January 3-7

Monday, January 3

Welcome back!

Goal: Discuss the question "Does the American Dream still exist"?

• Final questions/formatting for Synthesis Paper
• Gatsby Intro:
• Check out books
• Reading Calendar
• Background Research

Tuesday, January 4

Goal: understand needs and expectations for college readiness

• Final Synthesis Paper Due
• Assign journal
• Guest speakers--College Preparation

Wednesday, January 5

Goals: understand and apply grammar in writing

• Grammar Wednesday!
• Lesson 1: Verbs
• Exercises 1-3

Thursday, January 6

Goals: Work collaboratively in a small group; discuss author's rhetoical strategies

• Book Club #3
• Author's Language Due

Friday, January 7

Goal: Does the American Dream still exist?

• Grammar lesson due--correct
• Book Club quizzes due
• Gatsby Background info due--discuss
• Theme in Gatsby

December 6-10

Monday, December 6

Goal: understand language of rubric

• Anchor papers--score and discuss
• Synthesis Prompt Packets due
• Pick prompt for individual synthesis paper

Tuesday, December 7

Goal: use rhetorical devices in writing; synthesize sources to support a claim

• Journal assignment, "Being a Man", p. 378. Device: use an understatement
• Individual synthesis paper expecations

Wedneday, December 8

Goal: synthesize sources to support a claim

• Synthesizing sources
• Citing sources in your paper
• Works Cited pages

Thursday, December 9

Goals: analyze characters in literature; work collaboratively in a small group

• Character Wheel Due
• Book Club #1

Friday, December 10

Goal: synthesize sources to support a claim

• Graded book club quizzes  and discussion questions questions (from leader)
• Intro/thesis--sample thesis statements
• Work day
• Intro/thesis statement due Monday!

November 29-December 3

Monday, November 29

Welcome back!

Goals: Evaluate credible sources; select relevant materials representing multiple perspectives

• In the library, researching and formatting soruces for synthesis prompts

Tuesday, November 30

Goals: Evaluate credible sources; select relevant materials representing multiple perspectives

• In the library, researching and formatting soruces for synthesis prompts

Wednesday, December 1

Goals: Evaluate credible sources; select relevant materials representing multiple perspectives; understand nature of synthesis prompts

• Final day to research
• Format sources
• Finalize bibliography
• Begin writing prompts

Thursday, December 2

Goals: understand nature of synthesis prompts

• Sample synthesis prompts
• Write synthesis prompts with groups (create and format cover pages)

Friday, December 3

Goals: work cohesively with a small group; clearly communicate with others

• Book Club meeting time--decide group leader; discuss quiz and first assignment instructions
• Formatting instructions for final synthesis prompts/sources

Snow Day Update!

Revised:

Due to no school Tuesday and Wednesday, here's what you should work on (besides enjoying your days off and celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday):

• You should have a minimum of 4 sources on your working bibliography (4 is the min. for a group of 5. If your group is smaller, you should really have more than this)
• Your working bib should by typed--see the handout for formatting instructions (if you do not have computer access at home, then hand write yours in pen, following the format instructions best you can.)
• We will work with Mrs. Hall to get you at least one more day in the library to finish researching...communicate with your group best you can over the long weekend to be sure each person knows what he/she needs to do. Begin thinking about how you might phrase your synthesis prompt questions.
• If you can, begin selecting and formatting your information as is required for your final prompt (see sample synthesis prompt for a model of sources. Yours should match.) 
• Your journal is attached to the Helpful Handouts link. See "Thanksgiving journal".

Happy Thanksgiving (and snow days)!

Week 12, November 22-26

Monday, November 22

Goal: research and evaluate credible sources

• Research in the library
• Gather sources, adding to Working Bibliography
• Select specific passages to use
• Begin formatting sources according to packet

Tuesday, November 23

Goal: research and evaluate credible sources

• Final day in the library
• Gather sources, adding to Working Bibliography
• Select specific passages to use
• Begin formatting sources according to packet
• Discuss with group source selection
• Begin drafting synthesis prompt cover page
• Journal assigned: Thanksgiving (handout)

Wednesday, November 24

Goal: collaborate with small groups; synthesize sources

• Sample synthesis questions
• Group action plan:
• determine which parts of sources you will use
• formatting of sources
• writing the question/cover page
• who's in charge of what?

