Sunday, December 2, 2007

I've Missed You All!

Hey there my wonderful, fabulous students!

I hate that I've been out for a few days. But I have bad news; I'm going to be out some more. Doctor's orders; and I don't argue with the doctor when he tells me what's best.

So, let's make the most of it, shall we?

I'm going to outline what you should work on this week so we stay on track. I expect you, and not the sub, to ensure that this work gets done. There will be someone with you all week, but you need to be the ones to stay on top of the work. I will inform the sub of what you should be working on.

First off, spend any free time you have in class working on your Commonplace Books.
If you turned it in last week just take it from the box by my desk and keep it until next week. I'll be back on the 10th. I didn't grade them but I did make note of who turned them in.


The second thing you can work on is your vocabulary.

Period 5: This is from the workbooks. You should be studying these words, how they function in a sentence (part of speech, morphology (how they change with prefixes and suffixes), and what words are related to them.

Period 2: These are the words from "The Scarlet Ibis". You should make flash cards using the format we went over in class. Check your notes. You should be able to fit this format on a standard index card. Just omit the word in the middle of the four boxes and put it on the opposite side for study purposes.

The following information is what should be in the four boxes:

definition, syllables, part of speech, related words (the word as changed by adding a prefix or suffix) Example: if the word was retrieve, related words would be retrieving, retriever, retrival
synonyms (same), antonyms (opposite)
an example of the way the word is used in the text (quote)
a sentence that you've written on your own (showing your knowledge of how the word is used)

Period 3/4: You can work on the vocab in your little book for lesson 15 and also those workbook pages you had for homework last week.


Overall, you should work on the following:

Period 2: Finish reading "The Scarlet Ibis". Finish your reader response log and complete the questions that follow. Do these on a seperate sheet of paper and use complete sentences.

Next, prepare to write an essay on this story.
Your essay will answer this question: Is Doodle's brother a good brother to him or not?

You will need to write a thesis statement following the class model.

Then you will need to have two pieces of evidence from the text to support each of your three reasons (as outlined in your thesis statement).

This outline will be due on Monday when I get back.

You should also read the short story "Harrison Bergeron" in the anthology. Fold some paper and complete your reader response log as I modeled in class with "The Scarlet Ibis".

There are a few writing assignments that come before and some questions that follow. Complete all of this work on a seperate sheet of paper. Have all of this complete for Monday as well.

Some things to think/write about for this story: What is a perfect society? Would the world be better if we were all the same? What might be better if we were all the same? What might be worse? Would people be happy if there were no differences?

To recap, I will collect these things Monday: "The Scarlet Ibis" reader response log, textbook questions, and essay outline; "Harrison Bergeron": answers to think/write questions, reader response log, and textbook questions

Period 3/4: Complete all Unit 15 Big Book work on your own or in pairs. Use the teacher's guide located at the podium to check your answers and to complete teacher-led activities for Unit 15. Read the text selections in your Little Book and complete the fluency builders in the back of your Big Book. Someone please pair up with Walter and help him get going on this work. It is tough to start a new class, and even more so when the teacher is out on medical leave.

Once you are done with Unit 15, complete Unit 16 in the same manner. Read your little book if you're struggling with any of the grammar concepts. Everything is outlined there.

You will be taking all Unit 15 and Unit 16 tests when I get back on Monday, Dec. 10th. Be prepared! Don't slack off. I'm expecting good behavior from you guys! And I will be taking points from anyone the sub says gave them problems!


Period 5: You should have read up to chapter 5 in Fast Food Nation. I'd like you to divide into the groups you had for the last summarizing activity. If there are fewer groups than there are chapters left, please divide the appropriate number of groups in half. I trust that you can handle organizing this.

Each group should select one of the remaining chapters and complete the following:
1. Read and discuss the chapter as a group. Do this in class.
2. Summarize main points (in order) and prepare an outline of them. Then complete 2-3 paragraph Mean and Matter sections. This should be detailed and should incorporate your knowledge of how to refer to a text.
3. Create a graphic or visual to represent this chapter. You may do a series of graphics or one that is all encompassing. Do this on a large sheet of construction paper (which is in the back metal cabinet; markers are in the top drawer of the filing cabinet).
4. Write an explanation of your graphic. Explain what it is and how it relates to your reading.
5. Prepare to present this information to the class. Presentations will be Monday, Dec. 10th. No exceptions!

