May 20

Today, we discussed Romeo and Juliet and King Lear briefly. Also, the LAST essay assignment was given. We voted to watch Ordinary People. And we took a quiz over Watership Down. We have a blog due on Friday!

May 19

Bell ringer, then discussion of MacBeth, which included Lady Macbeth's character and MacBeth's famous lines regarding how quick and meaningless life is.

May 18

Discuss "The Murderer" and "Unknown Citizen" and connect them to other works we have been studying.

May 15

1. Review vocabulary unit and choose 20 words that you NEED to review: for 5 of them, make acrostics, for 5 of them write which cartoon character they would like and why, for 5 write what super power they would have and why, and for the last 5 write what bad habits they would have and why.
2. Read Watership Down.

3. As they are working on all of these, they can take turns getting on the computers to complete the BLOG assignment.

May 6

We took the final quiz on the novel and worked on the plays.

May 5

We spent half of the block discussing 1984 and the other half working on the play project.

May 4

Today, we took the quizzes over the plays. While other groups were quizzing, we also did some reading. Afterwards, we discussed the last of the Thoreau quotes. We also glanced at a binary script...???

April 30

The first 21 minutes and one second was devoted to reading. Afterwards, a quiz over Part II was given. Another quote/discussion is posted and due by tomorrow.

April 29

We discussed more Emerson and Thoreau quotes, then we read for Thursday's quiz. Blog posted; due Thursday.

April 27

We took a quiz over Part I of 1984. Then, we discussed Emerson. For homework, there is a BLOG.

April 23

Today, we did a bell ringer about your philosophy of life. We then reviewed the basic premises of Transcendentalism. We read portions of Emerson's "Nature" and discussed it. Finally, the last twenty minutes was spent reading 1984. Part I is now due on Monday.

April 22

Today, we did a bell ringer. Then, we discussed the three vocabularies in Newspeak. Finally, we discussed the blogs - the movie, the society, etc - to get ready for 1984. Part I is now due Friday...

April 21

Today, we finished the end of the movie and then looked at the background information of the novel 1984. The twenty minutes was devoted to the following: reading Newspeak (WHICH IS DUE TOMORROW!), reading your play (WHICH IS NOW DUE ON MAY 4), or working on the blog (WHICH IS DUE TOMORROW).

April 20

Movie...

April 16

Today, we did a bell to bell discussion of BNW. We ALMOST finished the book. Tonight, you have a blog for homework. Tomorrow, we will finish the book and then begin watching Minority Report.

April 15

Today, we took a quiz on part III of BNW. We also added an opinion paragraph for each question, which many of you have to complete tonight. Finally, we went over the project for the Shakespearean plays. The information for the project is on the literature page. April's schedule is also online (on the homework page), but you must go to the bottom of the calendar and click on APRIL to get it. The groups for the project are as follows: For King Lear, the group includes Hannah, Paige, Nathan, Karl, Gina, Kurt, Doug, and Danny. For Romeo and Juliet, the group includes Michelle, Katie W., Matt, Sean, Ally, Emily, and Noah. For MacBeth, the group includes Jessica, Jordan, Kevin, Greg, Alex, Katie S., Adam, and Grayson. Tonight, you should read the play synopsis, which is linked to the literature page.

Peace out...

April 14

Today, we took our LAST vocabulary quiz. Then, we continued discussing BNW. Tomorrow, the remainder of the book should be read.

April 13

Today, we did a bell ringer. We also took a quiz over part two of BNW. Then, we reviewed vocabulary using the assignment that was due. Afterwards, we discussed BNW.

April 7

We started with a bell ringer to practice vocabulary and participial phrases. Then, we worked on peer editing the research papers. Editors gave feedback on thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting material, and sentence structure. Come prepared tomorrow for more editing.

April 6

Today, students completed the vocabulary sentences for this week. Some students also received feedback on outlines; all outlines were graded and distributed. The completed research paper (with Works Cited page) is due on Wednesday during class. The next set of chapters (7-14) are also due Wednesday.

April 3

Today, you did a bell ringer that had you list synonyms for each vocabulary word. After meeting with a partner and sharing, we discussed these as a class...then took the vocabulary quiz. DO NOT FORGET that outlines are due on Monday!

April 2

Today, note cards were collected and outline was explained. Outline is now due Monday. The first copy of the paper is due Wednesday, and the final copy is due the Tuesday after Easter. Today, students did a vocabulary assignment: write 7 "if the word had a favorite food...because...," 7 "if the word went to see a movie it would be...because..." and 8 "if my word had a hobby it would be...because..."

Vocab. quiz tomorrow!

April 1

SUB plan: Students were to write 10 vocabulary sentences about BNW. They also took a quiz over chapters 1-6.

