Friday, December 14, 2012

Week of December 17, 2012

9th Grade English: Students will be reading, interpreting, and analyzing the novel.  They will be responsible for identifying and applying literary elements and devices.  The goal is to have students reading proficiently on grade level. 

9th Grade Academic: The analysis of Poe's short story will be applied to creating a movie trailer for it.  They will need to modernize the story, applying theme, including elements/devices of the horror story, and the necessary elements needed to create the trailer.  Students will need to create a storyboard which will include dialogue, transitions, camera angles/shots, time, characters, and costumes.  The students will be working in groups.  They will film, edit, and produce the movie trailer using technology.  All projects will need to be completed by the break.

Public Speaking:  Students  will begin work on the Persuasive Speech next week.  The Persuasive Speech will be due the week they come back from break.  There will be a Final Exam the week of January 10th. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Week of December 10, 2012

9th Grade English & 9th Grade Academic:   Students will read "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe.  They will begin by focusing on the structure of the story and reading in context (sentence structure and vocabulary).  They will be responsible for identifying elements of the short story and applying them.  Students will be required to analyze the literature and apply literary elements and devices to Poe's short story.    Their analysis will then be applied to creating a movie trailer for it.  They will need to modernize the story, applying theme, including elements/devices of the horror story, and the necessary elements needed to create the trailer.  Students will need to create a storyboard which will include dialogue, transitions, camera angles/shots, time, characters, and costumes.  The students will be working in groups.  They will film, edit, and produce the movie trailer using Movie Maker.  All projects will need to be completed by the break.

Public Speaking: Using the IPads, the students will complete research, edit, and revise their speeches.  They will be responsible for including an outline, podium cards, hard copy, and MLA citation page.  Informational Speeches will commence on Wednesday, December 12th.  They will begin work on the Persuasive Speech next week.  The Persuasive Speech will be due the week they come back from break.  There will be a Final Exam the week of January 10th.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Week of December 3, 2012

9th Grade English & 9th Grade Academic:   Students will continue working on Vocabulary Unit 4 with correct word application while reading in context and Grammar, Usage, and mechanics.  The goal is to have students become effective communicators.  There will be a Vocabulary Test on Wednesday, December 5th.  The test will include word usage and the application of grammar.  On Thursday, the students will start the unit on the Short Story.  They will be responsible for identifying and applying elements of the short story as well as focusing on literary elements and devices.  Poe's "Cask of Amontillado" uses convoluted sentence structure, therefore, their work in vocabulary dissection and  on sentences will help them to comprehend and analyze the story.  The assessment for the story will be to create a modern "trailer" for the movie version of the short story.  It will assess their analysis of the short story and demonstrate their critical thinking skills.  Each pair will be responsible for a cell production (scene, time, transitions,lighting, costume, dialogue) and a 2 minute video. 

Public Speaking: Students will be responsible for finalizing their Informational Speeches.  Speeches will commence on Thursday.  Students will then begin preparations for the Persuasive Speech.  Persuasive Speech topics need to be reflective of the student and will need to be approved by the teacher.  All speeches will need to include an MLA citation page, an outline, podium cards, a visual aid, and a hard copy. 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Week of November 26, 2012

9th Grade English & 9th Grade Academic: Students will be working on Vocabulary Unit 4.  The goal is to have the students become proficient in recognizing and using college vocabulary.  They will be responsible for defining, analyzing, and applying the vocabulary.  Students will then be required to use the review for the dissection of sentences where they will identify and apply the parts of the sentence.  The ultimate goal is to have students communicating effectively in their writing, as well as reading in context on grade level.

Vocabulary Unit 4 Test on Tuesday, December 4th

Public Speaking:  Students will finish up the Panel Discussions and finalize their Informational Speeches.  They will be focusing on purpose and topic when editing their speeches.  They will be required to hand in an outline, MLA citation page, podium cards, and a hard copy of their speech on speech day.  Speeches will commence on Monday, December 3rd.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Week of November 19, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic:  In order for students to become effective communicators in the written word, they will be dissecting sentences by identifying, defining, and  analyzing the parts of the sentence.  They will be reading in context to analyze how a word functions in the sentence and what the sentence is telling the reader.

