Twisting brains

Today in class we began our Lit Analysis paper outline, we chose the topics and started on our outline. We also learned about the third type of brushstrokes, appositives, and we learned how to use them in our sentences. On Tuesday, no school on Monday, we have to have read up to chapter 23 and we have to have our outline done so Mrs. Gilbert can check them in class. We have to make sure that we write down page numbers with our quotes for our outline. We received a worksheet on what Mrs. Gilbert wants in our outline. Today is the seniors last day of school, Congratulations! You guys earned it.

Katherine S May 27, 2005

Themes in Power

May 26, 2005
Advanced Sophomore English
q Read The Power of One for the first 25 min.
q Discussed the book in groups for about 10 min.
q Brainstormed various lessons learned in the book get notes from somebody because we are writing a paper on it
q Went over second brushstroke: adjectives out of order
q Prepare for bellwork for tomorrow: describe a character in three sentences
o One sentence must have a participle
o One must have a adjective out of order
o One must have a simile or metaphor

Hannah B.

Finishing up the persuasive papers

Today we were in C-13 again for the first part of class, to work on our papers. We made some last minute revisions and printed them out. Make sure you get a copy of the rubric. For the second half of class we read someone elses paper and wrote them a letter responding as if we were the editor of a magazine. Tomorrow you need to turn in your final paper with all of the process work. The left side of the class turned in journals 12-18. Tomorrow the other half needs to turn them in.

Read through Chap. 19 tonight.

Ashley J

Today in class we went up to the computer lab for about 45 minutes of class and did our 3rd rough draft for our persuasive paper. Then we went back to class and got back our research papers, and did a punctuation worksheet. We also corrected the front side of the punctuation sheet. Reading tonight is chapter 18 on The Power of One – and we’ll have a journal check. Our final draft is due tomorrow…so make sure it’s done.

By: Erica L :-) haha just kidding

Quiz & Talk Time

Today in class, for the bell work we took a quiz over chapters 10-14. The quiz lasted for around 40 minutes long. We then had a little discussion time with our groups, then as a class. The homework for the weekend is read chapters 15 and 16 only.
By: Tyrice

Quiz & Talk

Today in class, for the bell work we took a quiz over chapters 10-14. The quiz lasted for around 40 minutes long. We then had a little discussion time with our groups, then as a class. The homework for the weekend is read chapters 15 and 16 only.
By: Tyrice

More syntax

Find examples of simple, compound, and complex sentences in the book and discuss why they are effective.

We went over what a participle phrase is and looked at how to use them.

Spent time adding participle sentences and other figurative language in or persuasive papers

Last half an hour was spent reading and journaling

Mario

Time to revise RD #2

1. Read your paper aloud to your group. Write down any suggestions on the paper Mrs. Gilbert passed out on 5-17-05. Tomorrow.

2. Silently revise your paper according to worksheet distributed.

3. Read your revisions to a classmate.

4. Read and journal, and/ or revise your paper

Gabby

Punctuation Patterns

At the beginning of the hour Mrs. Gilbert checked to see if we had some form of our rant essay. We received the Punctuation Pattern Sheet, which is very helpful for our essay. We did a Practice With Sentence Combining worksheet then we went over it together. Then we had about 15 minutes of group discussion time on the book. We received a class schedule for tomorrow with a sentence “tune-up” sheet attached to it.
- Luke Re.

Revising our rants

First, we took out our rants. Then we got in pairs and read each other’s rants. We looked for ways to add diction and imagery mainly. But we also looked for ways to make our rants more effective. (See the handout from Mrs. Gilbert) Rough draft #1 is due on Wednesday

Then at the end of class, we took 20 minutes to read and journal on chapter 11. -- Jeremy

Rants

Today we made a list of things that annoy us and make us angry, we did that for about five minutes. Then we picked one that we could persuade someone to do (or not do) and for the next twenty minutes we “ranted” about that one thing that bugs us the most. We also talked about The Power of One for a while. Over that weekend read chapter nine and ten, and if you didn’t like what you ranted about write another rant for twenty minutes – this will become your “prework” for the persuasive paper.

Hannah P.

Wrapping up loose ends from before research...

First we grabbed the posters we did on Tuesday, and discussed them. Next we chose another group's poster to write about it. Then we got into groups according to which poster we chose, and discused it in our group.
We also shared our masks from TFA and finally we read for the last 10 minutes.

Homework: Read & journal on chapter 8

Colton

The END of the Research Reports!

What we did for 5/11/2005(aka. Doomsday!!)
*did self evaluation
*shared papers
*turned them in
* Middle tables turned in journals
Homework: Read & journal on chapter 7
brittney

Today we talked about our paper that is due tommorow.

She has an outline for how you should turn in your paper and all your prework.