March 31

Sub plan:

Peer edit sentences. Students were SUPPOSED to write a vocabulary story, but I guess they did NOT. They read BNW.

March 30

Today, students worked on vocabulary sentences (due Tues.) and read their assignment for BNW, due Wednesday. Note cards due Tuesday.

March 17

After the bell ringer, we worked on participles...and really disappointed the hard-working (participle) Mrs. Stallman! Then, we worked in groups to decide which vocabulary words were symbolized by the various pictures. Finally, we began an anticipation guide for A Brave New World. For homework, EVERYONE must create ten sentences that each include a vocabulary word and a participle. Don't forget that binders are due THURSDAY. Don't forget to take a look at the Research Paper requirements for Thursday because we are going to the library.

March 16

Today, we did a bell ringer that had you make a graph of Conrad's ability to control his emotions throughout the novel and write an explanation of the graph. Then, you took the assessment over the novel. After finishing, we practiced grammar (participles), which was AWESOME. Tomorrow, we will study vocab...because the quiz is Wednesday. Also, the binders are due Wednesday, so check the website for bell ringers!

March 12

You had a sub...and missed me! You had two assignments: to complete a worksheet on participles and to write ten vocabulary sentences that each contain a participle.

March 11

We did a bell ringer today that had you identify a synonym for each vocabulary word. Then, Mrs. Stallman TRIED TWICE to record the lecture on Research Papers. After the second quit 11 minutes into the recording, she GAVE UP but will try to identify the problem...ugh. Anyways, the notes included the topic, how to complete note cards, and how to access Ebsco Host to find articles. I hope to have the recording on the blog soon...after I record myself talking to no one...

March 10

We got to work right away by peer editing our sentences. We spent most of the rest of our block plowing through the novel again; there is just so many valuable quotes to analyze! Finally, we reviewed participles. Hannah cheered. So did everyone else...

March 9

Forgot to post this yesterday...sorry! Well, we skipped the bell ringer due to time constraints. However, we did spend a few minutes reviewing AGAIN the process involved in writing an essay on the OGT. You guys will blow the test out of the water! Anyways, we discussed the novel's quotes and then started vocab sentences, which are due TUESDAY.

March 6

For Friday, we started by having a bell ringer that had you each write a haiku for a vocabulary word. After studying them, we took both the vocabulary quiz and the grammar quiz. Don't forget that your now AWESOME (due to the extra time) essays are due on Monday.

March 5

After the bell ringer, we discussed some quotes from the novel again. We looked at the allusion to the title and why Calvin felt that they were ordinary people and how it connected to truth. Later, we got crazy with the clickers! After practicing direct objects, our BIG question was answered correctly by 21 of you...so the essay is now due on Monday! BUT that means you have more time to study for the vocabulary quiz (and grammar quiz) that we are taking tomorrow. See you then my little negotiators!

March 4

After completing the bell ringer, some students placed their sentences on the board, and we used the clickers to practice grammar (direct objects). According to your score, you might have homework tonight! Then, we finished our discussion of "Home Burial" and talked about how Beth and Calvin fit the gender roles that the poem proposes. Don't forget that your essay is due FRIDAY.

March 3

Today we did a bell ringer (of course!). We then discussed how puny your vocabulary sentences are! We practiced writing a sentence with substance, then you added to your own sentences. YEA for Gina and Alex who did not have to add because all of their sentences had at least twelve words. But, keep in mind that our sentence on the board contained 25 words...and it was fun to write it! We then read and began discussing the poem "Home Burial." Finally, here is a list of poems that may be used for your essay. They are all from the POL website. I will add more later...

"As Children Know" by Jimmy Santiago Baca
"Birches" by Robert Frost
"Childhood's Retreat" by Robert Duncan
"Conversation" by Ai
"Domestic Violence" by Eavan Boland
"Father" by Edgar Albert Guest
"I am learning to abandon the world" by Linda Patan

March 2

After our bell ringer, we met in our groups to continue our discussion of the novel. We had a fun discussion about whether we would prefer illusion or reality when the reality is painful. We also looked at the quote that Ben supplied us...what hurts instructs...Finally, we tackled some grammar. We were a little cocky when it came to the infinitive phrases UNTIL we hit the wall with our direct objects. Don't forget that infinitives can function as direct objects AND that objects of the preposition CANNOT be the direct objects!!!! For homework, complete your vocabulary sentences; the words are on the vocab page of your home page, which is the PARAGON of communication in this class!

Feb 27

Today, we did a bell ringer that related a vocabulary word to a super hero or villain. This went well with how we shared the information...because we were each a celebrity on the clickers! Whitney was in rehab, though. Anyways, we practiced the vocabulary sentences again and also practiced grammar. Then we took our quizzes! Don't forget to start your essays!!!

