Tuesday September 16, 2008

Ladies- After some technical problems, we are up and running.

8th graders-

If you are in the first/second period 8th grade class, please make an assertion (about anything, remember: an assertion is your opinion) and support it with three facts.

If you are in the 6th/7th period 8th grade class, please write the next phase of your autobiography. You should write at least a page on the most important moment you have had with a significant person in your life.

7th graders-

You are writing the exposition and rising action (include setting, characters, and conflict) for your narrative based on a painting in your book. You should write at least a page, and will need to use interesting and specific verbs.

Have a good night-

Ms. Linkowski

Friday - Sunday September 12-14, 2008

Ladies,

Please finish all of your classwork from Friday. If you finished it, you have no homework; enjoy your weekend! Please remember that novel journal projects are due October 8th. It would be a good idea to continue reading Holes, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, or Brothers in Arms. Be safe and happy.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Today in class, we learned how to do a double entry journal. This is a helpful way to keep track of what you are reading. We also went over the rules for writing grammatically correct dialogue.

If you are an eighth grader, for homework:

-finish all of your classwork. This means a double entry journal for "The Yolk's on Me," and a written dialogue.

-pick a story (a fairytale, a nes article, a magazine piece, a short story or poem, or a few pages of a longer book) and summarize it. Then do a double entry journal for the story you chose.

If you are a seventh grader, for homework:

-finish your dialogue for "The Yolk's on Me"
-Read the first chapter of the "Brother's in Arms" and do a double entry journal for the chapter

Welcome!

7th and 8th graders at Rhodes, Welcome to my blog. It is a good place to check up on your homework and if you missed anything in class. Today in class, we reviewed plot structure, (exposition, rising action, turning point, climax, falling action, and resolution) as well as a way to summarize anything you read which is called Somebody Wanted But So. For homework, finish your independent work:

1. Draw a SWBS chart for "Email Dance"
2. Draw a plot chart for "Email Dance"
3. Draw a plot chart for the true story you wrote for your do-now
4. Draw a SWBS chart for the true story you wrote for your do-now

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class, we performed the artistic representations of scenes from To Kill A Mockingbird.

Homework:

Enjoy your evening.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today in class, we completed a survey about table matters and continued reading Romeo and Juliet.

Homework:

Read page 842.  Write 5 bullet points.

Read Scenes V and VI and write a 5 sentence summary.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork

Today we discussed Chapter 24, and how the gender roles of Maycomb come out.

Homework:

Read Chapter 25.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

We finished the Act II, Scene ii packets, and began reading the next scene.

Homework:

Read Act II, Scene iv, and do the sidebar questions.

Looked up the definitions of the following words and copy them:

conjure

invocation

perjury

variable

idolatry

repose

procure

rite

prate

fain

herald

wanton

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Papers were due today.  10-1 got their tests back.  Both classes read Chapter 23, and took notes on the different characters' (Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Alexandra) views on the death penalty, juries, and social class.

Homework:

Finish your classwork.  Read Chapter 24.

Monday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class, we finished the Act II, Scene ii packets, and then listened to the section on tape.

Homework:

Read and answer the sidebar questions for Act II, Scene iv.

Friday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Papers due Monday.  They must be size 12, Times New Roman, double spaced.  They must have a works cited page.  If you have trouble, you may email me at ms.linkowski@gmail.com  

Friday - 9th Grade Class and Homework

Classwork:

In groups, we completed a drama packet with questions and definitions about Act II, Scene ii.

Homework:

Read and do the sidebars for Act II, Scene iv.

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

We took our Chapters 12-21 test in class.  If you were absent, please come tomorrow at lunch.

Homework:

Read Chapter 22.  Tell a piece of the story from another character's point of view.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Tests were given back.  We read Act II, Scene ii out loud and went over the sidebar questions.

Homework:

Read Act II, Scene iii.  Do the sidebar questions.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

In class, we went over rhetorical and argumentative techniques.  We then found examples of them in Atticus' closing argument.

Homework:

Test on Chapters 12-21 tomorrow.  By Friday, read Chapter 22, and tell a piece of the story from another character's perspective.  It can be a news article, diary entry, letter, or dialogue.

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork

Today, we took a test, and read out loud Act 2, Scene 1.