We took an exceptional amount of time working on our works cited pages. Well needed I must say.
We took a quiz over chapters 1-6 of T.P.O.O
AND YOU GET TO BRING FOOD TOMMOROW
We also talked about how to go past recognizing literary techniques and start analyzing them -- we worked in groups to do sample analysis and absent people should copy the notes from one of the posters and turn it in for credit.
Robert

Monday, May 9th

First we got new seats, then we went over research paper conclusions and what the last sentence of the paper should be(there are four typical types of ending sentences, see someone for notes). We then proofread eachother's papers. Homework is to proofread paper backwards one sentence at a time, and read and journal chapter 6. Also bring your works cited page to class tomorrow with corrections made so we can help eachother make sure that it's right. Tomorrow choir people are turning in their journals, and a few other tables according to the new seating chart. Expect a quiz on the book tomorrow too.
Amalia

more diction

q We discussed at the end of class on what we thought about the book so far.
q We took notes on verbs and how to use them in our papers
q We also added diction and new verbs to our paper (get notes from classmate)
q Reading schedule still in effect tonight
q Tell Mrs. Gilbert seating chart requests for tomorrow

Alexa

Transitions & More reading

Get the worksheet from Ms Gilbert and correct the sheet as much as you can, changing words and sentences to make it better (see a classmate for their notes on it)
Discuss the book with group members so far
Homework: read chapter two and journal on it
RD #2 Due tomorrow!
Colton

Beginning the Power of One

Bellwork pick up handout on how to revise paper and add active voice (and cut passive voice)

Started Power of One novel -- Read chp.1 in class, finish the rest for homework, get notes from a classmate

TFA Test & Peer Revision

Today in class our bell work was to find techniques in our paper and underline them in different colors -- see the handout. We took a test over Things Fall Apart. When we turned it in we turned in our journals over chapters 9-24. Then we had a classmate look over our paper and do an evaluation over it -- be sure to turn in the worksheet.

~Veronica

End of TFA

Group discussions about the end of the book.
Wrote and turned in detailed summary of what our masks represented.
Notes on quotes and how to use them AND notes on how to add detail/description to rough drafts due on Monday.
Get progress reports signed. Have a completed (rough draft) of research paper on Monday.

Luke Ro.

Making masks for TFA

Today we got progress reports which we need to get signed and bring in on Friday. We took a quiz over all of the stuff we read out of TFA so far, and spent the rest of the class making masks that represent our favorite character from TFA and not tell anyone about it.

-- Derrick

Work day

Today, we clarified the idea of parallelism as opposed to repetition. We then had a long period of work time to be used for drafting our research papers or reading and journaling on Things Fall Apart. We got journals back for Chapters 5-15. Bring in your draft of the research paper with a few body paragraphs done tomorrow. Remember that the test on the whole book is Monday and all other journals are due at that time. Also, the first rough draft of the research paper is due Monday, double-spaced.

-- Judith

Back in B-13 now

4-26-05 Today we learned how to write several different introductions for our research papers. Get notes from someone. We also had drafting time to work on our papers. Study for the quiz tomorrow on chapters 1-19. Journals are going to be collected tomorrow. Get notes on foreshadowing, flashbacks and anecdotes.

Scribe for 4-25-2005
T’auna C.
4th block

Turn in Outline for research paper
Research/draft on topic
Group discussion on chapters 13-15
Turn in Rough draft works cited pageComplete half sheet of paper w/ questions on it.

Today we spent the first 45 mins of class finishing up our research and then Mrs. Gilbert came around and made sure that everyone was doing their note cards right. Then we came down to the media center and Mrs. Gilbert explained how to do outlines and we got a worksheet on it. We discussed the book for 15 mins each and then whatever group wasn’t discussing, we looked up research/outline information. All in all it was a good day. On Monday Mrs. Gilbert is checking note cards for the last time and we should have about 40 or more…wow. This weekend we have to complete our outline, read chapters 13 and 14 and journal on those, and then we have the cards. So have fun you ASE students with all this fun homework! YAY!

Have a good weekend! -Allye-G (formally known as Allegra J!)

More research

We got on the Computers, and went downstairs and went on the computers.
We also got the quiz on the book back and other assignments. Just researching
Our topics. And turn in half sheet on the Research that we did today
Jason 4/21/05

More research

We researched.
We took a quiz on TFA.
We discussed TFA.
We turned in journals on chapters 5-8, the "Searching the Web" Worksheet from yesterday, and a little 1/2 sheet research update for Mrs. Gilbert.

Tomorrow we start in the lab and end up in the library.

Scribing 4/19/05

1. We went to the computer lab and worked on a worksheet under "T:/Gilbert/Searching the Web Worksheet.doc" (In the T drive under the Gilbert folder named "Searching the Web Worksheet").
2. After working on the worksheet, we looked up information for our topics if time was left.
3. Chapter 5-8 journals are due on 4/20/05, if they are done correctly according to Mrs. Gilbert, your first journals grade will be raised.
4. Read most of chapter 7 in the book.

-scribed by Desmond

Literary journaling

Today we learned about proverbs and aphorisms (get notes from a classmate) and then we combed through chapters 1-4 to find examples of proverbs, diction and other literary techniques. We also got a handout about how to journal on literary techniques including diction and we are expected to include such stuff in our journals from now on.

We also got a letter from the junior honors English teacher about a required summer reading assignment -- you can see Mrs. Helmbolt for the book.

Then we spent some time discussing Things Fall Apart and the homework for tonight is to read chapters 5-6 and journal on it.

We also got a research schedule and a checklist of what to do with the research paper. Make sure you pick those up from the handout crate.

Tomorrow we will be in the computer lab tomorrow to start our research.

Beginning TFA

Today we tried to smoosh together all the Powerpoints to make up for the lost time yesterday -- we will try to look at the Powerpoints on Monday. We wrote self-evaluations on our Powerpoints and turned them in.

We also signed out our Things Fall Apart novels, picked up a reading schedule, and reviewed the requirements for the literature-journaling. Students have some reading every night and some journaling on that reading every night. We read chapter 1 aloud and began our journal on it by doing a family tree for Okonkwo -- you probably want to copy that from someone.

