November 1, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Hand in your Kite Runner book:

• Remove all sticky notes
• Put your name on the inside front cover, and put the book on my desk.

2. Study Vocabulary List 7 for 5 minutes.

3. Take vocabulary test #7

4. After you finish the test, you have a choice:

• Write your second body paragraph. If you choose to do this, you must not talk to anyone. You may type, but not talk. When you finish the paragraph, read your independent study book.

OR

• Read your independent study book.

Note: The final, perfect draft of the synthesis essay is due Thursday, November 7. No late papers will be accepted.

HW--Read your independent study book for at least 30 minutes this weekend. If you have fallen behind with the synthesis essay, use the weekend to catch up. Next week we begin reading A Long Way Gone. 

October 31, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Editing suggestions from Mrs. Leclaire: Last Chance Dance
Fix your rough draft.

2. 1st and 3rd period: Peer-editing.

Procedure:

• Exchange papers with one person whose feedback you value. Write "Peer-edited by" and sign your name on the top of the other person's paper.
• Read the introduction and body paragraph carefully. Write comments about the following:
• Is the opening sentence an effective eye-catcher? 
• Is the background information adequate? 
• Is the thesis the last sentence of the paragraph? Is it clear, specific,provable, and debatable? Explain.
• Use the half-slip of paper for your comments about body paragraph 1. Staple it to the paper you are editing.
• You will receive 10 points for peer-editing someone else's essay. You will be graded on how thorough, specific, and helpful your comments are.

After reading your peer-editor's comments, get a computer and revise the introduction and first body paragraph to make it stronger. Then, write body paragraph 2. 

HW--Study for vocabulary lesson 7 quiz tomorrow

Bring your reading book for independent reading.

Bring Kite Runner to hand it in.

October 30, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Hand in the introduction and body paragraph 1. (20 points for completion of the assignment.)
I'm handing back your We Don't Need Another Hero paragraphs. Here is how to insert quotes.
Vocabulary Practice--15 minutes in small groups (4 or 5 in a group)

Procedure:

• Select a word from this week's list and use it in the first sentence of a spooky Halloween story. Hand your paper to the student to the right of you. That student will select a second word from the list and use it in the next sentence to the story. You will do the same for the story that is now on your desk, this time using a different word from the list. Keep handing the stories to the right, and continue adding sentences until all 10 words have been used and the story is complete. You must use the words correctly; and you must show that you understand their meaning. 
• Select the best story from your group. Put everyone's name on it, and hand it in. On Halloween--tomorrow--I'll read each group's top story to the class. (Do I even need to remind you? Please make the stories appropriate for the classroom!!)

After 15 minutes, return to your desks. We will then peer-edit the rough drafts. 

Procedure:

• Exchange papers with one person whose feedback you value. Write "Peer-edited by" and sign your name on the top of the other person's paper.
• Read the introduction and body paragraph carefully. Write comments about the following:
• Is the opening sentence an effective eye-catcher? 
• Is the background information adequate? 
• Is the thesis the last sentence of the paragraph? Is it clear, specific,provable, and debatable? Explain.
• Use the half-slip of paper for your comments about body paragraph 1. Staple it to the paper you are editing.
• You will receive 10 points for peer-editing someone else's essay. You will be graded on how thorough, specific, and helpful your comments are.

HW--Study for Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 7 on Friday

Bring your Kite Runner to class tomorrow to turn it in!!

October 29, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Please sit at your assigned desk. We will move the desks into a circle facing the wall after attendance.

1. Write body paragraph #1. Here are directions. Here's a sample. Here's a graphic organizer.
2. Print the introduction and body paragraph 1. Hand it in at the end of the hour. (20 points)

Please do the following as you type:

•      Double-space
•      Put a proper heading at the top of your essay. (Mrs. Makovsky will explain...)

3. If you finish early, create index cards for vocabulary lesson 7. These are due tomorrow.

Put computers and desks away neatly!

HW--Index cards for lesson 7 are due tomorrow.

October 28, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Please sit in your assigned seats for attendance and learning. You may change seats when it's time to write.

1. Thesis revisions. Here is a power point that explains, what is a thesis.
2. Purple sheet: What goes into the introductory paragraph? (Click here for this handout)
3. What goes into the first body paragraph? Here is a sample paragraph from one of Mrs. Leclaire's former students. Let's discuss it.

Writing time. 

1. If necessary, revise your thesis on the yellow handout, turn it in again, and I will give you feedback and points.
2. Take out a computer and write your introductory paragraph.
3. Check your grades and also read the comments I shared with you on Google.docs--the movie versus book lists.
4. Begin writing your first body paragraph.