Commonplace Books for ALL PERIODS will be due on Monday, Dec. 10th with 40 entries!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Catching Up

Ok, so after completing grades this week it appears that some of you need a few days to get caught up. This is what we're going to do, then. Those of you who are behind on your Commonplace Book I want you to get cracking on that. I will not collect them this week so that you have a chance to get on track. I will collect them again on Monday, November 19, 2007 with 28 entries. Because of this I expect quality entries from all of you! Really challenge yourself to do some good writing this week.

Some suggestions on what to include in your book this week:
1. Choose a quote that moves you and complete a say, mean, matter writing on it. Be sure to properly cite (introduce and give credit to) the quote and its source. You can find some good ones online.

2. Clip an article from a magazine or newspaper and respond to it. Don't tell me what it's about, but give me your opinion on the subject.

3. Pick a place near where you live and describe it in detail. Include each of the 5 senses in your writing. I want to read this entry and be there in that place because of your description.

4. Choose a color and begin your entry with this phrase: __(color)__ is the color I remember ... Continue writing wherever your thoughts take you.

For example:
"Red is the color I remember
leaves through my window
panes dancing and tumbling
downward
winter winds replacing fall
with stark emptiness
bleak blankness
with snow."

Be creative with this one. I find it helps me generate great poems.

5. Begin an entry: If I were a character from a book, I'd be __Character__ from __Book Title__ by __Author____ because...
Fill in the blanks and continue writing until you're out of reasons or explanations.
For example: "If I were a character from a book I'd be Jim Burden from My Antonia by Willa Cather because he gets the opportunity to live at his grandparent's farm in the countryside instead of staying in the big city. Having been stuck in a big city, as Los Angeles is, for the past five years, I long to feel farm fresh air on my face, to look up at the stars at night and know that no matter how great the universe, that I am connected to it."

As well, I expect you to work on Fast Food Nation. It is a brilliant example of quality expository writing and holds a wealth of information that you will find compelling and exciting. Please read chapter two for Tuesday, November 13th. While reading, complete 5 double entry logs. These entries should represent information you found interesting, confusing, or significant. Your response columns should be thoughtful and thorough. Paragraph form is best.
Any questions? Please post a comment or send me an e-mail.

See you next week! And enjoy your long weekend!

I'll collect your Super Size Me essay on Tuesday. You may have the weekend to work more on it. Please revise for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. I don't want to see any incomplete sentences.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Commonplace Books Update

Commonplace books will not be due this week because I was not in class to return them. Instead, they will be due Monday, October 29th with 20 entries.

And for any of you who are wondering, I was absent because one of my dogs was attacked and had to be under observation for two days to ensure that she did not have airway or chestwall damage. She is healing slowly but is doing better. Thanks for thinking of her. I will see you all on Monday.

Oh, and you still have a test Period 5 so be prepared!

Period 6: You're in big trouble!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Per. 5 Homework

Please prepare for your Of Mice and Men test: Monday 10/22. Essay and Scrapbook is now due Friday 10/26/2007.

Grammar Homework: Prepositions pg. 21-22, Exercise 21 only.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Is George a Good Friend to Lennie?

What makes a good friend? Does a good friend stick with you through thick and thin? Will a friend do whatever it takes to care for you and protect you? Is that what makes a good friend? Is George all of these things?

What is your claim? George is or isn't a good friend to Lennie (and why).

What is your argument? This is where you explain (or elaborate on) your "why" or "because".
What is your evidence? How will you argue your claim? Find evidence from the text to support your claim. This evidence can be direct quotes (anything you copy from the text is a quote) or references to circumstances and events that occur in the text. Use a balance of logical, ethical, and emotional appeals in order to both persuade your audience and make your argument more credible. Be sure to introduce the source of your evidence.

