Have a great summer, and don't forget to read!!!
Thursday, June 1, 2017
June 1
Fourth period students took their final exam today! As of this posting, all grades are complete and final.
Have a great summer, and don't forget to read!!!
Have a great summer, and don't forget to read!!!
How To Avoid the Summer Slump!
We read an article about summer learning loss, so I asked students to come up with some tips to stay sharp this summer! I taped them up in the hallway so other students can benefit from their wisdom. Here are their great ideas!
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
May 31
First and 2nd period classes completed their final exams today! Exam grades will be posted tomorrow morning.
Fourth period will take their exams tomorrow.
It's been a great year!
Fourth period will take their exams tomorrow.
It's been a great year!
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| Instead of a board pic, here's a funny by one of my favorite funny people, http://lizclimo.tumblr.com |
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
May 30
I encouraged students to keep an eye out for my classroom books and return them as soon as possible.
Students read other students' blogs and left comments.
Students created a list of tips on how to beat the summer slump (inspired by a past article of the week).
Students spent the remaining class time working on their exam review. I answered a few questions and reminded students that they'll be writing about their AP title on the exam, so they should know the title and author.
Here's a little send-off I wrote--I'll be delivering this speech to the seniors at the pinning ceremony tonight.
Students read other students' blogs and left comments.
Students created a list of tips on how to beat the summer slump (inspired by a past article of the week).
Students spent the remaining class time working on their exam review. I answered a few questions and reminded students that they'll be writing about their AP title on the exam, so they should know the title and author.
Here's a little send-off I wrote--I'll be delivering this speech to the seniors at the pinning ceremony tonight.
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| Today's Board |
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| Week-at-a-Glance |
May 26
Students picked up their writer's notebooks today. As of the publishing of this blog entry, all grades are current. I'll be entering Reader's Blog by Tuesday, 5/30.
We reviewed some of the big questions that students wrote on notecards yesterday. We may not know all of the answers ourselves, but we know books can help get us closer to them.
Students completed a final reading reflection. This assignment should be turned in on Classroom before the end of the class period. These grades should be entered by Wednesday, 5/31.
Coming Up:
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 4th period final exam & early release!
We reviewed some of the big questions that students wrote on notecards yesterday. We may not know all of the answers ourselves, but we know books can help get us closer to them.
Students completed a final reading reflection. This assignment should be turned in on Classroom before the end of the class period. These grades should be entered by Wednesday, 5/31.
Coming Up:
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 4th period final exam & early release!
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| Today's Board |
Thursday, May 25, 2017
May 25
IRT: ~20 minutes
Students who did not finish the persuasive letter yesterday handed it in today.
Students completed an end of course survey. I use this information to find out what's going well in class and what I need to improve.
We discussed philosophy and the big questions in life. Students wrote questions they have about life, love, and the world in general. We'll share a few of these tomorrow.
With the remaining class time, students worked on the final exam review.
Students who did not finish the persuasive letter yesterday handed it in today.
Students completed an end of course survey. I use this information to find out what's going well in class and what I need to improve.
We discussed philosophy and the big questions in life. Students wrote questions they have about life, love, and the world in general. We'll share a few of these tomorrow.
With the remaining class time, students worked on the final exam review.
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| Today's Board |
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
May 24
IRT: ~20 minutes
We updated the final review that students received yesterday because I removed a few things and added a few things in the Julius Caesar section. A revised version is available on Classroom with the changes highlighted in yellow.
Students determined the speaker, situation, and significance for 4 quotes from Julius Caesar. Students also practiced using their persuasive skills in a letter requesting a bonus opportunity from their teacher.
We updated the final review that students received yesterday because I removed a few things and added a few things in the Julius Caesar section. A revised version is available on Classroom with the changes highlighted in yellow.
Students determined the speaker, situation, and significance for 4 quotes from Julius Caesar. Students also practiced using their persuasive skills in a letter requesting a bonus opportunity from their teacher.
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| Today's Board |
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
May 23
IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: "Never underestimate the power of a kind word." Write about the last time someone said something kind to you. How did it make you feel?
Students handed in yesterday's work if they had not already done so. Groups presented their illustrations of scenes from Acts IV and V of Julius Caesar.
