Weekly Agendas
Current weekly agendas are posted at the top. Scroll down to find the week you need. Please remember to contact me directly if you miss class.
Updated through 12/8/08
Week #1 8/19/08
Today in class:
1) Welcome and overview of class including
• English 11P Information Sheet and semester schedule
• Parent Portfolio Evaluation
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary – spell, define, use in a sentence (part of speech)
• Speaking/Listening
• Formal Writing (essays and standards/rubrics)
• Journal – (quick write/informal writing) information
• Grammar
2) Begin Critical Thinking notes and Colonial Period notes
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for "Of Plymouth Plantation." Answer the "Connect to Your Life" question on page 81. Remember to read the question first, then set the timer and write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from Of Plymouth Plantation on page 81 and answer questions 1-5 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 88.
3) Read "Between Heaven and Hell" on pages 134-136 and create a graph or chart in which you note the Puritan’s accomplishments, elements of their religious beliefs, and the values by which they lived. (Hint: Use the above classifications as one side of your graph and the different selections you are reading this week as the other side of your graph.)
4) Complete a journal entry for "To My Dear and Loving Husband." Answer the "Connect to Your Life" question on page 138. Remember to read the question first, then set the timer and write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
5) Read "To My Dear and Loving Husband" and "Upon the Burning . . . "on page 139 and answer questions 1-5 on page 142.
6) Complete vocabulary worksheet for unit 1/week1. Study for quiz including spelling, definition, and using the word in a sentence.
7) Complete grammar worksheets pages 61-64 and have parents correct them.
8) Study for reading selection and vocabulary quiz.
Unit 1 portfolio is due on 9/30/08!
Week #2 8/26/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write & Quiz
2) Review last week’s work
3) Complete Colonial Period notes
4) Review formal essay writing (6 Trait Writing) & assign portfolio essay
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for "The Examination of Sarah Good." Answer the "Connect to Your Life" question on page 144. Remember to read the question first, then set the timer and write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read "The Examination . . . " on pages 145 and answer questions 1-6 on page 148.
3) Complete a journal entry for from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Answer the "Connect to Your Life" question on page 152. Remember to read the question first, then set the timer and write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
4) Read from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God on page 153 and answer questions 1-6 on page 58.
5) Complete vocabulary worksheet for unit 1/week 2. Study for quiz including spelling, definition, and using the word in a sentence.
6) Complete grammar worksheets pages 65-68.
7) Speaking/Listening – Begin to think about your topic. Start looking through the book for ideas! Review the "Introduction Strategies" sheet to help you get a start on your presentation. Keep this filed under "Speaking & Listening" as we will refer to it all year.
8) Formal Writing – Begin this essay by completing step #1, pre-writing only. See attached hand-out for directions. Remember, you only need to complete the pre-write stage this week. Think about your idea and organize it into parts by using the pre-write sheet. Make sure you have a good, solid idea that is on topic!
9) Study for reading selection/vocab/grammar quiz next week.
Unit 1 Portfolio is due on 9/30/08!
Week #3 9/2/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write& Quiz
2) Review last week’s work – Finish group work
3) Complete Colonial Period notes
4) Review formal essay writing (6 Trait Writing) & assign portfolio essay
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for The Crucible, Act I. Use the following journal topic since there is not one in the book: Think about the Puritan beliefs. Now think about your beliefs. How are they different? How are they the same? How would you fit in a society that holds the Puritan beliefs? Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from The Crucible, Act I on page 163-189 and answer questions 1-5 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 190.
3) Complete vocabulary worksheet for unit 1/week 3. Study for quiz including spelling, definition, and using the word in a sentence.
4) Complete grammar worksheets pages 69-72.
5) Formal Writing – Complete step #2, rough draft for the portfolio essay assignment. See hand-out and follow the directions. It is very important to have this for next week. We will be working with this draft.
