BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Catch up on what you did with sub
2. Public Speaking game: "Talk About"
3. After break, we will start with doublespeak, then move into classical rhetorical technique, arguments, debates, and persuasion...

CP ENGLISH
1. Lots of folks absent today, so we basically caught up on what was done with the sub, and talked about what is to come...
2. After break, we will finish short stories, and then move into our next body of literature (probably Monte Cristo)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ORANGE DAY

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR BEING GREAT WITH MY SUB WHILE I WAS OUT! I AM HAPPY TO BE BACK TODAY!!

CP ENGLISH
1. Catch up day....I want to see/go over what you did while I was out...touch base with all the stories we read...timeline of rest of short story unit....midterms....etc. When we come back from break we will continue with the rest of our short story unit!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Catch up with what you did with the sub while I was gone....you are up through Act 2 Sc 1
2. Begin viewing Act 1 of film.....we didnt finish this, but we will before we read any more on Act Two (there are about 15 minutes left)

ENGLISH 12
1. Debrief short stories you did with sub/go over
2. Language Arts games (Pi/T, inky pinky, etc)

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1. The Lottery
-you were to read this online for today....
-in class participation writing: describe the three types of conflict that exist in the story
-discussion of ALL notes
-brief list/discussion of silly/pointless/harmful traditions....research the origins of one of these to share with the class!

HONORS
1. Hamlet
-finish character notes, etc
-read and discuss 1.1 and 1.2 (up to when Claudius says 'tis unmanly grief' to Hamlet at the beginning of the scene
-finish the rest of scene 2 for next time, taking the time to "translate" the English to Elizabethan English on the study guide

ENGLISH 12
1. Literary Terms writing in class....write on own presenting a story with conflict
2. The Lottery
-introduce "contrasting images" and how they work
-start the story on your own.....finish either on line OR you can get the story in class on Thursday....

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Lit terms
-finish the rest of the notes
-do exercises as a group or in pairs
-go over them
3. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
-Read this and take notes on a predominant literary term in the story
-REMEMBER: It is NOT an excuse to say you couldnt find it on line. Go to Google.com. Enter "The Lottery by Shirley Jackson." The third one is the best, but there are many choices. Please take responsibility to read this!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-All intro notes (well, we still have a few more characters to go over)
-consider buying your own book
2. College Essay: NOTE-I will try to grade these as quickly as I can because I want you to have them before I leave on paternity leave!!

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Lit terms
-finish notes
-worksheet in class in groups

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. View "Merchants of Cool"
2. We will do YOUR subliminal ads on Monday

CP ENGLISH
1. Check out the orange day blog....their plan is your plan!
2. Remember your vocab test is MONDAY!!!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Literary Terms-begin list as we prepare for our short story unit....we did up to Dramatic Irony, and we will finish the rest next time

HONORS ENGLISH
1. College Essay
-go over leads to possible clothes essay
-hear my version of "Outfits"
-discuss sentence variety and how to integrate it into your college essay-->focused on appositives, adjective phrases, participle phrases, and prepositional phrases
-your essays are due on Friday...be sure to UNDERLINE three (at least) examples of your attempts at integrating sentence variety into your essay
-Do "I am a dynamic figure" essay for fun!

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary words to be put in sentences as practice for Friday test
2. Begin literary terms and take notes on the first five

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Ads
-brainstorm of ads and slogans and "jingles" you can generate off top of head
-'what you know about ads' test
-begin notes on conventions of advertising
-for next time: research a subliminal ad (TV, youtube, radio, magazine) and share it with the class!

COLLEGE PREP
1. Same as orange day....they are one class ahead of you. See their plan from yesterday...

ORANGE DAY

CP
1. Vocab words for Friday test
2. College Essay
-Myers Briggs personality inventory test
-collect final essays, which were due today
3. We will start Short Stories on Wed.

HONORS
1. College Essay
-Myers Briggs test
-Brainstorm of clothing: "Top ten favorite pieces of clothing that identify you"
-Go over effective leads in essays (one of the three items on the rubric)
-For next time: Write THREE lead sentences AS IF you were writing to the topic "What my clothes say about me as an individual." Make them good, solid, fun, creative leads!

ENG 12
1. Vocab for test on Friday
2. Myers Briggs Test

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. Daily: You should all really get.........
2. View Office "Local Ad" as introduction to advertising unit

CP ENGLISH
1. Creative Careers presentation given by Art Institute
2. Essays were collected today

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

ORANGE DAY (I forgot to update this yesterday-11/2/10....SORRY!)

COLLEGE PREP
1. Art Institute presentation on creative careers
2. REMEMBER: Your college essay is due on the Monday you come back from break. This is a FREE CHOICE essay....ideally, you want to write the essay you will use from college....if you dont know what to do, consider one of the prompts or questions we have explored in this unit. Remember the rubric:
a. Voice
b. Strong Lead
c. Varied sentence beginnings (you need to underline at least THREE examples of you integrating appositives, prepositional phrases, adjective phrases, or participle phrases into your writing)

HONORS
1. Art Institute presentation on creative careers....we will continue college essay when you get back!

ENGLISH 12
1. Creative Careers presentation!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Gendhai does his WUSSA
2. Gendhai and Elizabeth do their "controversy speeches" from being absent
3. Empathy
-finish up with "smile test" and discuss results
-Empathy Quotient test on line and discuss results
-with extra time, follow some of the other links on the tinyurl.com!
4. We'll be starting with Advertising/Marketing next!

COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH
1. 6 word bios/"Hint Fiction" NPR project
2. College Essay
-"I am a dynamic figure" creative activity
-read Hugh Gallagher's NYU essay USING this strategy
-"Shakespeare," "BC," and "Clayton Kennedy" examples....and discuss with time
-Remember, your essays are due on Tuesday. Be sure to have a good lead, have an essay full of voice, and have at least three sentences underlined that reflect the 'sentence variety' strategies we discussed last class!!!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Same as black day....your college essay will be due after Thanksgiving....see yesterday's plan, since that is your plan too!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Vocab Test
2. College Essay
-"annoying" responses read and judged for voice
-list of questions AND personal inventory mixer....fun!
-for next time, finish the personal inventory, and, based on the honor system, write for ten minutes....this writing can be on ANY aspect of the two sheets (as long as it inspires you)....make the writing as rich in voice and personality as you can!

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary test
2. Short Stories Unit
-teach the Point, Question, Connect strategy
-apply it as we read "Herb Johnson" story

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Larry does his WUSSA
2. NPR podcast: Regional dialects and how our brain processes them!
3. "Stewie's see n say: The International Version"
4. Empathy
-2 truths and a lie
-share
-introduce "smile" theory, which we will do on Friday!

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab test
2. College Essay
-sentence variety exercises
-learn the four types of sentence variety
-when you hand in your essay (next TUESDAY) you must use ANY COMBO OF THE FOUR STRATEGIES I TAUGHT YOU at least three times (2 appositives, one prep phrase....3 prep phrases....1 participle phrase, 2 adjective phrases....ETC.) You must underline these three examples before handing in your paper to me...see me with any questions!
3. Have a great afternoon!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Please see the Black Day class schedule....this is you too.
2. Your vocabulary test is on THURSDAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. OWL test
2. Vocab test is on THURSDAY
3. Papers
-pass back these fantastic pieces
-quick OWLs (led vs lead AND could of vs could have)
-write these OWLs in your notebook so you dont forget them
4. College Essay
-Colby newspaper article and discuss voice
-"annoying" prompt...keep them anonymous....we will share them and 'judge' next time...hehe

ENGLISH 12
1. Funny-worst essay analogies
2. Persuasion
-"In defense of boredom" read and S.C.A.R.
-smiley face rubric for persuasion papers
-write for 20 minutes and finish for next class: "Write about something you are against....and argue FOR it..."

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. Larry: You will do you WUSSA on Wednesday. Gendhai: Can you go Friday?
2. Anti-status quo speeches delivered (with special guest Mr Atwood)
3. Empathy/body language
-stories/examples of body language which exudes (or does not) confidence
-"dickde" story and discussion

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab test is on WED
2. College Essay
-clothes essay due....share some aloud
-I read my example about stealing airport furniture
-workshop papers by switching with partner and doing 1) Point, Question, Connect and 2) THREE alternate leads (remember....the big fca for this was an effective lead!)
-'begin' work on sentence variety, which is the last FCA for your final essay!!

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1. Same as Black day....your vocab test is next THURSDAY...your paper on clothes is due TUESDAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Reminder: Test on OWLS on TUES and test on vocab on THURSDAY of next week
2. College Essay
-rubric given on board
-Kite or clothesline game!
-"Would you rather!"

ENGLISH 12
1. OWL practice sheet for participation grade
2. Persuasion
-"One thing I'd like changed about school is...." prompt and discussion
-SCAR on "The Junk with School Lunches" and discuss
-we will write on TUESDAY
3. Vocabulary test: It is coming up (supposed to be on Tuesday) so be prepared!!!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Finish film clips on confidence
2. view "Regan" clips as they relate to confidence
3. Speeches are due on Monday.....must have one clear sign of confidence!

