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!