6) Speaking/Listening – Begin to think about your topic. Start looking through the book for ideas! Review the "Introduction Strategies" sheet to help you get a start on your presentation. Keep this filed under "Speaking & Listening" as we will refer to it all year.
7) Study for reading selection/vocab/grammar quiz next week.
Unit 1 portfolio is due on 9/30/08!
Week #4 9/9/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write& Quiz
2) Review last week’s work – Group review
3) Review formal essay writing (6 Trait Writing) & step #3 response to drafts
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for The Crucible, Act II. Use the following journal topic since there is not one in the book: When acts change in a drama, usually the setting changes as well. Read page 191 and respond to what you think life is like in the Proctor household. Describe what you think it looks like and the relationship between the people who live there. Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from The Crucible, Act II on pages 191-205 and answer questions 1-6 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 206.
3) Complete vocabulary worksheet for unit 1/week 4. Study for quiz including spelling, definition, and using the word in a sentence.
4) Complete grammar worksheets pages 73-76.
5) Formal Writing – Today you should have received feedback for your draft (step #2). Now that you have a better idea of how this essay should be written and what it should include, make changes or revise (step #4) this essay. Be sure to make changes that were suggested in the response step. As well, read through all of the resources you have been given to help you write this essay. Bring your revised draft to class next time. Remember, save all steps of this essay. You will be turning in all six steps!
6) Speaking/Listening – Begin to think about your topic. Start looking through the book for ideas! Review the "Introduction Strategies" sheet to help you get a start on your presentation. Keep this filed under "Speaking & Listening" as we will refer to it all year.
7) Study for reading selection/vocab/grammar quiz next week.
Unit 1 portfolio is due on 9/30/08!
Week #5 9/16/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write& Quiz
2) Review last week’s work – Group review
3) Review formal essay writing (6 Trait Writing)
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for The Crucible, Act III. Use the following journal topic since there is not one in the book: Choose a character in the play and write about his/her personality based on what has happened so far in the story. What is his/her character like? How does he/she relate to others? How do you anticipate the story will end for this character? What character traits clearly define this person? Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from The Crucible, Act III on pages 207-227 and answer questions 1-5 questions (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 228.
3) Complete vocabulary worksheet for unit 1/week 5. Study for quiz including spelling, definition, and using the word in a sentence.
4) Complete grammar worksheets pages 77-80.
5) Formal Writing – Today you should have received feedback for your draft (step #2). Now that you have a better idea of how this essay should be written and what it should include, make changes or revise (step #4) this essay. Be sure to make changes that were suggested in the response step. As well, read through all of the resources you have been given to help you write this essay. Remember, save all steps of this essay. You will be turning in all six steps on 9/30/08!
6) Speaking/Listening – Continue to work on your presentation. Remember the three requirements: (1) 2-3 minutes in length, (2) you must have a visual (object, poster, costume, music, etc.) and (3) your topic must extend and/or enrich something we learned in unit 1. Please see me if you have any questions. Review the "Introduction Strategies" sheet to help you get a start on your presentation. Keep this filed under "Speaking & Listening" as we will refer to it all year.
7) Study for reading selection/vocab/grammar quiz next week.
Unit 1 portfolio is due on 9/30/08!
Week #6 9/23/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write & Quiz
2) Review Acts II & III – take notes on plot
3) Begin Act IV
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for The Crucible, Act IV. Use the following journal topic since there is not one in the book: The setting for the last act is in the fall. How might this be symbolic? Based on what you know about the characters now, how do you predict they will behave in the last act? Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from The Crucible, Act IV on pages 229-242 and answer questions 1-5 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 243.
3) Formal Writing – Complete step #4 (revisions) for the portfolio essay assignment. Take all the feedback you got in class and make changes to your draft. Be sure to label all parts of the essay. The final essay is due in your portfolio on 9/30/08. Complete steps 5 (edit) and step 6 (final copy) this week to stay on track. Your final paper must be typed (Times New Roman, 12 point, double space) or handwritten in blue or black ink, skipping lines. All six steps of the paper will be turned in with your portfolio.