CP ENGLISH
1. Vocab for test next WEDNESDAY
2 College essay
-study leads using "Dark and Stormy" book
-brainstorm ten favorite pieces of clothing (*clothing means clothes, accessories, jewelery, tattoos, keychains, talismans, etc!)
-write for Monday: "What does your clothing say about YOU?" The FCA for this paper is a GOOD SOLID LEAD and plenty of voice. It must only be a page (minimum)

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Same as Black Day class....see their post

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Vocabulary words for vocab quiz next THURSDAY
2. O.W.L. test is next TUESDAY
3. Your paper is due on WEDNESDAY (wow....you have a lot going on)
- "Describe how a seemingly good quality--like loyalty, tenacity, kindness, etc--can also be a detriment to a character(s), ultimately causing flaws. Use any of our short stories as a reference point....the FCA for this is your opening paragraph/intro....we discussed the effectiveness of good leads (and how to do them) in class"
4. College Essay
-share prompts
-some notes on what the unit will look like
-what IS the college essay anyway?
-handout given on possible prompts, etc.

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocab words for test next TUESDAY
2. Finish "Thank you for smoking"

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Discuss film, intro to persuasion, bogus law suits, issues, and things that defy status quo....
2. Speech assigned: Argue against something widely accepted by YOU or society (school should be year round, pizza is an awful food, basketball is the worst sport, etc). Work on this and you will have time on Tuesday as well to finish it
3. Begin presenting film clips on confidence....

CP ENGLISH
1. College Essay
-continue reading aloud essays....PQC to them...
-continue to be amazed at the fantastikness (that IS a word....haha) of my class's ability to both write and share their writing
-Read article from "English Journal" on using creative nonfiction to write a college essay
-we will continue the discussion next time, in order that we could hear from CBL about their awesome experience at the kid's cancer ward....
AMAZING CLASS. THANK YOU.

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH
1. Same as Black day classes--see their assignment

HONORS ENGLISH
1. "Once more to the lake"
-discuss story, take a few notes, share responses
2. Writing
-reminder of FCA of intro paragraph
-go over introduction paragraphs, with attention to backstory....see examples/photocopied sheets
3. "Herb Johnson: god of Canton"
-read aloud and enjoy.....

ENGLISH 12
1. Persuasion
-view "Thank you for smoking"
-pay attention/take notes for followup activity
2. Collect "epic hero" papers...these were assigned last class, and you had 25 minutes to work on them....basically, all you should be doing today is printing them out!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Finish "Smoking" film
2. Discuss elements of confidence and persuasion in film
3. Bring a film clip that demonstrates CONFIDENCE and present it to the class on Friday

COLLEGE PREP
1. College Essay
-hear "collecting activity" feedback and discuss and share
-in class writing: at least a page long....on any of the prompts or ideas we have discussed
-teach the Point, Question, Connect strategy for giving feedback on writing
-begin sharing aloud/giving feedback...we will continue this on Friday
-THANKS FOR SHARING!!

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1. See Black Day Plan

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Writing prompt given: If you have questions or need it written down again, please come see me! This paper is due next WED.
2. O.W.L. test is next MON
3. "Once more to the Lake"
-discussion of a changed place, EB White, etc
-read the essay
-participation writing: How does White use symbolism in the story?? Pick out examples. Think outside the box

ENGLISH 12
1. OWL Test
2. Epic Hero
-finish last convention
-Epic Hero conventions sheet to do in class
-Writing: Describe a modern day hero, using at least 3 conventions we discussed in class. This was begun in class, and this is due in class on Thursday
3. BRING PERMISSION SLIP FOR MOVIE!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. You folks were in the library,, since I was at the Shakespeare production. I had a great time, and I hope you did too. We will continue the film on Wednesday

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocabulary test
2. College Essay
-voice writing prompts (kid at Beiber concert, day after Thanksgiving, etc)
-list of questions/partner up/talking and switching
-"writing floats on a sea of talk"-Donald Hall. *Remember this when looking for ideas!*
-"collecting activity" on other side of the list of questions...please do this for homework...come to class with it completed....we will be writing on Wednesday!

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1 See Black Day plan!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Ongoing Writing List for test next week.....

ENGLISH 12
1. OWL review....write all in sentences...your test will be on TUESDAY!!
2. Beowulf
-notes on epic hero conventions!
-we will finish these on Tuesday

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. Film: "Thank You For Smoking" watch after permission slips have been collected
2. take notes on film for a response you will write about signs of confidence
3. REMEMBER: Those of you NOT going to the play will meet in the library on Monday. BE GOOD

COLLEGE PREP
1. College Essay
-focus on voice
-read "colby newspaper" opinions and discuss voice
-"what annoys you" prompt and read anonymously....try to guess based on voice
-"which vegetable" prompt and try to guess what others wrote based on "voice" in their writing
2. VOCAB TEST MONDAY!!

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. WUSSA: Justin
2. Permission slips: Get them signed for "Thank You for Smoking"
3. Confidence
-finish last three "signs"
-list and discussion: which ones are difficult for you? Easy? etc

COLLEGE PREP
1. Test on OWLS
2. Vocabulary words for test on TUESDAY
3. College Essay
-Would You Rather?

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. OWL test
2. Vocabulary words for test on FRIDAY
3. College Essay
-hand out papers with essay questions, descriptions, etc
-go over/introduce rubric for how the college essay is graded
-would you rather.....

HONORS ENGLISH
1. "Twilight"
-finish 2truthsand1lie
-discuss inferences made about the story
-"points to ponder"
2. "Araby"
-intro story
-read the rest for HW
-respond in note format: How do TONE and SYMBOLISM let the reader know that things will not work out well for the boy in the story?

ENGLISH 12
1. Mystery
2. Beowulf
-read and finish section 3
-discuss "genre" notes
-we took LOTS of notes today that will be used for an open note quiz on Wed.
3. OWL test will be FRIDAY!

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. Notes taken on the seven signs of confidence..we will finish on Tuesday.....I will be giving you permission slips for the film....Justin, you are up on Tuesday for your WUSSA

CP ENGLISH
1. OWL test is on TUESDAY
2. College Essay
-rubric given for essay
-discussion of voice
-Kite or Clothesline game

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1.. See "Black Day" plan from yesterday. You folks did the same thing. HOWEVER, you have your OWL list test on Monday!!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Test on Literary Devices
2. "In the Twilight"
-re-introduce inferences, etc
-play 2 truths and a lie as way to judge our inferences about each other
-we will continue this AND the story on Monday, since we ran out of time

ENGLISH 12
1. Writing prompt rubric given for participation writing assignments
2. Writing prompt: What quality would you want as a hero (pick from four examples)
3. Beowulf
-well.....we kind of ran out of time talking about word derivations....we will continue Monday
4. OWL test is on MONDAY!!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Guest speaker: Josh Veilleux discussing confidence in speech as a police officer.

CP ENGLISH
1. OWLs list finished...test is next TUESDAY
2. College Essay
-share prompts
-description of unit; expectations, etc....all logistics covered
-we will begin "writing" on Friday....come ready to be creative!
-passed out sheet with suggested topics AND a little synopsis on what the college essay SHOULD be!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Same plan as Black day....see their plan from yesterday

HONORS ENGLISH
1. "The Bet"
-participation writing: Describe how foils exist in "The Bet"
-hear inferential questions as way of discussion of stories
-notes on misanthrope, external vs internal conflict, other literary terms, etc
-quickly hear transcendent questions from class
2. Literary Terms
-practice sheet....test is on THURSDAY
3. "In the Twilight"
-begin discussing "inferences"
-puppet man
-read story and then JUDGE the characters....use quotes to make inferences about mom, dad. chet, bruce. Turn off the editors in your head.

ENGLISH 12
1. OWL list on board....test is next week....STUDY THESE
2. Beowulf
-research a superhero....based on their arch enemies, weapons, fatal flaw

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Signs of Confidence unit
-speech about your weaknesses in speech "I am a 'bad' speaker because..."
-view "Dwight's Speech" from THE OFFICE and observe good and bad signs of confidence within the episode

COLLEGE PREP
1. Beowulf
-final test
-PLEASE BRING BOOKS TO PASS IN ON WED.
2. Writing/OWLs
-pass back papers; discuss errors
-begin OWL list (the first half was just for your writing knowledge...the second half you will be tested on)
-we will continue the list on Wednesday

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Same as black day from yesterday....the "black day" class is now ahead of you! Read what they did....

HONORS ENGLISH
1. "Football Island" video
2. "The Bet"
-"2 corners" question activity regarding the 5 million dollar payout....
-brief discussion of "loneliness" and isolation as it relates to the story
3. No new assignment tonight....on Tuesday we will finish the story activities, notes, and literary terms review....your test on Lit Terms will be next THURSDAY

ENGLISH 12
1. "Football Island" viewing
2. Beowulf
-discussion of the end of the fight with Grendel....take notes
-read aloud part 2....end where he begins fighting the mom with his bare hands....we will finish this up next time!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Confidence Unit
-discuss idiosyncrasies we see in speakers
-read "Scaredy Cat" article and actively take notes on it
-share your thoughts on the article
-idiosyncrasies of YOU and one other person in the class-write these down to be shared on Monday!

CP ENGLISH
1. View "Football Island" from 60 minutes. Just because.
2. "Beowulf"
-tie up loose ends with story
-collect paper, which was due today...FCAS were thesis and 3 clear examples
-"hero chart" to be completed in pairs.....then shared in class
-Beowulf test will be on MONDAY....study your notes to prepare!!!
3. College Essay
-we will begin this unit on Monday...you should find your applications and bring them in...I want you to share what prompts your prospective colleges are looking for!

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1. No class today.....we had PSATs, etc. Your papers are due on Friday. Thank you.

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Question generating
-notes on literal, inferential, transcendent questions
-group work--work on integrating into literature of your choice
2. "The Bet"
-read story for homework
-complete 3 inferential and 3 trancendent questions based on the story

ENGLISH 12
1. Beowulf
-quiz on Anglo Saxons, Beowulf history, etc. Use your notebooks!
-as a class, read "The Battle with Grendel" aloud (great job to those who read!!!!)