Thursday, November 25

Thanksgiving:  give thanks!

Friday, November 26

No School

Week 11, November 15-19

Monday, November 15-Tuesday, November 16

*Check HAC for 1st Quarter Grades
*Arena Conferences, Tuesday @ 6:30pm, in the Commons

• In the library--plagairism and databases
• Begin initial research with group
• HW: if you don't already have one, sign up for a Pierce County Library Card!

Wednesday, November 17

• 2nd quarter book project: Book Club
• Choose groups
• Choose books
• 1st assignment

Thursday, November 18-Friday, November 19

• Research in Library:
• Find sources spanning multiple perspectives
• Begin formulating central question

Week 10, November 8-12

Monday, November 8

Goals: introduce synthesis prompt and sources

Tasks:

• Questions due--discuss reading, questions
• Model synthesis prompts--breakdown of questions, types of sources

Tuesday, November 9

Goals: breakdown of synthesis prompts and sources

Tasks:

• Journal Due (p. 75-77, use a concession)
• Group Synthesis Assignment
• Choose groups and topics

Wednesday, November 10 (Veterans Day Assembly)

Goals: Use sources to develop position; identify multiple perspectives on a central issue

Tasks:

• Sample synthesis prompt:
• Break down prompt
• Read and annotate sources, noting perspective of each one
• Identify your position, with brief statement of rationale
• Find 1-2 supplemental sources to support stances

Thursday, November 11

• Veterans Day--No School
• Thank a Veteran!

Friday, November 12

Goals: Use sources to develop and support an opinion; find credible sources; clearly communicate ideas in a large group setting

Tasks:

• Synthesis Prompt Materials Due (Stance and rationale, articles prepped, additional support for perspective)
• Fishbowl Discussion

Week 9, November 1-5

Monday, November 1

Goals: incorporate voice and poetic devices into narrative writing; present best work in front of an audience

Tasks:

• Vignette Project Due
• Share vignettes

Tuesday, November 2

Goals: introduce elements of synthesis; chart multiple perspectives on one topic

Tasks:

• Assign journal
• Intro to synthesis
• NPR Intelligence Squared Debate--track 6 perspectives on one central issue

Wednesday, November 3

Goals: introduce elements of synthesis; chart multiple perspectives on one topic

Tasks:

• Finish Intelligence Squared Debate
• Discuss 6 perspectives

Thursday, November 4

Goals: identify multiple persepectives on central issues

Tasks:

• Agree/Disagree statements
• Group Synthesis assignment--begin choosing groups

Friday, November 5

**Final day to turn in missing/late work from 1st Quarter**

Goals: idnetify elements of synthesis; chart multiple perspectives on one topic

Tasks:

NPR Intelligence Squared Debate--track 6 perspectives on one central issue

Week 8, October 25-29

Monday, October 25-Wednesday, October 27

Goals: analyze elements of a novel; communicate ideas effectively in one on one assessment

Tasks:

• Book Talks
• Tuesday: Journal due
• HW: work on vignettes

Thursday, October 28

Goals: self assess (review quiz); introduce elements of synthesis

Tasks:

• Review Rhetorical Terms Quiz #2
• Introduction to Synthesis
• Embedding quotes

Friday, October 29

Goal: incorporate poetic devices and voice into narrative writing

Tasks:

• Vignette Project Work Day:
• Write vignettes
• Write dedication and theme introduction
• Create cover page
• Bring whateve supplies you will need to work on the above items
• Final vignette project due Monday!

