Pre_AP
Students took their second quiz on Lord of the Flies today. After the quiz, we had a short lesson on Robert Frost and the ambiguity of his poetry. Since we are focusing on postmodernism, students received an extra credit opportunity to write a postmodern critique of a Robert Frost poem. Students can choose from "Mending Wall," "Birches," or "Nothing Gold Can Stay" and write a five-paragraph essay (MUST BE TYPED!) analyzing the poem from the postmodern perspective. The essay is due Monday, December 5th.
Homework: Students need to read chapters 6-8 in Lord of the Flies. The next quiz will be on Tuesday, December 6th.
AHSGE Reading Review
In an effort to prepare for next week's graduation exam, we blitzed through all of the standards in class today that the exam covers. Using O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi," students worked through questions that covered each content standard.
A copy of this packet can be downloaded by clicking here.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 29
Today's class focused around the essential questions presented by Lord of the Flies, "Is humanity basically good?" and "What happens to cause a society to break down?" Some of the ideas we focused on included microcosms, utopias, dystopias, and civilization. After discussing adverbs and looking over a reference packet that the students received outlining many baisc grammatical prinicples, we looked in detail at chapter five of Lord of the Flies, and saw why it is the turning point of the novel as a whole.
Homework: Students should study their Words of the Day and review chapters 4-5 of Lord of the Flies for the quiz that they will take tomorrow (November 30th).
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's review class, students spent time on USATest Prep, a service that is offered through the school that gives extra practice for the graduation exam. Several seniors will be taking the exam next week, so students created accounts that would allow them to access the practice service from any computer with an internet connection.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 28th
"Piggy" from Lord of the Flies
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Sorry for not posting last week, but the school's internet was down again. Thankfully, everything seems to be straightened out now.
Pre-AP
In today's class, we reviewed adverbs and how they can be identified and used. We also had two writing assignments that students completed in their journals. To finish out the class, we watched the remainder of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students need to finish reading and reviewing chapters 4-5 of Lord of the Flies (with a special emphasis on chapter 5.) We will have a quiz on Wednesday, November 30th that covers these chapters, the grammar material we've covered in class, and the Words of the Day.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we reviewed the quiz that students took last Tuesday covering the concepts of comparing and contrasting, identifying sequence of events, and summarizing a text adequately. After our review, we finished watching Dead Poets' Society and completed the viewing guide that accompanied the movie.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, November 18th
Pre-AP
Postmodernism and deconstruction dominated today's class discussion. Beginning our notes for William Golding's Lord of the Flies (students are responsible for obtaining their OWN copies of this book!!), we took notes on postmodernism as it manifested itself after WWII. To ensure a complete understanding of LOTF, students need to have a firm grasp of postmodernism and postmodern writing.
Homework: Students should study their notes on postmodernism and begin reading Lord of the Flies. They should have chapters 1-3 finished by Tuesday, November 22nd.
For a copy of the PPT on postmodernism, click here.
(PowerPoint was adapted from http://exchange.guhsd.net/details.php?object_id=513)
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we will review all of the reading concepts that will be on Monday's test.
Postmodernism and deconstruction dominated today's class discussion. Beginning our notes for William Golding's Lord of the Flies (students are responsible for obtaining their OWN copies of this book!!), we took notes on postmodernism as it manifested itself after WWII. To ensure a complete understanding of LOTF, students need to have a firm grasp of postmodernism and postmodern writing.
Homework: Students should study their notes on postmodernism and begin reading Lord of the Flies. They should have chapters 1-3 finished by Tuesday, November 22nd.
For a copy of the PPT on postmodernism, click here.
(PowerPoint was adapted from http://exchange.guhsd.net/details.php?object_id=513)
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we will review all of the reading concepts that will be on Monday's test.
Wednesday and Thursday, November 16th and 17th
Pre-AP
In Wednesday and Thursday's class, we finished our discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird and reviewed all of our grammar concepts for the Unit Test that we took on Thursday.
AHSGE Reading Review
Sequence of Events and Functional Literacy were the objects of our focus in Wednesday and Thursday's class.
Homework: Students should review over all notes for a concept test on Monday, November 21st.
In Wednesday and Thursday's class, we finished our discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird and reviewed all of our grammar concepts for the Unit Test that we took on Thursday.
AHSGE Reading Review
Sequence of Events and Functional Literacy were the objects of our focus in Wednesday and Thursday's class.
Homework: Students should review over all notes for a concept test on Monday, November 21st.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, November 15th
Pre-AP
In today's class, students took their fourth quiz on To Kill a Mockingbird. They also completed a characterization activity where they created an acrostic poem using the name of one of the main characters. These poems paint an accurate picture of the characters as we read them in the book.
Homework: Students need to look back over all notes that they have taken or been given during our study of To Kill a Mockingbird. Their unit test will be on Thursday. It will cover the grammar white pages, commas, colons, semi-colons, the subjunctive mood, active vs. passive voice, the Harper Lee notes, Words of the Day, and all of the action of the novel.
