Monday 12/20

Period 1:
We are putting our smiley face tricks to use writing a  creative, humorous story for our class.  The topics about which we are writing include the following:
You went to bed Christmas Eve 2010 and woke up Christmas Day 2020.
Christmas is here and you just won the lottery.
You plan to catch Santa in the act
Christmas has been cancelled this year.
How do you go about getting the present you want?
Tell about the embarrassing, dreaded relative.
No homework


Period 2,7,8
We discussed the fine art of writing thank yo letters in class today. We then discussed some of the totally useless gifts we have been given in our lifetime and began writing sincere letters of appreciation for them.  We will share them in class tomorrow!
No Homework

Friday 12/17

Practice ELA in class today.  HAve a fabulous weekend and don't forget to come in with two titles and authors listed on Monday.  See below for some resources:
Berlin Airlift
Jackie Robinson
Child Labor another
children and women in factories/sweatshops
Robber barons another  Ugh Maris and Laura I am still looking check these --we'll chat Monday

Thursday 12/16

More fun with Smiley Face Tricks today.
Period 1: Today we wrote about pets in writers notebooks. We then did some writing to begin the process of sharing and supporting an opinion.  We also briefly spoke of anthropomorphism which is something we will be looking at closely when we read Call of the Wild after break.  HW: Two titles and authors for Ir books by Monday 12/20

Period 2,7,8:  We reviewed smiley face tricks and their effectiveness.  We then wrote in our writer's notebooks about dogs and our experiences with them which led to a discussion about how dogs can seem to have human qualities.  HW: Two titles and authors for IR books by Monday 12/20

Wednesday 12/15

Check out my last post to see some student Flocabs.  They really did a great job and I am so proud of each of them for pushing themselves out of their comfort zones!
Today was really a catch up/catch our breath sort of day. I returned lots of papers and students got online to get five week grades.  Some minor adjustments were made where necessary.  Students in periods 2, 7, and 8 were presented the opportunity to locate lost reading logs and turn them in by tomorrow for some credit and the opportunity to rewrite an essay on the short stories (rewrites due Friday).

All students have the assignment of locating an IR book to read next.  We will not begin reading the books until the Monday after break but students do need to come to  class on Monday the 20th of December with two titles (and author's names) that might work.  The trick to this IR book choice is that the connections topic they chose at the beginning of the year has to be the backdrop of the IR book they choose.  I have encouraged anyone struggling with finding a title or two to come see me, the librarian or get online!

FLOCABS

Click the following link to see/hear some of the awesome flocabs from this year!

http://lakeplacidcsd.net/lpcsweb/webdesign/clarklistosite/FLOCABS.html

Tuesday 12/14

We are relaxing and listening to the flocabs in class today.  Overall we are impressed witht the products and the amount of work invested in these.  Great job.  Thanks for being willing ot put yourselves out there. They sound and look great! We will send a few along to Mr. Dodd to post to the website.  No English homework tonight but be sure to be looking for a new IR book--It should have your connections topic as the backdrop. It may be fiction or non-fiction.

Thursday 12/9/10

I am sorry I have neglected to update the last two days.  Tuesday we worked hard on composing our flocabs, Wednesday was demo day--we looked at how to create and i movie, find pictures, create audio for imovie etc... then it was back to work on MLA, picture search and flocab writing. You guys have all been working hard and seem to be taking our suggestions to liven up our songs with emotion and sensory detail to heart awesome.
Thursday: we started recording

Monday 12/6/10

We worked on writing the final draft of our songs today.  Keep working on showing instead of telling and using symbols and other poetic devices.  Remember word choice is important.  Have fun with this. Tomorrow is a day devoted to finalizing the song, finding pictures and completing the MLA citation.

Friday 12/3

Today we spent time moving from notes to storyboards.  Students bounced ideas off one another about the message they were intending to send with their song then drew the song out verse by verse on a storyboard.  The second half of the block was devoted to writing the really rough draft of the song.  This draft does not have to rhyme, be a certain amount of lines or even employ a certain number of vocabulary words.  It is really the first articulation of the theme and can, therefore be very rough.  HW: Finish rough drafts of songs and READING LOGS will be collected on Monday--90 minutes reading for last week and one parent signature are what I expect to find in order to earn a perfect grade! (dates read including Dec 1 30 min worth, page #s,  a rating too!)

