March 31

There was no post yesterday due to STAAR testing!

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: What do you know about blogging? Do you have a blog? Do you read others' blogs? How do you feel about sharing your thoughts online?

Students took time to set up a reader's blog and shared the link with me. Their first entry should include information about their lives as readers and goals for the 9 weeks. It is due by 11pm Friday, 4/7. We will have class time on Wednesday and Friday to work on it.

We played a quick webquest game to learn about important dates related to To Kill a Mockingbird.

I shared some images that reflect the major events of the time period of the book.

We will go over the SAT writing practice packet on Monday.

Today's Board

March 29

IRT: ~15 minutes
WNB: Outside entry

We looked at sample essay prompts and introductions. Students brainstormed ideas for different prompts and wrote a plan for an essay, including a thesis. Links to the thesis builder and introductions slides are on Classroom.

The STAAR Test is tomorrow! You ARE ready!

Today's Board

March 28

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: We revisited last week's article about the transgender bathroom debate. We talked about the structure of the argument. For today's notebook entry, students wrote about the other side of the debate, coming up with three myths like the ones presented in the article.

I walked students through the STAAR blueprint and a sample test. I reminded them of ways to save time and brain power.

We looked at a persuasive essay prompt and sample student essays. We discussed the structure of the essays and talked about ways to improve them.

We will practice writing thesis statements and plan a few essays tomorrow.

Today's Board

March 27

We started class with a discussion of the midterm reading reflection assignment. I encouraged students to work harder at making reading a habit outside of class. Students should read a book from the AP list (on Classroom) before the end of the 9 weeks.

In the currently reading section of the notebook, we drew a line to divide our 3rd 9 weeks books from our 4th 9 weeks books. This will be helpful at the end of the semester.

We also noted the beginning of the new 9 weeks in the writing section of the notebook. Today's entry is an outside entry.

We went to the library so students could read and find new books.

We reviewed the midterm exam. We need more practice with literary terms!

We took a quiz over To Kill a Mockingbird.

The STAAR test is Thursday! To prepare, we'll be talking about the persuasive essay tomorrow and Wednesday.

Today's Board

Week-at-a-Glance

March 24

Students in 4th period completed their midterm exam today.

Coming Up
Monday, 3/27 - To Kill a Mockingbird discussions begin
Thursday, 3/30 - STAAR English II EOC test

3rd 9 weeks: Done!

March 23

First and 2nd periods completed their midterm exams today! 

Fourth period had the option of either staying in class to read and study or going to the dodgeball game.

Coming Up
Friday, 3/24 - 4th period midterm exam; early release
Monday, 3/27 - To Kill a Mockingbird discussions begin
Thursday, 3/30 - STAAR English II EOC test

Nothing special on the board today, so here's a picture of my dogs in honor of #NationalPuppyDay (they were puppies once)!

March 22

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Choose one and respond. Prejudice and superstition can lead to injustice. Individuals have a responsibility to protect the innocent.

Students had the opportunity to add up to 5 points to the midterm reading reflection by turning in a scored article of the week.

We went over the midterm review and discussed the format of the test. Students had time to read and annotate a nonfiction excerpt and a poem that will be on the test.

Today's Board

Coming Up
Thursday, 3/23 - 1st and 2nd midterm exams
Friday, 3/24 - 4th period midterm exam
Monday, 3/27 - To Kill a Mockingbird discussions begin
Thursday, 3/30 - STAAR English II EOC test

March 21

IRT: ~15 minutes (shortened today to allow more time for the reflection assignment)
WNB: Article of the Week - "3 Myths That Shape the Transgender Bathroom Debate" - We'll look at this article again next week to evaluate the argument that is presented.

Students completed a midterm reading reflection on Classroom (due today).

Be sure you've read your nonfiction book before the midterm exam--you'll be writing about it!

Coming Up
Thursday, 3/23 - 1st and 2nd midterm exams
Friday, 3/24 - 4th period midterm exam
Monday, 3/27 - To Kill a Mockingbird discussions begin
Thursday, 3/30 - STAAR English II EOC test

Today's Board

March 20

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Outside entry

Welcome back! Hopefully, students were able to spend some time reading over the break. I reminded them to update their currently reading page in the writer's notebook. Each entry should include the title, author, and genre along with the date started and date finished (or abandoned) with a 2 sentence reflection. We will be using this tomorrow!

We used our understanding of the elements of tragedy to determine whether the play Antigone should have had a different title. We also applied the qualities of a tragic hero to both Antigone and Oedipus. Students then worked with their groups to decide which of the two plays (Oedipus Rex or Antigone) should be taught if there was only time for one.

At the end of the period, students handed in Antigone questions and the group work.