Remember: a great grammar resource can be found by going to http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
AHSGE Reading Review
Sequence of events dominated the discussion today. After discussing sequence of events,students had several pieces of literature to read, and several questions which measured their grasp of sequence of events.
In today's class, students took their fourth quiz on To Kill a Mockingbird. They also completed a characterization activity where they created an acrostic poem using the name of one of the main characters. These poems paint an accurate picture of the characters as we read them in the book.
Homework: Students need to look back over all notes that they have taken or been given during our study of To Kill a Mockingbird. Their unit test will be on Thursday. It will cover the grammar white pages, commas, colons, semi-colons, the subjunctive mood, active vs. passive voice, the Harper Lee notes, Words of the Day, and all of the action of the novel.
Remember: a great grammar resource can be found by going to http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
AHSGE Reading Review
Sequence of events dominated the discussion today. After discussing sequence of events,students had several pieces of literature to read, and several questions which measured their grasp of sequence of events.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 14th
Pre-AP
Coming back from Veteran's Day, we hit the ground running to finish out our time in To Kill a Mockingbird. After a discussion on active and passive voice, students did several activities to ensure that they understood the concept. Then, as a class, we covered several important passages in the last part of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students need to ensure that they understand active and passive voice. They also need to study their Words of the Day and finish reading To Kill a Mockinbird for their quiz tomorrow. Also, students need to look back over all notes that they have taken or been given during our study of To Kill a Mockingbird. Their unit test will be on Thursday. It will cover, the grammar white pages, commas, colons, semi-colons, the subjunctive mood, active vs. passive voice, the Harper Lee notes, Words of the Day, and all of the action of the novel.
Remember: a great grammar resource can be found by going to http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we discussed the difference between summarizing and paraphrasing. Students broke into groups and read several Cherokee creation myths. Then, as a group, students had to present the stories to the class. This was an exercise to prove the importance and ease of paraphrasing, a skill vital to a student's reading comprehension ability.
Coming back from Veteran's Day, we hit the ground running to finish out our time in To Kill a Mockingbird. After a discussion on active and passive voice, students did several activities to ensure that they understood the concept. Then, as a class, we covered several important passages in the last part of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students need to ensure that they understand active and passive voice. They also need to study their Words of the Day and finish reading To Kill a Mockinbird for their quiz tomorrow. Also, students need to look back over all notes that they have taken or been given during our study of To Kill a Mockingbird. Their unit test will be on Thursday. It will cover, the grammar white pages, commas, colons, semi-colons, the subjunctive mood, active vs. passive voice, the Harper Lee notes, Words of the Day, and all of the action of the novel.
Remember: a great grammar resource can be found by going to http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we discussed the difference between summarizing and paraphrasing. Students broke into groups and read several Cherokee creation myths. Then, as a group, students had to present the stories to the class. This was an exercise to prove the importance and ease of paraphrasing, a skill vital to a student's reading comprehension ability.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday and Thursday, November 9th and 10th
Sorry for yesterday's non-posting! Our internet was down! Have a great Veteran's Day!
Pre-AP
In Wednesday's class, we discussed the importance of being able to wield our words well, and the fact that our writing needs to be clear, concise, and say exactly what we are trying to say. In this vein, we completed a sentence manipulation exercise where students were asked to choose a sentence from a paragraph they were given and manipulate it in certain ways.
We also began a discussion of active and passive voice, which we concluded in Thursday's class. For a good explanation of active vs. passive voice, you can click here.
Homework: Students need to finish reading chapters 22-31 (the end of the book) in To Kill a Mockingbird. They also need to study their Words of the Day, the active and passive voice, and all of their notes on To Kill a Mockingbird. Looking to the future, students need to study all of their notes that we've taken in this unit. We will have the comprehensive unit test on Thursday, November 17th.
AHSGE Reading Review
In Wednesday's class, we began a comparison/contrasting activity where we read through parts of Romeo and Juliet and watched Simon Birch and compared the two. As an exercise in literary analysis, in this activity students look beyond the surface differences of the two stories and begin to draw connections between their plot and the main characters.
In Thursday's class, students finished Simon Birch and took a test on the literary elements that we studied. (Freytag's triangle, figurative language, plot, etc.)
Pre-AP
In Wednesday's class, we discussed the importance of being able to wield our words well, and the fact that our writing needs to be clear, concise, and say exactly what we are trying to say. In this vein, we completed a sentence manipulation exercise where students were asked to choose a sentence from a paragraph they were given and manipulate it in certain ways.
We also began a discussion of active and passive voice, which we concluded in Thursday's class. For a good explanation of active vs. passive voice, you can click here.
Homework: Students need to finish reading chapters 22-31 (the end of the book) in To Kill a Mockingbird. They also need to study their Words of the Day, the active and passive voice, and all of their notes on To Kill a Mockingbird. Looking to the future, students need to study all of their notes that we've taken in this unit. We will have the comprehensive unit test on Thursday, November 17th.