Thursday 12/2

It's finally here--Kickoff day for Clarklisto Flocab Project! (click to go to  my locker to see the handout your children received).  We went over expectations today and completed the brainstorming worksheet with partners or solo.  Nice job. We would encourage you to have conversations about your project at home aslo remember  to be reading/logging and taking Cornell Notes! 11 days left.

Wednesday 12/1

Period 1:  Great job with the songs today, it requires getting out of your comfort zone to understand figurative language and several of you were brave enough to "think out loud"  which is always appreciated.  HW: Read/Log/Cornell notes--12 days left!

Period 2,7,8: Most of you remembered your IR books and your Cornell Notes today which is great, HOWEVER, too many of you are WAY behind in reading.  I have been assigning 30 minutes of reading night.  The least amount of time you should have read by now is 120 minutes but many of you are not even past page 30 in your books--12 days left to complete the books and the Cornell Notes.  Stop dragging your heals and get reading!!!  HW: READ/LOG/NOTES

Tuesday 11/30

Period 1: Great job finding poetic devices in the songs you found.  HW: keep reading/logging and writing Cornell Notes

Period 2,7,8:
We talked about songs today, reviewed poetic devices and checked in on Cornell notes.  Remember just 13 days left to get the notes DONE!! HW: keep reading/logging and writing Cornell Notes

Monday 11/29

Welcome back my groggy-eyed students! We're still talking poetry and looking deeply for the symbolism and the reasons for particular word choices.
Period 1:  We looked at the music you brought in in small groups and began explicating the songs.  Tonight you will need to take notes on and finish the explication on your own so you are prepared to discuss it fully with your partner tomorrow before you present to the class. Be sure also to be reading/logging and taking your Cornell Notes.

Period 2, 7,8: We finished our discussion of the second and third poem of the packet today.  HW for tonight is to read/log and take Cornell notes--you should have at least 8 already!

Monday and Tuesday 11/22 and 23

  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Don't forget--I will collect reading logs on Monday 11/29 and your three weeks with this new book have begun.  Reading Logs should include the date you read, the level of your book, pages read, minutes  read , your rating (1--10) and at least on parent initial.

STILL LOOKING?  Check out this ap for i-pods http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kids-book-review/id380057894?mt=8 it's got some great reviews and lots of choices for teens.

Thursday and Friday 11/18 and 11/19

We worked on Poetry both days in all periods.  We looked at poetic devices and how poets manipulate language.  Homework for all classes is to be sure you have chosen an IR book at your level and begin reading, logging your reading time and taking Cornell notes again.  Have a great weekend--Mrs. C

Wednesday 11/17

Period 1:  I collected some awesome Cornell notes!  We worked through some vocab words and read Maryln Krysl's "Saying Things" from the poetry packets and discussed her celebration of words and language.  HW: choose two words you have not heard from your vocab packet and write sentences for them include a ton of context!

Period 2,7,8:  I collected reading logs and Cornell Notes.  Nice job.  We read over vocab words from page 2 of the vocab packet.  We then read "Always Bring a Pencil" by Naomi Shihab Nye.  HW: Write a sentence teeming with context for each of the two words you circled in class today.

Tuesday 11/16/10

Period 1:  We shared stories and tricks--nice creativity.  We also began to explore what poetry is and what it means to each of us.  We read Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "Always Bring a  Pencil" and explored its meaning and how it uses language to construct meaning.  HW: Organize and finish Cornell notes and reading logs, also write two additional sentences using two new vocab words--do this in daily notes section of binder.

Period 2,7,8:  We also shared our stories, nice job using the tricks.  Students also worked together on crafting two more sentences using tow additional vocab words from page 1.  We then discussed what poetry means then read "Saying Things" by Marylin Krysl.  This poem is really a celebration of words, "a birthday party for the mouth".  HW: Organize and finish Cornell notes and be sure to have a completed reading log to turn in tomorrow (requires one parent signature).

