Friday 10/30/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Students took the quarter vocabulary exam. Since we completed the test on the student clicker response systems, scores are already posted in PowerSchool. Some students turned in their Touching Spirit Bear books today as well.

Remember that essays are due on Monday and I will collect all other Touching Spirit Bear books then, too. If a student has lost a book, he or she will be responsible for paying to replace it.

Hours 7, 8--Students took the quarter vocabulary exam. Since we completed the test on the student clicker response systems, scores are already posted in PowerSchool. On Monday, we will start Book Talks. All students should be ready to present on Monday.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish essay (due Monday), return Touching Spirit Bear books.
• Hours 7, 8--Book Talks start Monday

Thursday 10/29/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Students finished looking at how to correctly format their essays. Then we went to the lab and worked on typing, revising, and formatting. Today was the last day in the lab, so students will need to finish working either during a study hall, after school, or at home. Essays are due on Monday. Tomorrow in class, there is a vocabulary exam over all the words from the quarter. Students also need to bring an independent reading book for our last Book Friday of the quarter.

Hours 7, 8--Today we reviewed vocabulary for the full hour. Students have some more work to do at home tonight!

ASSIGNMENTS:
Hours 2, 5, 6

• Review for vocab exam
• Bring independent reading book tomorrow
• Finish essay (due Monday)

Hours 7, 8

• Review for vocab exam
• Bring independent reading book tomorrow
• Prepare for Book Talks

Wednesday 10/28/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today we talked about concluding paragraphs and everyone should have one written by now. Click here to download the concluding paragraph frame. After that, we started talking about how to correctly format a 5-paragraph essay. . Tomorrow we'll have another day in the computer lab, and the essays will be due on Monday.

Click on the links below to download forms from today's class:

• Formatting Document
• Concluding Paragraph Frame

Hours 7, 8--Today students completed two pre-tests covering our first grammar unit and the elements of fiction. You may notice grades in on powerschool that are lower than you expect for these things. Please note that I am NOT including these grades in their final grades, but I wanted to post them in the gradebook so students can see how they did. We'll then be able to compare how they did today to how they do after the units of study. We should see some major improvements!

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish essay, study for vocab test on Friday.
• Hours 7, 8--Study for vocab exam on Friday, Prepare for book talks on Monday.

Tuesday 10/27/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today was a work day in the computer lab. My expectation was that students would finish typing the introduction and 3 body paragraphs by Thursday. If students did not complete the work today, they need to find time outside of class to finish the work (I can provide study hall or after school passes to the library). Here is the rest of the essay writing timeline:

• Focus on and write concluding paragraphs--Wednesday in class
• Type and format rest of essay--Thursday in class
• Extra work time in computer lab--Thursday after school
• Final draft of essay due--Monday in class

Also, please remind your student to be reviewing vocabulary words for final vocab exam on Friday.

Hours 7, 8--Today in class students received expectations for next week's book talks. There is a presentation component and a Book Page component to submit. The expectation is that this assignment will be a less structured and more creative assignment than the 5-paragraph essay. Click here to download guidelines for the book talk. All students should be ready to present their book talks on Monday, October 2nd. Also, remember to be reviewing the 108 words for the vocab exam on Friday.

ASSINGMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish typing essay, study for vocab exam on Friday
• Hours 7, 8--Study for vocab exam on Friday, prepare for book talk by Monday

Monday 10/26/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today in class many students had questions about the essay writing. We took the class period today to work on our essays so everyone understands what we're doing and has a good start. Tomorrow we will spend the day typing and revising in the computer lab. My expectation is that students will have a draft of their introduction and three body paragraphs by tomorrow.

Hours 7, 8--Today, students completed their second Critical Response in class. After that, they turned in their Touching Spirit Bear books. Tomorrow, they need to bring their independent reading book to class. They will get the format, timeline, and expectations for the book talks they will do next week in class.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish drafting first four paragraphs of essay.
• Hours 7, 8--Bring independent reading book for project tomorrow.

FRIDAY! 10/23/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today in class we had our fourth vocabulary quiz of the year. After that, students picked up paragraph frames for the 2nd & 3rd body paragraphs in their essays. This sheet is green. The work we did together is on a yellow sheet. They should use the yellow sheet as an example of how to do the green one. Students should complete them over the weekend and be ready to do some work with them on Monday. Click here to download the paragraph frame.