Homework

Do the sidebars for Act 2. Scenes 1 and 2.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Reminders:

Chapter 12-21 Test - Thrusday

Final Essays - Monday

Classwork:

10-1

We acted out Tom Robinson's testimony in chapter 19.

10-2

We went over the different rhetorical and argumentative techniques.

Homework:

10-1

Read Chapters 20-21.  Write your own closing argument for Atticus' side.

10-2

Read through Chapter 20.  Finish or edit your closing arguments for Atticus' side.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today in class, we went over archaic words, answered 6-11 on page 816, and discussed feuds.

Homework:

Study for your Act I test tomorrow.

9-2 Do pg. 816 #11, as well as pg. 817

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class, we peer edited our drafts.

Homework:

Both classes:

Test Thursday

Paper Monday

10-1

Up to Chapter 20 due Wednesday.  Write a closing argument for Atticus' side.

10-2

Up to Chapter 20 and closing argument due tomorrow.

9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today, we went over sidebar questions.

Homework:

p. 816 #6-10

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1

We acted out Chapter 17, and wrote down aspects of Heck Tate's and Bob Ewell's testimony.

10-2

We acted out Chapter 19, and wrote down aspects of Mayella's and Tom's testimony.

Homework:

Drafts for all classes are due on Monday.

10-1

Read Chapter 18.  Do you feel sorry for Mayella.  Why or why not?

10-2

Finish Chapter 19.  Read Chapter 20.  By Tuesday, write your own closing argument for Atticus.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today in class we read Act II Scene I and II.

Homework:

catch up on your sidebar questions.  

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1

Today, we finished chapter 14 presentations.  Then, we discussed the various conflicts in Chapter 15 and in the novel in general.

10-2

We went over last night's homework.  Then, we read Chapter 17 out loud like a play.  We kept records of each characters' testimony.

Homework:

10-1

Read Chapter 16.

10-2

Finish Chapter 17, and continue recording the evidence.

Read Chapter 18.

Do you feel sorry for Mayella Ewell based on this chapter?  Why or why not?

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class, we answered the freewrite, "How long does it really take to fall in love?  Are any of the play's characters really in love?"

Then, in parts, we read Act I, Scene V of the play, keeping records of our questions, opinions, and predictions.

Homework:

Finish Act I, Scene V.  Do the sidebar questions.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1

Today we read Chapter 14.  We acted it out, found important quotes, and summarized it for our classmates.

10-2

Today we answered the questions "What would have happened if the children had not shown up?" and "What does Atticus mean when he says we should have 'a police force of children?"

Then, we discussed the conflicts in the novel, how they were related to each other, what kind of conflict they are, and how any of them relate to today.

Homework:

10-1

Read Chapter 15

10-2

Read Chapter 16 and answer the question, "What would you tell someone, based on Chapter 16, if they were moving to Maycomb?"

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today in class, we discussed pun, foreshadowing, and character foil.

We read Act I, Scene IV out loud.

Homework:

Finish reading Act I, Scene IV.  Do the sidebar questions.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1

We discussed how people are different in different situations, how people disagree with groups they are in, and how people are different in what they can and cannot do.

We discussed Chapter 12 of the book, in which Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to church, and how the characters are different.

10-2

We read Chapter 14, and discussed and performed the conversations in the chapter.

Homework:

10-1

Read Chapter 13.  How is life going to change for the Finches?

10-2

Read Chapter 15.  

Monday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class, we read Act I Scene III out loud.  We also went over the sidebar questions for Act I Scenes I and II.

Homework:

Do the sidebar questions for Act I, Scene III.

Preread Act I, Scene IV.

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class we got back our benchmark scores and analyzed the data.

Homework:

Enjoy your evening.  Outlines are due Monday.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today in class we got back benchmark scores and analyzed the data.

Homework:

Do the sidebar questions for Act I Scene II.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1

We went over yesterday's test.  We picked out important quotes from the text and explained how they fit in to the chapter, what we thought they meant, what opinion we had about them, and what connections we could make to our own lives.

10-2

We went over yesterday's test.  We free wrote about how we are different in different parts of our life.  Then, in groups, we discussed the ways Calpurnia, her church, the children, and people's abilities were different depending on where they are.

Homework:

10-1

Read Chapter 12.  Write a paragraph on Calpurnia.

10-2

Read Chapter 13.  Take notes.

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class we went over the Pyramus and Thisby packets.  9-1 was able to go over answers to the sidebar questions for Act I, Scene I.