Monday 11/15

Period 1, 2, 7, 8:  We looked at some vocabulary words we will be using for our next interdisciplinary project and spent time organizing IR work and Connections work. HW is to write a story in your writer's notebook using 2 Smiley Face Tricks and 2 vocabulary words.  Underline the vocab words and draw a smiley face for each trick.  Also --Cornell Notes are due on Wednesday!

Friday 11/12

Period 1: Great job in literature circles today. It seems most of you truly embraced the task of finding connections between the stories and some good conversations grew out of that struggle.  HW: Read in IR books and work on Cornell Notes which will be collected next Wednesday.  Reminder--FILL OUT READING LOGS as you read!  This is a weekly assignment.

Period 2,7,8--Today students put on their editor's glasses and read over and corrected their essays from Wednesday.  They then moved on to reading in their IR books. HW: Read in IR books and work on Cornell Notes which will be collected next Wednesday.  Reminder--FILL OUT READING LOGS as you read!  This is a weekly assignment.

Wednesday 11/10/10

Period 1: Great job in lit circles today discussing the story.  You really referred to the text to support your assertions well and consistently.  Keep it up.  Your hw for tonight is to read your IR books, complete more Cornell Notes and we will try to make connections between all the short stories on Friday.

Period 2,7,8:  Well be glad you have tomorrow to rest your hands. I haven't yet looked at your essays but you did write for hte whole period.  Some of you will require more time and will get it on Friday in class.  be sure to have your Ir books and a good pair of "editor's glasses".  For hw you should continue reading in your IR books and plugging away at the Cornell notes--7 days left!

Tuesday 11/9/10

Period 1:  We discussed Tolstoy's quote, "Seize the moments of happiness, love and be loved! That is the only reality in the world, all else is folly."  We then began reading and annotating "God Sees the Truth but Waits" by Tolstoy.  The hw assignment is to complete reading the story and to also work on COrnell notes books and notes are due on the 17th.

Period 2, 7, 8:  Today we spent the period discussing why people change.  This is how we began the short story unit.  Tomorrow in class students will be asked to answer the question:  Based on the short stories we read in class, why do people change?  Use evidence from the stories to support your answer to the question.  In your answer, you will be expected to provide the title and author of each short story and relevant details that support your opinion.
Also students were reminded that Cornell notes and IR books are due by Nov 17.

Monday 11/8/10

Period 1:  Today we worked in our lit circles and really investigated the idea of illusion in the story.  We also looked at and tried to determine the theme of the story.  Tonight's homework is to reflect on today's and Friday's discussion and write the answer to the question "Were the effects of the experiment real or just an illusion?" Students are reminded to use examples from the text to support their opinions.  Also a reminder was given that Cornell notes are due on November 17th!

Period 2, 7, 8:  We spent the period today discussing theme and students were placed in cooperative groups where they discussed the theme of "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes.  HW for tonight is to list all of the characters from each of the four short stories we have read and to tell how any of the characters have changed.  htey were also reminded Cornell notes are due on November 17.

The short story titles for which students are responsible include the following:
"Raymond's Run"
"Thank You, M'am"
"A Retrieved Reformation"
"Charles"

Friday 11/5/10

Period 1: Nice job finding hints that the effects of the Fountain of Youth may well be illusion.  Your homework is to read your IR books and to complete Cornell notes.

Period 2,7,8: Nice job using the text today to find the hints Langston Hughes gave his readers in the story.  Reading text carefully is demanding work.  Your Homework is to read your IR books and to complete Cornell notes.

Wednesday 11/3/10

Unfortunately I have a sick child and have stayed home today.  While Ms. Lieb was in as the substitute teacher the following work was completed in classes (I hope!)
Period 1:  Students met in lit circles and discussed "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" after they read it last night.  They then began their second read and began adding more annotations.  HW: Finish role specific assignments and read in IR books.