We turned in our research proposal letters. If, for some reason, you didn't turn it in to Mrs. Gilbert, you should email it to her ASAP. Visit "About Me" at the website at www.cjgilbert.net to get her email address (posting it on the blog is just asking for spammers to pick it up).

More preparation for Africa novel

Today we (mostly) finished the TFA Webquest -- since a severe weather drill interrupted class, the self-evaluation became homework (if you want EC) or can be done in class tomorrow for regular credit.

Back in class, we talked more about the requirements for the research report, including some basic structure requirements:

• minimum 5 typed pages (doublespaced, 12 pt font)
• minimum 10 sources (at least 3 different types of sources within that 10 as well -- like magazines, books, internet, interviews, etc.)

The homework for tomorrow is to write a research proposal letter to Mrs. Gilbert. In that letter, be sure to explain

1. What topic you want to research and why you are personally interested in it

2. Who will be your audience and what will they get out of it? (e.g. What's your purpose in writing this?)

3. What questions do you think your audience will have on this topic?

4. What types of soures will you use?

5. Do you have any questions about the research process or requirements?

Tomorrow we will be getting our novels and reading schedules.

Starting the TFA Webquest

Wednesday, April 13, 2005
We turned in the citation worksheet at the start of class. Today we spent the first half of the class in the computer lab, starting a PowerPoint presentation of the Ibo people in assigned groups. It’s due tomorrow. We then practiced citations back in the classroom – we read an excerpt from a book and wrote a paragraph that had one quote and one paraphrase in it. And then we did the works cited entry underneath.

Amalia M.

Avoiding plagiarism

Complete the Plagiarism or Not? worksheet (available online at
http://homepages.wmich.edu/~c3gilber/ASE/Research/Plagiarism-or-Not.doc

Get the handout with sample paragraphs and works cited pages from the crate and then get class notes from a classmate.

Homework: Read the first two pages of the MLA Cheatsheet and complete the Citation Worksheet (both are in the crate in class)

Note: Tomorrow and Thursday we will be meeting in the computer lab to practice citation by learning about Igbo culture (and the next novel we'll be reading will be set in Igboland so this will help understanding it too!)

Thinking about research

We journaled for 15 minutes (optional topic: What I didn't do on Spring Break)

We brainstormed all the ways that people use research and brainstormed potential topics for our own research. By the end of the week we will need to choose a research topic for a BIG paper (300 points).

Everyone wrote down the main goal of the research paper:
My research report will be based on the synthesis of multiple, varied sources (all properly cited) and will be for an audience and purpose that interests or excites me.

We picked up a handout (which you can also read online at: http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/plagiarism.shtml)
and the homework is to read it carefully and understand it (or come prepared with questions about anything we don't understand.

We also all signed up for 10-minute conferences with Mrs. Gilbert to discuss our writing. This is a required 15 point assignment.

Tomorrow we will meet in the computer lab to do a worksheet that will test our understanding of what is and is not plagiarism.

The END of the QUARTER! Alleluiah!

Turned in Reflection Letter

Sent e-mail to Mrs. Gilbert (2 lies/1 interesting truth)
Go to nicenet and follow instructions according to the worksheet

Took Literary Techniques Quiz (last part of final exam)

Turned in folders with all our papers.

Adriene

Final exam!

We worked on the final exam part 1 and got our take home writer evaluation essay. The take home essay is due on March 30th. We got the file folders back (our manila folders). And we had a great time! Yay!Have a good night parents-Allegra Ona Hulsey

End of Caesar

Finished book commercials
Reviewed answers to act four
Watched short vesion of act five with Mrs. Gilbert
Reviewed on whats on exam
Julius Caesar quiz
Brittney w

End of Caesar

Finished book commercials
Reviewed answers to act four
Watched short vesion of act five with Mrs. Gilbert
Reviewed on whats on exam
Julius Caesar quiz
Brittney weed

Et tu, Brute?

Read act 3, scenes 1 and 2 in Julius Caesar & take notes (copy them from a responsible classmate if you were absent)

Book presenters did commercials. Make sure to turn in journal and poster on Monday if you haven’t yet.

Do Worksheet on Act 4 handed out as Homework

Papers and grade reports handed back
Deadline for late work is Monday

By Michael

Omens for Caesar

Today we filled out a worksheet on Julius Caesar for bell work and turned in our homework. Then people did some of their commercials. Once they were done we acted out Ceaser act 2.Be sure to pick up the half sheet of paper explaining how to do the journals.

Ashley

Beware the Ides of March

1) Turned in bell work (Write down what your character is thinking/feeling in Julius Caesar and what body language/negative space/levels could go with it)
2) Took notes on Julius Caesar & the Great Chain of Being (copy from a neighbor)
3) Performed act one of Julius Caesar
4) Homework- read 2.1.1-34, write a summary in 3-5 sentences of what Brutus says in this soliloquy and describe al least 2 literary techniques used in his speech.
Luke R

Acting 101

Today we acted, Ask a friend about what the following terms mean: Negative space, different levels, and leading centers of the body. Please sign up for your book commercial and what lines you’re going to act out in the Julius Caesar play! Ask Mrs. Gilbert if you have any questions, Thank You!

By: Leah

Quiz & end of MEAP!!!!

- Handed in the c/c final draft, along with all the rests of our drafts, our self evaluation, and the grading sheet for our compare and contrast paper.
- Took a test overAntigone and handed in our notes on Antigone
- Read good vs. bad examples for our compare/contrast timed essay for Antigone/Prince of Egypt that is due Monday March 21, 2005.