AHSGE Reading Review
In Wednesday's class, we began a comparison/contrasting activity where we read through parts of Romeo and Juliet and watched Simon Birch and compared the two. As an exercise in literary analysis, in this activity students look beyond the surface differences of the two stories and begin to draw connections between their plot and the main characters.
In Thursday's class, students finished Simon Birch and took a test on the literary elements that we studied. (Freytag's triangle, figurative language, plot, etc.)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday and Tuesday, November 7th and 8th
Pre-AP
In preparation for Tuesday's quiz, on Monday we read through Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell, and Tom Robinson's testimony in the courtroom scene of To Kill a Mockingbird (found in chapters 17-18). We also discussed the subjunctive, imperative, and indicative mood as they relate to subject-verb agreement. (For quick grammar hints, students can access http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ and find many helpful grammar tips there.)
Homework: Students need to finish the "Bucket List" activity that we began in class. It is due tomorrow (Wednesday, November 9th). Students should also begin reading Chapter 22-31 of To Kill a Mockingbird (through the end of the book).
For a copy of the "Bucket List" activity, click here.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished a discussion on figurative language and Freytag's triangle on Monday. On Tuesday, we read through a selection entitled "The Most Dangerous Game" and analyzed it by comparison and contrasting; we compared one of the story's main characters, General Zaroff, to the main character in The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen.
Tomorrow, we will have a test covering figurative language, Freytag's triangle, plot, comparing and contrasting, and cause and effect. Students should read over their notes that relate to these topics.
In preparation for Tuesday's quiz, on Monday we read through Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell, and Tom Robinson's testimony in the courtroom scene of To Kill a Mockingbird (found in chapters 17-18). We also discussed the subjunctive, imperative, and indicative mood as they relate to subject-verb agreement. (For quick grammar hints, students can access http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ and find many helpful grammar tips there.)
Homework: Students need to finish the "Bucket List" activity that we began in class. It is due tomorrow (Wednesday, November 9th). Students should also begin reading Chapter 22-31 of To Kill a Mockingbird (through the end of the book).
For a copy of the "Bucket List" activity, click here.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished a discussion on figurative language and Freytag's triangle on Monday. On Tuesday, we read through a selection entitled "The Most Dangerous Game" and analyzed it by comparison and contrasting; we compared one of the story's main characters, General Zaroff, to the main character in The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen.
Tomorrow, we will have a test covering figurative language, Freytag's triangle, plot, comparing and contrasting, and cause and effect. Students should read over their notes that relate to these topics.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday, November 4th
Reauxll Tide Reauxll
Pre-AP
In today's class, we studied about subject-verb agreement. All of our notes came from pages 166-179 of Elements of Language. We also watched and analyzed Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, discussing how it shows the true nature of prejudice and racism in the country at the time. Finally, we continued reading through Tom Robinson's trial in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students need to finish chapters 12-21 of To Kill a Mockingbird for the test on Tuesday, November 8th. They also need to study all of their comma rules, semi-colon rules, colon rules, and subject-verb agreement rules. Finally, they also need to be familiar with their Words of the Day and all of the "Grammar Rules" they received at the beginning of class each day.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class we learned about figurative language and Freytag's Triangle. If you missed class today, you need to be sure to get the notes from a classmate you trust.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thursday, November 3rd
Pre-AP
In today's class, we discussed how to use semi-colons and colons. We also completed a graded activity to ensure comprehension of these two types of punctuation. Following this, we started analzying the trial of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students should complete the comma practice, found on page 766 of their grammar textbook, if they did not complete it in-class. Students should also finish reading through chapter 21 of To Kill a Mockingbird in preparation for their quiz on Tuesday. Also for the quiz, students need to make sure they understand how to use commas, colons, and semicolons; they need to understand the subjunctive mood; they also need to know all of their Words of the Day and grammar rules.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, our school's senior counselor, Mrs. Coleman, came and talked to the class about college preparation, as well as take-taking skills. We also began discussing figurative language.
In today's class, we discussed how to use semi-colons and colons. We also completed a graded activity to ensure comprehension of these two types of punctuation. Following this, we started analzying the trial of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students should complete the comma practice, found on page 766 of their grammar textbook, if they did not complete it in-class. Students should also finish reading through chapter 21 of To Kill a Mockingbird in preparation for their quiz on Tuesday. Also for the quiz, students need to make sure they understand how to use commas, colons, and semicolons; they need to understand the subjunctive mood; they also need to know all of their Words of the Day and grammar rules.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, our school's senior counselor, Mrs. Coleman, came and talked to the class about college preparation, as well as take-taking skills. We also began discussing figurative language.
Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1st and 2nd
Pre-AP
We are hitting the heart of To Kill a Mockingbird now, and we are making sure that we aren't missing any of the symbolism with which Lee filled her novel. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we had extra practice on comma and appostrophe usage, and then spent our time analyzing chapters 12-16 of TKAM. We used several of the devices off of the "grammar white pages" to see how Lee makes her story come to life.
Homework: Students should complete the comma practice, found on page 766 of their grammar textbook, if they did not complete it in-class. Students should also finish reading through chapter 21 of To Kill a Mockingbird in preparation for their quiz on Tuesday. Also for the quiz, students need to make sure they understand how to use commas, colons, and semicolons; they need to understand the subjunctive mood; they also need to know all of their Words of the Day and grammar rules.
AHSGE Reading Review
In these days' classes, we finished up talking about propaganda, fallacious thinking, and fact vs. opinion. We did several activities making sure we understood these concepts.
We also review how to find main ideas (directly stated and implied), how to find supporting details, and how to summarize a passage adequately.
We are hitting the heart of To Kill a Mockingbird now, and we are making sure that we aren't missing any of the symbolism with which Lee filled her novel. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we had extra practice on comma and appostrophe usage, and then spent our time analyzing chapters 12-16 of TKAM. We used several of the devices off of the "grammar white pages" to see how Lee makes her story come to life.
Homework: Students should complete the comma practice, found on page 766 of their grammar textbook, if they did not complete it in-class. Students should also finish reading through chapter 21 of To Kill a Mockingbird in preparation for their quiz on Tuesday. Also for the quiz, students need to make sure they understand how to use commas, colons, and semicolons; they need to understand the subjunctive mood; they also need to know all of their Words of the Day and grammar rules.
AHSGE Reading Review
In these days' classes, we finished up talking about propaganda, fallacious thinking, and fact vs. opinion. We did several activities making sure we understood these concepts.
We also review how to find main ideas (directly stated and implied), how to find supporting details, and how to summarize a passage adequately.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 31st
Happy Halloween!
Pre-AP
In today's class, we took our second quiz on To Kill a Mockingbird, that also included everything we discussed in class over the past week and a half. We also discussed the horror genre, reading through works by Edgar Allen Poe and Mark Twain, as well listening to a tale by Alfred Hitchcock.
Homework: Students need to begin reading chapters 12-21. We will have another quiz on these chapters as well as the other class content we cover on Tuesday, November 8th.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we took a quiz on propaganda. We also began talking about fact vs. opinion and logical fallacies. For notes that deal with these subjects, please reference the posts from last week, where electronic copies of these notes can be found.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Friday, October 28th
Pre-AP
In today's class, we went over the rules for using commas and apostrophes. We also finished discussing the last section of To Kill a Mockingbird that the students are required to read before the test.
Homework: Students need to study their Words of the Day, grammar "white pages," and comma/apostrophe worksheets, as well as finishing read Chapters 8 through 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird and looking over their Harper Lee notes. The test on this section of the book and notes will be on Monday, October 31st.
For a copy of the comma worksheet, click here.
For a copy of the apostrophe worksheet, click here.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished our discussion of propaganda, fallacy, and fact vs. opinion today.
For a complete list of notes, Powerpoint Presentations, and handouts, please refer to the blog post from Tuesday, October 25th.
In today's class, we went over the rules for using commas and apostrophes. We also finished discussing the last section of To Kill a Mockingbird that the students are required to read before the test.
Homework: Students need to study their Words of the Day, grammar "white pages," and comma/apostrophe worksheets, as well as finishing read Chapters 8 through 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird and looking over their Harper Lee notes. The test on this section of the book and notes will be on Monday, October 31st.
For a copy of the comma worksheet, click here.
For a copy of the apostrophe worksheet, click here.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished our discussion of propaganda, fallacy, and fact vs. opinion today.
For a complete list of notes, Powerpoint Presentations, and handouts, please refer to the blog post from Tuesday, October 25th.
Thursday, October 27th
Pre-AP
In today's class, we finished discussing and presenting all of the concepts found on the grammar "white pages." (See yesterday's post.)
We also began a discussion of Chapter 9 and 10 in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students need to study their Words of the Day and Grammar "white pages," as well as finishing read Chapters 8 through 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird and looking over their Harper Lee notes. The test on this section of the book and notes will be on Monday, October 31st.
AHSGE Reading Review
We continued our discussion of propaganda and fallacy today, and we watched part of a movie entitled August Rush to determine whether or not it is propaganda.
In today's class, we finished discussing and presenting all of the concepts found on the grammar "white pages." (See yesterday's post.)
We also began a discussion of Chapter 9 and 10 in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Homework: Students need to study their Words of the Day and Grammar "white pages," as well as finishing read Chapters 8 through 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird and looking over their Harper Lee notes. The test on this section of the book and notes will be on Monday, October 31st.
