Tuesday 9.30.14

Block B:

• Make flashcards for all of your new, spiffy vocabulary words. Learn them! You will have a quiz on Friday.
• Assemble your Alexie materials and your motif map to prepare for the in-class essay you will write soon.

Block C:

• Prepare your Alexie materials for the in-class essay you will write on Monday. 
• Study your vocabulary words!
• Read your independent reading book

Block D:

• Study your vocabulary words for this week's quiz.
• Work on your project plan--you will be writing a proposal for Friday.
• Remember that we will be meeting in the mini-theater on Thursday morning.

Block E:

• Add details and ideas from Smoke Signals to your Alexie maps.
• Study your new vocabulary words! 

FYI: Here's the rest of the week's agenda for E block:
10.1 Wed: No class meeting
10.2 Thursday: Assembly
10.3 Friday: Weekly Check-in & vocab quiz. Bring all of your Alexie materials torepare for exam.
10. 6 Monday: No class meeting
10.7 Tuesday: In-class written exam on Alexie author study.

Monday 9.29.14

"Hey, Victor!"

Block C

• Study your new vocabulary words! Make some spiffy flash cards. Write some sentences. Use the words at the dinner table. Tweet the words to the world. Do whatever it takes to make them your own!
• Your 3-2-1 response on Smoke Signals will be due on Wednesday. We will resume the film tomorrow.

Block D:

• Study your new vocabulary words! Make some spiffy flash cards. Write some sentences. Use the words at the dinner table. Tweet the words to the world. Do whatever it takes to make them your own!
• Continue to collaborate with your creative team around the coming-of-age hero project. You will need to develop a proposal for a product that you will create this year. 

Block E:

• Study your new vocabulary words! Make some spiffy flash cards. Write some sentences. Use the words at the dinner table. Tweet the words to the world. Do whatever it takes to make them your own!
• Continue to add details and ideas to your Alexie maps as we watch the film this week.

Block G:

• Study your new vocabulary words! Make some spiffy flash cards. Write some sentences. Use the words at the dinner table. Tweet the words to the world. Do whatever it takes to make them your own!
• Your 3-2-1 response on Smoke Signals will be due on Wednesday. 

Friday 9.26.14

Block E:

• Write a 3-2-1 on what you've seen thus far in Smoke Signals. (3 observations, 2 questions, 1 opinion).
• Read your independent reading book

Block G:

• Add your new insight and observations from this week's examination of Alexie's poetry to your Alexie Motif Maps. Be sure to incorporate quotes and key lines from the poetry.
• Write a 3-2-1 on what you've seen thus far in Smoke Signals. (3 observations, 2 questions, 1 opinion).
• Read your independent reading book.

Block B:

• Write a 3-2-1 on what you've seen thus far in Smoke Signals. (3 observations, 2 questions, 1 opinion).
• Read your independent reading book

Thursday 9.25

Block G:
Finish your Article of the Week annotations and response for tomorrow.

Block B:
Finish the analytical response paragraph on "Why We Play Basketball" for tomorrow. If possible, please TYPE your response.

Block C:
Add new texts and information to your Alexie mind map.
Write an analytical paragraph response to any of the three poems we've studied this week. Your paragraph should begin like this:

In the poem "__________________," Alexie explores the idea that ______________________. 

(Remember to use language of the poem in your response, blending the quotes smoothly into your paragraph). 

Block D:
Watch a coming-of-age movie this weekend, and write a response that explores what you have noticed about the form and structure of the story as it relates to Joseph Campbell's Monomyth.

Use the 3 paragraph format we use for responses: summarize, respond, connect. 

Wednesday 9/14

Block B:
Read and annotate (MARK UP!) the poem "Why We Play Basketball" by Sherman Alexie. We will be examining the ideas and language in class tomorrow.

Block C:
Article of the Week due tomorrow. Remember to annotate the original article as you read.

Block D:

We had a great discussion today about "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves" and whether or not it qualifies as a Hero's Journey. Here are the notes from our discussion: 

For tomorrow: Article of the Week due. Remember to annotate as you read.
Also, brainstorm ideas for your Hero's Journey project--we will be putting our ideas together tomorrow in class!

Block E:
Write a full, clear, and well-supported paragraph response on "Why We Play Basketball." Due on Friday!

Block D:

• Article of the Week due on Thursday. Follow the directions on the handout.