Week 7, October 18-22

Monday, October 18 (Twin Day)

Goals: model author's writing styles; embedding poetic devices in writing

Tasks:

• "Girl" Mimic Write Due
• Debrief The House on Mango Street--discuss vignettes
• Identify poetic devices
• "My Name" writing exercise

Tuesday, October 19 (Nerd Day)

Goals: model author's writing styles; embedding poetic devices in writing

Tasks:

• Mango Vignette Project Assignment
• Writing suggestions

Wednesday, October 20 (Throwback Sports Day)

Goals: review peer and self work to understand writing task/elements 

Tasks:

• Assign journal
• "My Name" write due--share
• "The Plastic Pink Flamingo" peer review

Thursday, October 21 (Color Splash--Pink)

Goal: using voice in personal writing

Tasks:

• Writing suggestions: using imagery in your writing
• Vignette project work day

Friday, October 22 (Ram Gear)

Goals: assess comprhension of rhetorical strategies

Tasks:

• Rhetorical Terms Test #2
• Write 1 Vignette
• Sign-ups for Book Talks
• HW: Final prep for Book Talks

Week 6, October 11-15

Monday, October 11 (Progress Reports posted today—check grades at HAC)

Goals: Review previous work; analyzing a text for use of strategies and theme

Tasks:

• Pass back rhetorical terms quiz #1—discuss answers
• Discuss “The Plastic Pink Flamingo”—on demand write tips
• Compare/Contrast Chart due
• Lit Devices
• Discuss reading section 2
• HW: Journal, bring coloring supplies tomorrow

Tuesday, October 12

Goals: visualizing images in text

Tasks:

• Journal Due (Cisneros, p. 144)
• Reading section 3 due—discuss
• Visualizing the text with “Edna’s Ruthie”
• HW: Read and annotate Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl”

Wednesday, October 13

Goals: analyze theme in literature; expectations of large group discussions

Tasks:

• Reading section 4 due—discuss
• Fishbowl protocol
• Theme exit slips

Thursday, October 14

Goals: communicate ideas verbally; employ active listening strategies; discuss theme

Tasks:

• “Edna’s Ruthie” t-chart and visualization due
• Fishbowl discussion over Mango and “Girl”
• HW: Mimic write with “Girl” (due Monday)

Friday, October 15

• Counselor presentation—Mr. Cooksely

Week 5, October 4-7

Monday, October 4

Goals: Identify literary devices in text; connection of author to text

Tasks:

• JFK Analysis Essay due (with brainstorm chart and rough draft)
• Intro to The House on Mango Street (powerpoint)
• Literary devices review
• Check out books—assign reading calendar
• HW: Read “Introduction” and section 1 of reading

Tuesday, October 5

Goals: Apply principles of analysis writing to unknown text/prompt to gain individual, authentic response

Tasks:

• Assign Journal: “Eleven”, Cisneros, p. 144
• 40 minute on demand write “The Pink Flamingo”
• On demand write tips

Wednesday, October 6

Goals: Gain multiple perspectives on a text; analyze small pieces of literature through various techniques

Tasks:

• Reading section #1 Due
• Small group discussion
• HW: Read Mango; annotate (on notebook paper) “Papa Who Wakes up Tired in the Dark” and “The First Job”; complete comparison chart

Week 4, September 27-October 1

Monday, September 27

Goals: Organization in writing; balance in answering prompts

Tasks:

*Binger's classes: to library for orientation with Mrs. Hall; bring outside reading book

*Sutherland's classes:

• Brainstorm due
• Balance in strategies in purpose—arranging paragraphs
• Sample paragraphs
• Work day (write at least thesis and one body paragraph)
• HW: Rough draft due Thursday (typed)

Tuesday, September 28

Goals: Organization in writing; balance in answering prompts

*Sutherland's classes: to library for orientation with Mrs. Hall; bring outside reading book

*Binger's classes:

Tasks:

• Journal #1 Due (p. 123, use juxtaposition twice)
• Brainstorm due
• Balance in strategies in purpose—arranging paragraphs
• Sample paragraphs
• Work day (write at least thesis and one body paragraph)
• HW: Rough draft due Thursday (typed)

Wednesday, September 29 (late arrival)

Goal: Memorize definitions and examples of rhetorical strategies

Tasks:

• Vocab Quiz #1 (Summer Assigment Terms)
• Embedding Quotes Packet--read and annotate
• Practice: Embed quote with tone statement

Thursday, September 30

Goals: Revise peer work to gain insight on organization and balance in writing anlaysis essays

Tasks:

