Please write a letter to reflecting on the work you have done both this semester and this year. Please begin this letter, “Dear Reader,”
As you consider your work, look at your three goals on your semester goal sheet. State the goal and explain if you met the goal or not and give examples and/or evidence as to why or why not.
In addition, think about the following:
What do you think you did well this semester? What would you consider your best work? Why?
What challenges did you face this quarter? How did you overcome or face those challenges?
How have you changed as a reader this year? You might find it helpful to look at the first letter of the year in your portfolio?
How have you changed as a writer? Explain.
What did you learn about yourself this year, either in this class or in general, that you think will help you be successful next year?
This letter should be 1-2 pages, double-spaced. You should edit for spelling, punctuation and clarity. Please sign your name at the end of the letter.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Final exam details
Your final will consist of a portfolio and a cumulative vocabulary exam.
Vocabulary Exam: 30% of exam grade
The quizlets for the vocabulary words are posted under helpful documents. I also have a packet which has the entire word list and reviews for each section of words. The exam itself will consist of matching, fill in the blank sentences and paragraphs with a word bank and write-in defintions. You will need to study at home, so please do!
Portfolio: 70% of exam grade
You will receive instructions on this assignment, but it will follow closely to what you did for your midterm. You will select five pieces of work which both represent your best work and show growth throughout the year. In addition, you will fill out a cover sheet, explaining why you chose these pieces and type a 1-2 page reflective letter which reflects on your work this semester. Finally, you will have one other adult read and respond to your portfolio before exam day. Some forms, including the cover letter sheet, instructions and other reader form will be available under helpful documents.
If you have any questions, please see me!
Vocabulary Exam: 30% of exam grade
The quizlets for the vocabulary words are posted under helpful documents. I also have a packet which has the entire word list and reviews for each section of words. The exam itself will consist of matching, fill in the blank sentences and paragraphs with a word bank and write-in defintions. You will need to study at home, so please do!
Portfolio: 70% of exam grade
You will receive instructions on this assignment, but it will follow closely to what you did for your midterm. You will select five pieces of work which both represent your best work and show growth throughout the year. In addition, you will fill out a cover sheet, explaining why you chose these pieces and type a 1-2 page reflective letter which reflects on your work this semester. Finally, you will have one other adult read and respond to your portfolio before exam day. Some forms, including the cover letter sheet, instructions and other reader form will be available under helpful documents.
If you have any questions, please see me!
Monday, May 17, 2010
work for week of 5/17
We are continuing to read our independent reading books. You should have read 150 pages by this Friday. This book is due next Friday, May 28.
Memoir journals are due on block day, 5/19 and 5/20.(See below for journal prompts, in case you were absent.)
The rough draft of your memoir is due next block day, 5/26 and 5/27.
Memoir journals are due on block day, 5/19 and 5/20.(See below for journal prompts, in case you were absent.)
The rough draft of your memoir is due next block day, 5/26 and 5/27.
Friday, May 7, 2010
memoir journals
Journal #1:
Draw a floor plan of your home when you were 9-12 years old. If you lived in more than one place, choose one place. Within each room, jot down notes of a memory from each room. (You can exclude the bathroom, unless there was a significant moment there for you.)
Then, pick one memory from one room. It can be either a positive or negative memory. Describe what happened with small details. Try to include details you can see, hear, taste or touch. Also, include the feelings you had about this moment while it was happening. After you write what happened, include a sentence or two about how you feel about the event now. You may start this sentence with a phrase like "Looking back..." or "Even though I didn't know it at the time, I now understand..."
Journal #2
Choose an object which has some memory or significance for you. Describe the object, using small details, so we can see, hear and feel it clearly. Then, describe a moment which shows why this object is so important to you.
Journal #3
Pick a place that has some significance to you or where you remember something happening. Describe that place so that we can see it, what it looks like, what sounds you hear, or even what smells you associate with it. Then, describe a memory that shows why that place is so special to you.
Journal #4
Write a six word memoir which captures an important moment in your life. You can download the six word document on the blog for some of the examples I read in class.
Draw a floor plan of your home when you were 9-12 years old. If you lived in more than one place, choose one place. Within each room, jot down notes of a memory from each room. (You can exclude the bathroom, unless there was a significant moment there for you.)
Then, pick one memory from one room. It can be either a positive or negative memory. Describe what happened with small details. Try to include details you can see, hear, taste or touch. Also, include the feelings you had about this moment while it was happening. After you write what happened, include a sentence or two about how you feel about the event now. You may start this sentence with a phrase like "Looking back..." or "Even though I didn't know it at the time, I now understand..."