BLACK DAY....AND ORANGE CP ENGLISH ANNOUNCEMENT!

*****ATTENTION ORANGE DAY CP ENGLISH*****
We will not have class tomorrow morning, due to the PSAT schedule (and other events). Therefore, your papers on "Beowulf" will be due in class on Friday. Your test will be on Tuesday. Thank you!!!

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Justin Murray: You will do your WUSSA next Friday. Thanks, man
2. Daily: "3 Reasons you should....." speech
3. Confidence
-discuss idiosyncrasies and what we do when we are nervous in speech

CP ENGLISH
1. Beowulf
-finish conventions of epic hero story
-go over paper, which is due on THURSDAY
-read half of "death of Beowulf" aloud....you read and complete second half
-complete "quiz" study guide in class

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Beowulf
-finish conventions of epic hero--apply to your paper!
-go over any questions regarding completion of paper
-reading check test on section 3
-go over test, timeline of section 3, notes, etc on THE DEATH OF BEOWULF
**your paper is due next WEDNESDAY and your test on Beowulf is on FRIDAY!

HONORS
1. A&P
-do "robber vs realtor"
-what do you think of the story?
-notes on story, literary devices, superficial characters
2. Collect papers ...go over some ideas written about for this paper!

ENGLISH 12
1. Beowulf
-finish notes on Anglo Saxons, history, and intro to Beowulf story
-view part I of "Clash of the gods"
-be prepared to read in next class!

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. "Terror" article
-share what you thought about the article
-make a list of "bad" speakers you have encountered
-begin list of WHY we are so nervous to speak
2. Clips on computer
-farm, dynamite, spelling bee, Miss USA

COLLEGE PREP
1. Same as Orange College Prep....there is one difference: You elected, as a class, to read the 3rd and final section of Beowulf in class on Tuesday. Dont forget that your paper is due next THURSDAY. See me if you have questions!!!!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Teaching Projects
-finish presenting
2. Confidence Unit
-begin by reading "Taking the Terror Out of Talk"
-take notes on points of interest
-we will continue ALL of this discussion next time!

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab test taken
2. College Talk followup
3. Beowulf
-go over "fight with Grendel's mother" with notes
-BRING your hero paragraphs for Wednesday, as we uncover the "conventions" of a hero story....

ORANGE DAY

***ATTENTION ALL CLASSES***

Today, we had Mr McNiel and Mrs Lindquist, our two guidance counselors, come to talk to you about graduation, financial aid, college applications, teacher recommendations, etc. At the end of this time, students went to sign up in guidance for an appointment for a senior interview. If you missed today, PLEASE go see your guidance counselor as soon as possible!

ALL CLASSES HAVE THEIR VOCAB TESTS ON TUESDAY. BE PREPARED PLEASE.

Have a great weekend!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. "Back to Back" activity for practice in direction giving, clear speech, etc.
2. Presentation of "Teaching Projects"....only about half of us went....the rest of you should be prepared to go on Monday!

COLLEGE PREP
1. Guidance came today to talk to class...we will continue with "Beowulf" on Monday....reminder that VOCAB TEST IS MONDAY

ORANGE DAY

**NOTE TO ALL CLASSES** Guidance is coming to talk to all my orange day classes on Friday. Friday is the day you are scheduled to have vocab due. BE PREPARED to take the test. Guidance will probably take the whole block, but JUST IN CASE you should be prepared to take the test! If you read this blog--like you are supposed to each day--you will know this!

COLLEGE PREP
1. Beowulf
-short reading quiz to check on section 2 of reading
-group work on "the fight with Grendel's mother" to analyze arrogance, the setting, supernatural tendencies of Beowulf, etc
-large group discussion of section 2, covering everything EXCEPT Beowulf's arrogance....which we will continue next time

HONORS
1. "The Lottery"
-complete all notes and discussion of the story (typological names, symbolism, traditions, etc)
-discuss traditions in our culture that are silly, outdated, racist, pointless, weird, arcane, etc.
-assign paper inspired by "The Lottery"....this paper will be due next THURSDAY....PLEASE come talk to me with any questions....
2. "The ENd of Something"
-we never got to this (it was a half day)...we will start with it next class!

ENGLISH 12
1. Many were missing today due to the early release/vocational, etc.....we played some trivia, word games, etc....guidance comes next time, but we will continue with vocab and "Beowulf" when we have class again!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING

1. WUSSA
a. Elizabeth presents on LOSE YOURSELF
2. Technical/articulate speaking
a. examples of good vs bad direction giving (lights, blowing nose, teeth, etc)
b. view examples of QVC, Dr. Steve Brule
c. reminder of your TEACHING PROJECT due to be presented THURSDAY

CP ENGLISH
1. Please see Orange day's plan from yesterday--you are right on track with them, and you should do what was assigned for them!

Have a great day!!! Thanks to all of you who are checking this blog daily! Keep it up....

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab for test to be on FRIDAY
2. "Beowulf"
-go over section 1, discussing group notes rows took last time
-discussion of hubris, the fight, the arm, etc.
-read "the battle with Grendel's mother" for next time....just read it and make sure to understand it
-bring all the "hero" research you did for next class

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Vocabulary for test to be on FRIDAY
2. In class writing/participation rubric handed out and discussed
3. "The Lottery"
-writing prompt: What is the dominant literary device seen in the story? (8 minutes)
-begin discussion of the story (we didnt get that far...we will continue next time)
-bring a brainstorm of a list of traditions we have in our culture that are outdated, silly, or dont make much sense...but we still do anyway (I gave the Easter Egg example!)
4. "The End of Something" by Hemingway
-read the story please

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary words for test on FRIDAY
2. Technical writing
-in class writing assignment focusing on directions on how to do something/teach me about something in which you are interested!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Free Joke Friday (kind of!)
2. Daily
-"I make the best____" and presentation
-"spaghetti" example....
3. Articulate speaking
-"laundry" example
-assign teaching project...this is due to be presented next THURSDAY in class
4. Elizabeth will present here WUSSA next time...thanks!

CP ENGLISH
1. **See the plan for ORANGE DAY from yesterday. You are on the same schedule. Next week we have class on Tuesday (and we will do Beowulf) and then on Thursday guidance is coming to talk to us....

Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!

ORANGE DAY

CP ENGLISH
1. Beowulf
-finish notes on story, folk hero, Anglo Saxons, etc. as a way to introduce the story more effectively, since we are only reading an abridged copy
-Read 1st section of poem, breaking down by group: Nervousness of men, greatness of Beowulf, and descriptions of Grendel. ALL groups take notes on religious undertones and influence of the Christian scribes....finish for next class!
-resarch a hero of your choice....find out about them so you can present....be able to tell a) their special skills/talents, b)arch enemy c)weapon of choice....think outside the box for this!

HONORS
1. Literary Terms
-finish list....we will have a test on these soon....details forthcoming
2. "The Lottery"
-introduce idea of "contrasting images"
-read the story for next time....take notes on a) contrasting images b) a prevalent literary device used

ENGLISH 12
1. Technical writing
-Mr Lessard speaks about antiquing
-for next time, come to class with something to write about: YOu will have to do a "how to" paper IN CLASS

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Technical speech/direction giving
a. Mr George Lessard presents on "antiquing." This went most of the class!

CP ENGLISH
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Beowulf
-introductory notes on Anglo Saxon era, Christian scribe influence, language, history, etc. If you were out, COPY these notes from a friend
-There was no reading assignment for tonight
3. For next class, show me the practice SIAPs you did with the sub on Monday....they are an optional class participation grade....
*****You are expected to follow this blog if you are out....there is no excuse not to take things like vocabulary tests if you miss a day...especially if you were here when you got the words...you KNOW when the test will be*****

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. VOcab test
2. Aims: passed back all graded
3. Beowulf
-begin with notes on Anglo Saxon period and background on the culture of Beowulf
-no reading...we will finish notes next class and begin the poem

HONORS
1. Vocabulary test
2. Literary Terms
-review of the terms we will encounter in our literature this year....we left off with "foreshadow" and we will continue next time

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary test
2. Technical writing
-write "how to brush your teeth" in no more/no less than seven steps
-other examples of good vs bad directions and what we can learn from them
-"back to back" activity where you take turns being aggravated and annoyed with each other:)
-Mr Lessard presents next time!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Aim
-go over the papers which were due today
2. Dar Williams
-listen to (and analyze) "The End of the Summer" song
-reminder of SIAP project
3. Your vocabulary test will be on TUES

HONORS
1. (see College Prep, as today you guys had basically the same plan!)

ENGLISH 12
1. Five Minute Mystery-listening comprehension3.
2. Vocabulary
-review for test which is on TUES
-as a participation grade, describe each word in a sentence, and if it describes you or not
3. Technical writing
-introduce unit
-"Laundry" paragraph
-bring this sheet with you for next class...we will use it!!!

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
*Shortened class because of computer assembly
1. WUSSA
-model the process through listening to "The Ball Jar" by Garrison Keillor
-discuss effectiveness of his speech
-Elizabeth will present her first WUSSA next Friday!

CP ENGLISH
1. Aim
-share, discuss outcomes, collect papers
2. SIAP project
-model the process by critically analyzing "The End of the SUmmer" by Dar Williams
-answer questions and have a great class discussion (great job folks!)
3. Prepare for your vocabulary test which is on MONDAY

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab
-finish words
-test will be TUESDAY!
2. Aims
-reminder they are due FRIDAY
3. Cultural literacy
-discussion of connotation vs denotation
4. SIAP project
-introduce and explain

HONORS ENGLISH
1. (see CP entry...the same applies to you for today, actually!)