After completing today's notebook entry, students filled out a notebook check form and handed in their notebooks.
Students received a copy of the final exam review. First and 2nd periods will take their exams on Wednesday, 5/31. Fourth period will take the exam on Thursday, 6/1.
WNB: "Never underestimate the power of a kind word." Write about the last time someone said something kind to you. How did it make you feel?
Students handed in yesterday's work if they had not already done so. Groups presented their illustrations of scenes from Acts IV and V of Julius Caesar.
After completing today's notebook entry, students filled out a notebook check form and handed in their notebooks.
Students received a copy of the final exam review. First and 2nd periods will take their exams on Wednesday, 5/31. Fourth period will take the exam on Thursday, 6/1.
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| Today's Board |
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| Week-at-a-Glance |
Monday, May 22, 2017
May 22
I'm travelling back from Kansas today after attending a graduation, so here is the agenda students followed in class. Today's article was "Conquer Fear of Public Speaking through Emotional Intelligence."
Friday, May 19, 2017
May 19
IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Think about the careers you researched last week. How will you use technology to do that job?
Students handed in their Julius Caesar notes and the speech analysis chart.
Students worked in groups to create a visual representation of an assigned scene from Acts IV and V.
Coming Up
Tuesday, 5/24 - Notebook Check
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period final exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period final exams -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
WNB: Think about the careers you researched last week. How will you use technology to do that job?
Students handed in their Julius Caesar notes and the speech analysis chart.
Students worked in groups to create a visual representation of an assigned scene from Acts IV and V.
Coming Up
Tuesday, 5/24 - Notebook Check
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period final exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period final exams -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
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| Today's Board |
Thursday, May 18, 2017
May 18
IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Think about the careers you researched last week. How will you use reading and writing skills to do that job?
Students recommended great books to future students on a Google form. Those enrolled in AP English III or Humanities next year picked up the summer reading assignment.
We watched Act III of Julius Caesar (because plays are meant to be seen as well as read). We used the scenes of the funeral speeches to help us finish the two-column chart from yesterday.
Coming Up:
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook check
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
WNB: Think about the careers you researched last week. How will you use reading and writing skills to do that job?
Students recommended great books to future students on a Google form. Those enrolled in AP English III or Humanities next year picked up the summer reading assignment.
We watched Act III of Julius Caesar (because plays are meant to be seen as well as read). We used the scenes of the funeral speeches to help us finish the two-column chart from yesterday.
Coming Up:
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook check
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
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| Today's Board |
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
May 17
IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Select 1 abstract noun from the list, and explain how it applies to your IRT book. (List: fear, anger, betrayal, love, joy, hope) Be sure to include the title and author of your book in your response along with a quote that supports your choice. (If none of the words on the list apply, come up with your own.)
We wrapped up our reading of Act III. Students outlined the two funeral orations then analyzed them for persuasive techniques and rhetorical devices. We will finish this work tomorrow.
Coming Up
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook Check
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams ... LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
WNB: Select 1 abstract noun from the list, and explain how it applies to your IRT book. (List: fear, anger, betrayal, love, joy, hope) Be sure to include the title and author of your book in your response along with a quote that supports your choice. (If none of the words on the list apply, come up with your own.)
We wrapped up our reading of Act III. Students outlined the two funeral orations then analyzed them for persuasive techniques and rhetorical devices. We will finish this work tomorrow.
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| Today's Board |
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook Check
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams ... LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
May 16
Students used the first 30 minutes for blog time. The last entry is due by 11pm tonight!
We finished reading Act III of Julius Caesar, answering questions along the way. We will analyze Brutus' and Antony's funeral speeches more closely tomorrow. (Choir & golf kids, we'll do the 2 column chart in class tomorrow--we didn't get to it today.)
During A block tutorials today, I reviewed the questions from Act I through Act III Scene 1 for students who were absent. I'll repeat this review during B block tomorrow (5/17). Students will hand in their notes/questions this week.