Hours 7, 8--Today was a the fourth vocabulary quiz. After that I passed back work that should have been passed back a long time ago. I strongly recommend that students do NOT discard their work until at least the end of the quarter. That way if I missed something, or something goes wrong with the grading system, they have proof of their work and scores. There is no homework for the weekend. Enjoy!

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish writing body paragraphs 2 and 3. Click here to download the paragraph frame.
• Hours 7, 8--None.

Thursday 10/22/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today we checked the vocab assignment that was due yesterday. Then we worked to complete the first body paragraph for our essays. All classes had some time in the computer lab to type today. They will need to complete the second and third body paragraphs on their own over the weekend. We will return to the computer lab next week to finish typing. If students fall behind, they will need to make time outside of class (either after school, at home, or during a study hall) to finish the task. The only homework for tomorrow is to do some reviewing for the Vocab Quiz tomorrow. If students would like a paragraph frame to help them write their body paragraphs, you can download it by clicking here.

Hours 7, 8--Today in class I picked up student essays. I'm sure they're all feeling relieved to be done! After that we spent some time going through all the vocab words for the week to make sure everyone understands them. Then we checked the vocab assignment and played a very short game for a tinge of review. The only thing they need to worry about is the quiz. After working very hard on the essay, I'll give them a short break.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Review for vocab quiz 4 tomorrow, Work on 2nd & 3rd Body Paragraphs for essay. Click here to download Paragraph Frames.
  
• Hours 7, 8--Review for vocab quiz 4 tomorrow.

Wednesday 10/21/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today we learned some root words:

• KINESIS = MOVEMENT
• PHONE = SOUND
• SONUS = SOUND
• SKOPEO = TO LOOK AT OR EXAMINE

After root words, we returned to our essays. We finished up the introduction and began typing (except 5th hour--they started on the first body paragraph instead of typing). Tomorrow we'll check the vocab assignment that was due today. Congratulations to 6th hour. ALL students in that class had the assignment finished. It was the only class of the day to acheive that, and in fact, the only class of my entire teaching career! Treats for them on Friday!

Hours 7, 8--Today we learned four root words (see hours 2, 5, 6 for details). Then students received back two writing assignments. We looked at examples of student work and discussed how they would be graded. They were surprisingly hard on each other. I want them to remember that these grades are based on content, not necessarily grammar skills. If students would like to redo the assignment, I need them by Monday.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--none.
• Hours 7, 8--Final draft of essay due tomorrow.

Tuesday 10/20/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today students looked at their grades and then filled out self-evaluations to be used at conferences. After that, we started talking about the parts of the essay. Then we wrote thesis statements, forecasts, and even our first topic sentence in two classes. Tomorrow we'll finish out the introduction paragraph and first body paragraphs.

Hours 7, 8--Students saw their grades and filled out self-evaluations for conferences. Then we talked about the 6 Traits of Writing and did some peer review of our essays. (Click here to download guidelines). Everyone has something to correct on their essays before they turn them in on Thursday.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Vocab Lesson 4 due tomorrow
• Hours 7, 8--Vocab Lesson 4 due tomorrow, final draft of essay due Thursday

Monday 10/19/09

IN CLASS:
Hour 2, 5--Today we took a quiz over the last section of the book (ch. 24-28). After that, we had some discussion about the symbolism at the end of the book. We also worked on collecting direct quotations for the end of the book. Tomorrow we'll start working on outlining essays. All the work students have done collecting direct quotations will help them in this task.

Hour 6--Today was the pig race for the magazine drive. Since 6th hour sold a certain number of magazines, we received a pig. During the first part of class, we decorated our pig, and then we attended the race during the second half of class. Though our pig had a rather slow showing, it did have some serious style. We made it back to class just in time to take the quiz over chapters 24-28.

Hour 7, 8--In class we adjusted our time line for the essays. By tomorrow, students need to have a completed first draft so we can do some peer review. (If students have printer problems, they can email me drafts and I will print them off before they come to class). We also looked at how to write a good concluding paragraph so they can finish off their essays tonight. Tomorrow we'll do some fine tuning. Students got some time to work on their conclusions at the end of class. I'm looking forward to seeing what they've created tomorrow.

ASSIGNMENT:
Hours 2, 5, 6--

• Bring all work on collecting direct quotations to class tomorrow.
• Vocab Lesson 4 due Wednesday.

Hours 7, 8--

• Completed draft of essay printed and in hand tomorrow.
• Vocab Lesson 4 due Wednesday.