ENGLISH 12
1. Listening comprehension
-two "murder mysteries"
2. Vocabulary
-finish words
-discussion on "cultural literacy"
-vocab test will be next TUESDAY!!

BLACK DAY

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Stump Speech
-discussion of what they are
-how can improper ones be damaging for politicians, etc?
-go over rubric for scoring them
-deliver a "would you rather"
2. WUSSA
-explain what a WUSSA is!
-assign weekly presentations to students

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab
-finish words
-discuss/learn "connotation" vs. "denotation" and how it pertains to vocabulary
-test will be NEXT WEEK because we didnt get to finish the words until today
2. SIAP projects
-assign/go over the process for successfully completing a SIAP music project
-go over expectations for the presentations
-we will "assign" presenters next class, and I will model the process for you with a song. Fun!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. AIM
-check in as to what people are doing
-your paper is due this Friday
2. Vocabulary
-first list given
-test is on Friday
3. Writing rubric given and discussed in class....read it on your own....

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Aim
-share mine...fun!
-go around and share ideas
2. Vocab
-new words for test Friday (finish on Wednesday!)
3. Rubric
-give, explain, read on own, keep for year!

ENGLISH 12
1. AIM
-introduce, assign, go over ideas
-5 minute prompt: Write about something that you know you would have trouble giving up
-discuss prompts as they relate to aim project
2. Vocabulary
-new words given....test is on FRIDAY (we didnt finish all words...we will finish next class)

BLACK DAY

SPEECH
1. Object
-Finish speeches about how you are unlike your object
2. Freewrite
-Explain Freewrite rubric/discuss it
-the "one minute" time minimum was discussed and agreed upon
-do "no one cares anymore about...." for SEVEN minutes
-present!

CP ENGLISH
1 Aim
-check in and share what we are doing
-hear some cool AIM stories from college, when Mr. Goldsmith was actually cool
2.. Vocab
-First list was started
-Discuss importance of keeping a section of notebook for vocab
-explain format and how to take proper notes with vocab words
-go over the logistics of how we'll take our vocab tests
-test is scheduled for next THURSDAY

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Object writing
-share/go over objects you are NOT like
-Mr Goldsmith's "French Press Presentation" and writing prompt on the French Press
2. Aim
-Introduce writing process project which is due nex FRIDAY

HONORS
1. Object writing
-go over what you wrote...share a few samples
-discuss the NUANCES of the French Press coffeemaker and write about how you are like or unlike it
2. Introduce AIM project which is due next FRIDAY. Have your topic for next class so you can share it!

ENGLISH 12
1. Object
-write for 10 minutes why you are unlike one of the object I put on the table
-share what was written
-Discussion of Stephen King's body of work (haha)
-discussion of French press coffeemaker and write why you are like or unlike this
2.For next class, you NEED your notebook for the first vocab list. You get extra credit points on the quiz if you have your notebooks!

WELCOME TO THE 2010-2011 SCHOOLYEAR!

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. We had an awesome guest speaker/assembly today, which left us with about 15 minutes of classtime. So, we discussed the speaker, and why she was effective. We'll continue with our stuff on Friday

COLLEGE PREP
1. Object: Write about your object for 15 minutes...describe the one that says the LEAST about you...which one are you NOT like? After, we shared some of these pieces of writing
2. Writing rubric was passed out and explained.
3. AIM project was assigned...we will go over more of this on Friday

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Term Paper
-Collect and give back outline
-FULL PAGE OF BODY (WITH CITATIONS) DUE ON WEDNESDAY
-Two more MLA sheets having to do with numbers, paraphrasing, quoting within quote, quote diversity, etc. Read these sheets on your own!
-Go over how to cite Internet sources, what IS an Internet source, etc
-Time to work on body pages, sources, Works Cited, and the actual writing of the paper!

HONORS
(Pretty much covered the same stuff as College Prep....your papers are both due on Friday)

ENGLISH 12
1. Your very last vocabulary list of the year
2. The Longest Winter
-Write at home-two paragraphs. One: According to Maslow's hierarchy, where would you rate the soldiers in the book OR in "Band of Brothers?" Explain. Two: How would you rate yourself? Are you "self actualized?" Why or why not?
3. View "Crossroads" with Band of Brothers

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Term Paper
-MLA "scavenger hunt"--use the time to start citing your sources and seeing how MLA format applies to your sources
-Go to library OR continue working on MLA citations....
-Your outline is due on Monday!!!! I will be collecting this!!!!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Term Paper
-Check introduction
-Conference with individuals on thesis and intro
-Good outline sample....YOUR outline will be collected on Monday
-MLA "scavenger hunt" and work on citing your sources!!

ENGLISH 12
1. The Longest Winter
-Test on ch 10&11
-Discuss the test
-Lecture on Maslow and his hierarchy of needs...bring this Monday!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Reminder: Vocab test is Wednesday
2. Term Paper
-Check off thesis statement
-Assumption/Generalization lesson
-Share topics and ideas as a class
-Begin thesis conferencing
-Your introduction paragraph is due on Wednesday. I will check it off

CREATIVE WRITING
1 Big Fish and stuff....

ORANGE

COLLEGE PREP
1. Took vocab test
2. Term Paper
-Second assumption lesson
-Emphasize Claim Data Warrant in your body paragraphs....this is important!!
-Work independently to isolate at least ten quotes you will use in paper
-We will continue next week with our outline and MLA format

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Vocab test
2. Term Paper
-Lesson on assumptions and generalizations-DONT DO THIS!!!
-Quick lesson on what your intro should look like--THIS IS DUE TUESDAY
-Continue conferencing on thesis statements
-Next week will be filled with outlining and MLA format!

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocab test
2. The Longest Winter
-Discuss ch 9 test guide
-Read ch 10 for next class GUESTS OF THE REICH
-View "Caratan" on Band of Brothers

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Term Paper
-Lesson on assumptions and generalizations and how to avoid them. Get the handout if you missed this!
-The due date for this paper is MAY 28 which is the day after your laptops are due. This means either do it the day before, or make other arrangements. NO TECH DAYS. NO EXCUSES BECAUSE OF COMPUTER PROBLEMS. PLAN AHEAD.
-On Friday, bring research materials so you can work in class.
2. Vocab test Friday

HONORS
1 Term Paper
-Share topics
-Thesis mini lesson and share bad thesis statements
-Begin conferencing on thesis statements
-On Friday, we will continue with thesis conferencing. We will also work on intro paragraphs and do research
2. Vocab test is Friday

ENGLISH 12
1 The Longest Winter
-notes to catch us up to where we are
-Read chapter 9-TERROR! aloud and silently. Complete the study guide in entirety for next class.
2. Vocab test Friday

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
**Today's class was decimated by people taking the AP exam. Do you like the awkward nature of this sentence? Do you see the misplaced modifier? Good. We'll continue with vocab, library time, and thesis statements due on Thursday. Hope you didnt get too PSYCHED out with the exam...

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Storytelling via "Big Fish" Fun!!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Term Paper
-Your intro paragraph was due today--remember it needs to be rich in backstory, general info, and thesis. Be sure to have me check it off ASAP if you were not here today. It is due!
-Conference with individuals on thesis and opening paragraph....remember that there are FOUR checkpoints. You will be held to these
2. Vocab words for test on Friday

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Vocab list for test Friday
2. Term Paper
-Thesis statement is due today...if you were out at AP testing, be sure to show it to me ASAP
-Research in library
3. Hamlet paper was due in class today

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocab for test this Friday
2. The Longest Winter
-View part 2 of "Currahee" in class
-No reading assignment....we will write and read in class on Wednesday!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Term Paper--same as Orange Day from yesterday--have a working thesis due for Tuesday's class

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Conferencing on expanded moment papers....

Have a great weekend!!!!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Finish film
-Your paper is due on TUESDAY of next week!
2. Meet IN CLASS on Friday...we will go to the library together after a few directions

CREATIVE WRITING
1. The importance of first lines
2. Photo responses
3. Writing a "class" story....

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Term Paper
-Collect and check off thesis statement
-Go over four check points for term paper: Thesis, first paragraph, outline, body page
-Discuss what makes a good thesis statement--give sheet
-Share, as a class, topics for term paper

HONORS
1. Hamlet
-Finish "reading" the film
-Paper on App/Reality will be due on MONDAY of next week

ENGLISH 12
1. The Longest Winter
-Go over Chapt. 6 and do in class study guide
-View "Currahee" about the training of the 101st airborne
-Read Chapt 7 for next class
-There will be a test next class on chapter 1-7 AND the class notes we have had

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Discuss "psycho" quote, read USA Today article on Appearance vs Reality, discuss implications for paper, which is due after we finish the film portion of HAMLET.
-Paper: "How is the conflict of Appearance vs Reality played out in Act 4 and 5 of HAMLET?" To do this, you should examine how certain characters....
1. seem a certain way to us, but in reality are different
2. seem a certain way to each other, but in reality are different
3. seem a certain way to THEMSELVES, but in reality are not
4. How is the story completely misconstrued or misinterpreted?
5. You own opinion on the story that goes against the status quo and supports A vs R
**The above are merely suggestions for you!