The end of Prince

Pick up post-it note from front of class, on it
a. Your name
b. Any seating [request be specific]
c. Whether you want me to write on your final draft or not.

Pick up the letter from Mrs. Gilbert and read it over carefully.

Take notes on Prince of Egypt.

C/C paper due tomorrow March 18, 2005.

Tyrice F.

More prince...

Today we watched more of the Prince of Egypt. Mrs. Gilbert gave us the grading sheet for the timed-essay part of the Antigone/Prince quiz.

You have to revise your c/c paper by reading all the sentences backwards (from the last sentence to the first sentence.) The final draft is due Friday. The final draft stapled by itself, the self evaluate sheet and the grading sheet filled out but left separate, not stapled. The process sheets (the three rough drafts) are stapled together in order.

More Prince of Egypt & Metphor review

We came in and did a warm-up to review what metaphor is because only two people did it right. Then we watched Prince of Egypt and took notes. 3rd rough draft is due tomorrow and final draft is due Thursday for the compare/ contrast papers.
We also got progress reports that need to be signed and brought back.
Love always,jb

Prince of Egypt

Listen to tape and review -- revise paper. Rough draft 3 due Wednesday

Start watching Prince of Egypt
Get notes from classmate on Ramses and Moses Family tree AND on writing format requirements.

Expect a quiz on Antigone and Prince of Egypt on Friday.

The end of Antigone (and Creon)

Today we finished reading Antigone (and we continued taking notes on significant quotes from the text).

We turned in our rough draft #2 for our compare/contrast paper along with a cassette tape.

Homework: Continue reading your independant novel and journaling on it.
Find examples in the play Antigone of a simile, a metaphor, some imagery, some repetition, some alliteration, and (significant) diction -- and put the example on your chart. If you don't remember a term, remember that there is a glossary in the blue/green pages in the back of your anthology.

Antigone heats up...

Read pages 323 to 330 in the book, which are scenes two and three. Then take notes on the quotes from the book about Antigone, Creon, and Haimon.

Homework: Second draft of the compare/contrast paper, add figurative language (metaphors / similes) and more diction. Bring audiocassette tape with your name on it (and rewound) with the draft. EC opportunity = read scene 4 and write a paragraph summarizing it.

Colton

Talk about diction, denotation and connotation. Give examples of them (get notes from a classmate) Work on rough drafts to make them better. Pick up the sheet that explains how to add detail and improve intros. Read scene 1 of Antigone.

Homework: Revise intros and body paragraphs.

by Brandon R.

C/C in Antigone & our own papers

1.We read the ANTIGONE Prologue in the Blue Book (Write down significant quotes from Antigone and Ismene. Then write a paragraph on what women are capable of OR on what people should do when faced by an unjust law and use the quotes for support.)

2.We took notes on the difference between block organization and point-by-point organization. We should fix our C/C charts to have point-by point organization and write the first four paragraphs (intro + 3 body paragraphs) for class tomorrow.

3. We got the bookmarks and final scoring guide for our independent novel.
T’auna & Mrs. G

What's your POINT?

• Compare overhead to bible stories, and review the points of the allusions.
• Share your compare and contrast charts (from the computer lab) with those at your table and find a lesson learned in your compare and contrast charts (of you can’t find one on your own you can get help from Mrs. Gilbert or a classmate)
• You need to turn in your paper compare/contrast chart or outline today, or at the latest, tomorrow. Make sure you have a POINT to your paper.
• Copy the family tree of Oedipus and Haimon & copy what/who is Choragoes, Sentry, Tiersias
• Sign out the anthology book and prepare for your assigned reading.

Keep reading your independant novel.

• Gabrielle

Wrapping up the old... leading into the new

Today we had
* journal time
* open mic sharing
* role-played the conflict-resolution scenarios (we learned that it is always good to listen to others, be sympathetic about their lives, and be honest about what is happening in our lives)
* shared Greek/Norse/Biblical allusions
* wrote a note to Mrs. Gilbert with the title of our book, the author, and if we had any questions/concerns to share with her at this time.

Homework:
* After you have started your novel, write for 10 minutes in your journal about your reactions/thoughts to the beginning of the novel and whether you think the author did a good job of getting you "hooked" at the start.
* Bring a c/c chart or outline of something you'd like to compare/contrast for our next paper. Make sure its on a topic that you care about.

To parents: Mrs. Gilbert anticipates having progress reports available on Monday.

A bunch of little stuff...

We started class by writing in our journals about whatever we wanted for about 25 minutes, we also answered the questions on the back of the sub plans (we were supposed to have a sub today but Mrs. Gilbert decided to bless us with her presence). We read pages 308-309 in the Prentice Hall Platinum Anthology book about a man named Oedipus and we learned about how the Greek Theatre worked and we took notes on everything that we read. We did a conflict and resolution scenario with a group of people to resolve an issue that we read about. For this project we started out by ourselves, than we worked with another person and compared notes, than finally we worked with our whole group and compared notes. We also got our district writing assessments back and for Choir people we did not write about our reactions to our grade. We will be doing that tomorrow. Extra Credit movie poster is due tomorrow.

Katherine S.