Wednesday 10/14/09

IN CLASS:
Hour 2--Way too many students in this class are not doing their work. I am disappointed and frustrated with their serious lack of effort. If your child is in 2nd hour, please help them, no push them to get their work done. Click here to download the work that was due today. If they don't perform, I can't assess. If I can't assess, then I have no way of knowing what they have or have not learned. Today in class, after I got over my frustration at the abysmal number of students who had completed the homework, students completed Critical Response #3 (click here to download instructions for CR #3). Then they got the packet for vocab unit 4.

Hours 5--Today in class students completed Critical Response #3 (click here to download instructions for CR #3). Then they got the packet for vocab unit 4. Students in 5th hour mostly had their work completed which made me very, very happy.

Hour 6--Because yesterday we didn't do it, today we looked at examples of student work from Critical Response #2. After that, students received their work back. Then we worked on Critical Response #3. (click here to download instructions for CR #3)

Hours 7, 8--Today we had better luck with the computers. Some students have made a lot of progress, others not so much. I am going to try to get another day in the lab, but I can't make any promises. Students should definitely use the long weekend to get some work done. I led them through the intro and first body paragraphs. They need to finish up the other body paragraphs. We'll talk conclusion on Monday. Here are some files they might need to help them with their work:

• Paragraph Frame
• Formatting Instructions
• Embedding Direct Quotations

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish reading Touching Spirit Bear by Monday. Yes, there will be a quiz.
• Hours 7, 8--Finish up your essay. For help, see the files listed above. We'll work on the conclusion on Monday.

Tuesday 10/13/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5--Today in class we looked at student work from Critical Response #2. We graded student examples using the clicker systems and discussed what made some answers better than others. After that, students had time to work on their homework for tomorrow. They need to finish reading chapters 19-23. Tomorrow they will complete a third Critical Response in class. Additionally, we are beginning to collect information for our 5-paragraph essays. One topic will be to discuss how Cole changes throughout the book. They need to collect direct quotations and write explanations for Cole at the beginning and middle of the book. Click here to download detailed instructions for today's assignment.

Hour 6--Because I was in a technology training session this afternoon, students in 6th hour will look at student work tomorrow. During 6th hour, students had time to work on their homework for tomorrow. If they finished all their work, they also had the option of working on the vocabulary assignment due next Wednesday.

Hour 7, 8--The plan was for 7th & 8th hours to have time to type in the computer labs (see instructions below if you are interested). However, due to slow computers, I'm told not much typing was accomplished. They will have more time tomorrow. We'll figure out a plan from there.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Finish reading chapters 19-23. Collect direct quotations and explanations for how Cole was early and mid-novel. Click here to download detailed instructions for this task
• Hours 7, 8--Work on essay.

HL Class 10/13/09

Welcome to the computer lab!

Today you will have the full time to work on typing up your essays. Remember that you only have today and tomorrow, so use your time wisely.

To save you time later, please use correct formatting as you type. Trust me, it is a lot easier to do it as you go than to try to go back and do it later. Click here to download a document explaining the proper formatting for your essay. This may be different than what you've done in the past, so please make sure you read it. Keep it open on your desktop so you can refer to it as you work.

As you are typing, be sure you are EMBEDDING your direct quotations in your writing. If you need a refresher, click here to download the document we used yesterday in class.

If you have questions or are feeling stuck, please stay after today. Even though I'm not here for class, I will be in my room after school. Be there by 2:40 or be written up for a hallway violation.

-Ms. K

Monday 10/12/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today in class MANY students did not have their work done. Unfortunately, today was a day full of grades and their lack of preparation will be reflected in their scores. If you a parent reading this, please reiterate to your students the importance of keeping up on school work and getting things in on time. Now I will get off my soap box and tell you about the day.

First we took a reading quiz (12 questions using the clicker response systems) over chapters 14-18. Then some students used the rest of the class time to finish the work assigned for the weekend while others worked ahead on what I had planned for today. Students who are caught up will be able to finish their work tomorrow in class, while those who are behind will have additional work to complete at home tomorrow. Click here to download the task for today.

Students should read chapters 19-23 by Wednesday. On Wednesday we will complete our third and final critical response which will be very difficult to do if they have not read the text.