CREATIVE WRITING
1. View video version of "The Ledge"
2. Writing time: Work on your own "expanded moment" piece!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1 Same as Orange....see that blog

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Action Writing
-The Ledge by Stephen King-discuss sensory images in expanded moments
2. Bring your computers on Monday....we will be writing!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Term Paper
-"Rules" of the term paper unit...explanation of expectations....page limits, etc
-Go to library....short presentation by Mrs Lucas...."presearch" on your own....we will do more of this on Friday
-You will have your thesis due on Tuesday of next week
2. Vocab Test is Friday

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-collect/go over Dramatic Situation writing
-Film and discussion for Act 3 (take notes)
-There is no reading for Friday...we will continue on Act 4 on Friday

ENGLISH 12
1. The Longest WInter
-Chapter 2 study guide
-Summarize Chapter 3....do other notes on military terms
-Read "The Ghost Front" chapter for Friday
2. Vocabulary Test is Friday

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Read sections of 3.1...particularly the soliloquy Hamlet gives....analyze soliloquy
-Partner activity with reading ending of 3.2 (the rest of 3.2 was summarized by yours truly!)
-For next class, analyze a QUOTE (not one on which we focused in class) from 3.1 or 3.2...have it correspond to a theme we've gone over thus far in the play. This should be typed (about a page)

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Creative writing game....
2. Action writing
-"As I stared at him" writing and discussion...

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocab list for Friday test
2. CDW
-Quick review (although you should have it in your notes)
-Read "25 Things Every Mainer Should Know"
-Write: What is something every Mainer should know? Write your answer in claim, data, warrant format (type it) and give it to me on Wednesday

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Read 3.1 and do notes together
-Summarize beginning of 3.2
-With reading partner, read the rest of 3.2 and complete worksheet study guide
-For Wednesday, do a dramatic situation, in writing, that encapsulates a quote from 3.1 or 3.2 that we HAVE NOT spotlighted on in class. Be sure to tie it to a thematic element OR a literary term

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocab words for test Friday
2 The Longest Winter
-Intro notes to understand military terms
-Summarize Ch 1
-Read Ch 2 (19 pages) for Wednesday. There will be a quiz

BLACK DAY

**ALL CLASSES: See my OTHER post from today...it is an interesting essay all students should read!!**

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Notes on Act 2 Scene 2
-View/discuss/take notes on film for Act 2
-Read Act 3 scene 1 for after vacation!

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Character analysis through "The Office"

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS.........

(One of two articles in "The Boston Globe" yesterday. Check it out....an interesting take on school as we know it......)



DOES YOUR son do community service?’’ my friend asks me. Her tone is demanding, frantic. “Because I hear the colleges are looking for community service now.’’

Another friend confides that she has hired a tutor to help her son with math. The boy’s PSAT math score was over 700, but the mother hopes that tutoring might bring it up some more.
Someone else is fretting because her daughter got a C+ in chemistry and, even though her other grades are good, “the colleges aren’t going to like that.’’
Our kids are in tenth grade.

When I hear these parents — my friends, who are otherwise sane people — talking, a big part of me wants to say, “Please shut up.’’ And another part of me wants to ask for the phone number of the math tutor.

Every year when college admissions season rolls around, I read articles about how the applicant pool is bigger and stronger than ever before. But are we really seeing better kids, or just slicker packaging? We think our children should be academically brilliant; musically and athletically gifted; and dedicated to serving, if not downright saving, humanity. Are there really a lot of people like this? Or are we creating Frankenstudents — artificial monsters, impossible composites of skills and achievements that rarely co-exist in real life?

I look around at the adults I know, and I don’t see anybody who resembles this glossy hyperachiever. I see a doctor who gardens, an architect taking care of an aging mother, a sculptor who plays tennis twice a week. I know someone who does relief work in Africa, and someone who gave a great deal of time and money after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami — but those same people don’t also play the tuba and win skating championships and dissect frogs. They have work, families, and friends — and even with that, no one gets enough sleep.
The pressure to have kids who are “outstanding’’ and “well rounded’’ is intense, and it starts earlier and earlier. Some friends took their kindergartener to Florida for a week last year, and not only did the school send a packet of homework along, but one evening, when the little girl sat at the table drooping over her crayons, the parents were appalled to hear themselves saying, “Hey! Wake up! Color.’’

This climate of parental anxiety is nuts. The way kids are being packaged for college is cynical and fake. (It reminds me of the old Miss America pageants, where contestants had to look good in a bathing suit, play the marimba, aspire to do brain surgery, and dream about world peace.) But opting out of it is nerve-wracking, too. If everyone else is playing the game, can your child afford not to?

The goal of education is to genuinely enrich people, not to make them merely appear enriched. By trying to manufacture Frankenstudents, we are distorting and cheapening a process that should allow people to experiment, question, take risks, stumble, and occasionally fail. We need to give people permission to spend time doing things that are not quantifiable and don’t show up on a résumé — things like daydreaming; reading for pleasure; learning how to cook a frittata; and studying a subject you’re not very good at, just because it interests you. We need to stop pretending that everyone peaks early. We need to prepare our kids for unpredictable lives and uneven careers, for bumps and jolts and ambiguities. In short, for real life.

I suspect that our kids are much more sane about the whole college admissions process than their parents are. When I asked my son if he was interested in getting some extra tutoring for the PSATs, he said, “Mom, I’m fine.’’

It’s the grownups, with our anxieties and ambitions, who are crazy.
The problem in Mary Shelley’s novel wasn’t the monster. It was the ambitious, egotistical scientist — Dr. Frankenstein — who wanted to create something that was bigger and stronger than any real person could possibly be. It didn’t work out very well. Maybe it’s time for us to abandon the myth of the Frankenstudent, and start admitting that our kids are just as real, and fallible, and human, and varied, as the rest of us.

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Art Institute presentation with Jennifer Rogers
2. We will continue with CDW after vacation....DURING your vacation, start thinking of possible term paper ideas!

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Review rest of Act 2 Scene 2...listen to dramatic situations....go over soliloquy....discuss psychological association
-Collect Dramatic Situation notes
-View Act 2 of film

ENGLISH 12
1. Art Institute presentation with Jennifer Rogers

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Test on Act I
-Read 2.1 in class....Jordan and Paige WOW us with their theatrical antics
-Notes/reading on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and parts of 2.2
-For Friday, read the rest of the conversation between Hamlet and Polonius (we read part of this in class) and read up until Polonius enters the scene AGAIN (the first line is "well be with you gentlemen!") You do not need to finish the whole of scene 2....

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Teach "Expanded Moment" and "Sensory Images"
2. Various quick reads of expanded moments....expand the moment of "I take that first bite..."
3. On Friday, we'll continue with these short exercises, write short blurbs, and read a King story...

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Claim, Data, Warrant
-go over "Maine" example
-go over paragraph structure of CDW writing
-View "The Office" episodes and collect data based on Michael

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Hamlet
-Read 2.2-review what was to be read for today
-Explain the logistics of "Dramatic Situation"
-Go over handout on Dramatic Situation lines from conversation between R&G and Hamlet
-Complete 2.2, and do one dramatic situation web for a line in this reading section. Do a thorough job

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Claim, Data, Warrant
-Go over examples (Maine, etc)
-Teach paragraph formation
-View "The Office" and make data observations...go over for a participation grade

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocabulary
-Test is on Tuesday...as a review we put words in sentences and used semicolons or appositives in each one
2. Claim, Data, Warrant
-view powerpoint presentation
-"Maine is the best/worst state in which to live" Be sure you come with your notes on three pieces of data and a reason (warrant) to believe each one

HONORS
1. Hamlet
-Act I Test
-Read 2.1 together
-Try to get the image of Sam playing Hamlet out of our heads forever.......
-For next class, you should read 2.2 up to when Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come in AGAIN (I believe it is line 220 or so)


ENGLISH 12
1.Vocabulary
-test is Tuesday....we put words in sentences
2. Claim Data Warrant
-Powerpoint presentation...take notes
-For "Maine is the best/worst" state notes....come on Tuesday with your three pieces of data and one warrant for each one. This will be a graded assignment.

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Discussion and notes on Act 1.5
-View Act I of film
-Be prepared for test on MONDAY

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Writing conferences
-check in about "themed writing" stories. The rest of class has "inspiration time" while I conference with each of youse. And I did say youse.

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocabulary words for a test next Tuesday
2. Grammar
-"Aluminum" activity and go over sentence enrichment-In class/take home essay which is due in class Friday morning. The parameters of the paper are as follows:

• At least 1 page minimum
• Usage of 3 semicolons, 2 appositives, and 1 colon in your sentences (not knowing what one is is not an excuse....we have gone over these in class)
• Write either "free choice" or "What is one thing you would do if you were not too afraid to do it?"

HONORS ENGLISH

1. View Act 1 film of HAMLET....there is a test on Act 1 on FRIDAY

ENGLISH 12

1. Vocabulary words for a test next Tuesday

2. Grammar: Read Stephen King's "Quitter's Inc" and respond in writing to "What is one thing you'd never be able to give up?" In your one page response, you must use semicolons and appositives.