Homework:

Read Act I, Scene II.  9-1: answer all sidebar questions.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Test today.

Homework:

10-1 Read Chapter 11

10-2 Read Chapter 12

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today we read Act I Scene i of Romeo and Juliet out loud.  We defined pun, allusion, and oxymoron.

Homework:

Make sure your sidebar questions to Act I Scene I are answered for tomorrow.

Last call for Pyramus and Thisby packets.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today, we reviewed for the test tomorrow.

Homework:

Study for the test tomorrow.  You are responsible for knowing the plot of Chapters 1-10.  You are also responsible for knowing the characters of Atticus, Scout, Jem, Dill, Calpurnia, Aunt Alexandra, the Ewells, the Radleys, the Cunninghams, and Miss Maudie.

You should also know about irony, foreshadowing, and allusion.  

Monday - 9th Grade Homework

Read Act I, Scene I of Romeo and Juliet in your textbook starting on page 788.

Answer ALL sidebar questions.

Friday - 10th Grade Break Homework

10-1

Read Chapters 8,9, and 10.

Keep a reading journal (this is not plot synopsis; it is a record of your opinions, thoughts, predictions, and questions.)

Bring in your thesis statement on Monday.

10-2

Read Chapters 9,10, and 11.

Keep a reading journal (this is not plot synopsis; it is a record of your opinions, thoughts, predictions, and questions.)

Bring in your thesis statements on Monday.

Friday - 9th Grade Break Homework

In your purple book, read page 327 and write the definitions of:

comedy

farce

dialogue

monologue

soliloquy

stage direction

parody

pun

exaggeration

understatement

Read p. 328.

Read p. 329 (Pyramus and Thisbe) and answer the sidebar questions.

Do pgs. 339-341

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

10-2

Classwork:

Today we talked about what criteria we use to judge people.  We then created character webs for a celebrity.  Then, we created character webs for ourselves.  To follow up, we did a character web for individual characters in the novel, and discussed how we judge them, what they think of themselves, and how or if they have changed.

Homework:

Read Chapter 8

10-1

Today in class we discussed and practiced making inferences.  Then, we read Chapter 7 in pairs, and kept a list of events.  After reading, we revisited the plot events and made inferences about them.

Homework:

Read Chapter 8

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

We finished poetry packets and began Shakespearean vocabulary.  We also did test prep for the test tomorrow.  Remember, there is a test tomorrow on Shakespeare.

Homework:

1. Read p. 781-782

2. Copy the vocabulary on 782.

3. On p. 783 do the Quickwrite and answer 1-5.

4. Read p. 784 (the five bullets)

5. Copy the cast of characters on p. 785

6. Study for your test.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1

We discussed the themes, characters, quotes, and plot of Chapters 4 and 5.  We made connections to contemporary life and wrote questions, opinions, and predictions.  We assessed ourselves as group members.

10-2

We read Chapter 6 of the novel, and kept a list of characters' actions. We then drew inferences from those actions about the characters' traits.

Homework:

10-1

Read Chapter 6.  You may:

write a poem

draw a picture

write one paragraph about whether your opinion of a character has changed or not and why

10-2

Read Chapter 7.

Tell the story from Jem's point of view.

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

We worked on poetry patterns packet.  We took inventory of our knowledge of Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet.  We also defined archaic words and wrote a Shakespeare word wall.

Homework:

Do numbers 7-12 in the poetry packet.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork-

10-2 took their benchmark today.  10-1 will take theirs tomorrow.

Homework:

Please read chapters 4 and 5 of To Kill A Mockingbird.  Write if you think Jem, Scout, and the other children's imaginings about the Radley family are accurate or not.

Monday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

9-1 and 10-2 took their benchmarks today.  The two other sections will take theirs tomorrow.

Homework:

Read 776-780 and write down ten facts; you will have a quiz tomorrow. 

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today we read Chapter one of To Kill A Mockingbird.

Homework:

Read Chapter two of To Kill A Mockingbird.  Write about a time when you knew something a teacher did not.  Compare and contrast your experience with Miss Caroline.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

We finished poetry presentations today.  We also went over dangling participles (also known as misplaced modifiers.)

