Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010

Today I will help you find your make-up work.  If you are caught up, you can go on the computers.
Merry Christmas to all of my students!!

Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010

Comp I:   After vocab practice, we will review correct form in writing quotations in conversation.  We will practice it using comics.   In To Kill a Mockingbird, you should read Chapters 24-25 this week and answer the questions.
CIS College Comp:  We will  work on the definition essay. The info is here: More Tips on Def'n Essay
Myths & Tales:  We are reaching Greek Myth #4: Aphrodite, Ares, Athena.  We will answer the questions and take notes on these 3 gods.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 16-17, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read. 

Monday, Dec. 20, 2010

Comp I:   After vocab practice, we will learn about using correct form in writing quotations in conversation.  We will practice it using comics.   In To Kill a Mockingbird, you should read Chapters 24-25 this week and answer the questions.
CIS College Comp:  We will talk about how NOT to write a definition. Then we will work on the definition essay. The info is here: More Tips on Def'n Essay
Myths & Tales:  We are reaching Greek Myth #3:  Hera and Hephaestus.  We will answer the questions and take notes on these 2 gods.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 13-15, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read. 

Friday, December 17, 2010

Comp I:   We will discuss Literary Elements #14 and read Chapters 24-25 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  You should turn in all other chapter work that you haven't done, especially Chapters 21-23.
CIS College Comp:  We will talk about "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3.  Then we will work on the definition essay. The info is here: Definition Essay info Outline form
Myths & Tales:  We are reviewing Greek myths 1 & 2 today.  Then we will take a practice quiz and the REAL DEAL quiz on those terms today.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 13-15, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read. 

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010

Comp I:   After vocab practice, we will be going over Proofreading Symbols and you will fix an essay called The Mega Mall.   Read Chapters 21-23 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  Here is the Mega Mall essay:  The Mega Mall
CIS College Comp:  We will talk about "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3.  Then I will explain the definition essay. The info is here: Definition Essay info Outline form
Myths & Tales:  We are reviewing Greek myths 1 & 2 today.  Use your notes and the stories to do the Symbol Review.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 11-12, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read. 

Wed., Dec. 15, 2010

Comp I:   After vocab practice, we will be reviewing Capitalization rules and working with a partner to practice them.   Read Chapters 21-23 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  
CIS College Comp:  We are testing on advanced grammar ACT stuff today.  Also, read "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3 for Tuesday.  Start your definition essay if your are ready to.  The info is here: Definition Essay info 
Myths & Tales:  We are reading Greek myths "Zeus and his Family" Part 2 today.  We will also take some notes on the Olympians.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 9-10, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read. 

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010

Comp I:   After vocab practice, we will be writing our "Describe A Place" Essay.   Read Chapters 21-23 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  
CIS College Comp:  We are finishing a practice test for advanced grammar ACT stuff today.  Also, read "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3 for Tuesday.  Our big test is today.  
Myths & Tales:  We are starting Greek myths "In Olden Days" Part I today.  We will also take some notes on the Titans.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 7-8, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Comp I:   After vocab practice, we will be writing our "Describe A Place" Essay.   Read Chapters 21-23 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  
CIS College Comp:  We are taking a practice test for advanced grammar ACT stuff today.  Also, read "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3 for Tuesday.  Our big test on ACT prep will be Dec. 14th.  
Myths & Tales:  We are testing on Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy today.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 4-6, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read.   

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010

Comp I:   We will discuss LIterary Elements #13 and read Chapters 21-23 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  Make-up work is due today.
CIS College Comp:  We will go over a huge ACT Grammar review today.  Also, read "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3 for Friday.  Our big test on ACT prep will be Dec. 14th.  
Myths & Tales:  We are reviewing for a test on Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy, which will be on Monday.
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss chapters 1-3, and you will read  Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read.   Get your make-up work in for Devil's Arithmetic.  Today is the absolute deadline for getting make-up work in!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will finish our outlines for a "Describe a Place" essay. Then, start writing your essay.  Read Chapters 19-20 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  Make-up work is due Friday.
CIS College Comp:  We will go over General Reference issues in writing.  Also, read "What is Work" on p. 542 and do the comprehension questions #1,2, 3 for Friday.  Our big test on ACT prep will be Dec. 14th.  An explanation of General Reference is here: General Reference ppt. 
Myths & Tales:  We will watch Part 4 of Merlin and you will answer questions as you view it.  Get your make-up work turned in!
Young Adult Lit:  Today you will read the new book Freak the Mighty and write a summary of what you read.   Get your make-up work in for Devil's Arithmetic.  Friday is the absolute deadline for getting make-up work in!