C/C Myth & Sharing our own myths

We went to the computer lab in the media center and looked up a non-western myth. We then prepared a compare and contrast chart comparing that myth to ones from Greek or Norse mythology. Next, we silently read each other’s final draft of the mythology essay and wrote positive comments about it. Finally, we had time to choose a fantasy or science fiction novel to read on our own time to be brought to class tomorrow. A handout was given in case Mrs. Gilbert is gone tomorrow.

Wrapping up Norse/Checking out the OT

We spent some time reviewing the scores for group presentations and the mythology test. We learned that 1) its important to keep up on the reading, 2) taking notes on the reading helps, 3) extra credit really does make a difference, and 4) be sure to read the instructions.

We share our transparencies about Norse myths compared with Greek myths, and then watched about 5 minutes of clips from Return of the King to see examples of Norse-type culture.

We then divided into groups of 2-3 to read and make a poster about a significant Bible story. We will share the posters tomorrow to talk about the similarities to Greek mythology and/or Norse mythology.

Tomorrow we will meet in the library computer lab to research some non-Western myths and to talk more chosing our independant novel reading (either science-fiction or fantasy).

DUE TOMORROW: Final draft of myth project (including visual) as well as all the process work (stapled together in chronological order), the grading sheet, and the self-evaluation (all filled out)

Norse/Greek c/c

Today in class we took notes on Norse mythology. Then we learned how to create a c/c chart for similarities in gods or goddesses. We had to read an assigned part and then create a c/c/ chart between a Greek myth and Norse myth. We also went over our rough drafts and read them to a partner, and we had to get feedback.

Homework:
~ Final draft of myth due WEDS (expect other work tomorrow)
~ Start thinking of a novel (fantasy or sci-fi) that you'd like to read independently (more on that tomorrow)

EC Posters due Friday!
Veronica

Wrapping up the myths...

Today at the beginning of the hour we talked about peer revising and wrote down a few points on it (copy the notes from someone). Then, we got into groups of twos and revised each other's myth/story. We also wrote an essay on Myth allusions (see Mrs. Gilbert to make it up).

For homework we need to make a clean, as good as you can get draft of your myth story AND do your take-home test essay.

For extra credit
* Read section 7 in the book on Norse mythology and write 5 high-level discussion questions
OR
* Get a movie poster assignment on mythology which is due next Friday.

cya-Luke Reed

Myth test

See Mrs. Gilbert to make up the test!

myth review

February 23, 2005

Review for the mythology test
Slideshow with the different gods/goddess being identified
Review jeopardy
Mythology paper not due Friday pushed backSTUDY for Test

4th block AP English

Today we had a warm up (i guess you would call it) on dialogue & quotation marks
*Mrs. Gilbert has the overhead for it
Worked on dialog for the "15th" olympian
*have someone edit it for you and give suggestions
Then the last group for the mythology book presented today
*Get the worksheet and questions from the group that presented
Passed back poems

4th block AP English

Today we had a warm up (i guess you would call it) on dialogue & quotation marks
*Mrs. Gilbert has the overhead for it
Worked on dialog for the "15th" olympian
*have someone edit it for you and give suggestions
Then the last group for the mythology book presented today
*Get the worksheet and questions from the group that presented
Passed back poems

The Trojan War

Today the Trojan War presented and had a wordsearch. Also, the Fall of Troy presented and we acted out the horsey thing. We watched a couple movie clips of comparisons from Mrs. Gilbert. Homework is to read a lot (House of Atreus, and from Unit 6, sections on Arachne, Midas, Chiron, Scylla, Sphinx, Orion, Sisyphus, Amazons). Yeah i know it's a lot of reading. Also make sure your rough draft of your myth has all the stuff that we went over yesterday (dialogue, figurative language, imagery, etc) Ok thats about it.

Hercules & Revision of myths

We had 15 minutes to either journal or work on our papers. Then the Hercules group did their presentation (write for 5 minutes on how we admire heros like Hercules today -- strong but dumb). Mrs. Gilbert handed out the grading sheet for our Myth Narratives and then she went over some tips for revising our rough draft. We were given 5 minutes to get with a partner and help edit each other's papers.
Homework: given a study guide for the Mythology and supposed to skim over the Trojan War and the Fall of Troy.
-Katherine G

Heroes & Myths

We saw the Perseus & Theseus group presentations (please see members of those groups to make up some short writing assignments)

We got two worksheets explaining what we need to do tomorrow while Mrs. Gilbert is out grading District Writing Assessments -- in a nutshell, we will be creating our own myth, adaptation, etc. Because we have 90 minutes to work on it tomorrow, a rough draft will be due on Thursday.

There is no reading tonight (to give us time to catch up/review) but Thursday is the chapter on Hercules (which is on the longer side).

There probably won't be a blog tomorrow since Mrs. G will be out, but since we got the assignments today in class, you shouldn't need it!

Stories of Love and Anti-Love

Today we watched two groups present their... presentatons. Cupid and Psyche and Jason and the Golden Fleece. See a member of that group to get the make-up work. After each group, we filled out an evaluation of that group. Then we worked on our group presentations outlines.
The homework was to read chapter 3.1 and 3.2, then brainstorm a list of new gods/stories
-- By Jeremy

Lesson plans & a quiz

2-11-05 (Derrick E.)
Today in class we took the quiz“Myth #2, which includes the chapter that were teaching the class about. Then we worked on our presentation to the class for the most of the day, and turned in lesson plans for our presentation. At the tail end of class we shared examples that relate to mythology.

For homework we have to journal for fifteen minutes as well as read Cupid & Psyche, and the Quest for the Golden Fleece.