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Please see yesterday's blog for Honors English. You are finally on the same schedule! Finish ACt 1 and we will watch the film on Thursday

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Action writing
-Check out intro to Lance Armstrong's autobio
-Briefly discuss "expanded moment"which we will do next
2. Collect papers
3. We will conference on THursday...bring something on which to work for "I.T."
4. "What I learned from TV" podcast!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Grammar
-Test on Prep phrases and Lie vs Lay
-Begin final installment of grammar unit: Semicolons, colons, commas, and appositives
-Lesson 75: correct run on sentences, etc
2. Be sure to bring computers on Wednesday
3. We will get a new vocab list on Wednesday

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Test on character matching Act 1.1-3
-Go over test
-Discuss "translation" worksheet guide as we discuss all of 1.3
-Read 1.4 as a class....you should read 1.5 for Wednesday!
2. New vocabulary words for test Friday

ENGLISH 12
1. See College Prep notes above!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Hamlet
-Finish all notes regarding theme, literary uses, etc. If you have missed any of the intro notes, GET THEM!
-Begin the play together, reading parts for Act 1.1...take notes
-Read Act 1.2 and take notes....assign parts and discuss
-Read Act 1.3 for next class. Also, you should complete the 1.3 "translation" sheet I gave you.
-A character or note quiz is always to be expected!

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Theme writing
-Quick writes "the first time," "sissies," and "numbers." Discuss
-On own, stream some audio from an installment of "This American Life." Listen to it for about 15 minutes...enough for you to get the sense of what it is about
-For next class: Write/expound on a theme....this can be either one I have given you (the three listed above, "what I learned from TV," or "who do you think you are?") or one you get from the This American Life web site. This is due Tuesday!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Grammar
-Finish exercise 45 on prepositional phrases
-complete exercise 19 and "mad lib" style sentences for prep. phrase review
-Notes on LIE vs LAY and complete worksheet
-There is a TEST!! on Monday concerning prep. phrases, sub/verb agreement, and lie and lay

HONORS
1. Hamlet
-Students were to read 1.1
-Finish intro notes on theme, lit device, etc
-distribute handouts on 1.1 and 1.3
-Discuss 1.1 and read aloud/notes on 1.2
-For next class, please read 1.3, complete the "quote sheet" I gave you, and be prepared for a character matching (?) quiz...possibly....

ENGLISH 12
1. Grammar
-Lesson 45 on prep phrases
-Exercise 19 and mad lib sentences
-Lie and Lay notes and worksheet...go over to review for test
-Test on MONDAY on prepositional phrases, lie and lay, and subject/verb agreement

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Present Monte Cristo projects
2. Vocabulary: New words for test Friday
3. Hamlet: We will start Wednesday. Get your books if you are going to buy them!

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Conferencing on "literary device" story
2. While I conference, the rest of class have "inspiration time!"

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Grammar
-go over exercise 1 on pg 164 of Warriner's....discuss differences and when to use adverb and adjective
-Test on Adverbs, Adjectives, Linking Verbs, etc
-Begin notes on subject and verb agreement...we will continue this on Tuesday
2. Vocabulary Test will be on TUESDAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Monte Cristo project presentations (yay "The Office!"
2. Hamlet
-background information on Shakespeare's England

**If you are purchasing your own book for HAMLET (and I suggest you do) please do so by Tuesday when we start working from the book Thanks**

ENGLISH 12
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Grammar
-page 164 exercise 1 review of adj and adverbs
-begin worksheet (ex 45) on subject and verb agreement

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Finish film for "Monte Cristo"
2. Present projects on MONDAY

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Fun with paradoxes
2. "Who do you think you are?": Write to this theme for five minutes...discuss diversity of responses
3. Songwriting workshop!!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Vocabulary
-review sentences with ten using adverbs
2. Grammar
-go over exercises on adverbs and adjectives
-discuss notes on linking vs action verbs and how to use adverbs and adjectives correctly
-exercise 1 on p 164 in grammar books
**the class overwhelmingly elected to put off vocab test until Tuesday of next week...we will have a grammar test on Friday featuring stuff on adverbs, adjectives, linking verbs, etc. STUDY!

HONORS

1. Watch rest of film
2. We WILL present on Friday

ENGLISH 12

1. Vocab-put words in sentences using adverbs
2. Grammar
-notes on linking verbs vs action verbs and how to create correct sentences.
-Start exercise 1 on page 164...we will finish Friday
3. Vocab test is on Friday.
4. Bring the rest of exercise 1 that we did not finish going over today!

BLACK DAY

Okay......the blog is back!!! Start checking this!!!

HONORS ENGLISH

1. We watched the film THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
2. Projects due Wednesday

CREATIVE WRITING

1. Read beginning of "Cathedral" by Ray Carver and discuss
2. Literary terms discussion
3. For Thursday: Write something rich in one or more of the literary terms we've discussed

Orange Day

COLLEGE PREP
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Present Hamlet projects
3. View: "The Reduced Shakespeare Company" (perhaps we will continue on Thursday)

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Collect papers
2. Briefly go over ending of book
3. Go to library for research on "Monte Cristo" project. This project will be due the WEDNESDAY you come back from D.C. trip

ENGLISH 12
1. Present "Hamlet" diagnosis projects
2. Reminder on independent reading project...we will be working on this next week when you have a sub....BRING YOUR BOOK TO CLASS EACH DAY. IT IS A PARTICIPATION GRADE
3. Grammar
*Review notes on Adjectives and Adverbs
*Exercise 1 on Adjectives-identify modifiers
*Bring this sheet to class on Thursday!

Black Day

Honors English
1. Monte Cristo
*quickly go over the book ending
*introduce philosophy project, and then go to library to begin project. Please note that if you were absent, you need to get the assignment from me and then do research on your own to show to me (worth 25 points!)
2. Music Wednesday??? I dont know.......
3. I collected your papers today!

Creative Writing
1. PQC to "The Little Prince"
2. Literary Terms as they relate to creative writing
3. For next class, please complete a blog entry, and bring something to conference with me about!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Reminder that Vocabulary Test is on Tuesday
2. Hamlet
*Finish the film....take notes that might help you on your project...take notes that might help you on your Appearance vs Reality paper
*Your project is due on Tuesday. Be ready to present....or earn a zero
*I havent given you a due date for the paper yet, but it will probably be next Thursday

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Monte Cristo
*Test on 42-66
*PLEASE NOTE!! Your paper is due on Tuesday. Please be sure to see me with any questions. See the "Black day" blog for the assignment.

ENGLISH 12
1. Pick out a book for your independent reading project to show me on Tuesday. This is for a class participation grade
2. Reminder that your project is due on Tuesday. Be ready to present. Come see me Monday Block 1 or 2 (or any time!) for questions!
3. Watch "Reduced Shakespeare" video!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH
1. Reminder about Monte Cristo paper which is due on Monday. Please be sure to check the blog from a few days ago for the assignment. And the Focus Correction Areas are AT LEAST ONE QUOTE PER PARAGRAPH and A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT which blends into your body paragraphs. Remember to NOT be too general in this response
2. Test on Monte Cristo for chapter 42-66
3. (didnt get to the character game)

CREATIVE WRITING

1. Open response: What is a nickname you've had? This was followed up with a discussion
2. Continue discussion and notes on literary terms....these seem to be taking a real long time! We will finish them up on Monday, and then have some writing time. You will have a paper due next week!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP
1. Hamlet
*Library to work on Hamlet diagnosis project....I checked off notes for the first 5 points of this project....this presentation will be due on TUESDAY

HONORS
1. Monte Cristo
*Please see yesterday's class (it was a lengthy blog). You did today what the Black day class did yesterday. Please note the paper topic...this, for you, will be due on TUESDAY of next week

ENGLISH 12
1. Hamlet
*Go to library to work on Hamlet diagnosis project...I checked off your notes for the first 5 points of your project....this project is due on TUESDAY
2. I began to discuss the independent reading project you will do during the week of March 15-19. At this point, you should absolutely start looking for books you can read in a two week period. You will be required to pick your book and have it approved by me by TUESDAY of next week.

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. Monte Cristo

*Study Guide and notes for 55-61. Spend class time answering questions, and then going over questions on reading
*There is a test on Thursday: A comprehensive test covering chapters 42-66 (obviously, then, the reading is through chapter 66 for next class). This test is more than just "reading check."Think about all the discussions and notes we have had
*We didnt get to the character game...but we will do it next time!
*Paper due Monday--please read the assignment carefully:

Within the context of the novel, there is the idea of “rebirth” and “transformation” of character—most notably Dantes’ transformation from “Dantes” to “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Ironically, the Count himself is a character who then transforms other people’s lives—most notably his enemies. However, how is the Count also a catalyst for other people’s lives to change in a good or positive way? The Count has purposely ruined some lives, but he has also made some better. Explore this idea in an essay

I will answer any questions on this prompt next class. I will also tell you the FCAs

CREATIVE WRITING

1. Learn the Point Question Connect method for responding to writing
2. Read "And Summer is Gone" and discuss as a piece of writing
3. Begin discussion of lit. terms to incorporate into writing.....

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Vocab
*New words for quiz on Friday
2. Hamlet
*Continue discussion of Appearance vs. Reality and how it exists in our world through advertising, etc
*Discuss in the context of the play
*You will be writing on how Appearance vs Reality exists in the play....get lots of material from the ending of the film!
*Continue with film...we will finish on Wednesday

HONORS

1. Vocabulary Test
2. Monte Cristo
*Holistic discussion/notes/participation grade on how FOILS, SYMBOLISM, and DRAMATIC IRONY have existed in this book thus far
*Read through chapter 61 for next class!

ENGLISH 12

1. Vocabulary Test
2. Hamlet
*Re-introduce Appearance vs Reality, and remind on taking notes on that as you watch the film
*Finish the film!!
3. COME HERE ON WED. We will go to the library together!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. Vocabulary Test
2. Monte Cristo
*Groupwork discussing how foil, dramatic irony, and symbolism work within the novel we have been reading
*brief discussion summarizing through chapter 55
*READ through chapter 61 for Tuesday!!