Wednesday, Dec. 8th, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will write an outline for a "Describe a Place" essay.   Read Chapters 19-20 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  Make-up work is due Friday.
CIS College Comp:  We will go over Ambiguous Pronoun Reference.  Also, read "Faminess" on p. 532 and do the comprehension questions #1,3,4,7 for today.  Our big test on ACT prep will be Dec. 14th.  An explanation of Ambiguous Reference is here:  Ambiguous Reference Lesson
Myths & Tales:  We will watch Part 3 of Merlin and you will answer questions as you view it.
Young Adult Lit:  We will go over some introductory notes to the new book Freak the Mighty and we will start reading it.   Get your make-up work in for Devil's Arithmetic.  Friday is the absolute deadline for getting make-up work in!

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010

Comp I:  We will work on Improving Word Choice. I will show you how to use the Thesaurus at the computer.  Read Chapters 19-20 for next week and answer those questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.  Make-up work is due Friday.
CIS College Comp:  We will go over Vague and Indefinite Pronoun Reference.  Also, read "Faminess" on p. 532 and do the comprehension questions #1,3,4,7 for Wednesday.  Our big test on ACT prep will be Dec. 14th.
Myths & Tales:  We will watch Part 2 of Merlin and you will answer questions as you view it.
Young Adult Lit:  We will finish watching The Devil's Arithmetic.   Get your make-up work in for that book.  Friday is the absolute deadline for getting make-up work in!

Monday, Dec. 6, 2010

Comp I:  We will finish our "How To" Process essays today, and I will give you a grade printout so you can find your missing work.  Read Chapters 19-20 for next week and answer those questions.
CIS College Comp:  We will go over Two-way Modifiers and review Misplaced and Dangling modifiers.  Also, read "Faminess" on p. 532 and do the comprehension questions #1,3,4,7 for Wednesday.
Myths & Tales:  We will take notes on the story of King Arthur and on some of the fantastical creatures mentioned in this legend.  Then we will watch Part 1 of Merlin and you will answer questions as you view it.
Young Adult Lit:  We are watching The Devil's Arithmetic.   Get your make-up work in for that book.

Friday, Dec. 3, 2010

Comp I:  We will discuss Literary Elements #12 and turn in questions for Chap 17-18 in Mockingbird.  Read Chapters 19-20 for next week and answer those questions.
CIS College Comp:  We will discuss "I Want a Wife" p. 520-522 and "Five Ways to Kill a Man" poem.
Myths & Tales:  We will look at what's historically true about King Arthur today and then do a web search about him.
Young Adult Lit:  We are watching The Devil's Arithmetic.   Get your make-up work in for that book.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Comp I: After vocab practice, we will let Mrs. Moll help us complete our paperwork and interest inventory for the pre-ACT test we took last week.  Finish your Process Essay.  Read Chap 17-18 in Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  We will work on parallel structure rule 3 and you should read "I Want a Wife" p. 520-522 because we will discuss it tomorrow.
Myths & Tales:  We are in a lyceum today.  When we return, do your make-up work.  (Author Search on Poe and vocab).
Young Adult Lit:  We are taking the test on The Devil's Arithmetic.   Get your make-up work in for that book.

Wed, Dec. 1st, 2010

Comp I: After vocab practice, we continued to write our Process Essays.  Read Chap 17-18 in Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  We worked on parallel structure rule 2 and you were supposed to turn in your answers to Ques 1 and the Journal ques on "Five Ways to Kill a Man."
Myths & Tales:  We discussed story notes for "The Raven."  There also was an Author Search on Poe and vocab to do.
Young Adult Lit:  We discussed the Final Notes in preparation for the test on The Devil's Arithmetic.   There was a review puzzle to do, also.

Tuesday, Nov. 30th, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we are writing our Process "How To" Essays, Day 1.  It's due on Thursday.  Read Mockingbird Chapters 17-18 and answer the questions for those chapters.
CIS College Comp: Yesterday we worked on Pronoun Agreement issues.  Today we will start with parallel structure #1.  So many of you don't quite get this yet.  We also are reading "Five Ways to Kill a Man" and answering Question #1 and doing the journal entry paragraph.
Myths & Tales:  We are reading "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe and analyzing the poetical elements in it.
Young Adult Lit:  We are reading again today--it's our last official day on The Devil's Arithmetic.  Tomorrow we will do the final notes and discussion on the book and we will do a review.  The test is on Thursday.