Public Speaking:  Students will participate in a Panel Discussion.  Students will utilize good public speaking skills, with well-constructed and organized information with clear conclusions and strong support and presented in clear or well-defined terms; utilize resources and possibly other ways of knowing, being sure all information is consistent; demonstrate knowledge of what different disciplines might add to the discussion; incorporate research skills, internet resources and technology; enhance communication/presentation skills. The JFK critique will be accepted no later than Wednesday, November 21, 2012.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Week of November 12, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic:  Students will have learned to read critically, evaluate and utilize sources, take notes, identify and apply elements of the informational writing process, write a newspaper article, create an advertisement, and produce the front page of a newspaper.    They have been assigned the next novel, which will be due before the December break.  There will be a notebook check the week of December 17th.  Note taking is a skill that must be learned and honed throughout the year.  Students will be responsible for reading, comprehending, evaluating, summarizing, and applying literary elements and devices.  There will also be a  Vocabulary Unit Test 3 on Thursday, 11/15.  

Public Speaking:   Students will participate in a Panel Discussion.  Students will utilize good public speaking skills, with well-constructed and organized information with clear conclusions and strong support and presented in clear or well-defined terms; utilize resources and possibly other ways of knowing, being sure all information is consistent; demonstrate knowledge of what different disciplines might add to the discussion; incorporate research skills, internet resources and technology; enhance communication/presentation skills. 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Week of October 29, 2012

9th Grade English & 9th Academic English: Due to the storm and some technical difficulties, the students will continue work on Newspaper Project.  Students will have learned to read critically, evaluate and utilize sources, take notes, identify and apply elements of the informational writing process, write a newspaper article, create an advertisement, and produce the front page of a newspaper.  Students will also be working on Vocabulary Unit 3. 

Public Speaking:  Students will prepare, practice and participate in a Panel Discussion.  Students will practice using good public speaking skills, with well-constructed and organized information with clear conclusions and strong support and presented in clear or well-defined terms; utilize resources and possibly other ways of knowing, being sure all information is consistent; demonstrate knowledge of what different disciplines might add to the discussion; incorporate some of the practical skills included in this class including: research skills, internet resources and technology; enhance communication/presentation skills.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Week of October 22, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic English:  Students will complete the newspaper project this week.  Students will be able to apply tone and purpose when writing their article for the commemorative newspaper on the Holocaust. They will be able to incorporate the novel and/or the movie into their article, demonstrating their knowledge and analysis of the author's theme. Students will work in groups to create the front page of a newspaper. They will be responsible for completing Vocabulary Unit 3 by Friday.  Students will need to dissect and define the words for usage, not just for memorization.  They will be required to identify affixes and roots of each word and to know how a word can be used.  Sentences demonstrating usage will be due by Monday, October 29th.

Public Speaking: Students will practice transitioning in and moderating a Panel Discussion on Monday for preparation of informing, moderating, and utilizing their resources for the formal Panel Discussion on their given date.  Students will be required to use the information gathered from the discussion for their informational speech.  They will have one week to prepare for the Informational Speech which will begin on Monday, November 5th. 

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Week of October 15, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic: Students will learn to accurately cite their sources.  They will be able to identify the need for responsible news reporting and the power of the media.  They will be able to discern the differences between bias and perspective.  Students will be able to apply tone and purpose when writing their article for the commemorative newspaper on the Holocaust.  They will be able to incorporate the novel and/or the movie into their article, demonstrating their knowledge and analysis of the author's theme.  Students will work in groups to create the front page of a newspaper. 

Public Speaking: Students will continue their research in preparation for the Panel Discussion.  They will need to read, interpret, and analyze at least 5 sources for the Informational Discussion.  Each pair/group will be responsible for moderating the discussion on their assigned topic.  Visual aids, articles, notes, and an outline are necessary for the discussion.  The purpose of  the discussion is to formulate ideas for the individual speech, to utilize good listening techniques and to collaborate with others.  From the discussion, students will be responsible for creating the Informational Speech.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Week of October 8, 2012

9th Grade English and  9th Grade Academic: Students will continue to work on dissecting, defining, analyzing and using vocabulary.  They will need to apply the vocabulary in a Review Exercise which will help them to read in context.  There will be a Vocabulary Test on Wednesday,10/10.  Students will continue their research on the Holocaust for the Commemorative Newspaper.  They will need to analyze 5 valid informational sources and accurately cite them in MLA format.  Each student will be required to write a newspaper article, use a propaganda technique, and transfer literary analyses from Night and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and analysis of the theme of power which includes discrimination, censorship, fear, and conformity.  Each group will be responsible for creating the front page of a newspaper.  The class as a whole will produce a completed newspaper commemorating the Holocaust.
 
Public Speaking:  Students will continue their research in preparation for the Panel Discussion.  They will need to read, interpret, and analyze at least 5 sources for the Informational Discussion.  Each pair/group will be responsible for moderating the discussion on their assigned topic.  Visual aids, articles, notes, and an outline are necessary for the discussion.  The purpose of  the discussion is to formulate ideas for the individual speech, to utilize good listening techniques and to collaborate with others.  From the discussion, students will be responsible for creating the Informational Speech.  The Chapter notes from the text will be due on Friday, 10/12.  