Period 2,7,8:  In class today students filled out notes on the short story "Thank You M'am" and then read in their IR books. HW is to continue reading and to complete several more Cornell Notes.

Tuesday 11/2/10--ELECTION DAY

Period 1: I checked Cornell notes today while you wrote stories about the Fountain of Youth.  Be sure you are reacting in your Cornell notes --don't just retell.  We also started reading "Dr. Heideggers Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne.  You read a bit with your class mates and began annotating the first read through.  The annotations should be brief and be a combination of vocab defintions and reactions to what your are reading.  In asking you to do this I am begging you to SLOW DOWN and check for understanding!  I know you all can read the words I want to be convinced you are trying hard to understand them as well.

Period 2, 7,8: We read "Thank You M'am" by Langston Hughes today.  As you were reading you were encouraged to stop and discuss the story as you came to the end of paragraphs and pages to ensure understanding.  Your homework is to read in your IR books and complete several Cornell Notes--your book is due Nov. 17!!

Monday 11/1/10

Period 1:  We did not meet today so the hw remains to read in your IR books and to complete Cornell Notes—20 are due by Nov 17 when your IR books need to be complete.

Period 2--No class today due to the delayed start. HW remains to read in your IR books and to complete Cornell Notes—20 are due by Nov 17 when your IR books need to be complete.

Period 7,8--We did meet today and you wrote some pretty funny stories about Harlem, purse snatching and shaking him until his teeth rattled.  Your HW is also to read in your IR books and to complete Cornell Notes—20 are due by Nov 17 when your IR books need to be complete.

Friday 10/29

Even with all the scary costumes we were able to read for at least one blissful half hour in class today. Each student also took the opportunity to complete at least one Cornell note (see link on yesterday's post) in order for me to check that they understood the assignment.  Homework for over the weekend is to continue reading and to work on expanding a moment for social studies class in the form of a journal, diary or letter. Remember just one moment and you should have no knowledge that the person experiencing the first hand account would have.  See yesterday's link to smiley face tricks and verbs to help you write well.  Happy Halloween.

Thursday 10/28

All periods today used smiley face tricks to write some very entertaining pieces in their writer's notebooks.  Please use the hyperlink above to check these tricks out.  You can also find some other helpful writing ideas in that folder.  Homework for tonight for all is to read in your IR books, (don't forget 20 Cornell notes by the end of the novel!) bring your IR books to class and work on writing the first hand account for social studies.  Talk to our senses. Make the letter, diary or journal entry come alive for us by using smiley face tricks!  Don't put it off for the weekend since it is Halloween weekend and most of you will be busy.

Wednesday 10/27/10

Period 1:
Wow today's discussion of symbols went so much better than other discussions. Thanks for being so prepared.  Annotations are an important part of the process of understanding.  I am looking forward to reading your reactions in the Cornell Note format that was introduced today.  Friday will be time devoted to independent reading.  Hopefully you will have completed at least one of the twenty required notes by then and we can discuss any concerns you may have at that time.  Read your independent reading books tonight and enjoy the evening.  Those of you who redid annotations should get them back tomorrow and your grade will be changed in the grade book.  Also, it was brought to my attention that I posted the annotation grades twice; I have deleted one of those posts--sorry.

Period 2,7,8
Today in class I required students to write a paragraph about the new independent reading book they chose.  Within this paragraph they indicated how they chose the book, the reading level of the book and how they found that reading level (hopefully you all are using the links on this blog!). Furthermore, the students wrote a paragraph reacting to the character of Squeaky.  They were to answer the question: If you were to meet Squeaky is she someone with whom you would choose to become friends?  Why or why not? Students were prompted to base answers on the discussions we had of Squeaky and her character in class.  They were urged to include details and truly make connections between Squeaky's traits and their own opinions.  HW is to read in IR books and be sure to have them in class on Friday.

Tuesday 10/26

Period 1:  We spent time investigating the theme of the short story "The Open Boat" and reviewing annotation guidelines.  Students were given the opportunity to revise their annotations to increase their grades.  HW is to come in armed with at least two symbols and explanations of how they work for discussion tomorrow.