Monday, Nov. 29, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will write an outline for a Process Essay.  Read Chapters 17-18 in To Kill a Mockingbird. Outline Form
CIS College Comp: We are working with Pronoun Agreement today.  Also read "Five Ways to Kill a Man" on p. 501-502.  Answer question #1 under Reading Literature and then write a Journal Entry paragraph.
Myths & Tales:  We will discuss "The Lottery" today and then work on Lottery vocab and Story Analysis.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss chapters 16-17 today.  Read and write your summary.

Wednesday, Nov.24, 2010

Comp I:  We are discussing Literary Elements #11 and turning in Chap 16 in Mockingbird.  Be sure to start Chapters 17-18.
College CIS Comp:  Your Classification/Division Essay is due.  Exchange with  a partner for proofreading and revisions.
Myths & Tales:  We are reading "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson after we discuss "The Monkey's Paw."
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 13-14 in The Devil's Arithmetic and read today.  Be sure you have turned in 2 Summaries sheets so far.  Also, start the A-Contract novel if you are finished.

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will work on changing dull sentences to a much improved version.  Be sure to fix the errors on your New Me Essay, print, attach it to the old version, and turn it in to me.  Read Chap 16 in Mockingbird this week.
College Comp CIS:  Review your Classification essay with another person or persons so that you can improve it.  The essay is due tomorrow--no exceptions.
Myths & Tales:  Finish "The Monkey's Paw" and do the vocab that goes with it.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 14-15 today in The Devil's Arithmetic.  We are finishing the book next week.  Write your summary and take your quizzes.

Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will work on Confused Words #2.  Also I will return your New Me Essays.  Read Chap 16 and answer questions in To Kill a Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp: Get your Division Classification paper done.  Share it with someone in the class for 1 extra credit point.  It is due Wednesday before you leave.
Myths & Tales:  We are reading "The Monkey's Paw" today.  Notice the dramatic irony in this classic horror story as you answer the discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 12-13 today in The Devil's Arithmetic.  Get your work done!

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010

Comp I:  We are discussing Chapters 14-15 and literary elements #10 today.  Read Chap 16 in To Kill a Mockingbird for next week.
CIS College Comp I: We are talking about parallel structure first, and then we will work on our Classification essays.
Myths and Tales:  First we will do notes on "The Cheaters" and on "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow."  Then, we will look at Allusion in the "Tomorrow" story.  There is also a Author Search on Kurt Vonnegut, jr. to do.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 10-11 today in The Devil's Arithmetic.  Keep reading, quizzing, and summarizing.  You should turn in a second page of summaries today on this book.

Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will work on the top twelve pairs of most commonly confused words.  Read Ch 14-15 in Mockingbird for tomorrow and answer the questions.
CIS College Comp:  First, we will look at some examples of Bad Writing in Resumes and Cover Letters.  Then, we will discuss Amy Tan's "Two Kinds" and "Mother Tongue."
Myths & Tales:  We will finish "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" and work on vocab today.
Young Adult Lit:  We are discussing Chapter 8-9 today and reading, summarizing, and quizzing in The Devil's ARithmetic.    If you finish, remember to start the "A" contract book, The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck.

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

Comp I:  We are finishing our New Me Essays today after we do our vocab notes.  Keep working on Chapters 14-15 in To Kill a Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp: We will read Amy Tan's "Two Kinds" and her "Mother Tongue" essay.  Be ready to discuss them thoroughly on Thursday.
Myths & Tales:  We are starting "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.  Be sure to answer the discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit:  We are discussing chapters 6-7 today in The Devil's Arithmetic.  Keep reading and summarizing and quizzing.

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Comp I:  We are writing our New Me essays today and tomorrow.  Be sure you use good details and proofread carefully.  For those who are working for a "C" contract, you may use both my introduction and my conclusion.  If you want an "A," you must write your own.  Here they are... Intro & Conclusion for New Me Essay "C" contract
CIS College Comp:  I want to know your topic for your classification essay today.  Also, we are going to discuss "The Dog Ate my Disk."  Read "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan today.
Myths & Tales:  We will read about Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of Rappaccini's Daughter, and then we will paraphrase some of his writing.
Young Adult Lit:  We are discussing Chapters 6-7 in The Devil's Arithmetic today.  Read, summarize, and take your quizzes.

Monday, Nov. 15, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, I will introduce the NEW ME Essay.  Today you will make your outline for it. New Me Outline Template
CIS College Comp:  We are reviewing Active/Passive Voice.  Read "The Dog Ate my Disk" and answer P&A Ques 1 & 3, and S & S Ques. 3 & 5. Passive Active 2
Myths & Tales:  We will finish Rappaccini's Daughter today.  Answer the discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 4 & 5 today in The Devil's Arithmetic.    Read, quiz, summarize.