Mythology Soap Operas & Poem Appreciation

Today we did mythology soap operas -- we performed the stories from last night's reading in over-the-top 90 second skits. Absent students should make up this assignmend by writing a 90-second radio commercial for one of the stories from last night's reading.

We also passed out the packets of the poems and read each other's poems and appreciated them. Tomorrow we'll be writing responses to each other's poems.

We also signed up for teaching groups. The homework for tomorrow is to read the chapter that your group will eventually be teaching. (Hannah B. -- you will be with Ashley and Katherine in doing 5.1 "The House of Atreus" and Luke R. -- you will be with Michale, Big Jake and Jason in doing 4.1 "The Trojan War" )

Expect a quiz tomorrow over all the reading to date.

• Complete poem reflection worksheet.
  (We talked about making sure you use enough description on #4 & #5)
• Turn in all drafts of poems stapled with the poem grading sheet on top, the final draft not stapled, but turned in aside it
• Do the “why” activity, -- either rewrite a Greek myths to be funnier or more modern or have a twist OR pick a modern "why" question and make a silly answer to it sound serious (similar to Hamilton's tone) -- be sure to include a visual aid.
  We shared our “why” stories
• Go over homework (read assigned excerpts from 2.2 , 2.4, 3.4, and journal critically over the connections/similarities you see between the stories.
• Discuss allusions in media to Greek mythology
• Receive progress reports (to be signed and returned)

By Desmond (mostly)

Discussing myths

4th block
We where split into three groups, the first group had a free period, the second discussed the chapter we read the previous night, and the third group observed the second groups discussion. Positions where changed every 15-20 minutes. Read chapters 1.4 and takes notes on it for homework. Final draft of poem due the next day.

By colton

What we did?

We have to read 1.2 and write 4 high level ques. for homework.
We took a quiz on what we read.
We also explored by taking notes on blooms taxonemy.
We wrote five high level questions on 1.1 or 1.3.
We looked at each other's poems and gave suggestions.
love ya robert

What we did?

we wrote five questions on what we read at home( the introduction and the cahpter1 & 3)
out of the classes question we picked the eight best questions.
then we took a quiz over what we read. (u can use notes).
Then we talked about our poems in a small group and asked for group advice.
HAVE FUN!

Revising our poetry

Today we practiced revising our poetry. First we all helped Gabby revise her poem on the overhead and then we broke into small groups (or worked alone if necessary) to revise our poems.

DUE on MONDAY: A make a clean draft of your revised poem, paying special attention to how it looks on the page (line breaks, etc.) BRING 3 extra copies for classmates so that they can give you feedback (if you can't make copies at home, put the clean copy -in ink- in the class crate before 3rd block and Mrs. Gilbert will photocopy it)

We also discussed Chapter 3 from Mythology and went over which key names/places to watch for in 1.1 over the weekend.

DUE on MONDAY: Have read the Introduction and 1.1 -- and bring your graphic organizer on chapter 3 and on the Olympians.

We finished class with a survey on our revising habits and thoughts on audience.

Mrs. Gilbert apologizes for the heavy homework load this weekend and promises it won't be quite this bad in the future (especially since we won't be having any more field trips to the CATC that wreck the week's schedule!)

• Went over chapter 3, from mythology book.
• Mentioned chapter3 open note, closed book quiz questions…quiz will be on Monday. (Get quiz questions)
• Talked about how to do graphical organizer, on taking notes on events and characters in book (get graphical scoring sheet and mythology reading schedule and study sheet
• Graphic organizer on chapter 3 due tomorrow
• Started chapter 1 reading and notes, all due MondayWent over poem styles and rubric (get rubric sheet)

-Alexa

End of the Pracice MEAP; looking at poetry

Finish the district writing assessment- one final essay that you have 45 minutes to do- you must make this up Talked about poem on the first page of poem packet.
Anyone who didn't get their journal graded today must turn it in to Mrs. Gilbert tomorrow.
Hw: Read chapter 3 in the Mythology book -- you need to check it out and journal on it. Expect open note/journal quiz on the basic facts/ideas and your opinion of Hamilton's style
by Amalia

Practice-MEAP -- Day 2

If you were absent, make up the Mock-MEAP test.

Mario says: eat ham

Sophomore Advance English 1-31-04

Get a poem packet from Mrs. Gilbert
Read all poems
Respond to the first poem, plus four others of your choose in your journal. Respond to one personally, one based on style, one critically about the world, etc.
Create 3-4 rough poems of your own (also in your journal) on a variety of topics/forms.
Begin rough draft of writing assignment (schedule time ASAP with Mrs. G. to make it up)

By: Mario B.

Freaky Friday -- open mic time, quiz

Today we took a little time to write in our journals (free choice on topic; optional prompt: "This is what I want you to see...") and then we had some "open mic" time where students could read pieces of writing from the week for feedback or just applause.

We finished the block with the quiz over procedures, policies, rules and names.

Homework:
Read for 15 minutes some poetry, fiction or non-fiction and then write for 10 minutes about the reading you completed
AND
Write for 20 minutes where you either describe something happening a.k.a. narrative writting (You can write fiction, non-fiction, or poetry)

Metaphors & Procedures, Children's Lit. & Journals

Today we reviewed class procedures and policies by comparing them to objects we brought from home. There will be a quiz on procedures and policies and the names of other students in class tomorrow.

We also read a variety of children's literature and practiced writing about the literature in different ways in our journals: personal reactions, stylistic analysis (using the definitions we put in our journals yesterday), and critical comparison to real life.