Homework:

Read page 691.  On page 692 do #s 6-10.  On page 565 do #1-5.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today, we read about Jim Crow laws, The Civil Rights Movement, The Scottsboro Trials, Harper Lee, and To Kill A Mockingbird in order to understand the world of the book.  I will not be in school tomorrow; I am at a job fair.  You will be reading the first chapter of the book, and we will continue with group work on Thursday.

Homework:

Buy To Kill A Mockingbird if you have not already.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today, we had more poetry presentations and reviewed proofreading symbols.

Homework:

Remember to hand in your notebook if you have not already.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

REMINDER: Copies of To Kill A Mockingbird are due tomorrow.

Classwork:

We went over what point of view means, and what point of view is in To Kill A Mockingbird. Projects were handed back.

Homework:

10-1 Finish your PSSA constructed response essays. Follow the instructions for Friday if you do not have them written down.

10-2 Enjoy your evening

Monday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Presentations

Homework:

Read page 996 and copy the green box into your notebook.

Friday 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Sorry that this post is late and that Thursday got skipped; I'm sure you understand.

Friday in class we finished poetry presentations, and practiced writing PSSA constructed response questions.

The questions we answered is:

According to William Wordsworth, poetry should be "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings recollected in tranquility." Explain what this quote means, and use two poems we have read to support your claims.


Homework:

10-1: Find the two poems you are going to use in your essay. Take some notes on what you want to say. If you want to write the essay, go for it. You will have to do it anyway.

10-2: Finish your essays.

Remember: Turn the question into a thesis statement, Answer the question you are asked, and Give two examples, each with their own paragraph.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

We continued with poetry presentations, and will finish tomorrow.  We will also be working on PSSA prompts.

Homework:

Buy To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, by Tuesday March 4th.

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today we reviewed active and passive voice verbs.  We also continued with poetry projects.

Homework:

Page 1058 in textbook, section 6B.  Copy all definitions.  Copy all sample sentences.  Highlight the prepositional phrases.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class we continued with our poet presentations.  Keep up the good work with presenting, listening, and commenting.

Homework:

You must have a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, by Tuesday, March 4th.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today, we continued with presentations.  

Homework:

Complete page 385 - 389 in your purple workbook.

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class, we peer edited each other's work.  We also went over the guidelines for final projects.  Tomorrow you must bring:

your typed analysis

your typed biography

your typed works cited page

printouts of the online articles you used

a cover page with heading

a copy of the poem you analyzed

a visual or sound aid - if you bring in a song to play, you may play only a section of the song and it must be CLEAN.

Tomorrow, we will present.  Presentations include a summary of the poet's life and work, a visual aid, and a reading of one poem.  

Homework: Finish your projects, no excuses.  You may email me for help at ms.linkowski.gmail.com

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today we reviewed internet citations, the guidelines for oral presentations, and for the written final projects.

Homework:

Continue to work on your final projects.  The first presentations are tomorrow.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

In class today, we read our revised poems, and commented on others'.  If you were absent, make sure you can show me your revised poem when you come back.

Homework:

Tomorrow, bring in a draft of either your biography or analysis of a poem for peer editing.  Remember, your projects are due on Friday.

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today we discussed the qualities of a good speaker and audience, in preparation for our upcoming presentations.  

Homework:

Workbook, page 397: Copy #s 1-15 in your notebook.

Workbook, page 397: Answer all sidebar questions.

Projects due Friday.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

REMINDER: Projects due Friday, no excuses.  I am available for help/questions at lunchtime or after school by appointment.

Classwork:

Today, we discussed revising our own poetry.  

The five things that should be eliminated are:

-cliches (it's not you it's me, you are my world)

-abstract terms (love, hate, sad, wisdom)  Replace these with more specific, sensory images.

-things that are unclear or that the reader cannot understand

-boring verbs (walk, say, like, etc.) Replace these with specific verbs (stroll, scream, enjoy)

-inverted sentences (the book was written by Jane, happy) is the way I feel about you)  Replace these with strong, direct sentences (Jane wrote the book, I feel happy about you)

Also, try to condense and compress your poem.

Then, we revised, in groups, our classmates' poetry.

Homework:

Bring in a revised version of your poem to read to the class.

Make sure you also have your original poem; I am looking to see how seriously you took the revision process, and how deeply you thought about your work.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today, we reviewed Works Cited pages, and took any questions; remember, you are expected to have a correct works cited page for your final project.