Friday, Nov. 12, 2010

Comp I:  We are discussing Literary Elements #9 in To Kill a Mockingbird and Chap 12-13 Questions are due.  Read Chap 14-15 and answer those questions for next week.
CIS College Comp:  We will work on changing Passive Voice to Active.  Work with a partner on this.  Also, read "The Dog Ate my Disk," which is an example of Classification/Division.  Answer Ques. 1 & 3 under Purpose and Audience and Ques. 3 & 5 under Style and Structure.  (Due Tuesday)
Myths & Tales:  We are viewing "Rappaccini's Daughter" by N Hawthorne, Part 1.  Answer analysis questions.
Young Adult Lit:  We are discussing Chapters 4-5 in The Devil's Arithmetic if most of you are that far in your reading.  Write a summary today.  Take quizzes as you go.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Comp I: After vocab practice, we will make outlines from text.  Remember that Ch 12-13 questions for Mockingbird are due tomorrow. Outline Form
CIS College Comp:  I will explain the Classification/Division essay.  Your "Get it Right: Privatize Executions" assignment from yesterday is due.
Myths & Tales:  We are working on Colloquialisms and vocab after we do the discussion notes for "The Cheaters."
Young Adult Lit:  We are reading again in The Devil's Arithmetic.  First, we will discuss Chapters 1-3 and take notes on the Literary Elements.  Write your summary and take your quizzes.

Wed., November 10, 2010

Comp I: After vocab notes, we will work on generating outlines based upon topic sentences I give you.  You supply the details and use correct outline form.
CIS College Comp:  We will fix the Dangling Modifiers we messed up yesterday, and I will go over Dangling Modifiers #2.  Do 5 more correctly.  Read "Get it Right: Privatize Executions" and answer questions 1 & 2 under Purpose and Audience.
Myths & Tales:  We will read Parts 3 & 4 in "The Cheaters."  Finish all discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit: We are reading The Devil's Arithmetic.  Write a 5-sentence summary and take quizzes as you finish the chapters.  (No discussion notes today.)  

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we are working again on creating outlines from info given. Look over any errors you made last week on your outlines.  Read Chap 12-13 in Mockingbird and answer the discussion questions.  Here is the outline form again if you need it:  Outline Form
CIS College Comp:  First we will review ACT Grammar we've covered so far.  Then, I will introduce Dangling Modifiers and how to fix them.  Also, read "Get it Right: Privatize Executions" and answer questions 2 & 3 under Purpose and Audience.
Myths & Tales: We are starting the story "The Cheaters."  We will listen to it on tape because it is complicated to read.  Pay attention to the colloquialisms in the story.  Answer discussion questions on Parts 1 & 2.
Young Adult Lit:  We are starting a new novel The Devil's Arithmetic this semester.  The "A"-Contract novel is The Good Earth.  Today, I will introduce the book and we will read and summarize what we have read.

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010

Comp I:  We are discussing literary elements #8 (Chap 11).  Turn in Chap 11 questions, and ready Chapters 12-13 for next week and answer Ch. 12-13 questions, not vocab.
CIS College Comp:  Exchange Process Essays and make constructive comments for one point extra credit.  The essay is due today.
Myths & Tales:  We will do an analysis of how the author uses Suspense in "Night Drive."  Also, work on vocab for that story.
Young Adult Lit:  We are finishing The Breakfast Club (clean play version).  Complete the analysis of this story.  (I'll help you some on this.)

Wed., November 3, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will work on outlines and learn the correct outline form.  You may use this template.  Good Friends Sample Outline  Outline Form template
CIS College Comp:  Work on your Process Essay.  Get your outline in to me.  It is due Thursday by the end of the day.
Myths & Tales:  We will do the story notes on "Night Drive."  Get all your make-up work in because today is the LAST DAY for it. We will also talk about Suspense.
Young Adult lit:  Analyze The Breakfast Club [clean play version] as you watch part 2.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will write Incident paragraphs.  Read Chap 11 in Mockingbird and do the questions.
CIS College Comp:  We are working on our Process Essays.  Get your outline turned in! OUTLINE FORM
Myths & Tales:  We are reading "Night Drive" by Will F Jenkins.  Watch for how the author builds suspense!
Young Adult Lit: Yesterday we finished our "Songs are Poetry" project.  Today we are starting to view the clean version of The Breakfast Club.  Answer the story analysis questions.