Period 2,7,8: Students were given examples of book reviews and an additional 10--15 minutes to add to their reviews. We then spent time discussing the character of Squeaky and book levels were given out. Students ned to come to class tomorrow with a new IR book.  Please use the resources to the right to help find a new book.

Monday 10/25

Period 1:  Today we worked on writing a review of a character in the independent reading books completed.  I also collected annotations and homework completed on "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane. Students will need to choose a new IR book by Wednesday.  They will have their "levels" in hand tomorrow.

Period 2,7,8:  Today we worked on writing a review of IR books completed.  Students will need to choose a new IR book by Wednesday.  They will have their "levels" in hand tomorrow.

Thursday 10/21

Period 1: We spent time looking at vocabulary for "The Open Boat" and began discussing theme and symbols.  HW for this weekend is to find a passage that either develops the theme that nature is indifferent to the plight of man or that uses a symbol (This will be discussed on Tuesday).  Be sure to bring IR books on Monday as well.

Period 2, 7, 8: There was a quick reading quiz in class today on "Raymond's Run".  After the quiz students spent time investigating the character of Squeaky and how the author created the character's different personality traits.  HW is to bring IR books to class on Monday and be prepared to write about them and complete a citation for them.

Wednesday 10/20

Period 1:  In class today students met with their literature circles and further discussed the story "The Open Boat" and their assignments they completed last night based on this story.  Your homework for tonight is to identify five words from the story you have not used before and think you might use.  Once you have chosen the words you would like to add to your lexicon, a)write them on a sheet of loose leaf paper, b) indicate what page they were found on (and paragraph # on that page) c) give your best guess using the context provided at both part of speech and definition, d) use a dictionary to define the word (let the context of the story guide your choice of definition) e) after you have written out the definition and the part of speech—use the word in a sentence of your own that contains much context.
Period 2,7,8:  Today we read "Raymond's Run" with partners and stopped after each paragraph to discuss what happened in the paragraph and what that revealed about the characters.  HW: Finish the story if you did not in class and complete both sides of the note sheet as well.  IR books are now due on Monday instead of tomorrow.

Monday 10/18/10

Period 1: Today we talked about archetypes and looked at the stereotypes associated with the four characters of the short story "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane.  We then began to examine the point of view of the story. Most of hte literature circles did a great job stopping to discuss hte story using the text to justify their thoughts. Keep up the good work! HW is to finish reading the story and "flagging" questions as you read (write them in the margins of the text). Also mark any places that serve to develop the characters according to the stereotypes as we discussed them.  Also note any places where POV may seem to vary from third person objective.

Period 2,7,8: We took notes on Point of View today and discussed the idea that the point of view chosen by an author can change a story completely.  HW is to finish the note sheet for the short story, "Charles".  this sheet is double sided and needs to be completed thoroughly.  IR books need to be done by Thursday.

Friday 10/15

Period 1: We took notes on Point of View today and then read our IR books. HW is to keep reading as books must be completed by Thursday.

Period 2,7,8: We read quietly for 10 blissful minutes then we read the humorous "Charles" by Shirley Jackson together as a class. HW is to keep reading IR books as they are due by next Thursday in class.

Thursday 10/14/10

Period 1:  We talked about plot today and spent time discussing "The Bet".  We also talked about characters and stereotypes.  HW is to list the different associations or stereotypes we attach to captains, correspondents (Journalists) and oilers (working class man).

Period 2,7,8: We took notes on plot today and discussed "A Retrieved Reformation" in terms of plot lines.  HW is to be sure IR books are in class tomorrow and reading logs.  I will collect them.

Wednesday 10/13/10

Period 1: We spent time discussing the theme of the story "The Bet" today and much was said about greed and the value of human life.  Tomorrow we will take notes on plot and begin reading "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane.  HW for tonight is to write in writers notebooks about being stranded on a dinghy with three other people and two of them can not assist in the rowing of the boat to the shore that can be seen far, far off in the horizon.