Block E:

• Read, annotate, and complete the bubble organizer for the poem "Why We Play Basketball." Come to class prepared to talk about and write about the poem.

Block G:

• Read and annotate the two additional Alexie poems handed out in class: "Genetics" and "Influences." When we meet again, you will write about your choice of one of the poems. Come to class prepared to discuss both! 
• Article of the Week is due on Friday. 

Monday 9/22

Block C:

1. Finish your paragraph response on "Reservation Mathematics" (follow the steps on the handout we started in class).
2. Read, annotate, and complete the bubble organizer for the poem "Why We Play Basketball" due on WEDNESDAY.
3. Read, annotate, and respond (using the green reading response recipe) to the article "In the Shadow of Wounded Knee" from National Geographic due on THURSDAY.

Block G:

1. Use the bubble organizer to read, annotate and respond the Alexie's poem "Why We Play Basketball" due on Tuesday
2. Read, annotate, and respond (using the green reading response recipe) to the article "In the Shadow of Wounded Knee" from National Geographic due on FRIDAY

Block B:

1. Finish your paragraph response on "Reservation Mathematics" (follow the steps on the handout we started in class).
2. Make your independent reading poster based on the directions we discussed in class. You should have a photo of your book jacket, your name, and a short synopsis of the book thus far. 

1. 
   

Friday 9/19

Block B:

• "Reservation Mathematics" response due on Tuesday. See the back of your handout that we started in class. Remember to USE the language of the POEM in your response!!!
• Read your independent reading book.

Block C:

• Reservation Mathematics" response due on Tuesday. See the back of your handout that we started in class. Remember to USE the language of the POEM in your response!!!
• Read, annotate, and respond to the article "In the Shadow of Wounded Knee." Due on Thursday.
• Read your independent reading book.

Block D:

• Watch this short animation that we examined in class today on Joseph Campbell's theory of the Hero's Journey. Then, consider the following prompt: Does Karen Russell's story "St. Lucy's" qualify as a Hero's journey? If so, who is the hero and why? Make an argument in a thoughtfully written and carefully supported response due on Monday.
• Read your independent reading book

Block E:

• "Reservation Mathematics" response due on Tuesday. See the back of your handout that we started in class. Remember to USE the language of the POEM in your response!!!
• Read your independent reading book.

Motis in Alexie's writing

Check out these great observations we made so far in out Alexie author study:

Thursday 9/18

Block C:

1. Write a reflection on today's serial testimony. How did it go? What did you hear? What resonated with you? What did you think of the process?
2. Read your independent reading book.

Block D:

1. Develop a list of films that you think meet the criteria of a BILDUNGSROMAN. Choose one of the films and write a paragraph that describes why you think it qualifies.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Block E:

1. Write a reflection on today's serial testimony. How did it go? What did you hear? What resonated with you? What did you think of the process?
2. Read your independent reading book.

Block G:

1. Begin reading/marking up the National Geographic Article of the Week. Write a response using the "recipe" card--both the article and your response are due next Friday 9/26.

Wednesday 9/17

Block G:
Read and annotate Alexie's "Reservation Mathematics." On the back of the poem,
SUMMARIZE (This poem is about...)
RESPOND (I think...I notice...I wonder...)
CONNECT (This poem reminds me of...)

Block B:
Read and annotate Alexie's "Reservation Mathematics." On the back of the poem,
SUMMARIZE (This poem is about...)
RESPOND (I think...I notice...I wonder...)
CONNECT (This poem reminds me of...)

Tuesday 9/16

Block B

• Research the 3 terms on the handout I gave you today in class (The Battle of Little Big Horn, The Battle of Wounded Knee, and "Miss Rosie" (a poem by Lucille Clifton)
• Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes

Block C

• Read and annotate Alexie's poem titled "Reservation Mathematics." Be prepared to write tomorrow!
• Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minute

Block D

• Today we tried our first "Serial Testimony." Tonight, please write a thoughtful reflection on how the process went for you. What did you think?  What did you hear?  What connections did you make?
• On Thursday we will resume our discussion of "St. Lucy's  School for Girls Raised by Wolves."
• Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minute

Block E

• Tonight, read your independent reading book for at least 25 minutes. Make a "Look What I'm Reading!" poster that features a picture of the book jacket of the book you are reading, along with your name,  Print it out (in color, if possible) for our community bulletin board. 

