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.