• JFK Analysis Essay Due
• RAGS

Friday, October 1

Goals: Independent work time: Revision, planning, developing thought-out responses to reading questions

Tasks:

• Revise JFK Analysis essay (final copy due Monday, Oct. 4)
• Read independent reading book
• Prepare answers for Book Talk

Week 3, September 20-24

Monday, September 20

Goals: Confirm text breakdown through SOAPSTone method; application of three appeals; intro to rhetoric in visuals

Tasks:

• Picture and Paragraph Due
• SOAPSTone Due—Discuss answers
• Ad Due
• Intro to visual rhetoric—pages 10-12 (political cartoons), pages 49-51 (ads)
• Analyze ads with partner

Tuesday, September 21

Goals: Intro to rhetoric in visuals; free response writing with rhetorical strategy application (through journals)

Tasks:

• Discuss ad analysis
• Political cartoon dissection
• Intro to bi-weekly journals
• HW: Read pages 38-41 in Lang of Comp.
• Note: vocab quiz next Tuesday (Sept. 28)

Wednesday, September 22 (Late arrival)

Goals: Close reading transferred to analysis writing (tone and rhetorical strategies)

Tasks:

• Discuss pages 38-41
• Writing about close reading: JFK’s Inagural Address (p. 51-55)
• HW: Questions (Diction 1-2, Syntax 1-2, 5-6),  read through page 57

Thursday, September 23

Goals: Identifying key rhetorical strategies in speeches; clarifying author’s purpose

Tasks:

• Questions due—discuss answers
• JFK’s tone
• Prompt breakdown, p. 57
• HW: Brainstorm (list or bubble)

Friday, September 24

Goals: Organization in writing; balance in answering prompts

Tasks:

• Brainstorm due
• Balance in strategies in purpose—arranging paragraphs
• Sample paragraphs
• Work day (write at least thesis and one body paragraph)
• HW: Rough draft due Monday (typed)

Week 2, September 13-17

Monday, September 13

Goal: Revise peer work; understand process of revision and editing; collaborate with other writers

Task:

• Syllabus signature and video release due
• Literary History due
• RAGS

Tuesday, September 14

Goals: Defend choices in peer reviews; begin process of literary analysis

Task:

• Share out "best" papers and defense
• Assign 1st quarter book project and AP reading list (Begin Oct. 25th)
• Assign literary history (due Thursday)

Wednesday, September 15

Fair Day: Periods 1, 3, 5--Safety Drills and Expectations

Thursday, September 16

Goals: Idenitfy the elements of the rhetorical triangle; begin application of rhetorical appeals

Tasks:

• Revised Literary History Due (with stamped first copy)
• Picture and Paragraph Due
• Intro to rhetoric
• HW: Read pages 1-9 in The Language of Composition

Friday, September 17

Goals: Idenitfy the elements of the rhetorical triangle; begin application of rhetorical appeals

Tasks:

• SOAPSTone Intro
• Princess Diana eulogy
• HW: Read pg. 49-51, and find sample ad to analyze in class for Monday

Week 1, September 7-10

We will try to keep this blog updated on a weekly basis so that you can easily access important class information. The goal will be to post our learning goals, daily plans, and attach digital handouts so you can access them at home.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Goal: Model syntax and structure of original text

Task: Rewrite Douglass’ passage on Mr. Gore, writing instead about someone you know (or know of). Keep the structure as close to the original as possible. Exchange the words to describe your character.


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Goals: Review close reading strategies; understand expectations for annotation

Tasks:

• Mr. Gore rewrite due--share with class
• Read close reading handout, practicing annotation as we go
• Check out Language of Composition text book in the library
• HW: Read para. 4-11 "Learning to Read"

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Goals: Apply rhetorical strategies to reading; introduce AP style multiple choice

Tasks:

• Partner reading response questions
• Practice multiple choice quiz over "Learning to Read"
• HW: Read through course syllabus; share with parents

Friday, September 10, 2010

Goals: identify learning styles and individual goals; reflect on literary understanding

Tasks:

• Parent signature forms due (syllabus and video)
• Course survey
• Literary History assignment--begin brainstorming, introduction
• HW: write literary history (Due Monday!)