Journal #2
Choose an object which has some memory or significance for you. Describe the object, using small details, so we can see, hear and feel it clearly. Then, describe a moment which shows why this object is so important to you.
Journal #3
Pick a place that has some significance to you or where you remember something happening. Describe that place so that we can see it, what it looks like, what sounds you hear, or even what smells you associate with it. Then, describe a memory that shows why that place is so special to you.
Journal #4
Write a six word memoir which captures an important moment in your life. You can download the six word document on the blog for some of the examples I read in class.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Checklist for persuasive letter
Here are some things to consider as you polish your work:
Do you have five paragraphs?
Is there an introduction which clearly states what you are asking to change?
Do you have facts, data and quotes in at least two paragraphs?
Do you have details to support each of your supporting arguments?
Is each paragraph well developed? (At least 5 sentences per paragraph)?
Do you have proper format for a business letter, including header and closing?
Are your facts cited? Is your work cited page at the bottom of the letter?
Did you proofread for spelling and punctuation?
Do you have five paragraphs?
Is there an introduction which clearly states what you are asking to change?
Do you have facts, data and quotes in at least two paragraphs?
Do you have details to support each of your supporting arguments?
Is each paragraph well developed? (At least 5 sentences per paragraph)?
Do you have proper format for a business letter, including header and closing?
Are your facts cited? Is your work cited page at the bottom of the letter?
Did you proofread for spelling and punctuation?
Monday, April 12, 2010
persuasive letters due this week!
You should continue to read your independent books this week. Remember the expectation is 75 pages per week.
In addition, the persuasive letters are due. Please see specifics below:
Rough draft for periods 2 and 5: Tuesday, April 13
Rough draft for period 1: Block day, April 14
Final draft with Works cited (all periods): Friday, April 16
See samples, outlines and instructions under "Helpful Documents". If you have specific questions, please see me.
In addition, the persuasive letters are due. Please see specifics below:
Rough draft for periods 2 and 5: Tuesday, April 13
Rough draft for period 1: Block day, April 14
Final draft with Works cited (all periods): Friday, April 16
See samples, outlines and instructions under "Helpful Documents". If you have specific questions, please see me.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Persuasive letter and independent reading journals
Please save this document as your last name and plp. Ex: malpassplp
Also, please write all your journals in one document.
Last, save this in your journal folder in your English folder on your desktop.
Journal #1:
What topic have you chosen for your persuasive letter project. If you were to write a thesis for your topic, what might it be? Example: I believe implementing a pay to play model for high school sports would exclude deserving athletes.
Why did you choose this topic?
To whom do you plan to write your letter? Why?
What do you already know about this topic? This can be a brainstormed list which includes any facts or data that may be helpful in persuading someone.
Last, do you have any anecdotes or personal experience which may help you persuade someone? Please write this experience below.
Also, please write all your journals in one document.
Last, save this in your journal folder in your English folder on your desktop.
Journal #1:
What topic have you chosen for your persuasive letter project. If you were to write a thesis for your topic, what might it be? Example: I believe implementing a pay to play model for high school sports would exclude deserving athletes.
Why did you choose this topic?
To whom do you plan to write your letter? Why?
What do you already know about this topic? This can be a brainstormed list which includes any facts or data that may be helpful in persuading someone.
Last, do you have any anecdotes or personal experience which may help you persuade someone? Please write this experience below.
Monday, March 15, 2010
work for week of 3/15
We are beginning an independent book unit this week. You should select a book which both challenges you and one you can enjoy. This book should be completed by Monday, April 5th.
Expectations: You should read at least 15 pages each night. In order to meet the standard on this unit, you must complete a 200 page book of either fiction or nonfiction.
In addition, we are studying SAT vocabulary this month. Please download the SAT words and begin studying them. We'll have a quiz on the first twenty words next Tuesday, March 23rd.
I'll post more on our persuasive letter project midweek.
Expectations: You should read at least 15 pages each night. In order to meet the standard on this unit, you must complete a 200 page book of either fiction or nonfiction.
In addition, we are studying SAT vocabulary this month. Please download the SAT words and begin studying them. We'll have a quiz on the first twenty words next Tuesday, March 23rd.
I'll post more on our persuasive letter project midweek.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Before you pass in your essay...