Feb 26

We started with a bell ringer. Utterly discouraged by the absence of our well-loved clickers, we made "make-shift" cards to indicate which vocabulary choice we wanted for the sentences on the board. We also practiced gerunds this way by writing numbers on the back of the cards and holding them up to indicate our choices. Grayson and Noah battled it out...though I think each cheated once or twice. Farewell...

Feb 25

Today, we started with a bell ringer. We then engaged in peer editing for vocabulary sentences and turned those into the in-box. Next, we discussed the short answer test over Catcher so that we could see how it relates to the essay due next week. Check the web site for the essay requirements. We practiced gerunds...then discussed the novel some more. Don't forget that the CONTINUATION of the story is due tomorrow!

Feb 24

Today, we began vocab unit 11 by predicting which words might help construct a story. For Thursday, you need to continue/conclude the story, using the rest of the vocab words. We then began discussing the quotes that the groups interpreted, analyzed, and explored. Vocab sentences due tomorrow.

Feb 20

For a bell ringer, each student had a vocabulary word and had to write about what movie it would go to see. The students shared out the information and reviewed the words. Then, they took a vocabulary quiz. For the remaining time, they began their sentences for next week.

Feb 19

Sub - Students completed the following work: For a bell ringer, students wrote a sentences using a gerund, then illustrated it. Then the students continued working in their groups to finish the notes on the quotes from the novel. Finally, the students had to illustrate a scene from the novel that incorporated a vocabulary word.

Feb 17

Today we EXPLORED themes in Ordinary People. Then, we revisited GERUNDS! Ohhhh...many of you "officially" do not like them! But, once we practice them, you will! Those of you who "passed" the practice today are: Sean, Gina, Kurt, Ally, Hannah, Kevin, Emily, Danny, Jessica, Michelle, Katie S, Nathan, Karl, Alex, Paige, and Doug. Not bad! The rest of you should work on pr acting! Hey - "practicing" was a gerund! Write three sentences with the gerund as subject, three with it as ob of prep, three with it as d.o. and three with it as p.n. Stay simple in order to get it right! Finally, don't forget about your vocab sentences...and NO you can't combine the two assignments! See you tomorrow when we start hammering out the novel...now that I have MY copy! HA!

Gerund Jammer...

Feb 13

Today, we started by placing all of the vocabulary acrostics on the board to review for the test. We also identified some prepositional phrases that were written in the acrostics. Then, we took the vocabulary quiz and the prepositional phrase quiz. I am PLEASED to announce that the class performed at 89% on the prepositional phrase quiz...which is quite an improvement from our 70% at the beginning of the week. Kudos to you all grammar warriors! You are once again worthy to march onward!

Feb 12

Yea! We did better on prepositional phrases today! I think it had something to do with Mrs. Stallman's AWESOME teaching skills OR the fact that she put the SMACK DOWN! HA! Seriously, you all performed better. Those still struggling should be completely your assignment this evening in order to practice for tomorrow's quiz. Don't forget we also have a vocabulary quiz as well. After practicing sentences, we bounced back to those fun picture symbols...and will finish that tomorrow. Whoo-hoo!

Don't forget to blog!

Feb 11

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - after completing the bell ringer, we ONCE AGAIN devastated Mrs. Stallman with our POOR grammar skills! UGH. Starting tomorrow, those of you who perform below 80% will have to practice at home! One would think you did not COVER prepositional phrases last year. Maybe we should wear our t-shirts on Friday and re-bond with grammar? Anyways, after our grammar downfall, we went back to our discussion of which character each picture symbolized. Mrs. Stallman impressed you all with her artistic representation of an airplane. Maybe I should retire from teaching GRAMMAR and teach ART instead! Hmph! Don't forget to blog tonight grammar peasants!

I am going TO THE POL CONTEST to judge the accuracy OF THE CONTESTANTS.

Feb 10

After completing the bell ringer that allowed us to hypothesize various effects in Conrad's life, we met with partners to peer edit sentences (just as we do EVERY week and just as we did EVERY week last year!) We then practiced identifying prepositional phrases in sentences...and not very well, I might add! UGH!!!! We did improve as we chugged along, however! Then, we met in our groups to begin our discussion of symbols. We started with "Man-tree Eating Man" and decided it symbolized Beth. Finally, we ended with an exit ticket that asked you to do an acrostic for SYMBOL. HW is a blog that his due Thursday...but don't forget which character you are!

Grammar Girl is outta here!