Monday 9/15/14

Block D:

• Read, annotate, and prepare a one-pager on "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves." Print it out  prior to your arrival to class tomorrow.
• Read your independent reading book!

Block E:

• Research three key items (The Battle of Little Big Horn, The Battle of Wounded Knee, and Lucille Clifton's poem titled "Miss Rosie) on the handout that I gave you in class today to prepare for our poetry study tomorrow. 
• Read your independent reading book tonight. 

Block G:

• Research three key items (The Battle of Little Big Horn, The Battle of Wounded Knee, and Lucille Clifton's poem titled "Miss Rosie) on the handout that I gave you in class today to prepare for our poetry study tomorrow. 
• Read your independent reading book tonight. 

Friday 9/12/14

Block G:
1. Read and annotate Alexie's short story "Indian Education." Keep the framing questions in mind as you read.
2. Print out your "Letter to Next Year's Teacher" this weekend.
3. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes a day.

Block B:
1.  Read and annotate Alexie's short story "Indian Education." Keep the framing questions in mind as you read.
2. Print out your "Letter to Next Year's Teacher" this weekend.
3. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes a day.

Block C:
1. Research the three items on the handout I gave you (The Battle of Little Big Horn, The Battle of Wounded Knee, and the poem "Miss Rosie" by Lucille Clifton) to prepare for Tuesday poetry study.
2. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes a day.

Thursday 9/11/14

Block B

1. Read your independent reading book for 15 minutes
2. Complete the Article of the Week assignment on Sherman Alexie's "Many Tribes." Follow the directions on the back of the handout!

Block C:

Here is the interview we watched in class today featuring Sherman Alexie. Check it out here.
1. Read your independent reading book for 15 minutes
2. Complete the Article of the Week assignment on Sherman Alexie's "Many Tribes." Follow the directions on the back of the handout!

Block D:

1. Read your book for 15 minutes
2. Read, annotate, and write a one-pager response on "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves" due on TUESDAY!

Block E: 

1.Here is the interview we watched in class today featuring Sherman Alexie. Take some time to watch more of it  here.
2.. Read your book for 15 minutes each night. I will be checking reading journals on Monday.

It's IPAD Day!

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Go to the following site and take this survey:

Step 2: Go to Turn It In and register for our class. See the white board for your Class ID and Password information.


Step 3: Go to your student portfolio (in your GOOGLE DRIVE) and UNSHARE your portfolio with your last year's teacher and share your portfolio with me @ hgearty@student.hudson.k12.ma.us

Step 4: TONIGHT (at home): Print out your "Letter for Next Year's Teacher" and submit to the IN Box in our classroom.

Step 5: Say Ta-Da!

Wednesday 9/10

Block C

1. Read your independent reading book for 15 minutes
2. Read, annotate, and respond to the Article of the Week on Alexie's "Many Tribes." Due on Thursday.

Block D

1. Prepare for summer reading response on Thursday.
2. Read and annotate "St. Lucy's School for Girls Raised by Wolves." Complete the process reading notes and write a one-pager for Monday 9/15.

Block E

1. Read your independent reading book for 15 minutes
2. Read, annotate, and respond to the Article of the Week on Alexie's "Many Tribes." Due on Thursday.

Block G

1. Read your independent reading book for 15 minutes
2. Read, annotate, and respond to the Article of the Week on Alexie's "Many Tribes." Due on Friday.

Tuesday 9/9/14

Block E and G


Type (or neatly hand write) a 3 paragraph response on your observations on "30 Days." Here is what each paragraph should include:

Paragraph one: A clear and concise SUMMARY of the film. 

Paragraph two: A thoughtful RESPONSE on the film that includes details and observations. (I notice... I ...observed, I wonder...)


Paragraph three: Your CONNECTIONS between the film and your prior knowledge (schema). (This reminds me of...I connect this to...

If you want to review the film, you can do so HERE.

Block B:


Over the next two nights, please read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes a night. For Thursday, please write a TWO paragraph response on your book thus far:

Paragraph 1: A summary of your book thus far (see post about what a summary should include)

Paragarph 2:  A response (you may use one of the prompts on the book mark I gave you in class). Be specific and thorough in your response. Use details from the text. 

How Do I Write a Summary?

Here are a few important guidelines when it comes time to write a summary (for those working on a summary of Morgan Spurlock's "30 Days" tonight!)