AHSGE Reading Review
We continued our discussion of propaganda and fallacy today, and we watched part of a movie entitled August Rush to determine whether or not it is propaganda.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 26th
Pre-AP
Grammar, grammar, grammar! Even though this is an often ill-sought after subject, our class centers around grammar's importance in our everyday life. This is also an issue in the novel we are reading, To Kill a Mockingbird, and whether or not someone speaks proper grammar says a lot about their character and upbringing.
This being the case, we spent a lot of time in class today on several close-reading devices that, when used properly, help to increase our understanding of the works that we are reading and writing about.
A copy of the grammar "white pages" that we used for the lesson in class today can be found by...
Clicking here for page 1
Clicking here for page 2
Homework: Students need to familiarize themselves with all of the terms on the grammar "white pages" and finish reading chapters 8-11 in To Kill a Mockingbird, to get prepared for the test on Monday, October 31st. (Please note, this test has been moved to Monday. It was originally scheduled for Friday, October 28th.)
AHSGE Reading Review
We continued our propaganda lesson that we began yesterday, watching several different examples of WW II propaganda and modern-day propaganda.
For a copy of any of the notes and documents related to this lesson, please see the blog post for Tuesday, October 25th. We will have a propaganda quiz on Friday.
Grammar, grammar, grammar! Even though this is an often ill-sought after subject, our class centers around grammar's importance in our everyday life. This is also an issue in the novel we are reading, To Kill a Mockingbird, and whether or not someone speaks proper grammar says a lot about their character and upbringing.
This being the case, we spent a lot of time in class today on several close-reading devices that, when used properly, help to increase our understanding of the works that we are reading and writing about.
A copy of the grammar "white pages" that we used for the lesson in class today can be found by...
Clicking here for page 1
Clicking here for page 2
Homework: Students need to familiarize themselves with all of the terms on the grammar "white pages" and finish reading chapters 8-11 in To Kill a Mockingbird, to get prepared for the test on Monday, October 31st. (Please note, this test has been moved to Monday. It was originally scheduled for Friday, October 28th.)
AHSGE Reading Review
We continued our propaganda lesson that we began yesterday, watching several different examples of WW II propaganda and modern-day propaganda.
For a copy of any of the notes and documents related to this lesson, please see the blog post for Tuesday, October 25th. We will have a propaganda quiz on Friday.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 25th
Pre-AP English
In today's class we talked about several things. First, in our grammar starter, we discussed figurative language such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole. Then, we went over notes about Harper Lee and how her early life influenced the events of To Kill a Mockingbird. Finally, we ended the class by conducting a close-reading on chapter 8 of TKAM.
The prezi presentation about Harper Lee can be found by clicking here.
Homework: Review the "white pages" and begin memorizing the terms found on them. (I should have an electronic copy of these posted on the blog this week. All students should have a hard copy of them as well.) Begin reading further in TKAM. Students will have a quiz on chapters 8-11 on Friday.
AHSGE Reading Review
Today we started the class by taking a test on main ideas, supporting details, and summaries. Then, we began our unit on propaganda, a student-favorite. For the rest of the week, we will be reviewing and referring to the notes that we start today. The notes, partially filled in, can be found below. The PowerPoint presentations that we will be using to fill in the rest of the notes can also be found below.
We will have a test on propaganda on Friday of this week.
Propadanda Notes click here
Propaganda PPT click here
Fact vs opinion PPT click here
Fallacy wkst click here
In today's class we talked about several things. First, in our grammar starter, we discussed figurative language such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole. Then, we went over notes about Harper Lee and how her early life influenced the events of To Kill a Mockingbird. Finally, we ended the class by conducting a close-reading on chapter 8 of TKAM.
The prezi presentation about Harper Lee can be found by clicking here.
Homework: Review the "white pages" and begin memorizing the terms found on them. (I should have an electronic copy of these posted on the blog this week. All students should have a hard copy of them as well.) Begin reading further in TKAM. Students will have a quiz on chapters 8-11 on Friday.
AHSGE Reading Review
Today we started the class by taking a test on main ideas, supporting details, and summaries. Then, we began our unit on propaganda, a student-favorite. For the rest of the week, we will be reviewing and referring to the notes that we start today. The notes, partially filled in, can be found below. The PowerPoint presentations that we will be using to fill in the rest of the notes can also be found below.
We will have a test on propaganda on Friday of this week.
Propadanda Notes click here
Propaganda PPT click here
Fact vs opinion PPT click here
Fallacy wkst click here
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 24th
Pre-AP
After a very busy homecoming week last week, in which we began our journey into To Kill a Mockingbird, we started off our day with a quiz on the first seven chapters of the book. After the quiz, we began a review of several grammatical concepts that most of the students learned in middle school. Each student should have a copy of the "grammar white pages" that the class received today.
Homework: Review the "white pages" and begin memorizing the terms found on them. Begin reading further in TKAM. Students will have a quiz on chapters 8-11 on Friday.
AHSGE Reading Review
Today we are discussing predictions and generalizations and practicing the concept through several different mediums.