4) Grammar – Complete pages 81-84. Please make sure that parents are correcting your work.
5) Oral Presentation (Speaking/Listening) – Your oral presentation must be ready to deliver next time! Practice, practice, practice! Get feedback from your parents. Watch your time and make sure you have a visual.
6) Unit Test – Next week, 9/30, is the unit test. On the back of this sheet is a review.
7) Portfolio – The portfolio is due next time. You must have the parent portfolio evaluation sheet filled out and signed by your parent. I will not accept portfolios without this sheet. Please give your parents plenty of time to review your portfolio.
8) The Crucible – I will show the movie this Friday, 9/26 at ________________ (2 hours long). I will bring popcorn! This is a good version and stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder. If you would like to attend, bring a note from your parents giving you permission to view the movie (it’s PG-13). I will offer extra credit for filling out a movie review. This is an excellent way to review this drama!!
UNIT 1 PORTFOLIO IS DUE NEXT WEEK, 9/30/08!
Week #7 9/30/08
Today in class:
1) Turn in portfolios 3) Deliver Oral Presentations
2) Take Unit One test 4) Review this week’s writing assignment
This week’s assignments:
1) The only assignment this week is to write the Critical Review Writing Workshop. Read pages 248-252 in your book for information about how to write this paper. In addition, you received a packet for this assignment that you must complete. You will end up with a multiple paragraph critical review essay in addition to the other exercises.
These are the parts of the packet:
• Critical Review Essay Notes Sheet – See this sheet for detailed information about how to put together your essay.
• Start with the pre-write (pg 36) to help you find a topic for the assignment.
• Drafting and Elaboration on page 37 helps develop detail in your writing.
• Peer Response Guide (pages 38-39) should be completed by someone who has read your paper (ideally your parent). You should help with this process.
• Revising, Editing, and Proofreading (page 40) helps with writing skills.
• Student Models (pages 41-42 & 45-46) should be read and studied to help you understand the parts of a good critical review essay.
• Rubric for Evaluation (page 47) is what I will use to help me grade your essay. This is just for your information. Your parents may use this to help you if they choose to do so.
Final Draft: Remember that your final draft must be typed in Times New Roman, 12 point font, double-spaced or handwritten in blue or black ink skipping lines. Also, see page 5 in your Writing Research Papers handbook to see the format of how the first page should look. As well, you will turn in all steps of the writing process and the exercises.
2) If you did not deliver your oral presentation today, you will do so next week.
3) Next week I will return your portfolios and tests and give grades sheets for your parents to sign. I will also distribute Unit 2 Parent Portfolio Evaluation.
Week #8 10/7/08
Today in class:
1) Turn in Critical Review essay
2) Review Unit One test and grade sheets
3) Review Unit 2 Portfolio Evaluation
4) Revolutionary War Notes and review literature
This week’s assignments:
1) Read pages 256-258 (Historical Background) and take notes.
2) Complete a journal entry for "Speech in the Virginia Convention," by answering the "Connect to You Life" question on page 262. Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
3) Read "Speech in the Virginia Convention" on pgs. 263-266 and answer questions 1-4 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 267.
4) Complete a journal entry for The Declaration of Independence by answering the "Connect to You Life" question on page 270. Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
5) Read The Declaration of Independence on pages 271-276 and answer questions 1-6 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 279.
8) Vocabulary – Complete vocabulary worksheet for Unit 2/Week 8.
9) Grammar Worksheets – Complete pages 85-86.
Unit 2 Portfolio is due on 10/28/08!
Week #9 10/14/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write and Quiz
2) Review Revolutionary War literature
3) Transcendental Notes
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for from Self-Reliance by answering the "Connect to You Life" question on page 363. Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from Self-Reliance pgs. 364-366 and answer questions 1-4 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 367.