Monday, Nov. 1st, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will zip through Literary Elements #7 because a lot of you did not turn them in when the sub was here.  Then we will work on Definition Paragraphs.  If there's time, read Chapter 11 in Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp: Use the outline form here to do pre-writing for your Process Essay. Outline Form for Process Essay
Myths & Tales:  First, we will do story notes on "The Most Dangerous Game" and "Fever Dream."  Then, we will go over Irony that was part of the "Most Dangerous Game" assignment.  Work on the Personification practice assignment.
Young Adult Lit:  I will give you today as the final work day on your projects "Songs are Poetry."  Only a few of you turned them in.  Get on it, guys!!

Thursday and Friday, October 28-29, 2010

Comp I: Thursday After vocab practice, we are writing persuasive paragraphs from an outline. Friday: Work on Literary Elements #7 together.  Turn in Chap 10 questions and start Chapter 11 questions.  If you read, you will be given a reading point.
CIS College Comp:  Thursday - We will work on Misplaced Modifiers (do any 10.)  Then, we will read "The Search" on page 270 and talk about how it fits the Process Essay requirements.  Friday - Read "How to Escape from a Bad Date," on pp291-296.  Answer Comprehension Questions 1-4 and Purpose & Audience questions 1-3.
Myths & Tales:  Thursday:  Finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game."  Do all the questions and the vocab work. Friday: Read "Fever Dream" and answer the questions for that story.
Young Adult Lit:  Work on the "Songs are Poetry" assignment and finish it Friday.  Do extra songs for extra credit. 

Wednesday, Oct. 27th, 2010

Comp I: After vocab practice, we are writing descriptive paragraphs from an outline.
CIS College Comp:  First, I'll introduce the Process Essay and its requirements.  Then, we will discuss the two essays, "Catbird Seat" and "A Black Man Ponders."
Myths & Tales:  We will start reading "The Most Dangerous Game."  Do questions 1-9.
Young Adult Lit:  I will explain the "Songs are Poetry" assignment and you should start finding songs for your project.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will learn about Order of Importance:  Most to Least and Least to Most.  You will write a paragraph using on of those two organizational styles.  Read Chap 10 in Mockingbird  and answer your questions.

CIS College Comp:  Read The Catbird Seat,” p. 223 and “Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders,” p236

1.      What do these two essays have in common?  Make a general statement and then explain your answer.

2.    What is similar in the way both of these men handle their unique situation in life? 

3.    Describe how the tone in these two essays is different.  Explain your answer with support from the text.

Myths & Tales: We are looking at symbolism and reading "Arthur Gains Excalibur."  Answer the discussion questions.Young Adult Lit:  Today is a MAKE-UP day on all Pigman work.  Also, find a song that you would like to use for our next poetry project.  It needs lots of figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.) in it.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will look at Spatial Order, a way to organize your writing.  You'll be writing a paragraph using spatial order and incorporating transitions.  Also read Chapter 10 in Mockingbird and do your discussion questions.
CIS College Comp:  Get your Exemplification essay turned in!  We'll review adjective clauses and who/whom again.  There is a who/whom practice and do any 10 on Adjective Clauses #1.  Read "The Catbird Seat," too.
Myths & Tales:  We will discuss "Miriam" by Truman Capote.  Read "Arthur Gains Excalibur."  Watch for symbolism and answer the discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit:  We are testing on The Pigman today.  Get all work in for that novel!

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2010

Comp I:  We are discussing the Literary Elements #6 in To Kill a Mockingbird.  Read Chapter 10 and answer the discussion questions.  Skip the vocab.  Be sure to turn in Chapter 9 Questions today.
CIS College Comp:  Work on your Exemplification essay.  If you exchange your essay with someone else and he/she proofreads and comments on your essay, you each get one extra credit point.  The essay is due Monday. Here is the rubric that I will use to evaluate your essay. Rubric for Exemplification Essay
Myths and Tales:  We are reading "Miriam" by T Capote, Part 2.  Answer the questions and note the vivid descriptions.  Do the vocab that goes w/ this story.
Young Adult Lit:  We will go over the Final Notes on this story, which are very important for the final test on Monday.  Finish The Pigman over the long weekend if you are still behind. Also, do the Review for the book.