A copy of the prediction and generalization notes can be found by clicking here.
Tomorrow, the class will have a quiz on main ideas, supporting details, and adequate summary.
After a very busy homecoming week last week, in which we began our journey into To Kill a Mockingbird, we started off our day with a quiz on the first seven chapters of the book. After the quiz, we began a review of several grammatical concepts that most of the students learned in middle school. Each student should have a copy of the "grammar white pages" that the class received today.
Homework: Review the "white pages" and begin memorizing the terms found on them. Begin reading further in TKAM. Students will have a quiz on chapters 8-11 on Friday.
AHSGE Reading Review
Today we are discussing predictions and generalizations and practicing the concept through several different mediums.
A copy of the prediction and generalization notes can be found by clicking here.
Tomorrow, the class will have a quiz on main ideas, supporting details, and adequate summary.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 18th
Pre-AP
We finished our discussion today about the central themes and issues related to To Kill a Mockingbird. We also started taking notes on the background of TKAM. Our discussion today revolved around the case of the Scottsboro Boys, a court case around which much of the story of TKAM is based.
Our prezi notes for the case can be found by clicking here.
AHSGE Reading Review
Today we discussed main ideas and how to identify them when they are directly stated and when they are implied.
A copy of the notes for finding main ideas can be downloaded by clicking here.
We finished our discussion today about the central themes and issues related to To Kill a Mockingbird. We also started taking notes on the background of TKAM. Our discussion today revolved around the case of the Scottsboro Boys, a court case around which much of the story of TKAM is based.
Our prezi notes for the case can be found by clicking here.
AHSGE Reading Review
Today we discussed main ideas and how to identify them when they are directly stated and when they are implied.
A copy of the notes for finding main ideas can be downloaded by clicking here.
Monday, October 17th
Pre-AP
In our pre-AP class today, we began talking about the central themes and issues of To Kill a Mockingbird. The class went through several statements that reveal the themes and issues dealt with in the book, and helped students see that what they will read about is very relevant to many issues going on today.
Students also received their unit test, midterm, and research paper grades.
Homework: Student must have chapters 1-7 of TKAM read by Thursday.
AHSGE Reading Review
We started a new class today by having a discussion about the state of education in Alabama. We then watched a documentary about the Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota, and the difficulties that they have to overcome every day in order to receive an education and break the poverty cycle that is so prevelant there.
We learned that there is no excuse for someone who wants to receive an education in our area not to get one.
In our pre-AP class today, we began talking about the central themes and issues of To Kill a Mockingbird. The class went through several statements that reveal the themes and issues dealt with in the book, and helped students see that what they will read about is very relevant to many issues going on today.
Students also received their unit test, midterm, and research paper grades.
Homework: Student must have chapters 1-7 of TKAM read by Thursday.
AHSGE Reading Review
We started a new class today by having a discussion about the state of education in Alabama. We then watched a documentary about the Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota, and the difficulties that they have to overcome every day in order to receive an education and break the poverty cycle that is so prevelant there.
We learned that there is no excuse for someone who wants to receive an education in our area not to get one.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday, October 13th and Friday, October 14th
Pre-AP
It's midterm time! On Thursday, fourth block is taking the mid-term. On Friday, first block will take the mid-term.
On the day that each block is not taking the midterm, we will be assigning the book To Kill a Mockingbird to each student so that the students can go ahead and begin reading the book over the weekend.
AHSGE Reading Review
On Thursday, October 13th, the class will be taking the final exam for the term.
On Friday, October 14th, we will be wrapping up everything we did in the class.
It's midterm time! On Thursday, fourth block is taking the mid-term. On Friday, first block will take the mid-term.
On the day that each block is not taking the midterm, we will be assigning the book To Kill a Mockingbird to each student so that the students can go ahead and begin reading the book over the weekend.
AHSGE Reading Review
On Thursday, October 13th, the class will be taking the final exam for the term.
On Friday, October 14th, we will be wrapping up everything we did in the class.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 12th
Pre-AP
We spent most of our day today reviewing for this week's midterms.
For the rest of the class period, we began reading through the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" to find examples of the grammatical phrases and sound devices that will be on the midterm.1
For a copy of the midterm study guide, click here.
1st block's midterm will be on Friday, October 14th.
4th block's midterm will be on Thursday, October 13th.
AHSGE Reading Review
In part of today's class, we finished Stand and Deliver and took a quiz on the movie's plot.
We finished out the class by going over a study guide for tomorrow's midterm.
For a copy of this study guide, click here.
We spent most of our day today reviewing for this week's midterms.
For the rest of the class period, we began reading through the short story "The Most Dangerous Game" to find examples of the grammatical phrases and sound devices that will be on the midterm.1
For a copy of the midterm study guide, click here.
1st block's midterm will be on Friday, October 14th.
4th block's midterm will be on Thursday, October 13th.
AHSGE Reading Review
In part of today's class, we finished Stand and Deliver and took a quiz on the movie's plot.