3) Complete a journal entry for from Civil Disobedience by answering the "Connect to You Life" question on page 369. Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
4) Read from Civil Disobedience on pages 370-376 and answer questions 1-4 (Connect to Literature and Think Critically) on page 378.
5) Vocabulary – Complete vocabulary worksheet for Unit 2/Week 9.
6) Grammar Worksheets – Complete pages 87-88.
7) Portfolio Formal Essay – You received this assignment today. Study the assignment and find an article to use for your topic. Start taking notes and put together some information for each section of the assignment.
8) Oral Presentation – Continue to think about and plan your presentation. Remember that it must be 2-3 minutes in length, you must use a visual, and the topic must extend and/or enrich something we studied in the unit.
Unit 2 portfolio is due on 10/28/08!
Week #10 10/21/08
Today in class:
1) Quick Write and Quiz 2) Literature Review – Selection quizzes
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for Whitman poetry by answering the "Connect to You Life" question on page 396. Write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read the Whitman poetry on pgs. 397 & 400 only and answer ?s 1-3 on page 398.
3) "Song of Myself" – After reading and studying this selection, create your own "song." Cluster ideas and then write your poem by filling in the blanks on the sheet. See the example for ideas. When you’re happy with the final poem, copy it onto the construction sheet of paper you received in class. You may print or type your poem and glue it on. Decorate your construction paper in a way that represents you. You may use original artwork, computer graphics, or magazine pictures. Have fun and celebrate yourself! You will turn this in next time. I will grade these separately from the portfolio.
4) Vocabulary – Complete vocabulary list for Unit 2/week 10. Make sure to complete an activity to learn the words.
5) Grammar Worksheets – Complete pages 89-90. Please make sure that parents correct these pages.
6) Portfolio Formal Essay – Continue working on this project. You should have three sections – Parts A, B, and C. Make sure to write section A in essay format. In other words, do not just number the questions and answer them. Organize your answers into paragraph format. Follow the directions for each section. You do not have to follow the six step writing process for this assignment. However, you should have someone help you look over your draft and make any final corrections. Parents should give full points if the student completes all sections and has someone read over the draft before making the final copy. The final copy should be typed or handwritten following our usual guidelines. Remember to attach the article that you have read and highlighted.
7) Speaking/Listening – Make final preparations for your oral presentation. Refer to the "Introduction Strategies" for ideas in writing a strong introduction as well as the conclusion strategies for a strong conclusion. Read the comments you received for your last presentation and address the areas noted for improvement. Remember the requirements: 2-3 minutes, a visual and topic is somehow related to what we studied in the unit.
8) Test – Next week is the unit test which means the portfolio is due and your oral presentation will be delivered. You will be tested on ONE of the selections below:
"Speech in the VA Convention" Civil Disobedience
"The Declaration of Independence" What is an American?
"Self-Reliance"
Understand the literary terms on the page prior to the selections and review the main points or themes of the selection. Study the overall themes of each piece and use the selection quizzes we completed in class to help you study.
Unit 2 Portfolio is due on 10/28/08!
Week #11 10/28/08
Today in class:
1) Turn in Unit 2 portfolio
2) Take unit 2 test
3) Deliver oral presentations
4) Review test week essay – persuasive writing
This week’s assignments:
1) The only assignment this week is the Persuasive Writing Workshop. You received a packet for this. You must complete the entire packet. You will end up with a multiple paragraph persuasive essay.
The topic is as follows: Write a 2-3 page persuasive essay in which you take a strong moral stand on an issue that concerns you. Remember that it is impossible to persuade someone to believe your viewpoint without also considering the viewpoint of those who may disagree with you, so be sure to include opposing viewpoints.