Feb 9

Bell ringer, of course! The OGT won't throw a word at us that we haven't rocked out in a bell ringer, ya know? Next, we wrapped up Frost's poem by articulating how it relates to The Catcher in the Rye. Then, we took a three-question assessment on the novel. As you finished, you started on your vocabulary sentences, which MUST have five sentences that contain a prepositional phrase (underlined.) For a list of prepositional phrases, go to the grammar/writing page on your web site. Sentences are due tomorrow AT the beginning OF the block!

Feb 6

After using clickers to continue reviewing our vocabulary words, we took the vocabulary assessment via clickers. THEN, we met in groups and TORE UP Frost's poem. We looked at alliteration, couplets, an allusion, prepositional phrase, and other various literary devices used effectively by Frost. Kurt's team showed the most team spirit, Hannah's team the most focus, and Grayson's team the most original team name. Monday, you will have an assessment on The Catcher in the Rye. Feel free to post to the optional blog as a way to study together. See you Monday...

Frost-out...

Feb 5

After QUIETLY listening to announcements, we completed a fun bell ringer...which led to our FUN clicker activity. We studied vocab words by choosing which words would match the descriptions you gave - what fun! Then we wrote for four minutes on how the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" would apply to Holden's outlook on life. Groups got together to discuss this as well. We had just become VERY excited over Frost's INTENTIONAL use of alliteration with the line "Her hardest hue to hold" and how well it conveys the difficulty of preserving innocence. And Sean foreshadowed for us how we will later discuss Frost's allusion to Adam and Eve and the story of The Fall. I know you all are erupting with anticipation now...

Study for vocab...and don't forget to BLOG.

Feb 4

Congratulations Matt! And congratulations Hannah, who is our runner-up. And congratulations EVERYONE who worked hard to memorize a poem and who bravely faced the task of reciting it to peers. Whoo Hoo! Oh, by the way...the school competition is WEDNESDAY next week. SORRY - my "bad." Hee, hee.

Feb 3

If Mrs. Stallman gets the shirt that says "Grammar Queen" on it...many of you should get shirts that read "Grammar Peasants" on them! UGH. Well, after completing the bell ringer, we edited our vocab sentences for good, bad, and things. Afterwards, we played with clickers to practice vocabulary and GRAMMAR (or at least we pretended to practice!) We watched as our accumulative percentage plummeted! But do not fear, my stalwart grammar warriors! Your Queen will rescue you! We will begin studying our cherished clauses once again...and you will be crowned once again!

Don't forget that we will be poets tomorrow!

Feb 2

After you cried over Mrs. Stallman's absence, you started class with a bell ringer. Apparently, the sub performed some poetry to remind you that you would be practicing your poems at some point also! For your assignment, you worked on vocabulary: 10 sentences that pertain to Holden, 10 acrostics, 10 Haikus, and 3 pictures. Practice your poems, poets!

Jan 30

The lovely bellringer for today incorporated our OGT word, which was COMMUNICATE. Yea! After doing that, we used the clickers to finish (finally) our group discussions on Holden (his difficulty with growing up and his argument that adults are phonies). The last 30 minutes of class was devoted to pr acting poems for the Poetry Out Loud contest (or bonus points for those who are less poetic). To memorize, add one line at a time...and practice with appropriate tone, facial expressions, and gestures. Ask Kurt if you need any ideas...Remember that we are reciting starting WEDNESDAY next week. Have a GREAT weekend. Don't "grow up" this weekend! Stay young...

Jan 29

Hello Intellectuals!
Today, we started with a bell ringer AFTER we confused Doug by looking at definitions of four psychological disorders - Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and Pathological Lying. We used the bell ringer to further discuss Holden's mental stability (and Sean's assessment of Mrs. Stallman's "ridiculous" line of questioning regarding Phoebe's existence - whether she is only an extent ion of Holden's attempt to make sense of his world.
We also spent some time on Poetry Out Loud - each student addressed the meaning and tone of his or her own poem.
Finally, we altered Mrs. Stallman's mental state by forgetting the full meaning of plagiarism (I have to speak in third person or else it becomes personal again!) So, remember: ANY time we use ideas that are NOT fully from our OWN BRAIN, we must cite our source...

I love you all....

Peace.

Jan 27

Today, we made appointment clocks (don't worry, we made ones for you Michelle and Greg!) We then did peer feedback for vocabulary sentences and then used clickers to practice quiz-like questions using the sentences. Lastly, we discussed poetry out loud. For homework, you have to blog and also find a poem from the poetry web site and bring it to class. Have a nice Tuesday!

Jan 26

Today, we reviewed our OGT word of the day: analyze! We did a bell ringer in which we analyzed a quote from the novel. We then went back to our exciting discussions of Holden, where we assessed our comfort level in "growing up." Due tomorrow: vocabulary sentences for unit 7B and 8 A and B. See you then intellectual friends!