Period 2,7,8:
We took a quick reading quiz today on "A Retrieved Reformation" then spent time investigating the text to make sure our opinions about what happened in the story were valid based on the information in the text.  Many people found they could not validate their reading of the story once they closely read the text!  HW is to bring IR books and reading logs to class, and to read for 1/2 of an hour tonight.

TUESDAY 10/12

Period 1:  Today we spent time in our literature circles discussing the story "The Bet".  The class did a nice job trying to use their texts to support their opinions and analyze their reactions.  HW for tonight is to reflect on the process using the handout as a guide for reflection particularly the last two questions and to add to the hw assignment from last night by including a paragraph or  two discussing the theme of the story.

Period 2,7,8
Those who completed the homework assignment drew some interesting pictures that captured the essence of the story so far.  We continued reading today stopping to check for understanding and to investigate how the author made us react in certain ways.  HW for tonight is to finish reading the story then to finish drawing the story on the notesheet.

Friday 10/8

1st Period:  We spent the morning sharing vocabulary and summarizing the story, "The Bet".  Homework for over the weekend is to REREAD the story for understanding and to complete your role specific job.  Please use the handouts from class to guide you in completing the assignment.  The assignment should be completed on a loose-leaf sheet of paper.

Period 2, 7, 8:  We spent the class period reading more of "A Retrieved Reformation'.  Your homework is to fill in the first two sketch boxes on the back of your note-sheet.  To do this you need to determine the two most important events of the story so far and make a decision about how you will depict these events.  

Enjoy the long weekend.

Thursday 10/7

First period today we began by debating which is more moral and humane the death penalty or capital punishment.  We then began reading "The Bet" by Anton Chekhov.  Homework for tonight is to finish reading the story while filling the margins with questions, thoughts and ideas.
 Periods 2,7,8 discussed the effectiveness of jail as a tool to change people.  We then began reading "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry which is a short story about a bank robber who is not changed by jail but who is changed at least for a bit by something.  HW for tonight is to predict what makes Jimmy Valentine change if it isn't jail.  This should be  written on a loose leaf sheet of paper.

Wednesday 10/6

Periods 2,7,8:  Today we discussed figurative language further then put it into use in our writers notebooks and the students wrote some pretty interesting entries--some sill, some just beautiful.  We then talked about change as this will be  a unifying theme of the short stories we will begin reading in class tomorrow.  We discussed the idea that people don't necessarily like change, that change is often inevitable and many variables play into why people change.  HW is to read in IR books.
Period 1: We spent much of class discussing the logistics of literature circles, then we began talking a bit about Anton Chekhov and how he is known for his writing that does not judge or seem to have a bias. Homework for tonight is to complete the worksheet that asks for an opinion about which is mor e humane--life imprisonment or death penalty.

Tuesday 10/5

Today I distributed a handout of "Smiley Face Tricks" and we began looking at these tricks and playing with them so we can improve our writing. We practiced "Magic Three" in class today in our writer's notebooks and the kids produced some pretty funny and interesting pieces.  Thanks to all of those who bravely shared in class today :) First period students are embarking on a short story unit that will require some work in literature circles so we spent a bit of time looking at the different roles they will have to play in the next few weeks.  HW:  All classes need to read in their IR books for at least ten minutes (preferably 1/2 hour) and look for smiley face tricks as they read--marking them with  a post it or other means would be great.  Have a great night!

Monday 10/4

We read in our independent reading books in class today, wrote about them and listened to a narrative about a place of importance.  Students then created a chart in their writers notebooks to start describing places of importance to them.  For homework please find the reading level for the book you are currently reading by going to scholastic's book wizard  and also to complete the chart with sensory details about your important places (writer's notebook).

Friday 10/1

October has arrived and so has independent reading!  Students brought their IR books to class today and once I handed out the reading logs we read for about 30 blissful minutes.  Most students (so far) indicated they have chosen a book they are enjoying.  I tried to stress that I want them to truly have a book they are enjoying not one that they think I will think is impressive because of its length or one that everyone likes but they don' t.  reading should be a pleasure, students should be reading books they CAN read and WANT to read. If you feel your student is not reading such a book, suggest that he or she come see me and we will work together to find one. This first choice is one we are helping them make a little blind as we are not done assessing all reading levels but we are getting there.  Be sure to have conversations with your student about the book he/she is reading maybe even consider reading the same one.  HW: read and record reading times on log sheet--30 minute minimum. Bring IR books to class again on Monday please. Enjoy the weekend.

