Tuesday, January 31, 2006

English 3 -- We will finish group presentations over themes of the novel. Next, each of you will present your Internet articles and discuss reasons for and against teaching the novel in school. Tomorrow, you will print your Quick 8 papers and turn them in.

English 4 -- We will continue working on outlines for research papers.

Speech -- Hopefully, the last few students who have put off speeches will present today. We will, if time allows, discuss the next speech, which is persuasive speaking.

Monday, January 30, 2006

NO SCHOLAR BOWL MATCH TODAY. IT HAS BEEN CANCELED. WE WILL RESCHEDULE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

English 3 -- You will be assigned an essay to read over Huck Finn for Wednesday. Today, we will do a Quick 8 and then discuss themes in the novel.

English 4 -- We will discuss notecards today. We will discuss outlining for your paper.

Speech -- Ceremonial speeches today.

Friday, January 27, 2005

English 3 -- We will finish the ACT packet today. We will also do a Quick 8 today. You should have finished the novel for today, so well will spend the rest of the hour discussing the ending and anything else you want to discuss over the novel.

English 4 -- We will discuss "Young Goodman Brown" today and look at some critical analyses of the story. Remember, your notecards are due Monday.

Speech -- more ceremonial speeches today. We're almost finished!

Thursday, January 26, 2006

English 3 -- You should have finished the book by today. We will discuss your themes in your groups today for about ten minutes. We will discuss the various themes in class afterwards. There will be class time to discuss questions and comments you have. We will do a quick 8 and the final page on the ACT review packet. NO HOMEWORK unless you are not caught up on your reading and thus have not finished the novel.

English 4 -- We will discuss "Young Goodman Brown." Afterwards we will begin looking online for literary criticisms over the short story. You will each locate one online, read it, and prepare an explanation for the class for Monday. Additionally, your notecards are due Monday as well.

Speech -- Ceremonial speeches.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

English 3 -- You will discuss your paragraphs today as revisions from yesterday in groups. Your group members will suggest ways to improve with more specific details, proof from the book, etc. You will also do a Quick 8 and ACT review. . For tonight, please read Chapters 35-38 and write a response paragraph. We are almost finished with the book. Hang in there.

English 4 (1102) -- Today, we will finish the discussion over MLA. The focus today will be internal citations and punctuation. For homework, read "Young Goodman Brown" and mark text for discussion. Your bib cards are due today. Note cards are due Monday.

Speech -- Ceremonial speeches today.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

English 3 -- We will do the fifth Quick 8 today...but it does not have to be #5...remember that you can do them in any order. Afterwards, we will discuss the next section in the ACT review. Additionally, in groups I want you to discuss how to make your responses more detailed. For homework, you will not read on but rather take last night's written paragraph and make it deeper and more detailed.

English 4 (1102) -- Today, we will discuss how to use MLA format. Remember, your bib (source) cards are due tomorrow. . . NOT NOTECARDS. They are due Monday the 30th.

Speech -- More ceremonial speeches today.

Monday, January 23, 2006

ESSAY CONTEST ANNOUNCED (and not required, but you could win up to a $500.00 Savings Bond). Go to http://www.stlouisfed.org/education/essaycontest.html#gs for more information.


English 3 -- ACT review. We will discuss Chapters 26-30. Most of you are doing GREAT in discussions...you have deep questions and tie your questions and answers to the book. I'm also impressed by how some of you attempt to draw in the quieter students. Those of you who are not preparing questions and/or are not participating MUST jump in NOW to have a decent grade. Since I can tell whether or not you've read the book only by your discussions and to an extent your questions, you must participate in order to receive a passing grade.

English 4 -- We will discuss litarary criticisims today. You will then be given a bit of time to research for your paper.

Speech -- more speeches today.

Friday, January 20, 2006

English 3 -- We will work on ACT review. Sixth and seventh hours will work a little on their group themes. Finally, we will discuss Chapters 21-25 and turn in questions.

English 4 -- Research time to locate information and work on bib and note cards.

Speech -- more speeches today.

Reading -- gone on field trip

Thursday, January 19, 2006

English 3 -- We will do ACT review first. Then, you will get into your assigned groups from yesterday and discuss your assigned theme. You will need to take notes and turn them in. If time remains, we will discuss your leveled questions up to Chapter 20. Remember, you need to have prepared questions from Chapters 21-25 by tomorrow.

English 4 -- You will be given the hour to research information on your topic. Remember to make bib cards on sources you consult and work on note cards as well. You will not have many more days to conduct research, so make the most of your time.


Speech -- Ceremonial speeches begin today (after the postponement from Tuesday).