CREATIVE WRITING

1. Writing about winter carnival........

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. "Hamlet"
*Mood Writing-In class on demand writing based on the sheet I give you.
*"Appearance versus Reality" discussion was started. We read an article from USA Today, and discussed how this works in our world. We began discussing how it works in Hamlet. We will continue this conversation next time. You will write on this idea for your Hamlet final paper
2. On Monday, meet in class...we will be going to the Art Institute presentation
3. LOTS GOING ON NEXT WEEK: Art institute, Library time, finishing film, final paper, etc

HONORS ENGLISH

1. "Monte Cristo"
*Study guide and notes as class for chapters 46-49
*In class on demand writing prompt: "Which is most important to the Count: Time, Power, Money, Humanity?
*IMPORTANT!!!! I forget to tell you the reading assignment for next class....read through chapter 55. Tell your friends. You are responsible for checking this blog
2. VOCAB TEST MONDAY

ENGLISH 12

1. "Hamlet"
*Test on Act 4 (text and film)
*Quick discussion of Appearance vs Reality
*Begin watching the end of the play (for a participation grade to be handed in AFTER the film, take notes on how the theme of Appearance vs Reality is apparent in the play. Dont worry about being wrong...just show me effort
2. On Mon: MEET HERE....we will go down to the presentation from Art Inst. together
3. VOCAB TEST MONDAY

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. "Hamlet"
*Read selections of Act 4 (scene 5 and scene 7 out loud)
*Today was our final reading day of Hamlet. STILL BRING YOUR BOOKS TO CLASS
*View film of Act 4....we will continue this on Thursday. ALSO, be prepared to write on Thursday

HONORS

(see honors plan from yesterday....we did the same thing....read THROUGH chapter 49 for Thursday)

ENGLISH 12

1. Vocab
*new words for Monday's test
2. "Hamlet"
*final day of reading....we read aloud from Act 4
*view film of Act 4...begin watching and taking notes
*there will be a quiz on Thursday!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. Vocabulary
*New words were given for a test on Friday
2. "Monte Cristo"
*Huuuugggee discussion of a large breadth of chapters--involving 32-45 (you were to read through 45 for today).
*We still aren't completely done with this...we will continue on Wednesday
*EVEN THOUGH we don't "micromanage" this book (it is way too big) and discuss each and every thing....you should still make yourself RESPONSIBLE for all of it

CREATIVE WRITING
1. Check-in on Aims....these are due on Wednesday
2. On demand writing: "What is something for which you have no tolerance?"
3. Blogs
*set up, customize, etc
*explain "rules" and expectations of these blogs

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1.Take vocabulary quiz
2.Songwriting workshop featuring yours truly
3. Hamlet video clip: "The play within the play"and take notes

HONORS

1. Songwriting analysis workshop featuring Mr Goldsmith
2. Read through CHAPTER 45 for after vacation

ENGLISH 12

1. "Corruption Project" for Hamlet. We worked for a good part of the class doing research for this Hamlet project. See me if you need the worksheet and directions to do this. Most of you guys did great work today!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1.Monte Cristo: As a review, create a large, comprehensive character list on the board....make webs of interconnecting relationships, etc. Your homework over vacation is to read up through chapter 45. PLease make sure to read carefully. Lots of papers and quizzes after vacation as we finish this book!

CREATIVE WRITING

1. Re-visit our "Aim" ideas....go around and share. Remember: Your Aim project paper will be due on the Wednesday after vacation. You should be working on the "project" part of it as soon as you can!

2. Blogs-We began the conversation about blogs and what we will use them for. We did not get to the "set up" portion...we will after vacation

HAVE A GREAT VACATION!

Orange Day

COLLEGE PREP

1. "Hamlet"
*finish Act 2 of the film
*take test on Act 2 (you were allowed to use your notes....if you take good notes, you should be rewarded)

2. Vocabulary words
*revisit, go over, take test on Friday

HONORS

1. "Monte Cristo"
*review/go over "ethos" and its relevance to the story
*discuss book by creating a character list (for every character in the story...and there are a lot of them) and going over the list
*read through chapter 38 (we will go over stuff next class....I realize we didnt really go over a lot today...we focused on the characters instead!)

ENGLISH 12

1. Hamlet
*read aloud/take notes on selections throughout Act 3
*revisit sections of film of Act 3
*writing prompt: assign one of the "moods" on your handout to Hamlet. Which mood fits him best? Defend your answer in writing. You must use at least TWO appositives in this response.

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. Monte Cristo
*Please see my sub's plans from yesterday. We did the same plan, involving researching ethos and then discussing it.
*The reading due on Thursday is to read through chapter 34
*ALSO, do not forget that your paper is due Thursday as well.

CREATIVE WRITING

1. Writing exercise involving "List of Questions"....go around and talk to individuals
2. Pick one of the questions on the list and do a focused, ten minute writing on it
3. Begin to explain the "Aim" assignment

Black Day

**NOTE TO ORANGE DAY CLASSES: PLEASE SEE MONDAY' PLAN (I WILL BE OUT MONDAY) RIGHT BELOW THIS BLOG ENTRY!**

HONORS ENGLISH

1. Today we followed the same plan as yesterday's honors class. Please see that plan. There is no new reading assignment--catch up! There was one new item of business: The paper was assigned to you. This paper is due on Thursday of next week....the major FCA is quote integration, which was discussed in class today

CREATIVE WRITING

Umm......

MY SUB PLANS FOR MONDAY FEBRUARY 8

SUB PLANS
JARED GOLDSMITH
MONDAY FEB 8

**Please Note: Attn and Homeroom roster are inside the manila folder**


BLOCK 1: College Prep English. Students should start by spending some time on vocabulary. I will attach the word list separately. The students should copy down the words, look them up (they can use their computer….they have built in dictionaries) and define each one. Furthermore, the students should put each word in a sentence for extra practice. The test, please tell them, will be on Friday. After vocabulary, please inform them that on WEDNESDAY, we will finish Act 2 of the film of “Hamlet,” and then we will have a TEST on Act 2. This test will be WRITTEN QUESTIONS based on quotes, etc we have talked about. They should use the remaining time to get their notes in order and make sure they are prepared for the test.

BLOCK 2: Free period. Have some coffee. Relax

BLOCK 3: Honors English. Please start by having the kids use their computers to do some research. I would like them to look up the Greek rhetorical term “ETHOS.” Please have them explore what this term means, and how it is used. They should all look for examples of ethos in advertising, politics, commercials, public speaking, persuasion, etc. They should spend some good quality time on this, and they should take notes so they can report back to me in class on Wednesday. For the second part of class, I would like them to read. They had no reading assignment due today, but I WOULD like them to start reading in class today. They should read chapters 27 THROUGH 34. Please tell them to read carefully, writing down any questions they have. On Wednesday, we will do a huge character list on the board to try to quell their confusion about characters in this story!

LUNCH

BLOCK 4: English 12. Mr Bourne, the special education teacher I have in my room, is going to run class for you today. He will administer the vocabulary test to the class. Then he will finish Act 2 of the “Hamlet” film with the kids. He may continue in the reading with Act 3. He will answer any questions you may have!

Thank you so much for subbing for me today. I hope you had an enjoyable day.

ALSO: Please tell ALL kids that this WHOLE lesson plan will be pasted onto my class blog, should they have any questions or confusion!

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Hamlet
*look over notes, and then take character matching test over Act 2
*begin Act 2 of the film, being sure to take notes (the test will include items we go over from the movie)
*About half our class was interrupted by the Renaissance Assembly

HONORS

1. Monte Cristo
* revisit paper topic and make sure people understand focus area of quote integration: ALL of your quotes must show evidence of this!!
*Notes and discussion about last night's reading...we did not really get into ch 25 and 26...instead, we mostly geared our discussion around chapter 24, focusing on Bertuccio and his connection to the house, his past etc. We also discussed a bit of Caderousse as it exists in chapter 25
*There is no new reading assignment....catch up!....I will be out on Monday....you will have time in class to read then

ENGLISH 12

1. Hamlet
*read for about 15 minutes, studying the final soliloquy of Act 2, the "play within the play," and psychological association
*Begin Act 2 of the film--take notes, since you will be responsible for all of this stuff!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. Monte Cristo: Discuss overall questions to ch 21-23....do notes for ch 21 on "the kidnapping," and then take test on ch 22 & 23....go over test as way of going over the whole section of chapters....read 24, 25, 26 for homework....

CREATIVE WRITING

1. yeah...how's that "tell the class I have a blog" going

Orange Day

COLLEGE PREP

1. Hamlet: Collect and go over dramatic situation webs....do notes for the "play within the play," psychological association, etc....MAKE SURE YOU ARE COPYING THE NOTES IF YOU MISS CLASS....Read ending soliloquy of Act 2.2 individually and took notes on a line you think speaks to Hamlet's anger at himself....discuss the soliloquy
***You should expect a test on Thursday...study your notes....ALSO, if you are out, you are expected to look on line, do the reading, and take the notes!!

HONORS

1. Monte Cristo: Reading test through chapter 23....go over test as a way to take notes on the chapters....read chapters 24, 25, 26 for next class
2. Writing: Lesson on quote integration and O.W.Ls from your last paper...be sure you are making yourself responsible for these OWLS....dont make these mistakes in your paper again...a paper was assigned (the topic was on the other side of the OWLs) and this paper is due on MONDAY...the focus correction areas are QUOTE INTEGRATION
**Remember: if you are out, you should check this blog because you are responsible for the reading you miss**

ENGLISH 12

1. Vocabulary: Put words in sentences AND create antonyms for each word
2. Extra Credit: Create a PANAGRAM (a group of sentences that uses every letter of the alphabet)
3. Hamlet: reading aloud in 2.2...we assigned roles and read for credit...we took notes on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, comic relief, etc.