Midterm exams are this week! Students received a copy of the review before the break, and it is also posted on Classroom.

Today's Board

Week-at-a-Glance

March 10

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Are there present-day rules or laws you feel are unjust? What laws would you like to see changed and why? What are some ways to protest unjust laws?

We reviewed our work with the paired pieces from yesterday (Antigone's defense and MLK's letter).

We finished reading Antigone (Scene 4, Scene 5, and Exodos) and answered questions in the packet. I will check these on Monday when we return from spring break.

Students received a copy of the midterm exam review (also available on Classroom).

Don't forget to read your nonfiction choice by 3/23 and To Kill a Mockingbird by 3/27!

Today's Board

Have a restful spring break!

March 9

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Some people believe there is no such thing as a truly unselfish act, that even when we do something to help others, we're seeking glory and satisfaction for ourselves. What do you think?

We recapped our logos, ethos, and pathos notes from yesterday and added more rhetorical devices. We discussed the persuasive techniques that Haemon uses in his speech to his father, Creon. We then paired Antigone's defense of burying her brother with Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" to see how each presents their case. We did a SOAPSTone chart for both. We will pick up here tomorrow!

Today's Board

March 8

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Which of these values is LEAST important? Explain your response. Loyalty to family, obedience to local and national laws, observance of religious beliefs and customs, following your own conscience, achieving respect and recognition

We recapped yesterday's events in Antigone and read Scenes 2 and 3. We analyzed Haemon's speech to his father in Scene 3, looking for examples of logos, ethos, and pathos. We will continue this work tomorrow.

Today's Board

March 7

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Of these five values, which do you believe is most important? Loyalty to family, obedience to local and national laws, observance of religious beliefs and customs, following your conscience, or achieving respect and recognition.

Students who did not turn in yesterday's article were reminded to do so today. I also reminded students that they have 2 required readings this 9 weeks: a nonfiction book (> 200 pages) by 3/23 and To Kill a Mockingbird by 3/27.

We spent about 15 minutes going over the Oedipus Rex questions before students handed them in.

We began Antigone (in the textbook, PDF on Classroom), reading the Prologue, Parados, and Scene 1 and answering questions.

Today's Board

Reminders + calendar

March 6

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Article of the Week - "Talking to Our Devices" (no link this week, sorry)

We watched a quick recap video of Oedipus Rex. Here's the Crash Course version of the play--lots of new insights!

We wrapped up our work with Oedipus Rex today with a gallery walk. Three posters focused on motifs from Oedipus Rex: sight vs. blindness, fate vs. free will, and search for truth. Students provided text evidence and commentary to support the topic.

Three other posters examined possible tragic flaws that may have led to Oedipus' demise: paranoia, arrogance, and ambition. Students shared examples from history, literature, politics, and sports and entertainment for each trait.

We had just a little bit of time at the end of class to go over some questions in the packet. These are due tomorrow!

Today's Board

Week-at-a-Glance

March 3

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Outside entry

We recapped yesterday's reading to clarify our understanding of Oedipus' predicament. We then read Scene 4 and the Exodos, skipping Ode 4 for now. We answered the rest of the questions in our packets--I'll check these on Tuesday.

Today's Board

Today's Notes

March 2

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Outside entry

Students shared their one word to answer this question: "What character trait of Oedipus is revealed by the fact that Oedipus accuses Creon of treason without first hearing his side?" All of the answers were reasonable, but the best answer is "impetuous." This reveals the importance of using the right word at the right time.

We continued reading and answering questions for Oedipus Rex--Ode 2, Scene 3, and Ode 3 ("The Messenger from Corinth").

Today's Board

March 1

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Response to yesterday's article of the week

I reminded students of the proper format for their currently reading page in their notebooks. This will be important at the end of the 9 weeks!

We recapped/read Ode 1 and answered questions. We read Scene 2 and answered questions. We're learning more and more details about King Laios' murder and Oedipus' involvement. The drawing on the board below shows Phokis--the place where three roads meet and where King Laios was murdered.

Remember, you need to read a nonfiction book of at least 200 pages before the end of this 9 weeks. Here's a good list if you need some suggestions!

Today's Board

February 28

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Article of the Week - Students read and annotated two articles today: "The Average Life Expectancy Could Soon Reach Above 90 Years Old" and "Sitting Too Much Ages You by 8 Years." They'll write the response when they get their notebooks back tomorrow.

We recapped our reading from yesterday then resumed Scene 1. Students worked together to answer questions. We also read Ode 1--we will answer those questions tomorrow (2nd & 4th periods did not read Ode 1 today, so we'll start there tomorrow).

Today's Board + notes about stichomythic dialogue