Homework:

Vocabulary List #7--Index cards are due Wednesday.
Introductory paragraph is due Tuesday (tomorrow)

October 25, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Hand in the Brainstorming and Thesis Worksheet from yesterday (if you haven't already done so.)
2. Study your lesson 6 words for 5 minutes.
3. Take the Vocabulary Lesson 6 quiz.
4. As soon as you finish the test, take out your independent reading book. Enjoy 30 peaceful minutes of reading.

HW--Read your independent study book for at least 30 minutes.

On Monday, we will revise the thesis statements, write the introductory paragraph, and begin writing body paragraph #1. Bring your Kite Runner book and your hero chart to class.

Remember to be in class on time next week. Set the alarm early enough to get everything accomplished before heading to school.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

October 24, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

We need to talk about tardies. Let's review Mrs. Leclaire's tardy policy. Beginning on Monday, I will strictly enforce this policy. If you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings, you will be marked tardy.

We need to talk about class atmosphere. A few reminders about manners

• A friendly "Good morning" is a lovely way to begin the day.
• When Mrs. Makovsky is talking (or when anyone else in the class is talking), please listen.
• When Mrs. Makovsky is talking, please stay in your seat until she is finished.

FOCUS--WRITE AN ESSAY IN WHICH YOU DEFINE WHAT TRULY MAKES A HERO. USE THE KITE RUNNER, A HEROIC STORY OR FILM OF YOUR CHOICE, AND JOSEPH CAMPBELL'S HERO'S JOURNEY TRAITS TO MAKE YOUR ARGUMENT.

1. Take out your hero chart. We will use that to write a thesis for the synthesis essay.
2. Overview of the Multiple Paragraph Essay format
3. Handout: Brainstorming and Thesis Work-space. Complete the worksheet and write your thesis.
4. Get a computer and write your introductory paragraph. (Introductory Paragraph handout)
5. After the introduction, write the topic sentences for each of your body paragraphs.

Here is a sample of a good introductory paragraph from one of last year's students.

What is a thesis? A specific, provable, debatable assertion (not a statement of the obvious)

Assertion: something you state as true

Specific: Your assertion involves a highly focused statement. It needs to be specific enough to prove in a few pages.

Provable: Your assertion can be supported by numerous examples from the text, and at the same time, not flatly contradicted by other examples in the text.

Debatable: Your assertion provokes viable, intelligent arguments on the opposite side and it's not a statement of the obvious. The best thesis digs beneath the obvious stereotypes and observations to something deeper.

Homework: Study for tomorrow's Vocabulary Lesson 6 quiz. Bring your independent study book to class.

October 23, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. 15 minute Vocabulary Review
2. Complete the hero chart, this time adding details on the right side of the page. Put the name of the movie or book you have chosen to write about at the top of page one. (If you have lost your hero chart, click here and print another one.) Turn in the chart at the end of the period.

HW--If possible, view the movie that you have chosen to compare to Kite Runner so that its words and images are vivid in your mind. If you chose a book, please find a copy of it and bring it to class tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will begin the writing process for the synthesis essay. You will need to have The Kite Runner for details and quotations.

October 22, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Please get a computer and sit in your assigned seat.

Today's focus--How to insert direct quotations into an analytic paragraph: Last Chance Dance (Slides 1, 2, and 3)

Assignment
Listen toTina Turner's song, "We Don't Need Another Hero." As you listen, pay close attention to the lyrics.

Handout--"We Don't Need Another Hero"--(Here is a link to the assignment.)

Why doesn't the speaker in this song need a hero?

Answer this question in one fully developed paragraph. Include a topic sentence that clearly answers the question. Support the topic sentence with at least three direct quotes from the song. Introduce and analyze each quote carefully, explaining how it supports your idea.

The paragraph is due at the end of the hour. Print it and place it on Mrs. Makovsky's desk.



HW

1. Create index cards for Vocabulary Lesson 6. Due tomorrow.
2. Think of a movie or a book about a hero that you will compare to a hero in The Kite Runner. Tomorrow, we will complete the hero chart and begin brainstorming the synthesis essay.

October 21, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Meet the Lesson 6 vocabulary words.
2. Finish viewing The Kite Runner film. Complete your T-chart with 5 more entries and send the document to Mrs. Leclaire's gmail address: (kleclaire@lps.k12.co.us)
3. Discuss the Spaceman Spiff paragraphs.