We also reviewed your weekend homework, which was page 558 #s 1-10

Also, a reminder: Your notebooks may be collected at any time.  

Homework:

Please read pages 390-394 (Earthquake: Cover and Hold) in your workbook.  Copy "terms to know" and answer all sidebar questions.  

Friday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today we watched examples of slam, spoken word, and performance poetry.  Then, we did an activity with found poetry.

Homework:

Continue to work on your projects.  10-1, finish your found poems.

Enjoy your long weekend and be safe.

Friday - 9th Grade Class and Homework

Classwork:

Today, we went over the literary terms test.  We also reviewed subject pronouns, object pronouns, and possessive pronouns.  We watched a slam poetry video.

Homework:

pg. 558 #s 1-10

Look at Works Cited Model on page 285.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:
We discussed the characteristics of poetry, and read the poem "A Storm in the Mountains" from our textbook, and tried to determine if it was poetry or prose. Then, in groups, we read other prose poems in order to identify their literary devices, and make a case for them either being poetry or prose.

Homework:
Bring in sources for me to check if you have not already.

9th Grade Class and Homework

Classwork:

Today we continued seeing examples of work cited. We also learned parenthetical notation.

Homework:

Create a works cited page for your poetry project.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

NOTICE: New extra credit for the week.  Read the e. e. cummings poem and try to explain or comment about it.

Classwork:

We reviewed Monday's test on literary devices.

Write about a time you made a decision with your heart rather than your head.

Read "since feeling is first" in your textbook.

We decided what the poem meant line by line, and how the speaker feels about love.

Answer the following questions:

- What does the line "life's not a paragraph" mean to you?

-What does the line "death i think, is no parenthesis" mean to you?

Homework:

Pick a grammatical term (comma, sentence, conjunction, exclamation point, etc.) and describe what it means figuratively.

REMINDER: I am checking your sources for your poetry project tomorrow.  If you do not have biographical information, lyrics, or albums to show me, I will begin taking off late points.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

We reviewed Works Cited format.  Examples were put up on transparency and chart paper.  Get notes from a friend.

Homework:

Copy the Works Cited page exactly into your notebook,  It is on page 266.

Make sure that you double space, and use italics rather than underline titles.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

We took a test on literary devices.

We reviewed works cited pages and how to put one together for our poetry projects.  I am happy to conference with you individually about your particular project.  In the "Links" section is a web page about citing.

Homework:

Continue to work on your projects; I expect to see your sources this week.

Monday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Analyze the seven ages of man.

Review iambic pentameter.

Taught extended metaphor.

Extra credit: Find the Elvis song in which he sings, "all the world's a stage."

Homework:

Continue to work on your poetry projects.

Friday - 10th Grade

REMINDER: Literary devices test on Monday. The test will take half a period. You will be expected to read a poem and pick out literary devices. You should be able to define literary devices.

Come prepared knowing: symbol, imagery, assonance, alliteration, slang, jargon, onomatopoeia, personification, figurative language, end rhyme, approximate (slant) rhyme, internal rhyme, repetition, simile, metaphor, idiom, and allusion.

10-2: I am collecting notebooks on Monday

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

REMINDERS: Your choice of poet is due tomorrow.

  We have a test on Monday on literary devices.

Classwork

Freewrite: "Is love without money or material possessions enough for you?  Why or why not?"

List: Things you can give someone without using money.

Define: "lyric poem"

Read: "I Am Offering This Poem" by Jimmy Santiago Baca in your textbook

Answer: What metaphors and similes does Baca use to describe his poem?

What is Baca's attitude toward love without money?

What does Baca leave out?

Begin writing your own lyric poem.  It needs a refrain (like Baca's "I love you") and similes and/or metaphors.

Homework:

Read "Simile" in your textbook by N. Scott Momoday.

Write a short paragraph explaining the poem and the simile.

Finish your poem.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork:

Today we finished watching people's poetry presentations.

We listened to and discussed Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the thing with feathers."

Homework:

Read the entirety of page 444.

Do the quickwrite.

Define extended metaphor.

Read p. 444 - "The Seven Ages of Man" and explain it.

On page 446, answer questions 1-6

Continue working on your final poetry projects.

Wednesday - 9th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Idiom Test

We started poetry presentations.

Homework:

Continue working on final poetry project.

p. 435 in your purple book- read the whole page.

Do quickwrite.