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

English 3 -- We will NOT do a quick 8 today. Instead, we will attempt to log into p214.ezboard.com/bcchsenglish and reply to others' questions. First, though, we will discuss what makes a good post and I will give you examples. Reply to at least two other students' posts. With time remaining, I will put you in groups and assign your group a theme from the reading so far. For homework, you will need to think of some examples of the theme in the novel so far and be prepared to discuss it tomorrow. Also, you should have read to the end of Chapter 25 and prepared leveled questions for discussion by FRIDAY.

English 4 - 1102 -- We will discuss research theses today in class. In groups, you will discuss your thesis statements over "The Lottery" and choose the best ones. I will then allow you time to research your topic or read books over your topic. Please begin using bib and note cards to collect information.

Speech -- Jason Swan from RLC will be here this hour today. Speeches will begin tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 18, 2006

English 3 -- Well, logging into ezboard took longer than expected, so we're behind. No homework tonight--just be sure you've read to the end of Chapter 20 and prepared level 2 and 3 questions. We will do a quick 8 today and finish the ACT quiz.

English 4 -- Today we will discuss "The Lottery" and thesis statements. You will have a thesis statement for an essay (you won't actually write the essay) due tomorrow. Your thesis statement for your research paper is also due tomorrow. We will discuss using bib and note cards today, as well as talk about how to quote effectively and use paraphrasing.

Speech -- Jessica was the only one ready today, and tomorrow we have a guest speaker from RLC, so we will postpone speeches until Thursday. That means....all speeches are two days off. I will try to get a new calendar up soon.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

English 3 -- We will post to others on the messageboard. We will also do a Quick 8 and then discuss leveled questions. Read Chapters 21-24 tonight and prepare to discuss tomorrow.

English 4 (1102) -- We will discuss "The Lottery." You will then be required to log in to the class messageboard and post possible thesis statements for a literary analysis of the short story. We will continue our discussion of web sites and also discuss bib and note cards.

Speech -- Ceremonial speeches begin today with Jessica, Rachel, and Giovanna.

Reading Lab -- Begin reading your books. We will be making predictions.

Friday, January 13, 2006

English 3 -- We wil attemp to post to ezboard. No homework -- just bring back your questions.

English 4 -- We will be talking about research from the LBCH. Three links you will need are http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html ,
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/EvalForm_General_Barker.pdfm_General_Barker.pdf
and
http://www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us/staff/dehogue/FSSH/cards.htmgue/FSSH/cards.htm . Additionally, you need to read "The Lottery" for Tuesday and prepare for discussion.

Speech -- Turn in your outlines today. We will draw names for presentations beginning next week.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

English 3 -- We will take a quiz over commas in the ACT packet. Quick 8 (third entry) today. We will discuss Huck Finn Chapters 9-12 today. Turn in your questions. Bring your questions from all chapters up to 12 to class tomorrow. You will be posting online to other classes.

English 4 (1102) -- Continue working on your topics. You will need to narrow your topic, fill out the sheet given to you yesterday, and have your topic approved. We will discuss primary and secondary sources, and using the Internet. Additionally, we will discuss note taking (bib cards, source cards, etc.).

Speech -- Type your outline today. I will give you a check sheet for you to complete to ensure you are on schedule. Outlines are due Friday and speeches begin Monday.

Reading Lab - We will finish letters to pen pals today. I will send them tomorrow, if possible.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

English 3 -- ACT review. Quiz over commas tomorrow. Quick 8 today. Discussion of Chapters 5-8. Turn in your level two and three questions. For tomorrow, read Chapters 9-12 and do leveled questions.

English 4 (1102) -- I will give you a list of hot topics today for those of you who are feeling stuck finding a topic. You will need to narrow down your topic so that it is not too broad (though you also need to avoid narrowing your topic too much). You will get a sheet today that asks questions about your topic so as to guide you on your path to deciding what to research and present in your paper. That sheet is due Thursday.

Speech -- Today, make your main points of your speech outline parallel. Also, add a linguistic device that we discussed in class. Tomorrow and Thursday you will type your outlines and turn them in by Friday. Friday we will draw names for speeches (which begin Monday) and discuss how to prepare for presentation.

Reading Lab -- You will finish your letters to pen pals. You can look up pictures to send.

Monday, January 9, 2006

English 3 -- We will begin class with ACT review. Then, we will discuss something called "Quick 8" which is a page of prompts. At the beginning of each day for the next ten class periods, you will choose a topic on the Quick 8 worksheet to write about. These topics relate to Huckleberry Finn. Afterwards, you will lead the class in discussion over Chapters 1-4 based on your Level 1, 2, and 3 questions that were howework. I will collect your questions after class. You will receive a participation grade, so be sure to participate actively today.