Hours 7, 8--Today we worked with the Introduction and First Body Paragraph drafts that students wrote over the weekend. We talked about how to properly embed the quotations and correct punctuation for Direct Quotations. Students may want to do some revising before we begin typing tomorrow. If your student feels confused or behind, I highly encourage them to stay after school to get some additional help. Though I will not be here for class tomorrow, I will still be here after school to help. Click here to download the document we used today in class along with extra notes and comments.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Read chapters 9-23 by Wednesday. Be ready for the third critical response.
• Hours 7, 8--None assigned. Catch up on anything you're behind on for the essay. Be ready to type tomorrow.

BONFIRE & S'MORES RESCHEDULED!

That's right. The date has been set. We're going to stoke the fires and roast the 'mallows next Tuesday, October 13th. All other details (time, location, contact info) remain the same. Hope you can make it!

If you would like to volunteer for this event or make a donation, please contact Blue Team parent coordinator, Dawn Plender at dawn@plender.us.
Here are the details:

WHAT: Bonfire & S'mores with your favorite blue team teachers*

WHERE: Rotary Northside Park, 2200 Louisiana
(parking available on Nevada)

WHEN: Tuesday, October 12, 2009, 6:30-8:00 pm

*Please note: This is a parent sponsored event. All students must be accompanied by an adult family member.

Friday 10/9/09

IN CLASS:
Hour 2, 5, 6--Today students took their third vocabulary quiz. Then they had some time to start the reading assignment for Monday. In addition to the reading, students need to identify and define the three symbols of the hot dog, the pond, and the stick. Though this may not make any sense, I promise it will when they are reading. Each student should have a blue sheet with three columns to record their symbols, direct quotations, and explanations. To download a symbol chart, click here.

Hours 7, 8--Today was vocab quiz #3. During the quiz, I collected their outlines for the essay and checked over them to make sure they are on the right track. Most students are ok, though a few need to do some revising of their plans before we start typing on Monday. Today I gave students a page of paragraph frames for their intro and first body paragraphs. They need to complete at least this much for Monday. If they want to work on the second and third body paragraphs, that is their choice. To download the paragraph frames, click here.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Read chapters 14-18, fill out the symbolism chart for the hot dog, pond, and stick. Click here to download the symbolism chart.
• Hours 7, 8--Finish/revise outlines. Complete paragraph frame for intro and first body paragraphs. To download the frame, click here.

Thursday 10/8/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today in class we learned some new root words:

• Phobos=Fear as in Hydrophobia (the fear of water) or Acrophobia (fear of heights)
  
• Philia=Love or Friendship as in Bibliophile (one who loves books) or Philadelphia (city of brotherly love)
• Syn=With or Together as in Synchronize (together at the same time--chronos=time)
• Thesis=Put, Place, Position as in Thesis (states the position of the writer) or Synthesis (putting something together)

After root words, students worked on their symbolism charts as we checked out Touching Spirit Bear books. Each student should now have a book in their possession. Each student also took an oath stating that if they lost or damaged the book beyond use, they would take responsibility for their actions and replace the book for the school.

Before Monday, students need to read chapters 14-18. This should be in their agendas and on the blue bookmark (click here to download) they got for their books. Also, remember that tomorrow is the vocab quiz over unit 3. Reviewing is always helpful.

Hours 7, 8--Today we learned four new root words (see above). Then there was more writing, brainstorming, and searching for direct quotations. Students (mostly) worked very hard on their outlines (due tomorrow), though some still have a good amount of work to do tonight. Please see the timeline for the essay below. Students should have these dates in their agendas. Additionally, they should spend at least some time reviewing for tomorrow's vocab quiz.

Timeline for Essay:

• Outline completed--due Friday, October 9th
• Writing and typing work days--Monday, Oct. 12 & Wed, Oct. 14
• Peer Review Day--Monday, October 19th
• Final draft due--Wednesday, October 21st

ASSIGNMENT:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Review for Vocab Quiz 3 (tomorrow), Read chapters 14-18 by Monday
Hours 7, 8--Review for Vocab Quiz 3, finish outlines by tomorrow

Wednesday 10/7/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today vocab was due so we spent the first part going over the week's words. Then students read chapter 13 on their own. Their homework is to answer the second critical response (in light of what we learned yesterday for looking at student work). To print a copy of the worksheet, click here. It is due tomorrow.