Do you address any counter claims? A counter claim is an opinion opposite of what you are arguing in your essay. Addressing a counter claim makes your essay stronger. Most counter claims are used to introduce a portion of the writer's argument. Many counter claims are introduced with "Although ... Even though ... Despite ...".

Here is an example of a counter claim:
Although Robert Cooke claims that "the global weather equation is enormously complex and no one knows exactly how to work it out", the role of humans should not be discredited. Human beings have drasticaly altered the face of the earth and this alteration does not go without its side effects.

Who is your audience? Who you're writing for directly determines what evidence you use to argue your claim. Be sure to determine your audience. It could be your teacher, a classmate, a character in the story, someone who has already read the story, or someone who is about to.
What is your purpose? Your reason for writing will determine the form and style your essay takes. In this essay you are trying to persuade someone to believe your point of view, or your claim. Make sure the form your essay takes fulfills this purpose.


Use what you know about denotation, connotation, diction and tone from analyzing other persuasive essays to create your own persuasive essay.

Make sure your essay meets the criteria for the persuasive essay as outlined in your rubric.

This essay should be in standard format: typed, double-spaced, in 12pt Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins. I will also accept essays neatly handwritten on white paper if they follow the standards outlined in the beginning of the year.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Homework Reminders 10/12/07

Period 2: Commonplace Books Due Monday (16)! Read Read Read! Where is your reading log? If you haven't turned it in, do so Monday! It counts as a test grade!

Period 3/4: Study Vocab; Read Read Read! Commonplace Books Due Monday (16)! Get ready to start Unit 14!

Period 5: Bring in copy of Fast Food Nation for Monday, 10/15/07.
Commonplace Books Due Tuesday (16)!
Grammar: Read, take notes, and complete the exercises: Pgs 28-35 (ex. 1-4 evens only), Pgs. 37-39 (ex. 9 evens only). I will be looking for notes from all of your grammar work so far. If you haven't taken notes on the others, go back and do so this weekend.
Begin reading Of Mice and Men. Have it finished by Friday, October 19th. Prepare for test and essay assignment (10/19/07).

Period 6: Keep going on those resentments: please have 5 done for Monday! Commonplace Books Due! (16) Summarize AB 537 and the Title 9 pamphlet. These summaries count as an essay grade!

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Of Mice and Men! (per. 5)

Please read the text Of Mice and Men by Friday, October 19th.

Prepare for a test and complete your essay to turn in on that day.

Your essay should persuade your reader of your opinion. Is George a good friend to Lennie? Why or why not? Support your claim with evidence from the text.

Words to Describe Tone

TONE VOCABULARY:
critical
arrogant
whimsical
detached
angry
pretentious
fanciful
apathetic
threatening
condescending
wistful
indifferent
irate
patronizing
flippant
straightforward
outraged
humorous
nostalgic
candid
indignant
bantering
sentimental
didactic
ambiguous
silly
reflective
learned
confused
mock-heroic
regretful
scholarly
perplexed
amused
remorseful
pedantic
ironic
happy
apologetic
moralistic
tongue-in-cheek
ecstatic
challenging
inspirational
sarcastic
effusive
contentious
respectful
sardonic
contented
inflammatory
reverent
mocking
disappointed
shocking
sympathetic
irreverent
sad
dramatic
compassionate
disdainful
elegiac
passionate
interested
contemptuous
melancholic
restrained
urgent
caustic
depressing
impartial
serious
biting
mournful
objective
ominous
cynical
poignant
clinical
apprehensive
skeptical
somber
factual
foreboding
wry

Monday, October 8, 2007

Homework Reminders!