• Your summary should begin with a sentence that states the article's title and author (in this case, narrator) and the focus on the text (or TV show).

• Your summary should reflect the text's purpose and recognize the text's organization (in the case of "30 Days," you will want to explain that Morgan Spurlock is the narrator of a reality-based TV show).

• Your summary should include the text's main points or events...First,Next, Then...) Remember, delete all minor and irrelevant details and combine similar ideas. 

• Your summary should be written in your own words but excluding your personal opinion/bias.

  

Monday 9/8/14

Block G:

1. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes
2. Prepare for the in-class writing assessment on Alexie's True Diary on Wednesday.


Block B:

1. Type (or neatly hand write) a 3 paragraph response on your observations on "30 Days." Here is what each paragraph should include:

Paragraph one: A clear and concise SUMMARY of the film.

Paragraph two: A thoughtful RESPONSE on the film that includes details and observations.

Paragraph three: Your CONNECTIONS between the film and your prior knowledge (schema). 

If you want to review the film, you can do so HERE.



Block C: 
1. Type (or neatly hand write) a 3 paragraph response on your observations on "30 Days." Here is what each paragraph should include:

Paragraph one: A clear and concise SUMMARY of the film.

Paragraph two: A thoughtful RESPONSE on the film that includes details and observations.

Paragraph three: Your CONNECTIONS between the film and your prior knowledge (schema). 

If you want to review the film, you can do so HERE.


Block D:

1. Read your independent reading  book for at least 15 minutes.
2. Write your own version of "On Turning 18" due on Wednesday
3. Prepare for the summer reading assessment on Thursday.

Friday 9/5

Blocks B and E English 11

1. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes each night.
2. Bring your supplies to class on Monday.
3. Review your summer reading notes for our in-class writing assessment on Tuesday (B) and Wednesday (E).

Block C and G Honors English 11

1. Read and annotate the essay by Sherman Alexie titled "Superman and Me." Complete the response questions.
2. Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes each night.
3. Bring your supplies to class on Monday.
3. Review your summer reading notes for our in-class writing assessment on Wednesday.

Block D Honors English 12

1. Read and annotate the packet of four short readings. Write a response that includes your thoughtful reaction.

2. Read your new independent reading book for at least 15 minutes each night. 

3. Review your summer reading notes for our in-class writing assessment on Wednesday 9/10.

Thursday 9/4/14

Block D Senior English:

1. Read your new independent reading book for at least 15 minutes tonight.
2. Complete the "My Name" assignment with creativity and care. We will share them in class tomorrow.

Block E English 11:
1. Read your new independent reading book for at least 15 minutes tonight.
2. Complete your 6 Word Memoir for tomorrow. You will be creating the final product in class.
3. Bring your supplies to class tomorrow.


Block G Honors English 11:

1. Read your new independent reading book for at least 15 minutes each night.
2. Complete the reading and response on  Alexie's essay "Superman and Me." We will begin our author study on Monday!

Wednesday September 3, 2014

Block G:

• Write your letter of introduction and be prepared to submit it at the start of the class. 
• Review the course syllabus with your parents/guardians and ask them to sign it.

Block B:

• Read your new independent reading book for at least 15 minutes each night. Bring it with you to class everyday! 
• Procure your supplies and be sure to ask your parents/guardians to sign your syllabus. 

Block C:

• Read your independent reading book for at least 15 minutes each night and bring both your book and your materials to class with you on Friday.
• Finish your Six Word memoir.

Tuesday September 2, 2014

Block B, C, and E:

Welcome to English Class! It was great meeting you today!

Here is what you need to do before  our next class meets:
1. Ask your parents/guardians to sign your syllabus.
2. Write your letter of introduction.
3. Procure your materials  (3 ring binder, dividers, composition book, pens or pencils and an independent reading book if you have one already)
4. Brainstorm ideas for your SIX word memoir. Remember, only SIX words--no more, no less!

Block D Senior English

It was great to see you all today! We are in for a FANTASTIC year!

Here is what you need to do before our next class meets:

1. Ask your parents/guardians to sign your syllabus..
2. Write your letter of introduction.
3. Procure your materials  (3 ring binder, dividers, composition book, pens or pencils and an independent reading book if you have one already).
4. Research the history of your name. Find a childhood photo of yourself.  We will continue working on your "My Name" vignettes when we meet again.