English 4 (1102) -- We will discuss "Teenage Wasteland" today based upon your notes. Next, we will begin discussing your first research paper. You will need to begin considering topics of interest.

Speech -- Continue working on your outlines for your ceremonial speech. Outlines are due Tuesday by the end of the day. Additionally, today we will discuss transitional devices.

Reading Lab -- You will receive new bookmarks today and I will discuss how to complete them. With the time remaining, you will continue to read.

Friday, January 6, 2006

English 3 -- Today we will complete an anticipation guide over the novel we are about to begin. Additionally, I will read Chapter 1 and a portion of Chapter 2 aloud. We will then discuss your reading assignment due Monday, to the end of Chapter 4, and the four questions due Monday. You will receive a worksheet explaining the questions. Be ready to discuss your questions Monday.

English 4 (1102) -- I received your pre-write prompt yesterday evening, so today we will take time off to write the pre-write. You have all hour. Additionally, for Monday you need to read "Teenage Wasteland" and mark text (either lightly in pencil or on sticky notes) and prepare to discuss in class Monday. Use the worksheet I gave you yesterday on questioning the text...this should help you in marking your text.

Speech -- Continue filling out your outlines on your ceremonial speech. I will explain to you how to come up with three main points.

Reading Lab -- You are doing well on your predictions before reading your books. Remember, it does not matter if your prediction comes true or not, as long as you are making a good guess as to what will happen next in your book. Monday, we will begin a new bookmark type.

Thursday, January 5, 2006

English 3 -- Turn in your "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" explanations. We will discuss Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn. We will also do more ACT review.

English 4 (1102) -- We will discuss last night's reading assignment and begin discussion over interpreting and evaluating literature. If time permits, you will read a brief story in a group and annotate the text.

Speech -- Work on ceremonial speeches. We will discuss outline expectations.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006

English 3 -- We will discuss slavery and spirituals. For homework, please decipher "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."

English 4 (ENGL 1102)-- We will go over the new semester English 1102 syllabus and course expectations. You will receive your new textbooks and we will begin discussing the introductory material.

Speech -- We will discuss the next assignment, the ceremonial speech. You will have class time to think about your topic and do some research.

Reading Lab -- Choose new books, grab a bookmark, fill out the first few parts, and begin reading!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

English 3 -- Work on your Dickinson/Whitman essays. They are due tomorrow for first hour, and Thursday for sixth and seventh hours. I will hand out study guides today.

English 4 -- Eighthhour, turn in your argumentation-persuasion essays. Fourth and eighth hours should be working on final exam essays.

Speech -- Presenting today are Giovanna, Brooke, and Randy.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Ok, don't panic. Yes, we are behind due to the snow day Friday. And I have better news for you...we have a guest speaker today. I was going to tell you about her Friday, but we were not here (darn those snow days :) ) She is from DeVry University and will be speaking to you about preparing for college and what to expect. Because of this, pay special attention to due dates below.

English 3 -- Guest speaker today. Your essays are now due Wednesday.

English 4 -- Guest speaker today. Fourth hour, your argumentation-persuasion essays are due by the end of the day today. Your final exam is due by Thursday. Eighth hour, your argumentation-persuasion essay is due by the end of the day tomorrow, though the sooner the better since I have a lot to grade. Your final exam, a rewrite of your ungraded in-class essay from the first day of school, is due Thursday. I will give you your original and the assignment today.

Speech -- Presenting today should be Janelle, David, Lorrie, and Christina. We may not get to everyone, but be prepared.

Friday, December 9, 2005

English 3 -- First Hour: Work on drafting your information on your Dickinson-Whitman test. It is due Friday by the end of the day.
Sixth Hour: We will discuss your homework from last night over Whitman. Then, we will read two poems written in response to Whitman: Langston Hughes's "I, too," and Angela de Hoyos's "To Walt Whitman."
Seventh Hour: You will receive a written test over Dickinson and Whitman. You will work on it today and Monday.

English 4 : Essays due today. Youir final exam (revision paper) is due by next Wednesday. Once you have turned it in, you are finished for the semester. Bring something to work on the rest of the semester.

Speech: More speeches: David, Lorrie, Christina.

Thursday, December 8, 2005

English 3 -- First Hour: Today, you will begin your written test over Dickinson and Whitman. I will give you a worksheet with questions. You will have today and tomorrow to complete it in class.
Sixth Hour: We will discuss Walt Whitman. We will then read the preface to Leaves of Grass. For homework, read "Song of Myself" and do the worksheet given to you in class.
Seventh Hour: We will discuss your homework, the worksheet over Whitman's poetry. Then, we will read two poems written in response to Whitman: Langston Hughes's "I, too," and Angela de Hoyos's "To Walt Whitman."