Hours 7, 8--We continued working on clear and succinct thesis statements. Students got outlines today which they began completing. I would like them to have a basic draft of an outline done by Friday. This involves a completed thesis statement, direct quotations, and some of their own critical thinking and ideas to round it out. We also checked vocab during class today.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Critical Response 2 (click here to print it)
• Hours 7, 8--Outline due Friday (click here to print)

BONFIRE & S'MORES POSTPONED!

I'm sorry to say that due to the continued dampness outside, we are postponing the bonfire & s'mores event. We have not yet selected a new date, but we will let you know. Thanks for your enthusiasm for the event and your understanding.

Tuesday 10/6/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today we looked at some examples of student work and used our student clicker systems to grade them. My intention was that students would understand how I am grading their responses as well as to see some quality examples written by other students (anonymously, of course!) Students received their graded responses at the end of class. Students with a -- mark will need to redo the work. Students with a check can redo the work if they like. Redos are due on Thursday. After that we listened to chapter 12 where Cole gets rescued from the island.

Hours 7, 8--We spent the day learning about thesis statements, what they do, and how we write them. Then we attempted to write them. You may think that isn't much for a whole class period, but many students still have some work to do at home tonight. If you want to check in with them, ask them what they plan to prove in their essay. Then ask them what three ideas they will use to prove it. If they can't answer clearly, they still have some work to do!

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--vocab unit 3 due tomorrow, Critical Response redos due on Thursday
• Hours 7, 8--vocab unit 3 due tomorrow, thesis statements due tomorrow

Monday 10/5/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Today we read...a lot. We read chapter 10 together (Cole finally begins to be more compassionate and reflective). Chapter 11 (Cole eats a live mouse) students read on their own. We began listening to chapter 12. Though there is no homework due tomorrow, students should remember that the vocabulary assignment for unit 3 is due on Wednesday. The packet can be printed from the link to the right.

Hours 7, 8--Students explored possible essay topics in small groups through a gallery walk. For tomorrow, students need to pick an essay topic and do about 15 minutes of writing on the topic. We will combine their topics and writing to create strong thesis statements tomorrow.

ASSIGNMENT:
Hours 2, 5, 6:

• None for tomorrow.
• Vocab 3 due on Wednesday.

Hours 7, 8:

• Students should be finished reading Touching Spirit Bear
• Choose a topic, write for 15 minutes on the topic.
• Vocab 3 due on Wednesday.

BLUE TEAM BONFIRE & S'MORES!

Attention all Blue Team parents, students, and families!

Blue team parents are sponsoring a fall gathering on Tuesday, October 6th. Come for a roasted treat, and meet your blue team teachers. If you would like to volunteer for this event or make a donation, please contact Blue Team parent coordinator, Dawn Plender at dawn@plender.us.
Here are the details:

WHAT: Bonfire & S'mores with your favorite blue team teachers*

WHERE: Rotary Northside Park, 2200 Louisiana
(parking available on Nevada)

WHEN: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 6:30-8:00 pm

*Please note: This is a parent sponsored event. All students must be accompanied by an adult family member.

Friday--10/2/09

IN CLASS:
Hours 2, 5, 6--Three things happened today. First we read chapter 9 in Touching Spirit Bear. Then we went over the vocab words (all essay related terms) for next week. Finally, we had some time for independent reading in class.

Hours 7, 8--Today we revisited the proper structure of a paragraph including topic, supporting, and concluding sentences. We talked about critical thought and how good supporting sentences get beyond the "well, duh!" answers and get into some more critical thinking. Some students thought they could do some revising based on our discussion today, so I will collect their paragraphs on Monday. After that, students read articles based about either 1) Spirit Bears in Canada--yes, they are real, or 2) Circle Justice in Minnesota--yes, it's real, too! No time for independent reading today:(

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--nothing for Monday. Vocab Packet 3 is due on Wednesday (see link to the right)
• Hours 7, 8--finish reading Touching Spirit Bear, Revise paragraphs to submit on Monday

Thursday--10/1/09

IN CLASS:
*Today was an early release day so most classes only lasted 20 minutes.

Hours 2, 5--During class we went over the reading questions due today from chapter 8.

Hour 6--We went over the reading questions and began working with the next set of vocabulary terms which are all related to essay writing.

Hours 7, 8--These hours finished up the symbolism posters they worked on yesterday. Students who finished early began working on their paragraphs contrasting the different possible views for the same symbol.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--bring Independent Reading Book tomorrow
• Hours 7, 8--Read chapters 14-19, write paragraph (see above), bring Independent Reading Book tomorrow