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. We wrote in class on the "What is most important to you.....?" prompt.....we wrote for about 15 minutes and it was handed in at the end of class
2. Monte Cristo: Study guide was given for ch 16-18 AND 19-20....although we did not get to go over all the material on the study guide, you should still make it your responsibility to know the material. ALL is fair game for a test....you should read through ch. 23 for homework.

CREATIVE WRITING

1. YOu guys still dont know this blog exists. But you will.

Orange Day

COLLEGE PREP
**if you missed class today, you missed a lot of stuff....make sure to SEE ME for questions**

1. Hamlet: we took a quiz on the reading that was assigned to be done today....we discussed the answers to this quiz, and in the process went over the rest of the reading material...we were taught how to create "Dramatic Situation" webs in order to respond to individual lines in Hamlet....we read in class up through the end of the conversation between Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern in 2.2...there is no reading assignment for Tuesday, but there was the assignment to create TWO dramatic situation "webs" based on the list I gave you (you should have copied these off the board). Remember: you can pick from the four top ones I gave you, but ALL must do number five...see me if you have any questions.....
2. Again, if you were absent, you have a lot to do to make up work....copy the notes from a classmate, and make sure you are where you need to be in terms of the reading (act 2 sc 2 up to where Rosencrantz and Guildenstern finish their conversation with Hamlet....

HONORS

1. Monte Cristo: We did a writing prompt "What is most important to you: Money, Power, Time, or Humanity?" 15 minutes was given to complete this prompt....we will later use it to analyze the character of the Count....we shared some responses....we worked as groups to complete study guide questions from chapter 16 THROUGH 20 (you were to be through chapter 20 for today)...you should be sure to address all the questions on your own, but there was a heavy emphasis on Msr Morell's "situation," and the role suicide played....be sure to copy the notes if you were not here....as an HONORS class, you should know all the points and questions raised on the study guide EVEN IF we do not directly go over them in class....as always, see me or leave a comment on this blog if you have questions (you can do so anonymously too if you want)...the reading assignment is to read chapters 21, 22, and 23

ENGLISH 12

1. New vocab words-we will use these next week, so bring them
2. 15 minute writing prompt "How are rumors, lies, and secrets harmful to people your age in YOUR time? Use two of our new vocab words when answering these questions"
3. Hamlet: We read 2.1 as a class...Kati and Jordan were brilliant in acting out this scene...we discussed POlonius and his motivation to want to banish Hamlet to England
**Be sure to print out the in class essay and bring it to me for next class**

Black Day

Honors English

1) The Count of Monte Cristo (please see yesterday "Orange Day" honors category....we did the same thing)

Creative Writing

1) First day stuff.....I havent even told you guys I have a class blog, so I dont even know why I am writing this......

BYE!

Orange Day

WELCOME TO QUARTER 3.....YOU ARE ALMOST THERE!!!!

College Prep
1) 60 Minutes: "Football Island" A good way to start off the quarter. Let's get inspired to work hard!
2. Hamlet: We have been away from Hamlet for a while....we did a "mock" test on Act I, in order to see what people remembered AND so everyone could get on the same "page." This, in turn, became your notes. We then used the lovely acting talents of BK and Lee in order to act out Act 2 Scent 1 (100s on participation for both of these great sports!!)....your assignment is to read in Act 2.2 UNTIL Hamlet enters the scene (dont read past this). ALSO, feel free to skip the section involving "Voltimand" speaking.

Honors English
1) 60 Minutes: "Football Island" It is all about your heart!
2)Monte Cristo: There was NO reading assignment due today...we viewed a power point/took notes on CHRIST IMAGERY apparent in the novel...the reading assignment for Friday involves reading chapter 17 THROUGH 20....we will most likely do some in-class writing on Friday....

English 12
1) 60 Minutes: "Football Island" Proving that the blockage of Facebook isnt that bad after all...
2) Hamlet: We've been away for a while! We need to catch up! In order to do this, we did a review of Act I by doing the "mock" test as a class....then we went over this, using the film (once again, as SO MANY people were absent when we watched it) as our guide. At this point, we are DONE with Act I. If you are lacking notes, GET THEM or you will fall behind. COME TO SCHOOL. LOTS OF ABSENCES lately. These are going to hurt people. We start Act 2 (and do writing) on Friday

MIDTERM WEEK #1

(Check the blog this week for any hints or tips or questions you may have about your midterm exam coming up!)

None of my classes have midyear exams today. Tomorrow, COLLEGE PREP has their exam during block 1. You should really prepare for this by studying:

• the three vocabulary word lists I singled out
• YOUR NOTES regarding the short stories (know the literary terms....look at the NOTES we took....if you actually want a hard copy of the short story, come and see me!)
• the "Hamlet" stuff we've done so far....know things like puns, soliloquies, etc.
• the literary term definitions we've been using all year....you will definitely have to apply them to works we have read thus far

IF you have any questions or problems, please come see me!! I will be in my room....even if it is during a regular class, come on by....your question is important

Oops...I forgot yesterday's post...

Sorry about that! Reminder to my CP classes: There was no reading for tomorrow, but you DO have a paper due--the "secret" paper. If you need the three quotes I put on the board again, come see me ASAP. Dont forget the Focus Areas for this response are: 1) Introduction 2) Alternating Sentence Beginnings. If you dont remember what I mean by these, go check your notes. We have gone over these before.

Honors English: Read THROUGH chapter 11 for tomorrow. Dont worry if you are confused by Chapter 11....I will explain it when I see you. Make sure you read!

English 12: Start studying for your midterms! We will begin reading Hamlet tomorrow (we were missing a lot of folks yesterday). We took all appropriate notes...make sure you have your notes!

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. We took the vocabulary test
2. Guest speakers from area colleges (about 25 minutes)
3. "Monte Cristo:" We didnt have a lot of time to go over chapters 1-6, but we did the best we could....we checked out a quick power point presentation on the main themes and philosophical ideas we'll examine in the story....your homework is to read THROUGH chapter 11...you may find chapter 11 itself a bit confusing, but dont worry too much about it....make sure you read it, but I will explain what you need to know about this chapter when you get back
***PLEASE, for your own sake and the sake of the rest of the class who might have questions: Leave a comment/question at the bottom of this blog....I'll be checking the post, and I am happy to answer anything you are confused about....

PUBLIC SPEAKING

1. Your very last "stump" speech
2. Comedy: We continued with our analysis of "The State" and "King of the Hill".....students were to analyze how the 10 elements of comedy exist in these episodes....take notes which were handed in at the end of class
3. Presentation for Monday: Share an audio, visual, or print clip (of your choosing) that touches upon TWO (minimum) of the elements of comedy we've discussed. If using a youtube clip, you MUST have it ready to go (no "wait....let me just find it....."). Also, it MUST be school appropriate. If it is not, you earn a zero on this test grade.

ORANGE DAY

COLLEGE PREP

1. Hamlet: We finished our background notes for the play....we started reading in 1.1, taking notes as we read....you are responsible for reading all of 1.2 for Monday.
2. Vocabulary test is on Monday morning!

HONORS

1. The Count of Monte Cristo: We finished the background information on historical context, background characters, and philosophies expressed in the story....please read chapters 1 through 6 for Monday...
2. Vocabulary test is on Monday

ENGLISH 12

1. 20 minute talk from two WHS alums about the college application process, campus life, etc
2. Vocabulary: as a participation grade, put your words in sentences or in visual representations
3. Hamlet: We took background information on some of the philosophies we'll see in the play....GET A BOOK and your life will be easier....we began notes on the characters, but will do most of it on Monday.

BLACK DAY

HONORS ENGLISH

1. The Count of Monte Cristo: discussion of some thematic elements (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Karma, etc)..."choose a side" game/discussion....introductory notes on the historic context AND the main characters you will meet in the first reading section. Your homework is to read chapters 1-6 of the book. Also, you should prepare for your vocabulary test, which will be on Friday

PUBLIC SPEAKING

1. Comedy: Finish notes on elements of comedy.....view/listen to examples of "Men from Maine," Mitch Hedberg, THE STATE, etc.

Black Day

***All classes, please see the first post from today, regarding all classes I have***

HONORS ENGLISH
1. We got new vocab words. Several of you were missing from class today. Please be sure to get the words and be prepared for a test on Friday
2. The Count of Monte Cristo is our next book. We "BRIEFLY" went over stuff involving the novel, but I am waiting until Wednesday to formally begin the story; there are quite a bit of notes involving the historic time period, etc, and I want to make sure everyone is present

PUBLIC SPEAKING
1. Memorization/Recitation performances
2. Comedy: We began our discussion on comedy (who is funny? Why? Etc). We began taking notes on the ten elements of comedy....we got to number 7 and will continue on Wednesday.

ATTENTION ALL CLASSES

First of all, welcome back to school! Yeay! You will notice that there were not any posts leading up to vacation.....no classes had anything "due" today (or Tuesday, if that is when I see you again).

HOWEVER.......several of you were absent on the Thursday or Friday before vacation. If you were, remember the policy on missed work. So, if your absence was excused, get your work in to me ASAP! Particularly, many of you in my English 12 class (block 4 on orange days) were absent on Thursday....and there was your college essay/personal narrative due. If it is an excused absence, then I will accept your essay tomorrow. But no later than that.

All classes will be starting something new today or tomorrow....either "Hamlet" or The Count of Monte Cristo.