February 15

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Outside entry - Check Classroom if you need ideas!

We determined our reading rate today during independent reading time and wrote our calculations on the "Reading Goals" page of the writer's notebook. Here's the formula:

How to calculate reading rate

Students can use the reading rate to figure out how long it will take to complete a particular book. Reading rates will be different for each book depending on genre, interest, and level. The point of calculating reading rate is to show students how important it is to read outside of class in addition to independent reading time during class.

Students used the remaining class time to work on their humanity projects and essays, all due Tuesday, 2/21.

Coming Up:
TOMORROW: Lit Terms Test
Tuesday, 2/21: Humanity Triptych & Essay due
Wednesday, 2/22: Summer Reading Essay Revision due
Friday, 2/24: Writer's Notebook Check

Today's Board

February 14

After reading, annotating, and responding to today's article ("The filth they breathe in China"), students read their independent reading books.

I provided them with some reminders about their humanity project, then students used the remaining class time to work on the project.

Coming Up:
Thursday, 2/16 - Lit Terms Test
Tuesday, 2/21 - Humanity Triptych and Essay due
Wednesday, 2/22 - Summer Reading Essay Revision due
Friday, 2/24 - Writer's Notebook check

Today's Board

Updated tutorial schedule (due to eliminated block lunch)

February 13

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Students responded to this quote in their notebooks: "To read a poem is to hear it with our eyes; to hear it is to see it with our ears." - Octavio Paz

I reminded students to be sure that their notebook entries are complete and currently reading pages are up to date because we will have a notebook check on Friday, 2/24.

I passed back the summer reading essays. Students may revise this essay for up to half the points back. Tutorials are strongly encouraged! Details on the board (note upcoming due dates in red):

We discussed two poems, "Fifteen" by William Stafford and "Fourth of July Night" by Carl Sandburg. (Both are in the blue book, pages 805 & 897.)

Today's Board

Week-at-a-Glance

Coming Up:
Thursday, 2/16 - Lit Terms Test
Tuesday, 2/21 - Humanity Triptych Project and Essay
Wednesday, 2/22 - Summer Reading Essay Revision
Friday, 2/24 - Notebook Check

February 10

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: "The Huge Misconception about Reading" - Before watching the video, students talked in their groups about what they thought the misconception might be. After viewing, they responded in their notebooks to these questions: Did you predict correctly? Do you agree with the video?

We learned about gerunds and infinitives and how they're used in writing. There will be a few questions on Thursday's test about gerunds and infinitives.

Students used the remaining time to work on the humanity project. I visited with each group to check on their progress. Students should be working on their individual parts of the project outside of class. I have posted a template for the essay on Classroom. All parts of the project are due Tuesday, 2/21, by the end of the class period. We will have class time next week.

I apologize for not posting to the blog for the 3 days I was gone. Students received an agenda in class each day, so I'm linking those here.

Tuesday's agenda
Wednesday's agenda
Thursday's agenda

Coming up:
Monday, 2/13 - Poetry
Tuesday, 2/14 - Project Time
Wednesday, 2/15 - Project Time
Thursday, 2/16 - Literary Terms Test
Friday & Monday, 2/17 & 20 - No School!
Tuesday, 2/21 - Humanity Project Due

Open House

It was great to meet so many parents at open house tonight!

Here are the slides I went over during the very brief presentation.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Need a book recommendation?

February 6

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: Can ordinary people be heroic? If so, what could motivate them?

Students received a review sheet for the literary terms test that is scheduled for February 16 (also posted on Classroom).

We applied the TWISTT strategy to "Courage" by Anne Sexton. We will look at a few more poems before the test.

I introduced the humanity project that students will be working on this week (also posted on Classroom). Students shared folders with their group members, and I provided some tips on how to keep materials organized. We will determine the due date for the project when I return on Friday.

I'll be attending TCEA Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so students will be working on the project. I'll answer questions and concerns on Classroom and via email.

Today's Board

Week-at-a-Glance

Analysis of "Courage" by Anne Sexton

February 3

IRT: ~20 minutes
WNB: What does it mean to be human?

We continued our TWISTT analysis of two more short pieces. Students took notes over the SOAPSTone analysis process then applied that acronym to a speech. All notes are available on Classroom. Absent students can pick up handouts when they return.

Today's Board

Imagery + Diction = tone (analysis of The Hobbit)