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will talk about Chronological Order in writing.  Then you will look at some transitions used with chronological order, and you will write a paragraph that tells how to do something.  Read Chap 9 for tomorrow.
CIS College Comp:  Today is a work day on your Exemplification essay. Don't forget to write a 5 sentence evaluation of your participation in the discussion of "Samuel."
Myths & Legends:  We are discussing story notes on "There Will Come Soft Rains."  Then we will read "Miriam" by Truman Capote and answer the discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit:  Today will be our final reading day on The Pigman.  Do your vocab.  Get your 5 summary pages in. Read and finish your quizzes.  Tomorrow we will do the final notes on the book and review.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Comp I: After vocab practice, we are working on TOPIC SENTENCES.  Then, read Chap 9 in Mockingbird and answer your discussion questions.
College CIS comp:  We are reviewing Adjective Clauses #2. Don't forget to get "The Peter Principle" questions in today. Then, I will give you time to work on your Exemplification Essay.  Here are some topics. Topics for Exemplification Essay
Myths & Legends:  We are reading "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury.  Answer the questions and be sure you finished last Friday's assignment.  Here's another copy of it. Defining Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy assignment
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 12-13 today in The Pigman.  We are finishing the book this week.  Get your Summaries #5 turned in!  Take all the quizzes, too.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Comp I:  We are discussing Literary Elements #5 for To Kill a Mockingbird.  Turn in Questions for Chap 8 and read Chapter 9 for next week.
CIS College Comp:  We will discuss "The Peter Principle" and then have student led discussion on "Samuel."  Remember to work on your Exemplification Essay.  I have possible topics uploaded here. Topics for Exemplification Essay
Myths & legends:  Go online to find the definitions of Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy.  Then list examples of books and movies/TV shows that fit each genre.  Use this format: Defining Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy
Young Adult Lit:  Today we will discuss Chapter 11 in The Pigman.  We will finish the book next week.  Take it home if you are behind.  Read, quiz, and write a summary today.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we are working on Paragraph Unity (staying on topic).  Tomorrow your Chap 8 To Kill a Mockingbird Discussion Questions are due.
CIS College Comp:  Mr. Bruce Eastman from Central Lakes College will be our guest. First, we will discuss review "Exemplification" in preparation for writing our essay.  Then, we will briefly discuss The Peter Principle.  Afterwards, I will assign you to a group to work on "Samuel."  Discuss the questions and prepare to report back to the group later. If there is time, we will also do some Adjective clause review.
Myths and Legends:  We are talking about Style today.  We will look at three different writing styles and compare how they are written.  Answer the discussion questions on "Phantom Train,"  "The Tripedero,"  and "Massa and de Bear."
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapter 9 in The Pigman.   Read, summarize, and quiz when ready.  We will be finishing the book soon.  So, take it home if you are behind.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Comp I: After vocab, we will take a test on Commas.  Work on Chapter 8, Mockingbird after that.
CIS College Comp:  First, we will talk about Adjective Clauses.  Be sure to look over this PDF on Adjective Clauses. Then we talked about how to earn Discussion Points.  Look over that PDF, as well.  Read The Peter Principle on page 216 and "Samuel" on page 258 for tomorrow. How to Earn Points in Discussion  Adjective clauses
Myths and Legends:  We are reading Urban Legends today.  There is an online assignment as well as a story to read.
Young Adult Lit:  We are discussing Realistic Fiction today and continuing our work in The Pigman.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will take a practice test on our Comma rules.  The real test is tomorrow.  Be sure you read in Mockingbird today.
CIS College Comp:  First, we will review ACT prep Conjunction Junction #2.  Then I will introduce Exemplification, the next essay assignment.  Finally, read The Peter Principle on page 216. Answer these questions:  Comprehension #2 and Purpose and Audience #3.  Be sure to give examples when you answer #3.
Myths & Legends:  We will write our summary today in Detached Observer/Camera View.  Be sure to write your character descriptions in complete sentences, too.
Young Adult Lit:  We are discussing Chapter 8 in The Pigman today.  Read, quiz, and write a summary.  

