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!