Here is a list of things to do before passing in your essay:
1. Delete all the scaffolds in the essay so it is just your work. Each paragraph should look like a paragraph.
2. Make sure you have 5 paragraphs, 3 fully developed body paras with quotes, and an intro and conclusion.
3. MLA format and header is in place.
4. Copy rubric and attach it to the end of your essay.
5. Save your essay as lastnamelofessay.
6. Put in workspaces under your period or print out and pass into inbox.
1. Delete all the scaffolds in the essay so it is just your work. Each paragraph should look like a paragraph.
2. Make sure you have 5 paragraphs, 3 fully developed body paras with quotes, and an intro and conclusion.
3. MLA format and header is in place.
4. Copy rubric and attach it to the end of your essay.
5. Save your essay as lastnamelofessay.
6. Put in workspaces under your period or print out and pass into inbox.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Journals for Lord of the Flies (again)
We'll write journals as we read Lord of the Flies. I plan to collect the first set of journals on block day, 2/10 and 2/11. I'll post the journals here as we complete them. If you are absent, please look here. You will be required to complete all of them before the due date. Thanks.
Journal #1 (completed in January around goals)
Journal #2 If you were stranded on a deserted island with 15 of your classmates, how do you think you would survive? What strengths do you already have that would help you? Do you think it would be important to have rules? Why or why not?Do you think it would be important to have a leader? Why or why not? Do you think you would make a good leader in this situation? Explain.
Journal #3: Choose one character from Lord of the Flies and write a letter home explaining what has happened on the island so far. Include important information including events, people, and what you think this character wants most of all.
Journal #4: Please describe the following characters. In this description, explain what you think their strengths and weaknesses are. Also, make a guess as to what you think each represents.
Ralph:
Jack:
Piggy:
"littluns":
Journal #5:
1. Find the paragraph on the top of page 181 which begins: "The rock struck Piggy..."
2. Select the two most important sentences in the paragraph(in your opinion) and write them in quotes. Explain why you chose these two sentences.
2. Who do you think is to blame for Piggy's death? Why? What do the deaths of Simon and Piggy have in common? How does William Golding feel about human nature? About laws and rules? Explain your answer.
Journal #1 (completed in January around goals)
Journal #2 If you were stranded on a deserted island with 15 of your classmates, how do you think you would survive? What strengths do you already have that would help you? Do you think it would be important to have rules? Why or why not?Do you think it would be important to have a leader? Why or why not? Do you think you would make a good leader in this situation? Explain.
Journal #3: Choose one character from Lord of the Flies and write a letter home explaining what has happened on the island so far. Include important information including events, people, and what you think this character wants most of all.
Journal #4: Please describe the following characters. In this description, explain what you think their strengths and weaknesses are. Also, make a guess as to what you think each represents.
Ralph:
Jack:
Piggy:
"littluns":
Journal #5:
1. Find the paragraph on the top of page 181 which begins: "The rock struck Piggy..."
2. Select the two most important sentences in the paragraph(in your opinion) and write them in quotes. Explain why you chose these two sentences.
2. Who do you think is to blame for Piggy's death? Why? What do the deaths of Simon and Piggy have in common? How does William Golding feel about human nature? About laws and rules? Explain your answer.
Monday, February 22, 2010
work for week of 2/22
We shall finish Lord of the Flies this week. Here is the daily schedule:
Monday: Finish chapter 9
Tuesday: Finish chapter 10
Block day: Finish chapter 11 in class. Read chapter 12 for homework
Friday: Quiz on chapters 9-12 and Journals 1-5 are due
Next week, we'll work on the essay for Lord of the Flies
Monday: Finish chapter 9
Tuesday: Finish chapter 10
Block day: Finish chapter 11 in class. Read chapter 12 for homework
Friday: Quiz on chapters 9-12 and Journals 1-5 are due
Next week, we'll work on the essay for Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies chapters 9-12
Chapter 9
Simon is considered a mystic. What does that mean?
What happens to him? Explain the scene.
Who is responsible for his death? How do you know?
What is the significance of the chapter ending? Explain.
Chapter 10
Did things return to normal after Simon’s death? Explain.
What do you think will happen to Piggy? Why?
Are Piggy’s attempts at being reasonable ridiculous? Explain.
Chapter 11
What happens to Piggy? Did you think it would happen? How did you know? Describe the scene.
What happens to the conch? What do you think it symbolizes?
Chapter 12
What do you think is going to happen to Ralph? Explain why you think so.
Describe the chase between Jack and Ralph.
What happens at the end of the book?
Simon is considered a mystic. What does that mean?
What happens to him? Explain the scene.
Who is responsible for his death? How do you know?
What is the significance of the chapter ending? Explain.
Chapter 10
Did things return to normal after Simon’s death? Explain.
What do you think will happen to Piggy? Why?
Are Piggy’s attempts at being reasonable ridiculous? Explain.
Chapter 11
What happens to Piggy? Did you think it would happen? How did you know? Describe the scene.
What happens to the conch? What do you think it symbolizes?