Thursday 9/30

We worked in our writers notebooks today and talked further about books and how to choose them.  We discussed the idea that often the first step to writing is to visualize and to "make movies" in our minds.  We brainstormed in the writers notebooks about important people in our lives and then created a graphic organizer to try to organize the stories we have about those people.  HW for first period is to tell one of those stories contained in one piece of pie, to bring Ir books and to bring your red folders into class tomorrow!  Periods 2, 7 and 8 need to be sure they have an independent reading book in class tomorrow, finish pie charts, and bring red folder to class. Have a great night.

Wednesday 9/29

It was our first time meeting as a smaller group today and it was super nice to get to know you as individuals.  We spent much time today talking and writing about reading.  Our writer's notebook assignment was to write for five minutes about our favorite books and spaces to read.  Periods 2,7,8 Homework is to have conversations about reading with at least one other person and to choose a new book for Friday.  Period 1 not only should you have to have conversations about reading but also you need to revisit your writer's notebook and talk about your process of choosing a book.  If you've chosen a book already, write about your process of choosing the book and also predict what will happen in the book.  Have a great night.

Monday 9/27/2010

WOOHOO! We have completed the first research paper connected to Clarklisto Connections.  Now your student should be an expert or at least knowledgeable about his or her chosen topic.  There is no assignment tonight for English.  However, an independent reading book will need to be chosen before the end of the week so conversations about what to choose would be great!  I will be out tomorrow so Mr. Clark will be blocking and doing some cool Civil War activities.  Have a great night.

Friday 9/24

Students worked hard today writing their conclusions.  Monday will be a workday devoted to typing, finishing up citations and proofreading.  The final product will need to be submitted electronically on Monday.  Many students borrowed thumbdrives to transfer their work from school to home and home to school.  It would be great if you could remind your student Monday morning to be sure the thumbdrive is in his/her backpack.  If it happens that your student did not borrow a thumbdrive but typed the paper at home feel free to send it as an email attachment to me at carlisto@lakeplacidcsd.net if you do not have Microsoft Word at home it would be helpful to not only attach the document but to also send it as the text of the email by copying it and pasting it!  Next week will be the beginning of independent reading so if you are near a library or bookstore you may want to start looking for a book. At least start having conversations with your friends about what they have read and liked!  Have a great weekend.

Thursday 9/23

We worked hard today to make sure our body paragraphs contained many details and transitions so the story of our topic was told well.  Tonight's homework is to be sure those body paragraphs are well developed.  The final draft of the paper is due on Monday after the block.  It needs to be typewritten and submitted electronically.  See you at open house tonight!

Wednesday 9/22

Most of you handed in your first body paragraph today and it will be returned tomorrow. You should have gotten your introductions back.  Remember if a question mark appeared on your paper, you need to speak to either Mr. Clark or me about some necessary changes.  Your homework for tonight is to work from your completed graphic organizer and write the last two body paragraphs of your paper in a "final" rough draft form--double spaced and neat!  some of you need to know more details about your categories :)

Tuesday 9/21/10

Writing any type of formal paper requires some initial planning.  Today we worked on ways to organize writing so the best story of our topics could be told.  Information found during the research was categorized  and a plan for each student's paper began to be formed.  As categories were decided and information sorted, the first body paragraph was begun.  Homework for tonight is to research more if you are not feeling like you have enough information on your first category then write the "final" rough draft for your first body paragraph. If you need the handout, download it from my locker on my webpage.