A guide to help format this essay is the following:
Ø
Introduction: Introduce your readers to the topic and give a little background information. It works well to state your topic in the form of a question. Be sure to state your position on the issue (thesis statement) within the last sentence of the paragraph. Remember to work from general to specific ideas and to pull the reader in so that he/she is motivated to continue reading your essay.Ø
Body: You must decide on how to organize the body of your essay (use the pre-write to help you do this). This is one way to organize. The body of your essay should have at least three paragraphs. Each paragraph should state a different viewpoint of your topic, examine the opposition to that viewpoint and provide a defense of that viewpoint. Work from the weakest to the strongest arguments, saving the most compelling viewpoint for the third body paragraph. This leaves the reader with the strongest point before closing. The defense must be supported with evidence documented through your research. Remember the reason for examining an opposing viewpoint is that you are trying to prove, through the use of factual information, why your opinion is better. See page 158 in the textbook for some persuasive writing techniques.Ø
Conclusion: Restate the issue and then quickly tie in the three viewpoints examined in the body paragraphs. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion. Summarize the arguments and then close with a powerful statement relating to your originally stated issue which leaves your reader with something to ponder!Complete the packet in this order:
• Read pages 320-325 in the textbook to help you with this writing workshop.
• Student Models (pages 89-90 & 93-94) should be read and studied to help you understand the parts of a good persuasive essay. Pay attention to the notations about what should be included within the essay.
• Start with the pre-write, step #1 (choose ONE pgs. 1, 2 or 3) to help you organize your ideas.
• Write the draft, step #2.
• Complete page 85 "Drafting and Elaboration" which helps develop detail in your writing. This is a skill based exercise that is not part of your paper, but needs to be completed.
• Peer Response Guide, step #3 (pages 86-87) should be completed by someone who has read your paper (ideally your parent). You should help with this process.
• Complete page 88 "Revising, Editing, and Proofreading" which helps with writing skills. This is a skill based exercise that is not part of your paper, but needs to be completed.
• Step #4 Revision – Make any changes from the feedback you received in step #3. Once you make these changes, have a parent read the essay over one more time to make any editing corrections. The "Rubric for Evaluation" on page 95 is an optional resource to help you and your parents assess your essay.
Final Draft: Remember that your final draft must be typed in Times New Roman, 12 point font, double-spaced or handwritten in blue or black ink skipping lines. The first page of the essay should be in the format found on page 5 of the Writing Research Papers handbook.
Week #12 11/4/08
NOTE: You are receiving work for weeks 12 & 13 today. Week #13, 11/11, is Veteran’s Day and there is no school. When you return to school week #14, 11/18, you should have work for week 12 and week 13 done.
1) Quick Write
2) Review persuasive writing essays
3) Unit 3 – Review pages 162-163 and answer questions
4) Review literature selections
This week’s assignments:
1) Complete a journal entry for "Walden" by answering the "Writing Connection" question on page 174. Remember to read the question first, then set the timer and write non-stop for three minutes. You should have at least ½ of a page.
2) Read from Walden and Nature on page 175-185 and answer questions 1-10 (Understand the Selection) questions on page 186.
3) Vocabulary – Complete unit 3/week 12 list. You should do this prior to reading so that you are familiar with the vocabulary when you read.
4) Grammar – Complete pages 91-92.
Complete this work for this week and turn it in when you come to school on 11/18.
Week #13 11/11/08
No class today due to Veteran’s Day holiday
This week’s assignments:
1) Read chapters 1-4 in The Red Badge of Courage and complete the study guide questions. Be sure to read the study guide questions prior to reading the chapter so that your reading is focused.
2) Journals – Read through the journal topics. Select three to answer this week. Remember to set the timer and write for three minutes non-stop. You should have a minimum of ½ of a page. You may complete these journals in any order.
3) Vocabulary – Study Section 1 Vocabulary l List (the definitions are given!). You should do this prior to reading so that you are familiar with the vocabulary when you read. Write the sentence in which the word appears in the chapter. You will be quizzed on the definitions of these words.
4) Section 1 Activity – "A Letter Home" on pg. 12. After reading chapters 1-4 complete this assignment. Complete 1-5 only on this page. Your final product should be a letter from Henry to his mother.