HW

• Create index cards for Vocabulary Lesson 6 words. Due Wednesday.
• Think about a movie or a book about a hero who resembles a hero from The Kite Runner. On Wednesday, we will complete the hero chart, drawing comparisons between your choice of a film or book and The Kite Runner

Overview of the Week:
Tuesday--Learn how to insert quotations. Write a practice paragraph that includes 3 quotations.
Wednesday--Index cards due. Quick vocabulary review. Brainstorm your topic and complete the hero chart.
Thusday--Write your thesis and topic sentences for the synthesis essay.
Friday--Quiz on Vocabulary Lesson 6. Read independent study book.

October 16, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Shortened Period Today!

Continue viewing the Kite Runner film. Today, we won't take the time to use the computers. Enjoy the film, but please think about how it differs from the book.

Next week:
Vocabulary Lesson 6 (a new packet of words!)
Synthesis essay--Comparing a hero from Kite Runner to a hero from another book or film. We will do most of the essay in class, moving carefully through the writing process. You will be given points for completing each stage of the process. The final essay will be a major grade in this class.

HW
Read for at least 30 minutes in your independent study novel.

Enjoy your long weekend!

October 15, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Open yesterday's Kite Runner Film document and continue to note differences between the book and the movie. Pay attention to directorial choices--physical characteristics, deleted scenes, added scenes, casting, etc. Write 5 more entries today and be sure to briefly analyze each one.
2. Check your grades on Infinite Campus and be sure you've made up missing work.
3. PSAT exam tomorrow. If you are taking it, be sure to get a good night's sleep!

HW--Read your independent reading book for 30 minutes.

October 14, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Today's focus: Viewing the film version of The Kite Runner and taking notes about the differences between the movie and the novel in preparation for a writing assignment about the film.

Take out a computer and open Google Docs.

• Make yourself a two-column chart.
• On the left side, make a list of directorial choices that might be significant. What do I mean by directorial choices, you ask? Look for ways the film differs from the novel, such as...
• physical characteristics
• deleted scenes
• added scenes
• casting
• On the right side, analyze why you think these choices have been made and how they affect your interpretation of the story.

(Reminder: Please shut down computers properly and return them to the correct slot in the cart.)

HW
Read your independent study book for 30 minutes.

October 11, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Study vocabulary words for 5 minutes.
2. Clear your desks and take out a pencil. Knock down the vocabulary exam and show it who's the boss.
3. As soon as you finish the exam, enjoy your independent reading book.
4. Please place your Kite Runner annotations on top of your desk so Mrs. Makovsky can give you credit.

HW Spend 30 minutes this weekend reading your independent reading book.

October 10, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Take out your Journey of the Hero chart. Fill in the last two pages, thinking about what happens to Amir in the last chapters of the book. I will collect these charts tomorrow and give you credit for completing them. If you have lost the chart, click here and print another one.
2. Fish Bowl #8--our last one for this novel

HW
Study Vocabulary Lessons 1-5 for tomorrow's mastery test
Be sure you have annotated Kite Runner. Tomorrow I will check annotations for chapters 22-25
Bring your independent study book tomorrow. We will read in class.

Fishbowl #8, Period 1
Fishbowl #8, Period 3
Fishbowl #8, Period 6

October 9, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Vocabulary review day!
1. Spend 5 minutes reviewing your flashcards
2. Practice one round of Apples to Apples
3. Compete. (Every 5 rounds, I'll announce a winner. Mrs. Makovsky will serve as the judge)

A few words about expectations for today's game

• Maintain the standards of the classroom--no inappropriate or off-color comments, no bullying
• Put the desks in order before leaving class
• Above all--the goal is to learn vocabulary in preparation for Friday's mastery exam

Homework--

Read and annotate chapters 24 and 25. Prepare for Fishbowl #8 tomorrow (Thursday)

Study for Friday's vocabulary test, lists 1-5

October 8, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

What stage of the hero's journey do these clips represent?
Simba versus Scar
Batman versus The Joker

How well does Amir fulfill this stage of the hero's journey? Add details about Amir's journey to your hero chart.

HW--Prepare for the final fishbowl on Thursday--Chapters 24-the end
Study your vocabulary words--lessons 1-5

Fishbowl #7, Chapters 22-23, Period 1
Fishbowl #7, Chapters 22-23, Period 3
Fishbowl #7. Chapters 22-23, Period 6

October 7, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

Focus: Writing A Paragraph about a Hero; Incorporating Quotes and Details

1. Calvin and Hobbes cartoon strip. Click here for cartoons that feature Calvin as Spaceman Spiff.
2. Read and study the cartoons. Notice significant details.
3. Take out your hero chart and think about the following question:

Even though he is just a figment of Calvin's imagination, does
Spaceman Spiff display the characteristics of a hero?

For each characteristic, give a quote or a detail from a cartoon that proves your point.