Monday 9/20/10

Today we worked on writing the introduction portion of the paper.  Generally this first paragraph needs to set the context of time and explain events that led up to the topic.  the topic should not be introduced until the last 1-2 sentences of the paragraph.  Many of you struggled since you wanted to immediately tell us the juicy details of the topic. Remember think of your audience as a friend who doesn't know much about the time period and try to include information that would make the topic make more sense to him/her. Check out the sample in the "Connections Class of 2015" folder in the locker on my website.  Your homework is to have a "final" rough draft of your introduction written neatly on a loose-leaf sheet of paper.  Be sure to skip lines so you can more easily make revisions as they are suggested.

Friday 9/17

Great job researching today.  Most of you seem to have a good grasp of your topic.  Tell your parents the story of your topic just to make sure you have all three parts nailed down--Background, topic itself and impact.  Your full packet is due on Monday when we will work on the introduction and we will also complete an MLA works cited page using noodletools.  Remember to record sources if you use them over the weekend.  Check out the sources we have suggested by checking out my locker on my website.

Thursday 9/16

Now we are getting somewhere!  Nice job reading in class today.  Remember your goal is to have a broad understanding of your topic so you can write an expository paper wherein you tell some background information and relay details of your topic. In other words, your job with the paper will be to be able to tell about the topic in a way your peers, who have not studied it yet, understand.  Keep up the good work!

Wednesday 9/15

Now we are rolling!  You have chosen a topic and have a worksheet that has to be completed for class tomorrow.  Let your parents know what topic you have chosen and have a discussion about it.  Check out my website to check out those summarizing sentences written by your peers!  Be ready to research tomorrow with your completed worksheet in hand.

Tuesday 9/14

Well, we didn't get quite as far today as we anticipated but by the time first half of the block is complete tomorrow, we will have some great sentences that give a brief synopsis of each of the 40 topics for the connections activities that will continue all year.  If you have not already typed your final sentence, be prepared to do that as soon as you enter the classroom tomorrow.  Once they are all posted ina public forum, you will need to make your decision and begin researching for your first 2 page research paper for Clarklisto.

Monday 9/13/10

We had a great time in Vermont.  Thanks for being such a great class and for being so willing to attempt new challenges.  Mr. Clark and I are spending quite a bit of time with you on this first project to ensure you  understand where we want you to go.  We won't guide you quite as much for the next activity. No real homework tonight.  Be ready to discuss your rough draft sentences for your eighth grade topic that was assigned today in groups.  We will be posting final drafts in some forum tomorrow so everyone can make an informed decision about their Connections topic choice.

Wednesday 9/8

First day of Clarklisto has me impressed with your ability to work collaboratively, I love the conversations I heard.  You bounced ideas around well in your groups and really pushed each other to get the best product you could.  Keep it up.  VERMONT TOMORROW--Don't forget to have good shoes, a lunch and your ID.

What to Pack

If you are going to Vermont (and really everyone should go--talk to last year's class--it's a blast!) you need to have your luggage in my room or Mr. Clark's room tomorrow morning.  Solid shoes, rain gear, lunch, no more than ten dollars in case we stop for dinner Friday on the way home.  Call me at home if you have questions!!!

Day One--Tuesday, Sept 7

It was great to meet you today.  I promise I'll have names down before the end of the week.  Your homework is to complete your piece of writing with tons of sensory details.  I will collect your notebooks tomorrow as you enter the classroom!  Remember if you feel like you are telling--slow it down and paint the picture in your mind so you can really show your readers how it felt! Here's the story about Jack I shared in class show don't tell.  Other helpful advice is to use action verbs find some here or some sensory details here.

Reading

You will need to choose an independent reading book by next Monday. Finding the right book can be difficult as not only individual interests, but also reading levels become factors in book selection.
Mrs. Riehs, Mrs. Allen and I have been talking quite a bit about how we can help with book selection.  We hope to get better at matching students with "just right books" this school year, but for now here are some sites that might assist you in finding an independent reading book:

This site from the American Library Association lists the best books for young adults since 1996.

Scholastic has a page where students share reviews on books they've read. You can search by genre or grade level.

New School Year

I am excited about starting the new year and meeting all of you.  We are working hard at finalizing plans for the awesome trip to Vermont.  Don't forget to fill out your permission slips!