It's almost Christmas break!!

Happy Holidays!  We are beginning the week leading up to break.  That makes for not so focused classes.  I have come up with some creative writing to do to try and keep some focus.  

My 10th grade classes are writing their own Holiday Newspapers.  They are using creative writing to make their papers based out of the North Pole.  They need to name their papers, write 3 articles that are in Collins type 3 format ( worth 15 points each).  Students also need to choose 5 other elements to include (worth 5 points each).  Some of those elements could be stock market, obituary, weather, sports, advertisements, etc.  There are many to choose from, students took time to look through local  newspapers today and find different parts of the newspaper.  One more element that must be included is the use of our 5 vocabulary words somewhere in the newspaper. We will work on rough drafts and then type on Wednesday.  

The English 10 classes are also finishing up book of choice this week.  They will present their books on Thursday and Friday.  They have 3-4 weeks to read the book they checked out of the library.  There has been class time offered for reading and it was expected homework.  I don't often give homework, so they should have had time considering I haven't given more work than could have been completed in class. 

English 12 is going to be working on resumes and cover letters  Monday- Wednesday.  On Wednesday we will type out resumes and turn in final copy. They are all putting themselves in the identity of an elf.  Students are applying for jobs at the North Pole. Herbert Tinselton wants to work in present wrapping and lives on Candy Cane Lane. Although we are working on resumes, I have tried to bring a little fun and creativity into the class. Thursday and Friday we will do a Holiday Challenge.  

Civics- We are a little bit behind so we will be having a test on Wednesday and beginning Unit 4 on Thursday.  

I hope everyone has a great break and a Merry Christmas.  

I just wanted to update and let everyone know what my classes are working on.

 The Seniors are reading a play. "Twelve Angry Men".  We will read the whole thing this week and watch the movie on Thursday and Friday. We are going to compare the movie to the book.

The Sophomores are working on pronouns and adjectives as we continue with grammar and parts of speech.

Next week both classes will be doing some fun writing assignments as we finish up before the holiday break.

The Civics class is finishing up Unit 3.  We will have a test either at the end of this week or on Monday.  I will update when I know for sure.  Please be sure and study your study guide.

Have a great week everyone.

a sample of the children's books the Senior's wrote

The expectations for writing assignment -FCA's, Collins Writing from a 3-5. Making sure to WR (whisper read) rough draft to find mistakes.  Make sure students use the ACT writing hand. 

Pinky- is to get the reader "hooked" it should have a catchy introduction. 

The ring finger- Acknowledge the other point of view. Like a married couple. When you have a disagreement the best thing to do is acknowledge that person may have a valid point, but yours is better. :)

The middle finger- (Give 'em the bird") means after giving the other point of view, say something to really get your point across.

The pointer finger- give them one last good reason why the reader should choose your point of view. 

The thumb- warp it up.  Give a good closing to keep the reader on your side. 

 

In this poster "Lucian runs for a 80 yard touchdown!" Runs is the verb.  This student should have used an and not a.  We will get to that soon enough.

some of our work

Students made posters representing nouns and verbs.

Here is a list of helping verbs were have been working with.

December 2-6

English 10- we have finished up writing a five paragraph essay.  We are going back to grammar for a while.  Currently students are working with collective nouns. Collective nouns are names for groups or collections, such as mob, crowd, committee, or flock. parts of numbers or sums of money are collective nouns. (three-fifths, one-third, $100). We will also be reviewing pronouns this week.

Students have also chosen a book to read as a book of choice.  They will need to have it finished before Christmas break.  That only gives them three weeks.  They are given about 10-15 minutes per day to read in class.  Once in class assignments are done students should make use of their extra time by reading.


English 12- Students are just finishing up writing children's books using literary elements.  This week also includes writing five paragraph essays.  I know several students are going to be retaking the ACT in December and I wanted them to have a chance to practice writing before taking the test.  I will post the requirements for the paper and the ACT writing hand.

Civics- Started Unit 3.  We will finish up the unit on Monday and take a unit test more than likely on Thursday next week.

As it gets closer to the holidays and Winter break please stay focused and get assignments in on time.

November 18- 22

Sophomore classes will continue with grammar and parts of speech.  We are currently working with nouns.  Students are not getting work done and turned in on time.  It has become a problem.  Please make sure you are turning things in on time.

Senior classes are writing children's books.  They will be working with literary elements to write their books.

Civics class will be having a TEST THIS WEEK. I don't like to give tests in the middle of the week, but it's just the way it falls this time.  Please STUDY!!!!  I have handed out part of the study guide and will have the rest of it tomorrow.  We will spend a few days of class time studying for the test.  I have told students ahead of time that I won't offer retakes for the test.  Many told me after the last test that they didn't study that much. Many said they studied less than an hour.  That is not enough for a test that had a six page study guide.

English 10- We are continuing grammar.  We will be reviewing verbs and starting to work on noun review.

English 12- We are working in literary elements.  Students are working with children's books.  We are analyzing children's books. We will work with Dr. Suess, political satire, and elements in his work.  Then students will begin writing their own children's book, working with literary elements.

Civics- We are finishing up Unit 2- Limited Government.  A test will be coming up in the next week.  I don't have an exact date yet as we are not done with the unit.  We will be observing Veterans Day today.  Keep an eye out for exact test date and STUDY, STUDY, STUDY this time and please take it seriously.

I was unable to find all of my 6th hour students on Friday (we didn't have class due to the homecoming pep assembly).  I will make sure everyone has their test back today.  If you received  your test back on Friday it is due Monday (today)with corrections.  That is what the paper attached said as far as a due date. If you get your paper back today (Monday), it is due on Tuesday with corrections for points.  I will not take any papers after Tuesday. The end of the marking period is Friday.

CIVICS- Students have an opportunity to make up some points after a very disappointing Unit Test.  I have opted not to offer a retake as many students said they didn't spend very much time studying the study guide I provided the class.  I don't feel like offering a retake is sending the right message.  I have previously allowed the class a retake of a quiz that wasn't up to expectation.  Both time students had a study guide and didn't make use of it.

To earn points, students may do the following:

1. Hand write every missed question with the right answer. in the following format.  Remember it is to all be hand written.

____B___ What is the difference between an authoritarian government and a democratic government? Answer here  

For every correct answer 1/2 a point will be earned.  Students only have until Monday's class time to deliver these to me.  The end of the marking period is very near and I need enough time to get them graded.  I will not accept any after 2:00 pm on Monday. 

I realize we have very few grades in the grade book, so this is an opportunity that some students need very much. I have a plan for the next marking period to get more points in the grade book and still follow the curriculum that is expected of me.  Have a good weekend.

Week of October 21-25 Homecoming week

English 10- We will be watching The Crucible and begin some Grammar testing to determine what areas need attention.

English 12- We will begin a Greek Drama.  (Oedipus Rex).

Civics- Unit test on Monday. Students will be given a study guide to help them with all the information that is on the test. We will begin Unit 2 Limited Government.

Week of 10/7-10/11

English 10 is reading the Crucible.  We should finish up Act III this week. There are guided questions students should complete that go with Act III. Student permission slips for the movie need to be signed and returned by Friday.

English 12 is reading Part 3 of Fahrenheit 451 this week. There are guided questions that go with part 3 and vocabulary as well.

Civic is reviewing History and Civics for the upcoming MEAP test.  We will also look at citizenship towards the end of the week.

Test retake

English 10- will have the chance to retake the quiz that was given on Friday.  The retake will be given on Monday for the Crucible.  Students wishing to retake will receive the score of the new quiz for better or worse.  The new score will stand.

Civics- We are continuing the unit on the Constitution.