Chapter 12
What do you think is going to happen to Ralph? Explain why you think so.
Describe the chase between Jack and Ralph.
What happens at the end of the book?
Monday, February 8, 2010
homework for week of 2/8
This week, the reading schedule is as follows:
Monday: Finish chapter 5
Tuesday: Finish chapter 6
Wednesday: Finish chapter 7
Friday and vacation: Finish chapter 8
Quiz on chapters 6-7 on "Block Day"
Vocabulary quiz on "Block Day"
Monday: Finish chapter 5
Tuesday: Finish chapter 6
Wednesday: Finish chapter 7
Friday and vacation: Finish chapter 8
Quiz on chapters 6-7 on "Block Day"
Vocabulary quiz on "Block Day"
Guiding questions for chapters 6-8
On "block day", either Thursday or Friday, you will have a quiz on chapters 6 and 7. This quiz will include some of the questions below. Make sure you can answer them.
Chapter 6
What is the beast from the air? Be specific.
How did the beast from the air get there?
What effect does it have on Ralph?
What effect does it have on Jack?
What effect does it have on the others?
Chapter 7
What does Simon say to Ralph?
What do we learn about Simon?
What does Ralph say to Jack that is a little surprising?
What is the mock hunt?
What is your feeling during the mock hunt?
Chapter 8
What does Simon mean by, “What else is there to do?”
What did Simon discover in the forest?
Who is the Lord of the Flies? Describe him.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Guiding questions for chapters 3-4
We had a quiz on chapters 1-2. Here are the guiding questions for chapters 3-4. You are expected to answer them thoroughly. They are due on Friday at the beginning of class and will count as a quiz:
Chapter 3:
1. Describe Jack at the beginning of chapter 3. What is he focused on accomplishing? Why?
2. Describe the shelters being built.
3. What challenges is Ralph facing as a leader?
Chapter 4:
1. Describe the "littluns." How do they compare to the older boys? Use specifics from the text.
2. How does Piggy fit into the group at the bathing pool? Why do you think his hair doesn't grow like the other boys? Hint: think about it as a symbol, not literal.
3. What happened to the fire? Why is it important?
4. How do Jack and his boys react to killing the pig?
5. At the end of the chapter, what does Ralph do? Why do you think he does this?
Chapter 3:
1. Describe Jack at the beginning of chapter 3. What is he focused on accomplishing? Why?
2. Describe the shelters being built.
3. What challenges is Ralph facing as a leader?
Chapter 4:
1. Describe the "littluns." How do they compare to the older boys? Use specifics from the text.
2. How does Piggy fit into the group at the bathing pool? Why do you think his hair doesn't grow like the other boys? Hint: think about it as a symbol, not literal.
3. What happened to the fire? Why is it important?
4. How do Jack and his boys react to killing the pig?
5. At the end of the chapter, what does Ralph do? Why do you think he does this?
Lord of the Flies reading and vocab schedule week of 2/1
We have begun reading Lord of the Flies. Here is the reading schedule for this week:
Monday: Complete chapters 1 and 2 (due Tuesday)
Tuesday: Complete chapter 3 (due block day)
Block day: Complete chapter 4 (due Friday)
Friday: Complete chapter 5 (due Monday)
Most of you will have at least some reading at home several times a week. We shall have time in class to read as well. See guiding questions for chapters 3-4 above. You will be responsible for answering these questions and passing in complete answers on Friday.
We'll review the vocabulary on Monday and block day and have a quiz on these ten words on Friday:
daunting bliss diffident untrodden emphatic phosperescence myopia ludicrous cynical inimical
See me with any questions!
Monday: Complete chapters 1 and 2 (due Tuesday)
Tuesday: Complete chapter 3 (due block day)
Block day: Complete chapter 4 (due Friday)
Friday: Complete chapter 5 (due Monday)
Most of you will have at least some reading at home several times a week. We shall have time in class to read as well. See guiding questions for chapters 3-4 above. You will be responsible for answering these questions and passing in complete answers on Friday.
We'll review the vocabulary on Monday and block day and have a quiz on these ten words on Friday:
daunting bliss diffident untrodden emphatic phosperescence myopia ludicrous cynical inimical
See me with any questions!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
week of 1/25: Preview of Lord of the Flies
As we get ready for our shared text, Lord of the Flies, we are completing some preview work, including vocabulary review, taking a stand and watching brief excerpts from the movie.
Here is what you should have completed by the end of this week, either in class or at home:
Take a stand: Complete the survey and write a paragraph about the statement you feel most strongly about.
Vocab LoF 2: The list and the quizlet are on the blog. We'll have a crossword next week to prepare for our quiz next block day.