English 4 -- Your essays are due tomorrow. Please finish peer editing and fixing errors. I will hand back your beginning essay from the first day of class along with the revision assignment for your final. The revision final is due by next Wednesday. When your argumentation-persuasion and final essays are turned in, you are finished for the semester. Bring something to work on the rest of the semester.

Speech-- Presenters today are Janelle, Will, and Ryan.

Wednesday, December 7, 2005

English 3 -- First hour: We will discuss "I Hear America Singing" by Whitman and then examine two poems written in response to Whitman: "I, too," by Langston Hughes, and "To Walt Whitman" by Angela de Hoyos. No homework.

Sixth Hour: We will finish presentations today over Emily Dickinson's poetry. No homework.
Seventh Hour: We will finish discussing Walt Whitman and read a portion of the preface of Leaves of Grass. For homework, read "Song of Myself" and answer the questions on the worksheet you receive in class.

English 4 -- Continue peer editing and working on your essay.

Speech -- Presenting today should be Mathew and Rachel (from yesterday), Samantha, Drake, and Anna.

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

English 3 -- First and seventh hours: We will begin a new poet, Walt Whitman. Sixth hour: you will present your Dickinson poem.

English 4 -- Continue working on your essay. Pay special attention to internal citations and the works cited page.

Speech -- Presenting today will be Rachel, Kyle, and Mathew N.

Monday, December 5, 2005

English 3 -- You will continue working in your groups today, preparing to present your assigned Dickinson poems.

English 4 -- Today we will discuss internal citations and works cited pages.

Speech -- Presenting today will be Hanna (from Friday), Matt P., Heidi, and Jessica.

Friday, December 2, 2005

English 3 -- We will look at another Dickinson poem as a class, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death." Then, in assigned groups, you will begin discussing tow assigned poems of hers. You will present them Monday to the rest of the class.

English 4 -- Bring your drafts for peer editing. Monday we will discuss how to use internal citations and make a works cited page.

Speech -- Presenting today will be Salina, Hanna, and Alisha.

Thursday, December 1, 2005

HaPpY DeCeMbEr!!!

English 3 -- Those of you who brought your music and lyrics will present them and tell the class how the songs apply to Transcendental themes for extra credit. Then, we will continue looking at Emily Dickinson's poetry. Turn in your Transcendental projects by the end of the day.

English 4 -- Last day to work on your argumentation-persuasion draft. Tomorrow, first thing, you will peer edit.

Speech -- You will have today to practice your speech, get your outline finalized and turned in, and finish your visual aid. Speeches begin tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

English 3 -- If you will be absent tomorrow for chorus to sing at WSIL TV 3 and you want to do the extra credit project, please bring your songs and lyrics today. In class today, we will discuss another writer who marched to the beat of a different drum...Emily Dickinson. Please bring her packet of p0ems you receive in class with you each day. Your Transcendentalism projects are due by tomorrow at the end of the day. If you want extra credit, bring your songs and lyrics to class tomorrow.

English 4 -- Continue working on your argumentation/persuasion drafts. Remember: they are due at the beginning of the hour Friday.

Speech -- Work on your visual aid. Today, we will discuss how to prepare for your speech. We will begin speeches Friday and will draw names for presentations today. If you know you are going to be absent any day from this Friday until the 14th, please let me know ASAP so we can schedule speeches around you. If you are absent the day you are scheduled to give speeches and are unexcused, your speech will be lowered considerably. Additionally, if you are excused absent the day of your speech, you will go FIRST when you return.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

English 3 -- Finish your Transcendentalism project. Today is your last day to work in class. The project is due Thursday.

English 4 -- Work on your first draft of your essay.

Speech -- We will finalize your outlines and then discuss visual aides.

Monday, November 28, 2005

English 3 -- You will begin a Transcendentalism project. You will be using five quotes from the Emerson and Thoreau selections from your book and telling what they mean to you. Additionally, you need to find the lyrics to two songs and include them as well along with a description of how each fits the Transcendentalism theme. Refer to your class handout for details.

English 4 -- You should finish your outlines by tomorrow. Tomorrow, you should have begun your rough draft. We will edit Friday. Final is due November 7, Thursday.

Speech -- Finish your outlines. We will discuss visual aides tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

English 3 -- First hour only: play learning games.

English 4 -- Fourth hour only: work on outlines for essay.

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.