Coming Up
Today - Last blog entry due by 11pm
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook check
Thursday, 5/24 - 4th 9 weeks reading work
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams & LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
We finished reading Act III of Julius Caesar, answering questions along the way. We will analyze Brutus' and Antony's funeral speeches more closely tomorrow. (Choir & golf kids, we'll do the 2 column chart in class tomorrow--we didn't get to it today.)
During A block tutorials today, I reviewed the questions from Act I through Act III Scene 1 for students who were absent. I'll repeat this review during B block tomorrow (5/17). Students will hand in their notes/questions this week.
Coming Up
Today - Last blog entry due by 11pm
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook check
Thursday, 5/24 - 4th 9 weeks reading work
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams & LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
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| Today's Board |
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| Blog Checklist - entry due by 11pm |
Monday, May 15, 2017
May 15
IRT: ~15 minutes
WNB: This week's article of the week involves 2 articles about sleep - "Study: A Third of US Adults Don't Get Enough Sleep" and "What Snacks To Eat for Better Sleep"
We read and answered questions for Act II, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, and I provided summaries of scenes 3 & 4. We read the first part of Act III, Scene 1 (stopped at line 121). We will pick up here tomorrow!
Students will hand in questions this week, so they should plan to come to tutorials A block Tuesday to catch up on any missing questions.
Coming Up
Tuesday, 5/16 - Last blog entry due by 11pm
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook check
Thursday, 5/24 - 9 weeks reading work
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams...LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
WNB: This week's article of the week involves 2 articles about sleep - "Study: A Third of US Adults Don't Get Enough Sleep" and "What Snacks To Eat for Better Sleep"
We read and answered questions for Act II, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, and I provided summaries of scenes 3 & 4. We read the first part of Act III, Scene 1 (stopped at line 121). We will pick up here tomorrow!
Students will hand in questions this week, so they should plan to come to tutorials A block Tuesday to catch up on any missing questions.
Coming Up
Tuesday, 5/16 - Last blog entry due by 11pm
Tuesday, 5/23 - Notebook check
Thursday, 5/24 - 9 weeks reading work
Wednesday, 5/31 - 1st & 2nd period exams
Thursday, 6/1 - 3rd & 4th period exams...LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
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| Today's Board |
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| Week-at-a-Glance |
Friday, May 12, 2017
May 12
Students handed in courage essay revisions with originals and the college info from Wednesday.
We used the first 30 minutes for blog time. Students received a grade check slip and comments on their last blog to consider as they work on their last entry--due by 11pm Tuesday, 5/16.
We wrapped up Act I of Julius Caesar. We read Act II Scene 1 and answered questions along the way. We will pick up here on Monday!
By the way, I misspoke today--the only anachronism in scene 1 is the clock. Caesar designed the calendar in 45 BCE.
We used the first 30 minutes for blog time. Students received a grade check slip and comments on their last blog to consider as they work on their last entry--due by 11pm Tuesday, 5/16.
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| Blog Checklist |
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| Today's Board |
Thursday, May 11, 2017
May 11
The majority of students took the AP world history test today, so those of us in class watched Mean Girls and made connections to Julius Caesar. This site does a pretty good job of explaining the comparisons (although the last paragraph referencing Tina Fey's inspiration for the screenplay is a little misleading; the movie was inspired by the book Queen Bees and Wannabes).
Courage essay revisions are due tomorrow!
Courage essay revisions are due tomorrow!
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| An interesting chart I shared with students yesterday when we were exploring colleges and careers--hopefully it encourages them to pursue higher education after high school! |
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
May 10
WNB: When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up? What do you now want to be when you grow up?
We wrapped up Act I, Scene 3 of Julius Caesar. We have a few more questions that we will answer on Friday.
Ms. Scott from the counseling office guided us through the Career Cruising program. Students explored careers along with colleges and programs that will help prepare them for those careers.
We wrapped up Act I, Scene 3 of Julius Caesar. We have a few more questions that we will answer on Friday.
Ms. Scott from the counseling office guided us through the Career Cruising program. Students explored careers along with colleges and programs that will help prepare them for those careers.
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| Today's Board |
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
May 9
IRT & WNB combined: ~30 minutes
Article of the Week: "15 Critical Facts Everyone Should Know about Summer Learning Loss" - Does this article make you rethink how you spend your summers? Explain.