We finished out the class by going over a study guide for tomorrow's midterm.
For a copy of this study guide, click here.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Friday, October 7th
I hope everyone has a fantastic Fall Break!!
Don't forget to look over all your notes to prepare for midterms next week!
The midterm schedule is...
Thursday, October 13th-- 3rd and 4th block
Friday, October 14th-- 1st and 2nd block
Please email me (jlray@tcss.net) if you have any questions!
Don't forget to look over all your notes to prepare for midterms next week!
The midterm schedule is...
Thursday, October 13th-- 3rd and 4th block
Friday, October 14th-- 1st and 2nd block
Please email me (jlray@tcss.net) if you have any questions!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, October 6th
Pre-AP
Today we took the unit test on The Odyssey, which also included everything else we've covered in this unit, including grammar, words of the day, and classical god identification.
Homework: Students should begin reviewing over all of their notes to prepare for the midterm. For 1st block, the midterm will be on Friday, October 14th. For 4th block it will be on Thursday, October 13th.
You can download a copy of the study guide by clicking here.
AHSGE Reading Review
We continued our discussion on education in America today. First, we took a quiz on Freedom Writers, then we began watching Stand and Deliver.
Today we took the unit test on The Odyssey, which also included everything else we've covered in this unit, including grammar, words of the day, and classical god identification.
Homework: Students should begin reviewing over all of their notes to prepare for the midterm. For 1st block, the midterm will be on Friday, October 14th. For 4th block it will be on Thursday, October 13th.
You can download a copy of the study guide by clicking here.
AHSGE Reading Review
We continued our discussion on education in America today. First, we took a quiz on Freedom Writers, then we began watching Stand and Deliver.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wednesday, October 5th
Pre-AP
While reading through a story or poem, advanced readers will be able to identify three different levels of meaning in the story. The first level is surface-level reading or reading for facts and details. The second level is analytical reading or reading for linguistic or symbolic meaning. The final level is thematic reading, where the reader tries to connect what he or she finds in the text to a larger, universal truth or piece of knowledge.
We analyzed parts of The Odyssey this way in class today, in preparation for the unit test, which is tomorrow. We also reviewed the meaning of different kinds of sound devices and phrases that authors can use to achieve certain literary purposes.
Homework: Students should re-read The Odyssey and study all notes, previous quizzes, and words of the day in preparation for tomorrow's test.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished Freedom Writers today and took a quiz on the movie's plot. We then had a discussion on the movie's portrayal of America's educational philosophy, and discussed whether or not this is true in our present situation.
While reading through a story or poem, advanced readers will be able to identify three different levels of meaning in the story. The first level is surface-level reading or reading for facts and details. The second level is analytical reading or reading for linguistic or symbolic meaning. The final level is thematic reading, where the reader tries to connect what he or she finds in the text to a larger, universal truth or piece of knowledge.
We analyzed parts of The Odyssey this way in class today, in preparation for the unit test, which is tomorrow. We also reviewed the meaning of different kinds of sound devices and phrases that authors can use to achieve certain literary purposes.
Homework: Students should re-read The Odyssey and study all notes, previous quizzes, and words of the day in preparation for tomorrow's test.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished Freedom Writers today and took a quiz on the movie's plot. We then had a discussion on the movie's portrayal of America's educational philosophy, and discussed whether or not this is true in our present situation.
Tuesday, October 4th
Pre-AP
Today we took the quiz on Part 4 of The Odyssey. After the quiz, we went over the answers to the Word of the Day quiz and the part 3 quiz from last week. By tomorrow, students should have all previous quizzes so that they can study for the unit test on The Odyssey which will take place on Thursday.
Homework: Students should re-read The Odyssey and study all notes, previous quizzes, and words of the day to prepare for the unit test.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we began watching a movie entitled Freedom Writers. We are continuing an emphasis on education in America, discussing whether or not the American Dream, accessible through education, is available to everyone equally.
Today we took the quiz on Part 4 of The Odyssey. After the quiz, we went over the answers to the Word of the Day quiz and the part 3 quiz from last week. By tomorrow, students should have all previous quizzes so that they can study for the unit test on The Odyssey which will take place on Thursday.
Homework: Students should re-read The Odyssey and study all notes, previous quizzes, and words of the day to prepare for the unit test.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we began watching a movie entitled Freedom Writers. We are continuing an emphasis on education in America, discussing whether or not the American Dream, accessible through education, is available to everyone equally.
Monday, October 3rd
Pre-AP
Welcome to Fall Break week! In today's class, we finished up our close-reading of The Odyssey by reading through part 4 with an emphasis on Penelope's unusual role as a heroine and the symbolism that Homer uses to portray the wastefulness of death and the longevity of true love.
Homework: Students should re-read through Part 4 of The Odyssey in preparation for the part 4 quiz tomorrow.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we learned about college readiness. After exploring the website of different colleges, students went to the library's computer labs and explored the website of a college of their choice, writing down that college's admission requirements.