Read "Hope" and explain the metaphor.

Answer #1 and #2 on page 429.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Make a relevant comment about either sonnet for minipoints.

Classwork:

Freewrite: "What is your favorite kind of music; what are the qualities of this genre?"

Define: ballad

Read: Jazz Fantasia. Write down the similes and metaphors Carl Sandburg uses to describe jazz. Write down the instances of onomatopoeia.

Read: Bonny Barbara Allan

Homework:

Find a song or a poem that tells a story. Who is the speaker? What is the plot? What is left out of the story?

Remember: your choice of poet is due Friday.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework and Classwork

Homework:

Your mini poetry project is due tomorrow.

Continue reading your biographies and poetry books.

Bring in your orange books.

Look at the blog and use it. Bring in two examples of extra info on the blog.

Classwork:

Today we did group work fine tuning for the mini poetry presentation which is due tomorrow.

We made a list of examples of idioms, jargon, dialect and slang and copied them in the notebook. 

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today in class we went over the rules and vocabulary to do with sonnets.  Please get these terms from a friend because you will need to know them.

Then, we read, "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?" by William Shakespeare, and labeled it.

Last, we wrote a sonnet as a class.  Both classes' sonnets can be seen here: 10 - Google Docs

Homework:

First, you may EITHER translate Shakespeare's sonnet, or you may respond in a short paragraph to it (Do you think it's romantic or not? etc.)

Second, you must choose one metaphor from the sonnet and explain/analyze it. (Why would Shakespeare use that certain comparison, what does it convey to the reader, etc.)

This will be checked tomorrow.

Remember: Your choice of poet is due Friday.

 10-2: bring back your projects so I can file them.

For extra credit, you may read one of the modern sonnets in "documents" and comment on it.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

Today, we discussed what makes a helpful comment vs. what makes a not so helpful comment.  Please get these notes from a friend.

Then, in groups, we read family poems to be presented to the class tomorrow.  Everyone must have the answers in their notebook- please consult with your group.

Homework:

Continue working on your poetry project.  You must tell me your poet by Friday.

Monday - 9th Grade Homework

Tonight, please:

Read page 409-410 in your Writer's Craft (orange) book

Write the definitions of jargon, idiom, slang, and dialect

Work on mini-poetry project which is due Wednesday

Continue working on major poetry project

Friday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

10-1 and 10-2

Classwork:

I'm so happy that you guys are caught up to each other.  In class today, we read our "Where I'm From" poems.  I was so impressed with all of you.  Then, we commented on each poem.

Homework:

Revise your "Where I'm From" poem and type it.  Bring it to class on Monday so I can create a class book of poetry.

You should begin your projects.

If you owe me a "Where I'm From" reading, come ready on Monday.

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

10-1 and 10-2

Today, we went over your final project for the poetry unit.  I will give you a hard copy tomorrow, but for now, it is under "documents" on this site.

10-2

Classwork:

We discussed "Where I'm From" poems.  We filled out the questionnaire (also in "documents" and discussed our answers.

Homework:

Bring a rough draft to class tomorrow.

I will still offer extra credit for anyone who comments on "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid

10-1

Classwork:

We did a free write "Are men and women under the same pressure to look 'perfect?'  What does perfect look like?"  Then, we discussed "boring" words (sad, good, etc.) and came up with specific, interesting synonyms.  Next, we read the poem "Same Song" in the textbook.  Write down the word that strikes you the most, and write down the allusion in the poem.  

We filled out the personal questionnaire to start our "Where I'm From" poems.

Homework:

Draft your "Where I'm From" poem in your notebook.  You must have it tomorrow.

If you like, I will give 5 mini points for anyone who reads "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid and comments on it on this site.

Thursday - 9th Grade Homework

Read page 420 and answer questions 1-6

Read ten pages of your biography and take notes.

Wednesday - 10th Grade Homework and Classwork

Classwork
10-1

Freewrite: What is your favorite thing to wear?
Define: "ode"
Read: "Ode to My Socks" by Pablo Neruda
List: all similes and metaphors
What do they mean?
What is the "moral of this ode?"

Homework: Write your own ode. I will collect it, for points, tomorrow.

