. We will type in both hours Monday and most of Tuesday.

Speech -- NO CLASS

Reading lab--Bookworm contest for candy.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

English 3 -- We will discuss whether or not your views on the anticipation guide for "The Devil and Tom Walker" changed. Additionally, we will briefly discuss the story. The rest of the hour is yours to work on your revision of your Crucible essay. Virtue journals are due today.

English 4 -- Work on your outlines. Let me see them before you begin your essay. Once I have seen your outline, you may begin your draft.

Speech -- We may begin presenting group projects today.

Reading Lab--If everyone finishes on time, we may begin your Power Point presentations.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

English 3 -- You will work in groups today to understand "The Devil and Tom Walker." You will need the worksheet you received in class Friday. You will also do a multiple choice worksheet with higher level thinking questions and write two short answers to questions about your thoughts on the story. Virtue journals are due tomorrow.

English 4 -- No work today. Actually, no classes 4th hour due to PSAE retake and 8th hour due to cancellation.

Speech -- Complete the group checklist to ensure your group is prepared to present.

Reading Lab--Work on your Power Points.

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.