Goal sheet for second semester: Please make sure you turned that in to me.
I'll post the reading schedule for next week. You will have some time in class to finish the reading and will be expected to read outside of class as well.
See me with any questions.
Here is what you should have completed by the end of this week, either in class or at home:
Take a stand: Complete the survey and write a paragraph about the statement you feel most strongly about.
Vocab LoF 2: The list and the quizlet are on the blog. We'll have a crossword next week to prepare for our quiz next block day.
Goal sheet for second semester: Please make sure you turned that in to me.
I'll post the reading schedule for next week. You will have some time in class to finish the reading and will be expected to read outside of class as well.
See me with any questions.
Lord of the Flies journals
We'll write journals as we read Lord of the Flies. I plan to collect the first set of journals on block day, 2/10 and 2/11. I'll post the journals here as we complete them. If you are absent, please look here. You will be required to complete all of them before the due date. Thanks.
Journal #1 (completed in January around goals)
Journal #2 If you were stranded on a deserted island with 15 of your classmates, how do you think you would survive? What strengths do you already have that would help you? Do you think it would be important to have rules? Why or why not?Do you think it would be important to have a leader? Why or why not? Do you think you would make a good leader in this situation? Explain.
Journal #3: Choose one character from Lord of the Flies and write a letter home explaining what has happened on the island so far. Include important information including events, people, and what you think this character wants most of all.
Journal #4: Please describe the following characters. In this description, explain what you think their strengths and weaknesses are. Also, make a guess as to what you think each represents.
Ralph:
Jack:
Piggy:
"littluns":
Journal #1 (completed in January around goals)
Journal #2 If you were stranded on a deserted island with 15 of your classmates, how do you think you would survive? What strengths do you already have that would help you? Do you think it would be important to have rules? Why or why not?Do you think it would be important to have a leader? Why or why not? Do you think you would make a good leader in this situation? Explain.
Journal #3: Choose one character from Lord of the Flies and write a letter home explaining what has happened on the island so far. Include important information including events, people, and what you think this character wants most of all.
Journal #4: Please describe the following characters. In this description, explain what you think their strengths and weaknesses are. Also, make a guess as to what you think each represents.
Ralph:
Jack:
Piggy:
"littluns":
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Midterm work
Your midterm will consist of the following:
A portfolio (directions and additional paperwork under helpful documents) worth 70 points.
Please note this change: For the midterm, you will have to have the following pieces complete when you come to the midterm:
1. Goal sheet
2. Semester Reading log
3. Cover sheet which lists and reflects on each piece
4. Five pieces which show growth or demonstrate your best work, numbered consecutively
On the day of the midterm you will complete the 1-2 page reflective letter. When the portfolio is returned, you will have an outside reader comment on the portfolio. We shall do this at the beginning of third quarter.
Test on Sold vocabulary and Lord of the Flies vocabulary worth 30 points.
There is are two quizlets for the vocabulary under helpful documents.
All materials and further instructions are under Helpful Documents.
See me with any questions.
A portfolio (directions and additional paperwork under helpful documents) worth 70 points.
Please note this change: For the midterm, you will have to have the following pieces complete when you come to the midterm:
1. Goal sheet
2. Semester Reading log
3. Cover sheet which lists and reflects on each piece
4. Five pieces which show growth or demonstrate your best work, numbered consecutively
On the day of the midterm you will complete the 1-2 page reflective letter. When the portfolio is returned, you will have an outside reader comment on the portfolio. We shall do this at the beginning of third quarter.
Test on Sold vocabulary and Lord of the Flies vocabulary worth 30 points.
There is are two quizlets for the vocabulary under helpful documents.
All materials and further instructions are under Helpful Documents.
See me with any questions.
Monday, January 4, 2010
work for week of 1/4
You have several tasks this week:
Read your independent reading book. Many of you have done a great job with this. Keep going! The expectation is 75 pages by Friday.
Revisions for Career Paper due Monday, 1/11. I handed back career papers today. If you choose to revise, please see me.
In case you missed it, the journals for this week:
Monday:
#1: What are your goals for 2010? How do you plan to achieve these goals? What do you think you accomplished in 2009? Was it a good year for you? Why or why not?
Read your independent reading book. Many of you have done a great job with this. Keep going! The expectation is 75 pages by Friday.
Revisions for Career Paper due Monday, 1/11. I handed back career papers today. If you choose to revise, please see me.
In case you missed it, the journals for this week:
Monday:
#1: What are your goals for 2010? How do you plan to achieve these goals? What do you think you accomplished in 2009? Was it a good year for you? Why or why not?
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