Homework: Choose a story, book of poetry, etc. to read for fifteen minutes tonight. Then journal about it for ten minutes. Refer back to the scoring guide passed out in class today.

Potatoes, tasty language, and metaphors

Today we wrote for approximately 30 minutes (in short 10-minute bursts) in our journal. We started with potatos as our inspiration, but could ultimately write about whatever we want. This is one of the first purposes of our journal: to serve as a writer's notebook where we can experiment with the topics, forms, techniques of our choice.

After writing, we shared the examples of "tasty" language that we brought in today (and Mrs. Gilbert checked them off for points). We then compiled a list of what makes a piece of language "tasty" -- You should copy these notes from a classmate because we will be using them in the future. They include the definitions of imagery, figurative language, metaphor, simile, personification, repetition, and diction (as well as some other stuff).

We also read some more interviews.

Finally, the homework has two parts: First, find an object to bring to class that can metaphorically represent one of the class procedures (students were each assigned a particular procedure). Second, try writing 10-15 similes or metaphors in your journal -- they can be silly or serious but don't be boring or cliched.

Rules, respect & "tasty" language

Today we read many of our interviews and began learning each other's names. We also discussed the results of the class survey and, in groups, listed the respectful behaviors we would like to see from one another during class time (and which behaviors we don't want to see!). We also discussed a variety of class-related issues about grading, procedures, books to be read, papers to be written, etc.

We turned in our partner interviews, the grading sheet (with reflection questions) and the syllabus-parent-signature sheet.

As homework, each student should find a variety of examples of "tasty" language -- memorable excerpts from songs, poems, books, movies, etc. that showcase words or phrases that are vivid, that create some sparks when rubbed against one another. A "variety" of examples should be somewhere between 5-20 examples.

Welcome to Advanced Sophomore English!

This blog is where we'll be posting the record of each day's activities and assignments. You'll learn more about being "blogger-for-a-day" later this week.

Don't forget to read the syllabus over with your parents tonight and get their signature on it. Also don't forget to do a final draft of your fascinating, compelling, exciting partner interview.

Waiting for the next semester

This blog will probably be inactive until January 2004, when I am next scheduled to teach Advanced Sophomore English.

Until then, please feel free to visit our class website for Sophomore English at www.cjgilbert.net

End of the Power of One.

Today we watched the last half hour of The Power of One. We had an in class discussion about the film. We also revised our 2nd rough drafts to lit analysis. Please have final tomorrow 5-28-04 and be ready for the reflection portion of the final exam.

Power of One Movie vs. Book, RD of Lit. Analysis

We will continue watching The Power of One movie in order to compare it to the book. We will also revise our rough drafts of our final exam/literary analysis paper.

R.D. #2 due tomorrow

RESEARCH PAPERS DUE

Bellwork: We had 30 Min to write our Self-Evaluation paper & turn in our research papers.

Class Activities:
* We had 20 min to read in our books.
* Finish note cards on literary terms and turned them in.

Homework:
Read book and do jobs

Recorded by: Cameron M.

Title pages & lit. terms

Bellwork: 25 minutes to make a creative/colorful title page for your research report

Class Activities:
*Work time – literary circle jobs or self-evaluation (for people that turned in finals today)
* Find 5 literary terms in your assigned chapter and cite on index cards including author in upper right hand corner and page number. Also in the upper left hand corner write the literary technique you found. Be sure your name is on the front too.

Homework: Final Due Tomorrow! Reading and assigned literary circle jobs

Reminders: Final Due Tomorrow!


Recorded by: *Jaime H.

Proofreading & Lit. Circles

Bellwork: Review research paper handout

Class Activities:
* Literary circles
* Proofreading research papers (get at least 2 signatures)

Homework: Work on research paper and read chapter 17/do job.

Reminders:
* Research paper due Wednesday
* Citation exam Friday and you may use notes
* Extra Credit and make-up deadline Wednesday 26
* Turn in all books (except Things Fall Apart and current novel) by Friday


Recorded by: Alex K.

Sentence Variety

Bellwork: Changed the dates of the last two due dates for the draft to 5/17 for RD #3 and 5/19 for FD

Class Activities:
* Took notes on sentence length. Underline short, medium, and long sentences in our papers and revise to increase variety.
* Worked on our research papers and read out books

Homework: J Read your book and do the jobs and work on your research papers

Reminders: Next draft is due on May 17th


Recorded by: Matt E.

Figurative language in the novel & your paper

Bellwork: On a sheet of paper find five examples of Imagery and five examples of Figurative language (metaphors/similes/hyperbole) out of your book either the Power Of One or Nervous Conditions.

Class Activities:
* Revise Rough draft #2 to have imagery and or figurative language. Have a partner go over your paper someone you have not already worked with on this paper. Get feedback & have them sign off! (I statements)
* Work time

Homework: J Reading, jobs and writing.

Reminders Lit. circle jobs due tomorrow.


Recorded by: Tynesha G.

Quiz & Revise draft #1

Class Activities:
* We took the Quiz on The Power Of One #1
* We worked on our rough drafts. We had a partner go through it mark it up according to the directions. We also filled out a paper for Mrs. Gilbert

Homework: For homework you have to read chapter 8 through chapter 10.5 and do jobs. Work on Rough Draft #2

Reminders: Rough Draft #2 Due on Tuesday.

Recorded by: Chris E.