Monday, October 11, 2010

Comp I:  After vocab practice, we will go over Rule 8: Addresses and Dates in sentences.  Write your example sentences and Read To Kill a Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  Mrs. Moll came in to discuss some CIS issues and the status of appeals, etc.  We did ACT prep on Conjunctions (Correlative, Subordinate, Coordinate, Conjunctive Adverbs, etc.)  Read "Hidden Life of Garbage" and get the 2 questions in by tomorrow or it's late.
Myths & Legends:  We are writing our summary in Third Person Limited Omniscient.  You can only know what it happening to ONE character.
Young Adult Lit: We are discussing Chapter 7 today in The Pigman.  Write your summary and get your Summary Sheet #4 turned in today.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Comp I 10th Grade:  We are finishing Literary Elements #4 of To Kill a Mockingbird and we may start #5.  Read and answer the questions for Chapters 6-7.  Start Chapter 8 if there is time.
CIS College Comp:  Your Descriptive Essay is due at midnight.  Send to patricecurtiss@gmail.com.  Take time today to read someone else's essay.  Mark comments on it.  If you do this, I will give you an extra credit point.
Myths & Legends:  We are watching Part 2 of Robin Hood and your summary should be written in Third Person Omnicient point of view.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapter 7 today and then read, quiz, and summarize what we've read.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Comp I:  After our vocab practice, we will go over how to use Direct Address and Interjections in sentences.  Then, read in Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  Share your Description with another person in the class and give him/her feedback.  This is a very important part of the writing process.  Don't miss it.  Your essays are due Friday at midnight.
Myths & Legends:  First, we will discuss and take notes on the factual part of the Robin Hood legend.  Then, we will go over the 4 points of view:  1st Person, 3rd Person Omniscient & Limited O., Detached Observer/Camera View.  Write your summary in First Person today as we watch Robin, Prince of Thieves.  Be sure to write your character descriptions.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss Chapters 6-7 today of The Pigman.  Keep reading, write your summary, and take your quizzes.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

ALL MAKE-UP WORK IS DUE TODAY!!  IT'S MIDTERM TIME!!!

Comp I 10th grade:  After vocab practice, we will learn how to use parentheticals and interrupters in sentences.  Read Mockingbird Chapters 6-7.
CIS College Comp: Write your Descriptive essay.  Be sure to look at the rubric, too. Descriptive Essay Rubric
Myths & Legends:  You will need the document linked here.  Open it and go on a hunt for some true information about who Robin Hood really was.  Type your info write on my document, but first save your own copy of it. Or, you can print and then write your answers on your own paper. Real Truth About Robin Hood Online Study
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss chapters 4 and 5 today of The Pigman.  Read, quiz, and write your summary.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Comp I 10th Grade:  After vocab practice, we will look at Appositives and how to use them correctly.  Read Chap 6-7 in Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  I will go over some more tips for writing your descriptive essay, including how to improve word choice and use figures of speech properly.  Write your descriptive essay after you show me your pre-writing.
Myths & Legends: We are taking a Folktales Test today.  Get all your make-up work in!
Young Adult Lit:  We aren't ready to discuss chapters 4-6 in The Pigman so we'll wait one more day on that.  I want to collect your Reading Records today.  Read, quiz, and write a summary.

Monday, October 4, 2010

ATTENTION ALL CLASSES!  ALL MAKEUP WORK IS DUE THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH!!

Comp I 10th grade:  2nd hour is doing Mapp Testing today.  Fourth hour:  After vocab, we will do our Subordinate Conjunction quiz and then a Partner Review on the Comma Rules so far.  Use the key.  Read To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 7-8 and do your Vocab & Ques. for that section.
CIS College Comp:  We will go over more info on the Descriptive Essay including the rubric and a pre-writing form.
Myths & Legends:  We are reviewing for a test tomorrow on Folktales and Fables.
Young Adult Lit:  We will discuss story notes for Chapters 1-3 in The Pigman.  Read, summarize, and continue to take quizzes as you go.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Comp I 10th grade:  After vocab practice, we will take a quiz on the Subordinate Conjunctions list.  Then we will do a Review of Sub Conjunctions and the other comma rules we've covered.  [Fourth hour will go to the Media Center for Mapp testing instead.]
CIS College Comp:  First we will review the proper (and incorrect) use of semicolons because many of you are messing that up.  Then, we will discuss the two kinds of DESCRIPTION:  subjective and objective to help prepare for your next essay.  Read "Ground Zero" on Page 167, and answer Comprehension ques. #1 and Vocab Projects questions 2 & 3.
Myths & Legends:  We are reading two modern day legends:  "The Loch Ness Monster" and "Yeti" today.  Be sure you got the notes on Romanticism and Realism from yesterday.
Young Adult Lit:  Yesterday half the class was gone due to Life Sports, so today we will introduce the new novel The Pigman and start reading it.  Write your summary.

