week around 5/29/08

This week was a review for the final week where students complete cards for the review game we played today. Tomorrow is the spelling quiz followed by review worksheets and activity. All books should be turned into me by now.

5.19.08

Today we had three major parts to class: first, students turned in their final paper stapled on top of the packet of writing; second, I handout out a newspaper project assignment sheet (see E101 website for details) and went over it completely and more; third, students met with their assigned partner for the project. The project is due Tuesday after Memorial Day.
This Tuesday and Thursday, students must take district assessment tests on Literature and one on Editing. Spelling is still on Friday.

5.13.08

Here is this week: past, present and future, all in one. Monday, we introduce the individual "Romeo and Juliet" writing assignment based upon "blame" for their deaths. The pre-writing chart of 3 character choice and quote supplement was homework, as was getting a parent to sign their updated grade sheet.
Tuesday was the MAP test with no homework.
Wednesday, I took time to go through the schedule for the entire project: DUE Thurs=intro and body 1; DUE Fri. at beginning FROM Thurs. class time=body 2 and 3; DUE Fri by end=conclusion. Each of these must be hand written and according to a modified MEL-Con structure, provided by following the worksheet blanks in their packets.
I also took some time to explain HOW to complete the introduction and body 1 paragraph, in detail, with how to 'sandwich' quotes within a paragraph. After instruction and q/a time, students had 30 min. to work and ask questions individually. Many did; a few did not.
Thursday we will have work time to write; computers will be available only after the pieces (rough draft) are done. The final, typed copy of the paper is due Monday.

5.7.08

Today was a wrap up of the previous two days with the sub (who was wonderful!). We reviewed the quotes after the Act V quiz. I also collected the homework. We discussed ideas from Act V, and then watched about ten minutes of the end of the movie. The test is Friday. Next Tuesday, students will be taking the M.A.P. test once more during the class period. We also have two more assessment tests (writing and editing) coming up, tba. There will be NO spelling quiz this Friday.

Monday/Tuesday

On Monday, students will finish reading Act V of "Romeo and Juliet," completing their study guide questions as well. Here's where all the dramatic angst pulls together to heighten the tragedy and wreak havoc on those around. For Tuesday, students will partner together to complete the quote identification, translation, and significance section and work on p. 915 of the text with similes, metaphors, personification, etc. in "Romeo and Juliet".

week of 4.25-5.2

This has been a long week with much work. We have completed reading and discussing "Romeo and Juliet" through Act IV. The study guide and quotes corresponding to the reading should be finished. In addition, we have 'Stick People' hanging on the back wall, with full character detail. Also, students have a fate/passion/free-will chart that they completed for Friday. Also on Friday, we watched more of the movie after the spelling quiz.

4.25.08

Dear Abby,
I finished Act III in class today, and I get everything, or so says my completed study guide through page 34, with the quotes from Act III, but I still have work to do. My teacher gave us a writing assignment to write a letter as either Romeo or Juliet in which he/she complains and then asks advice. I'm suppose to give advice back as this "Dear Abby" person. Who is Abby any way? Maybe my mom knows. Any ideas on what I can write about?
Sincerely, Overwhelmed-Writer

Dear Overwhelmed,
Writing letters is pretty easy, far better than an essay, don't you think? I suggest you simply consider all the problems that Romeo and Juliet encounter through Act III (as you surely went over in class, ahem...). Choose your character, choose the problem/issue you want to focus on, and the write your letter according to your teacher's requirements. I'm sure you will do well, especially with the advice you will be able to give in the second letter as me.
Sincerely, Abby