5) About the Author – Read the handout about Stephen Crane (pg. 6) and answer the questions on the back.
6) Grammar – Complete pages 93-94. Make sure that parents are correcting these pages.
Red Badge Portfolio is due on 12/16/08!
Week #14 11/18/08
Today:
1) Quiz & Quick Write
2) Turn in letter to Mom from Henry
3) Review chapters 1-4 in The Red Badge of Courage
This week’s assignments:
1) Read chapters 5-8 in The Red Badge of Courage and complete the study guide questions. Be sure to read the study guide questions prior to reading the chapter so that your reading is focused.
2) Journals – Read through the journal topics. Select three to answer this week. Remember to set the timer and write for three minutes non-stop. You should have a minimum of ½ of a page. You may complete these journals in any order.
3) Vocabulary – Study Section 2 Vocabulary List (the definitions are given!). You should do this prior to reading so that you are familiar with the vocabulary when you read. Write the sentence in which the word appears in the chapter. You will be quizzed on the definitions of these words.
4) Grammar –Complete pages 95-96. Parents should correct this work weekly.
5) Letter- You previously wrote a "letter" to Henry’s mom as if you were Henry. As a reader of The Red Badge of Courage, you are seeing what one soldier is thinking and feeling while serving during war time. Since our country currently has soldiers fighting in a war, write a letter of encouragement to a soldier. Think about what Henry is thinking and feeling and offer some words of encouragement to a soldier who may share the same feelings Henry is experiencing.
Red Badge Portfolio is due on 12/16/08!
Week #15 11/25/08
Today:
1) Quiz & Quick Write
2) Review chapters 5-8 in The Red Badge of Courage
3) Complete "The Reality of War" pg. 17 activity
This week’s assignments:
1) Read chapters 9-13 in The Red Badge of Courage and complete the study guide questions. Be sure to read the study guide questions prior to reading the chapter so that your reading is focused.
2) Journals – Read through the journal topics. Select three to answer this week. Remember to set the timer and write for three minutes non-stop. You should have a minimum of ½ of a page. You may complete these journals in any order.
3) Vocabulary – Study Section 3 Vocabulary List (the definitions are given!). You should do this prior to reading so that you are familiar with the vocabulary when you read. Write the sentence in which the word appears in the chapter. You will be quizzed on the definitions of these words.
4) Grammar – Complete pages 97-98. Parents should correct this work!
Red Badge Portfolio is due on 12/16/08!
Week #16 12/2/08
Today:
1) Quiz & Quick Write
2) Review chapters 9-13 in The Red Badge of Courage
3) Realism in Red Badge
4) Portfolio Essay assignment
This week’s assignments:
1) Read chapters 14-19 in The Red Badge of Courage and complete the study guide questions. Be sure to read the study guide questions prior to reading the chapter so that your reading is focused.
2) Journals – Read through the journal topics. Select three to answer this week. Remember to set the timer and write for three minutes non-stop. You should have a minimum of ½ of a page. You may complete these journals in any order.
3) Vocabulary – Study Section 4 Vocabulary List (the definitions are given!). You should do this prior to reading so that you are familiar with the vocabulary when you read. Write the sentence in which the word appears in the chapter. You will be quizzed on the definitions of these words.
4) Formal Writing – This is the essay for your portfolio. We reviewed it in class today. Complete the pre-write and draft for this essay. You should have a five paragraph rough draft essay for class next week.
5) Grammar – Complete pages 99-100 . Please make sure that parents are correcting this work weekly.
6) Book Review – Today you received this assignment sheet. Choose one of the six ideas (or come up with another idea you like and get it approved by me) to complete. This is the final project (taking the place of regular oral presentation assignment). You should start on this now. It is due on 12/16. Be ready to share it with class on 12/16.
Red Badge Portfolio is due on 12/16/08!
Note: If you will not be here on 12/16 you must make arrangements with me prior to your absence. Semester grades are due and if your final work is not complete, those grades will be recorded as "0."
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