We almost finished reading Act I of Julius Caesar. We will complete Scene 3 tomorrow before we begin our Career Cruising activities with Ms. Scott.
Revised courage essays are due in class on Friday, 5/12.
Article of the Week: "15 Critical Facts Everyone Should Know about Summer Learning Loss" - Does this article make you rethink how you spend your summers? Explain.
We almost finished reading Act I of Julius Caesar. We will complete Scene 3 tomorrow before we begin our Career Cruising activities with Ms. Scott.
Revised courage essays are due in class on Friday, 5/12.
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| Today's Board |
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| Tutorial schedule for the week |
Monday, May 8, 2017
May 8
IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Think of a time when you made a wrong decision, even though your intention was good. Write about why you had this unexpected outcome.
I passed back the courage essay. The majority of the most effective AP essays include at least one academic example as support, so this is what I was looking for when grading the papers. Students may revise this essay for up to half of the points back, up to a maximum of 90. The revision is due in class Friday. Students had the option of applying points from an article of the week to the lower score of the 2 major grades (Socratic or essay).
We began reading Act I of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Students were encouraged to download the free iBooks version and take notes there. We read all of scene 1 and up to line 78 of scene 2. The textbook version of the play is on Classroom. Absent students will need to come in A block Tuesday to make up questions.
Tutorials This Week
Tuesday, 5/9: 7:40 & A block
Wednesday, 5/10: 7:40 & A block in 1520
Thursday, 5/11: 7:40, A block, & 3:30
Friday, 5/12: 7:40 (Courage revision due)
WNB: Think of a time when you made a wrong decision, even though your intention was good. Write about why you had this unexpected outcome.
I passed back the courage essay. The majority of the most effective AP essays include at least one academic example as support, so this is what I was looking for when grading the papers. Students may revise this essay for up to half of the points back, up to a maximum of 90. The revision is due in class Friday. Students had the option of applying points from an article of the week to the lower score of the 2 major grades (Socratic or essay).
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| notes regarding essay pass-back (AoW points have now been added where applicable) |
We began reading Act I of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Students were encouraged to download the free iBooks version and take notes there. We read all of scene 1 and up to line 78 of scene 2. The textbook version of the play is on Classroom. Absent students will need to come in A block Tuesday to make up questions.
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| Today's Board |
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| Week-at-a-Glance |
Tuesday, 5/9: 7:40 & A block
Wednesday, 5/10: 7:40 & A block in 1520
Thursday, 5/11: 7:40, A block, & 3:30
Friday, 5/12: 7:40 (Courage revision due)
Friday, May 5, 2017
May 5
We started with 30 minutes of blog time. Students had the option of working on their entry that is due 5/16 or reading in preparation for that entry. Students must blog about 2 different books in the 2 entries, and one entry must be about their AP book.
Students participated in a four corners activity, moving to different areas of the room to express their level of agreement or disagreement with different statements.
I introduced the historical and literary elements of Julius Caesar ("Julius Caesar PreReading Notes" on Classroom). We will begin reading the play on Monday!
Coming Up
Monday, 5/8: Absent students make up TKAM Socratic seminar in B block tutorials.
Tuesday, 5/9: TKAM Socratic retake opportunity in A block tutorials (for scores below 70).
Wednesday, 5/10: Career Cruising with Ms. Scott
Thursday, 5/11: AP World History test in the morning. Good luck!
Tuesday, 5/16: Last blog entry due
Students participated in a four corners activity, moving to different areas of the room to express their level of agreement or disagreement with different statements.
I introduced the historical and literary elements of Julius Caesar ("Julius Caesar PreReading Notes" on Classroom). We will begin reading the play on Monday!
Coming Up
Monday, 5/8: Absent students make up TKAM Socratic seminar in B block tutorials.
Tuesday, 5/9: TKAM Socratic retake opportunity in A block tutorials (for scores below 70).
Wednesday, 5/10: Career Cruising with Ms. Scott
Thursday, 5/11: AP World History test in the morning. Good luck!
Tuesday, 5/16: Last blog entry due
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| Today's Board |
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