Characteristic______________________________________________________________________

Quote that proves this:_______________________________________________________________

Characteristic______________________________________________________________________

Quote that proves this:_______________________________________________________________

Characteristic______________________________________________________________________

Quote that proves this:_______________________________________________________________

Characteristic______________________________________________________________________

Quote that proves this:_______________________________________________________________

Write a paragraph that answers the above question.

• Begin with a topic sentence that states your idea about Spaceman Spiff as a hero.
• Develop your topic sentence idea by discussing at least three characteristics of the hero and using specific details and quotations from the cartoons as support for your ideas. Be sure to explain how each quote or details proves your point.
• Conclude your paragraph with a punch.

Print the paragraph and hand it in at the end of the hour.

HW--Study Lessons 1-5 for a Mastery Exam on Friday.
Read and Annotate Chapters 22-23 and prepae for tomorrow's Fish Bowl #6.

October 4, 2013: What's happening in English 10?

1. Grades. If you have issues, please write me a note.
2. Study for Vocabulary Quiz #5 (5 minutes)
3. Take Vocabulary Quiz #5 (read directions carefully)
4. Show Mrs. Makovsky your annotations for chapters 19, 20, and 21.
5. Show Mrs. M. your index cards if you haven't done so.
6. Relax with your independent reading book.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Have a safe and fun Homecoming weekend. Take care of each other!!

HW--Read and annotate Chapters 22-23, and prepare for Tuesday's Fish Bowl #7.

October 3, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

1. Mrs. Makovsky's 10 minutes--Chapters 19-20

2. Your 10 minutes--Finish Henry's letter or story and turn it in

3. Fish Bowl #6, Chapter 21 of The Kite Runner

HOMEWORK:

• Study for Vocabulary Lesson 5 quiz and bring your independent reading book to class.
• Read Chapters 22 and 23 for Tuesday and prepare for Fish Bowl #7.

Reminders for Today's Fish Bowl Discussion:

• Everyone should have his or her Kite Runner book and annotations out. This applies to both the outer and inner circles. 
• Reference the text frequently, reading passages aloud and giving people time to find the right page numbers.  
• All participants in the outer circle should include at least one quotation in their blogs to receive full credit. 
• Outer circle participants must participate on the blog throughout the entire discussion; you should not disappear for large periods of time.
• If you haven't read, you should not participate in fishbowl. Instead, use this time to read and post on the blog tonight for homework.
• Group Leaders: Please turn in your syllabus.

Period 1 Fish Bowl Blog

Period 3 Fish Bowl Blog

Period 6 Fish Bowl Blog

October 2, 2013: What's Happening in English 10?

(Late Start Day)

1. Review class policies (stay in seat until bell rings, put computers away properly, no talking when teacher or another student is talking, no bullying, no drinks in classroom, no cell phones or music during class)
2. Discuss yesterday's blog: What went well? What didn't? Mrs. M's 10 minutes about Chapters 19-20.
3. Review Lesson 5 Words (See below*)
4. Index Cards check

Homework: Read and annotate Chapter 21 and prepare for Fish Bowl #6 tomorrow. Study Lesson 5 words for Friday's quiz.

Makeup--If you were absent or didn't participate in yesterday's outer circle:

• You must make up the blog by posting an extended response on that blog that includes at least one quotation from the assigned chapters.  This also applies if you took a day to read instead of participating on the outer circle.  Let Mrs. Makovsky know if you post an extended response so it can be graded.

*Vocabulary Lesson 5 Review: It's a BOY!!!!!

Write something for Henry Leclaire, Mrs. Leclaire’s brand new baby boy. Use the 10 vocabulary words from Lesson 5, and show Henry that you understand each word's meaning.

To make Henry happy, use bright colors, bold pictures, and clear sentences.

Suggestions (Choose one or come up with your own):

1. Tell a story that Henry might enjoy. You could make him the hero. Or you could make Mrs.Leclaire the hero. Base your story on a real memory of Mrs. LeClaire, or jump into a world of fantasy. Make the story appealing to a small child. Illustrate it!
2. Write a letter that welcomes Henry to the world. Add colorful designs or pictures to brighten the page.
3. Create a comic strip that teaches Henry a lesson or makes him smile.
4. Write a nursery rhyme or poem that tells Henry how wonderful life is or how special his mother is. (Or maybe Henry would prefer a rap)
5. Create a top-ten list of reasons that Henry is lucky to have Mrs. Leclaire as his mother. Or a top-ten list of reasons why it's good to be a boy.

Mrs. Makovsky will give you credit for these writing and will take them to Henry next week.

Have fun!