Novel characters & prep for RD tomorrow

Bellwork:
The Power Of One character activity: Pick a character, draw a picture, give 3 quotes to describe them (from the book), and describe their personality in your own words. Post around the classroom and discuss. (Be ready for a quiz tomorrow)

Class Activities:
* Review rough draft requirements.
* Work Time

Homework: Reading, Jobs, and finish rough draft #1

Recorded by: Mary LaF.

Using quotes (and not smelly fish) in your papers

Bellwork:
On a scrap piece of paper write 1-2 sentences about an actor/singer/band/something you REALLY dislike. Be emphatic in your language but not profane. Underneath it, make up a works cited entry for it with yourself as the author. We’ll use these “quotes” for practice during class.

Class Activities:
* Took notes, and worked on putting quotes in your research paper. Talk to a classmate to get notes. Talk to Mrs. Gilbert about any questions you have!
* Work time

Homework:
Reading, Jobs, and Rough Draft!

Reminders:
Rough Draft #1 is due Friday

Recorded by: Stephanie C.

Revisit your Thesis

BW: Time to finish jobs for novel & then get in lit. circles to discuss.

Class Activities:
*Revise thesis & share.
*Work on rough draft and/or reading.

Homwork: Read next chapter, do job & continue work on RD due Friday.

Reminder: Expect pop quizzes in the future!

More on citation, masks

Bellwork: Citation, take notes on what a quote looks like vs. what paraphrasing looks like. Also take notes on how to do your research notes on index cards. You will need at least 100 index cards for your research next week.

Class Activities:
* Took a look at different articles including magazine, Internet, and book articles. Then did 4 note cards on quotes and two paraphrases. Also used a blank sheet of paper for cites work rough draft.
* Worked on Masks

Homework: Get caught up on the reading of Things Fall Apart and do your jobs.

Reminders: Masks are due by tomorrow

Recorded by: Nick J.

Day of Silence, Day of Masks

Bellwork
Read the excerpt from Howard's Zinn's history textbook, pick a quote from it and write a short paragraph in reaction. Be sure to have the in-text citation and works cited entry at the end.

Class Activities
*Lit. Circles on chapters 11-15
*Mask Activity: Pick an important character from TFA. DO NOT TELL ANYONE WHO YOU PICKED. You will have 30 minutes today and 40 minutes tomorrow to create a mask that represents that character's spirit. Be sure to use colors, textures, shapes that you can justify by explaining how they tie in to the character.

Homework
Chapters 16-17 & jobs

TFA Quiz, more on citations, directions for research

Bellwork
Choose a proverb from TFA to explain on a sheet of paper. Be sure to do in-text citation and write a works cited entry at the end for the book.

Class Activities
*Quiz over TFA
*Pick up new MLA citation packet, notice all the different resources availabe for research.
*Write a research proposal letter to Mrs. Gilbert (due tomorrow) where you explain
1. What topic you have picked and why it interests you.
2. Who is your intended audience for your research paper and what purpose you have for them.
3. What types of resources do you plan to use in your research (must be more than two)
4. Do you have any questions so far?
*Looked at some of the Igbo eStorybooks and completed part of the self-evaluation on the website (#3-4 under process and #1 under Product)

Homework:
Read chapters 14-15 and do jobs


MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2004


Bellwork
Discuss chapters 7-11 in your lit. circle; Mrs. Gilbert will observe and grade discussions.

Class Activities
*Reviewed importance of citing sources (if you don't, you get a ZERO on your research paper) and that in order to cite sources you must have both an IN-TEXT citation and a WORKS CITED page. See MLA citation handout or Mrs. Gilbert for more information.
*Brainstormed topics for research paper. Topics must be long enough to write about for about 5 typed papes, but not so too big. Topics must be chosen for entertainment or persuasive purposes -- NO BORING INFORMATIONAL PAPERS ALLOWED!

Homework
Read chapters 12-13 and do jobs.

Lit. circles organization

Class Activities
*Find your new seat. Tell your group about your strengths and weaknesses in being part of a group. Play the "two lies and a truth" game.
*Learn how to do Discussion Director questions (see Lit. Jobs packet from yesterday).
*After reading chapter 7, write 5 discussion questions.
*Turn in all the jobs we've done for chapters 1-7.
*Assign jobs for the remainder of the book within your group. Everyone must do every job at least twice; no doubling up on jobs for the same chapter.
*Pick up citation worksheet which will be due at the end of tomorrow.

Homework: Read chapter 8 and do assigned job. Finish citation worksheet.

Introducing lit. circles & more on TFA

Bellwork: Illustrator- Create a drawing on one of the passages in Ch. 2

Class Activities:
* Skim through Chapter 3 and find three literary terms. Write down quote and pg.#
* Read chapter 4 & discuss with the whole class and Mrs. Gilbert about the chapter.
* We got a packet on our jobs for for each chapter.

Homework: Read chapter 5-6. One job (Illustrator, Connector, or Luminary) per chapter.

Reminders: Don’t lose the work from today because Mrs. Gilbert is collecting it tomorrow.

Recorded by: Kyle L.

Broken computers, starting Things Fall Apart

Class Activities:
* Played a game (to learn about colonialism) in the computer room because there was a problems with the computers
*We got a new book called “Things Fall Apart” and we read Chapter 1 aloud
*We made connections (in writing, to be turned in tomorrow) between the main character and the customs in the book with today.

Homework:
Read ch.2-3

Recorded by: Danielle L.