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

Comp I 10th grade:  After vocab practice, we will work on forming complex sentences by using subordinate conjunctions.  (Sub Conj #2 wkst)  We will also be reading in To Kill a Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  We are discussing "Words Left Unspoken" by Cohen.  Do Comprehension Questions 3, 4, and 5, plus look for several figures of speech (similes, metaphors, etc.)  Read "Ground Zero" by S. Berne on p. 167, too.
Myths & Legends:  We are taking notes on the difference between Romanticism and Realism.  Finish your Word Origins study, too.
Young Adult Lit:  I will introduce our new novel The Pigman.  We will read, write a summary, and take quizzes as needed.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Comp I 10th grade:  After vocab practice, we will learn about Subordinate Conjunctions and how they form complex sentences.  Keep reading Chapters 4-5 in To Kill a Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  We are doing ACT prep on Conjunctive Adverbs today.  (Do ANY 5, not all 10.)  Also, read "Words Left Unspoken" by L. Cohen and answer Comprehension questions 3, 4, 5 and #2 under Style and Structure.  Also, find at least two figures of speech (similes, metaphors, personification, etc...)  These questions will be due on Thursday.
Myths & Legends:  We are working on Word Origins after we do the story notes for "Dolphin Girl."
Young Adult Lit:  We will finish A Series of Unfortunate Events.  Write your summary in either Camera View/Detached Observer or Third Person Limited Omniscient.  Then we will do the Discussion Notes, which will help you with the final questions.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Comp I 10th grade: After vocab practice, we will review the first 3 comma rules.  We won't use computers today.  You may work with a partner.  Then, read in To Kill a Mockingbird.  I am also doing a NOTEBOOK CHECK #1 today.
CIS College Comp:  We will discuss "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell.  Answer ques. 2 & 3 under Purpose.  We will also talk about ARRANGEMENT when writing essays.
Myths & Legends:  We are reading "Dolphin Girl," a Greek folktale today.  Answer the discussion questions.
Young Adult Lit:  We are watching part 2 of A Series of Unfortunate Events.  Write your summary in the Third Person Omniscient point of view.  Also, watch for irony and how this movie fits the YAL genre.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Comp I 10th grade:  We are working on To Kill a Mockingbird today.  First, we will finish Literary Elements #2 from last week.  Then we will go on to Lit Elements #3.  Read Chapters 4 and 5 for next week.
CIS College Comp:  Finish your Narrative Essays today.  They are due tonight by midnight.  Email them to me at patricecurtiss@gmail.com   Also, read "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell. Answer questions 2 & 3 under Purpose and Audience, p. 132.  We will talk about it on Monday.
Myths & Legends:  We will look at Simile and Metaphor in the two stories we read yesterday.  There is more practice on Similes and Metaphors.  We will also do the story notes on "Gombei and the Wild Ducks" and "The Fisherman and his Wife."
Young Adult Lit:  We were a bit off schedule yesterday due to the large # of kids who were absent, but today we definitely will start our analysis of A Series of Unfortunate Events.  Note the irony and story elements as you watch it. Be ready to identify how it fits the Young Adult Lit genre.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Comp I 10th grade: After vocab practice, we will study Compound Sentences vs. sentences with compound parts.  Write your sentences and then read in To Kill a Mockingbird.
CIS College Comp:  We will look at the scoring rubric for your Narrative Essay and then continue to draft and revise your essay. Rubric for Scoring the Narrative Essay
Myths and Legends: We are reading two shorts folktales about greed:  "Gombei and the Wild Ducks" and "The Fisherman and his Wife."  Answer the discussion questions on these stories.
Young Adult Lit:  While some are still finishing The River work, we are going to analyze A Series of Unfortunate Events.  Watch for the story elements: theme, plot, characterization, irony, etc. and write your summary in the First Person point of view.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Comp I 10th grade:  After vocab practice, we will work on Rule 2, using adjectives that precede a noun.  Read in Mockingbird afterwards.
CIS College Comp:  We will discuss how to make your thesis a universal truth.  Then we will write our Narrative essays.
Myths and Legends:  We will do the Story Notes on "Jack and the Devil's Daughter."  Then there is vocab work and a Tone study to complete.
Young Adult Lit: We are taking a final test on The River today.  Get all work for this book turned in including your vocab study, quizzes, 2 summary sheets, and notes.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Comp I 10th grade: After vocab practice, we will learn how to vary our sentence structure using Items in a Series properly.  Read in To Kill a Mockingbird afterwards.
CIS College Comp I: We will begin drafting our Narrative Essay today.  I want to see your prewriting and "working" thesis statement.  Go here for a list of topics if you are feeling "brain dead" in that department.  :) 50 topics for narrative essays Here is an outline form to use for Prewriting: Outline Form
FORMAT REQUIREMENTS FOR NARRATIVE PAPER ARE ON page 79 and page 782. It is also online here: MLA format for essays

Myths and Legends: We will discuss Windwalker and take story notes on it.  Then we will read "Jack and the Devil's Daughter" and answer questions on that story, looking at the TONE of voice.
Young Adult Lit: We are discussing the Final notes for The River and doing a review.  The Final Test is tomorrow.