Welcome to Fall Break week! In today's class, we finished up our close-reading of The Odyssey by reading through part 4 with an emphasis on Penelope's unusual role as a heroine and the symbolism that Homer uses to portray the wastefulness of death and the longevity of true love.
Homework: Students should re-read through Part 4 of The Odyssey in preparation for the part 4 quiz tomorrow.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we learned about college readiness. After exploring the website of different colleges, students went to the library's computer labs and explored the website of a college of their choice, writing down that college's admission requirements.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 30
In today's class we took the third, successive quiz on The Odyssey. Students were measured on their understanding of the plot as well as their analysis of the symbols that Homer uses in the poem. They were also tested on their knowledge of heroic convention.
To further embed these heroic ideals, after students finished the test we watched a few minutes of Disney's Pinocchio as talked about the fact that, although it is not usually considered an epic, that by the epic conventions we discussed in class, it is a classical epic story.
Homework: Students should read through Part 4 of The Odyssey (page 1009-1018 in the textbook) and be prepared for the fourth quiz on this poem on Tuesday, October 4th.
AHSGE Reading Review
It's interview day! Ryan Saxby, manager of the Tuscaloosa area Chick-Fil-A stores; Rick Harbin, an accountant; Preston Robertson, an insurance adjuster; and Leah Tollison, a teacher here at Hillcrest, are all coming into class to interview our students. Students have been working on resumes all week, and are coming to class today ready to be hired! (Theoretically of course :) )
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, September 29
Pre-AP
In today's class, we took our word of the day quiz, covering all words of the day that we have discussed in class thusfar. Afterwards, we also completed a close reading of part three of The Odyssey. Within that reading, we discussed how hospitality played a major role in the lives and everyday-behavior of the ancients, and how it drove some of the action in the story. We also discussed the heroic light in which Homer casts Penelope. All of this discussion and reading is in preparation for tomorrow's quiz on this part of The Odyssey.
Homework: Re-read and review part three of The Odyssey (pages 995-1006) in preparation for tomorrow's test.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished watching Waiting for Superman today and had a class discussion about tenure laws and graduation examinations.
Homework: Students need to finish their typed, professional resumes and bring a copy with them to class tomorrow. Students also must "dress up" for their mock-interviews tomorrow. For guys, at least wear a polo-type shirt tucked into dress pants with dress shoes. For girls, either a dress skirt or dress pants need to be worn along with closed-toed shoes and a dress shirt or blouse.
In today's class, we took our word of the day quiz, covering all words of the day that we have discussed in class thusfar. Afterwards, we also completed a close reading of part three of The Odyssey. Within that reading, we discussed how hospitality played a major role in the lives and everyday-behavior of the ancients, and how it drove some of the action in the story. We also discussed the heroic light in which Homer casts Penelope. All of this discussion and reading is in preparation for tomorrow's quiz on this part of The Odyssey.
Homework: Re-read and review part three of The Odyssey (pages 995-1006) in preparation for tomorrow's test.
AHSGE Reading Review
We finished watching Waiting for Superman today and had a class discussion about tenure laws and graduation examinations.
Homework: Students need to finish their typed, professional resumes and bring a copy with them to class tomorrow. Students also must "dress up" for their mock-interviews tomorrow. For guys, at least wear a polo-type shirt tucked into dress pants with dress shoes. For girls, either a dress skirt or dress pants need to be worn along with closed-toed shoes and a dress shirt or blouse.
Wednesday, September 28
Pre-AP
In today's class we split our time between learning about pronoun-antecedent agreement and The Odyssey: Part 2. Using our annotation skills from yesterday, we discussed how to annotate fiction and went through the second part of The Odyssey together to make sure that we understand both annotation and The Odyssey itself.
Homework: Read through The Odyssey: Part 3 in preparation for the test on Friday. Also, students should study all of their words of the day in preparation for the word of the day test Thursday.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we reviewed about resumes and interview skills. We also started watching a documentary about education in America called Waiting for Superman. Students were encouraged to express their opinions about the content of the movie, as much as they saw.
Homework: Students should finish their professional resumes in preparation for the mock interviews that we will have in class on Friday.
In today's class we split our time between learning about pronoun-antecedent agreement and The Odyssey: Part 2. Using our annotation skills from yesterday, we discussed how to annotate fiction and went through the second part of The Odyssey together to make sure that we understand both annotation and The Odyssey itself.
Homework: Read through The Odyssey: Part 3 in preparation for the test on Friday. Also, students should study all of their words of the day in preparation for the word of the day test Thursday.
AHSGE Reading Review
In today's class, we reviewed about resumes and interview skills. We also started watching a documentary about education in America called Waiting for Superman. Students were encouraged to express their opinions about the content of the movie, as much as they saw.
Homework: Students should finish their professional resumes in preparation for the mock interviews that we will have in class on Friday.
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