Period 2: Grammar pgs. 3-5 (read about nouns!) and complete exercises 1-3 all

Period 3/4: Homework Packet pgs. 1-3 (both sides); study vocabulary and spelling

Period 5: Grammar pgs 3-5 (exercises 1,3) and pgs. 11-16 (exercises 9, 10, 11, 13); Commonplace Book due Wednesday, 10/10 (12 entries); Persuasion Analysis Essay ("Rising Tides" vs. "An Arctic Floe of Climate Questions") due Friday, 10/12

Peiod 6: Say, Mean, Matter paragraph due for quote: "You only see the turn; you don't see the road ahead" from Stand and Deliver; Commonplace Book due Tuesday, 10/9 (12 entries)

Persuasive Analysis Essay Assignment

Write a brief essay in which you evaluate the credibility of the arguments presented in the articles, "Rising Tides" by Bob Herbert and "An Arctic Floe of Climate Questions" by Robert Cooke. What is the author's intent in each case? What is each writer's opinion, or claim? Is each argument logical and convincing? How strong and comprehensive is the evidence and other support each writer presents in his argument? Whose view - Herbert's or Cooke's - do you find more credible and persuasive?

Use your graphic organizer to formulate your ideas and opinions. Make sure you use your vocabulary words in your essay. The final product should be 2 pages, typed, double spaced, in 12 pt Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins. Or, it should be neatly handwritten on white paper according to the class guidelines.

Due: Friday, October 12, 2007

This essay will be used to assess your mastery of the following English Language Arts standards:

California State Standards
Reading 2.5
Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis, evaluation, and elaboration.

Reading 2.8
Evaluate the credibility or an author's argument or defense of a claim by critiquing the relationship between generalizations and evidence, the comprehensiveness of evidence, and the way in which the author's intent affects the structure and tone of the text.

Writing 2.4
Write persuasive compositions

Writing 1.1
Establish a controlling impression or coherent thesis that conveys a clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and focus throughout the piece of writing.

Writing 1.4
Develop the main ideas within the body of the composition through supporting evidence.

Writing 1.6
Integrate quotations and citations into a written text while maintaining the flow of ideas

Language Conventions 1.4
Produce legible work that shows accurate spelling and correct use of the conventions of punctuation and capitalization.

Language Conventions 1.5
Reflect appropriate manuscript requirements, including title page presentation, pagination, spacing and margins, and integration of source and support material (e.g., in-text citation, use of direct quotations, paraphrasing) with appropriate citations.

Say, Mean, Matter

Say
Citation, Quote, Paraphrase, or Summary

Mean
What does the quote mean?
What does the author want the reader to think about, learn, or feel by reading or viewing this?

Matter
How does this quote relate to the text as a whole?
Why is this passage or text important?
How does this text relate to the reader and the world at large?

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

How To Analyze Tone: A Class Model (per. 5)

In the article "Rising Tides", Bob Herbert attempts to persuade his readers that global warming is here and is something we need to take seriously. To do this, Herbert uses language with strong connotations. For example, Herbert writes, "It's February and it's cold in New York, which can help us maintain the fiction that the planet is not warming at a scary rate." The word fiction has a negative connotation. It means that something is fake or based on imagination rather than reality. Herbert uses this word in order to create an angry or mocking tone. Thus, Herbert's diction creates a highly charged, or emotional tone which is meant to persuade his readers to believe in his argument. Because of his highly emotional language, Herbert creates a persuasive argument that his readers should take action to combat global warming.


California State Standards:
Reading 1.2
Distinguish between the denotative and connotative meanings of words and interpret the connotative power of words.

Reading 2.8
Evaluate the credibility of an author's argument or defense of a claim by critiquing the relationship between generalizations and evidence, the comprehensiveness of evidence, and the way in which the author's intent affects the structure and tone of the text.

Double Entry Log Notes: How To Analyze Connotation (per. 2)

"The easiest approach for the time being is to pretend it’s not happening."


In this sentence, the word pretend has a strong emotional connotation. The word pretend makes readers think about when they were younger and played games of imagination. The word means that someone is living in a fantasy world, that they are not aware of the truth. This word catches the reader's attention because of this emotional connection.


California State Standards:
Reading 1.2
Distinguish between the denotative and connotative meanings of words and interpret the connotative power of words.

Reading 2.8
Evaluate the credibility of an author's argument or defense of a claim by critiquing the relationship between generalizations and evidence, the comprehensiveness of evidence, and the way in which the author's intent affects the structure and tone of the text.

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