10-2

Choose a "boring" word (nice, good, etc.) and come up with as many specific, interesting synonyms as possible.
Freewrite: Are men and women under the same pressure to look "perfect?" What does "perfect" look like?
Read: "Same Song" by Pat Mora
Choose the most important, specific words in the poem.
Find the allusion.
Describe your routine, using the most detail and most specific words you can.

Homework: finish your description. For extra credit, read "Girl" and respond to it on this site.

Tuesday - 9th Grade Homework

9-1 and 9-2

Tonight, please read at least ten pages of the biography of your poet.

Tuesday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Classwork:

10-1 and 10-2

Benchmark analysis.  If you were absent, copy the statistics into your notebook from a friend.

Homework:

10-1

Your sheets on "Ex Basketball Player" are due tomorrow for a grade.

10-2

Your odes are due tomorrow on separate sheets of paper.  Come prepared to read.

Monday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

10-2

Classwork:

Write about your favorite piece of clothing and how it makes you feel.

Define the word "ode."

Read "Ode To My Socks" by Pablo Neruda on page 498

If you want to hear this poem read, go here.

List the metaphors and similes, and explain what they mean.

How does the speaker feel about his socks? his feet?

Why does he eventually wear the socks?

What do you think "the moral of this ode" is?

Homework:

Write an ode to a common object. You must use one simile or metaphor, as well as one instance of either rhyme, assonance, or alliteration. This is due, for a grade, on Wednesday.

10-1

Classwork:

Free write on the question "Do sports prepare high school students for real life? Why or Why not?" Then, find the definitions of "jargon" and "slang."

Then, read the poem "Ex-Basketball Player" on page 519 in your textbook.

Finish the group work we started in class. Pick ONE stanza, write the meter pattern for ONE line (stressed/unstressed,) identify and label literary devices, identify all jargon and slang, write who you think the speaker of the poem is, write what you think the setting of the poem is, write what you think the tone of the poem is, and write what you think a theme of the poem is.

Monday - 9th Grade Homework

Your biography of a poet is due.

Do the Quickwrite on page 418.

Read the rest of page 418.

Define "haiku" and read the haiku on page 417.

Compose your own haiku.

Friday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

Homework

10-1 and 10-2

There is no homework this weekend. Enjoy and be safe. Remember 10-2, your projects are due Monday.

Classwork:
10-1

Today in class, we discussed a freewrite on homelessness. Then, we wrote the definition of tone. Write all the different ways in which you could say "I'm fine." (insincere, depressed, etc.) Then, we read the poem "miss rosie," by Lucille Clifton. Please read the poem, and list any literary devices you find. Then, write a fictional biography for Miss Rosie- who is she, what happened to her, and what the speaker's relationship is to her. Decide the speaker's tone toward Miss Rosie. You are responsible for having all of this in your notebook.

10-2

If you missed class yesterday, please freewrite on "Do you think sports prepare high school students for real life?" Define the word Jargon. Then, read "Ex-Basketball Player" by John Updike. Please choose one stanza. Write the meter pattern ( u / u etc.) for ONE line. Then, list all the literary devices you can find in that stanza. List any jargon you find. Write what you think the speaker's tone is, and what you feel the setting of the poem is. Choose one theme of the poem.

Thursday - 10th Grade Classwork and Homework

10-2

Classwork:

Today in class, we read "miss rosie" in the text book and discussed tone. If you missed class, you should define tone in your notebook, read the poem, and write a fictional biography for Miss Rosie, in which you describe who she is, what happened to her, and what her relationship is to the speaker of the poem. Then decide what tone the speaker has in the poem toward Miss Rosie. With that in mind, write a bit in your notebook about what you think "i stand up" means.

Homework:

Work on your Julius Caesar projects; they are due Monday.

10-1

Classwork:

Today in class, we are defining assonance, alliteration, metaphor, simile, symbol, free verse, repetition, imagery, personification, onomatopoeia, and meter. Write these definitions, and label any examples of them you can find in your song.

Homework:

We are also reading "Heart!" by Emily Dickinson on page 479. Define "apostrophe." Read the poem, and answer the questions:

Who is the speaker? Who is the audience? What is the tone? What happens in the poem?

January 22, 2008

Tonight's Homework:

10-2

Please continue to work on your Julius Caesar projects.
Also, please finish your apostrophes and consider sharing tomorrow.

10-1

Please define the literary term I assigned to you in class.
Also, come up with an example, and a way for your classmates to remember it.
Bring your song lyrics again tomorrow.