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Week of October 1, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic: Students will be researching the Holocaust, literary works, movies, and authors associated with the Holocaust.  Students will be using the information to apply it to the Newspaper Project.  They will be required to learn how to write a newspaper article, advertising techniques and work in groups.  Students will need to apply knowledge of the novel and the movie to the project.  They will also be working on Vocabulary Unit 2.  Students will be responsible for dissecting, defining and applying vocabulary to truly learn and use the words.

Public Speaking:  Students will be researching valid, reliable sources to use in the application of Panel Discussion and the Symposium.  They will be required to use correct MLA citation format for their sources. 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Week of September 24, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic:  The students' first introduction to the first vocabulary unit was a daunting one.  Applying the vocabulary and reading in context was necessary for their success on the test.  In order to truly learn the vocabulary and keep motivation high, a retest will be given on Monday.  Students need to recognize the difference between memorizing vocabulary and learning vocabulary.  Critical reading will be applied through literary analysis.  Students will be responsible for responding to literary mediums through literary paragraphs which on Wednesday and Thursday.  The third and last reading assignment of Night will be due on Friday, 9/28.

Public Speaking:  Thanks to my students for their great Introductory Speeches!
Students will continue to work on learning techniques to utilize in speeches.  They will be utilizing the text and what they learn from individual conferences.  During the next three weeks, the students will be responsible for chapters 6, 8, 9, and 10-15.  They will begin research on the Informational speech using IPads and Laptops.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Week of September 17, 2012

9th Grade English and 9Grade Academic English:  Students have been learning the origin of words and how the affixes affect meaning and function of vocabulary.  Their expansion of knowledge on word analysis will help them to master and utilize the vocabulary they are required to learn.  Their assessment begins with a formal test on Unit 1 on Thursday, 9/20 but their application and mastery of vocabulary will continue with each new unit and when they apply it to their critical reading skills in literature throughout the year.  Students will continue to read, take notes and complete the study guide for Night.  They will be required to apply critical reading skills with a focus on characterization, theme, symbols, foreshadowing, allusion, and irony.   

Vocabulary Review Exercise due on 9/18
Vocabulary Unit Test 1 on 9/20
Night Reading Assignment 2 due on 9/21


Public Speaking: Final preparations and practice will occur on Monday with Speech Presentations  commencing  on Tuesday.  Attendance is mandatory for each assigned speech date.  Each student will be videotaped for individual viewing and teacher conferencing.  Students should be prepared to receive praise and constructive criticism by peers and the teacher when reviewing their evaluations.  Good Luck to all of my students!  Your diligence and courage have not gone unnoticed!

Introductory Speech Presentations begin on 9/18 and end on 9/21

Monday, September 10, 2012

Week of September 10, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Grade Academic:   Students are learning how vocabulary works through the recognition and meaning of affixes and root words.  Their knowledge will enable them to decipher words and help them to read in context.  The goal of vocabulary is to promote improvement in their critical reading skills and in their writing for continued success in life.  They will be reviewing affixes and root words through a game to further enhance understanding and to prepare them for the first formal vocabulary unit.

Affixes and Root Word Quiz on 9/13
Vocabulary Unit Test 1 on 9/17

Students have received their first reading assignment for Night.  They will be required to read, take notes, apply literary elements and devices, and complete the study guide.  The goal of assigning reading requires critical reading skills, note taking, responsibility, and organization, all necessary for success in academics and in life.  Students should be prepared to participate in discussion which includes listening for and responding to relevant information.

All ClassesNight Reading Assignment 1 due on Friday 9/14

Public Speaking:  Students have learned the importance of integrity, audience, topic, and purpose through the reading of the text and discussion.  They will be responsible for completing outlines, podium cards, conferencing, and practice, all in preparation for their Introductory Speech to be delivered next week.  The goal is to prepare students for speaking well in public which is a necessary skill for success in and out of the classroom.

Chapter 5 Notes due 9/11
Topics due by 9/12
Outlines due by 9/13
Podium Cards due by 9/14
Practices begin on 9/13 and 9/14
Speeches commence on 9/17


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Week of September 3, 2012

9th Grade English and 9th Academic English: Students have been viewing, discussing, and taking notes on The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  The students have identified, defined, and applied literary elements and devices.  They are learning and applying elements of the Cornell Note Taking Method.  The goal is for them to be able to analyze any literary medium by applying the critical thinking skills they have learned through the analysis of the movie. Their work will continue with the creation of a newspaper which will be used as their formal assessment.

Complete and Review notes for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
9th Grade English:  Night Reading Assignment 1 due on Friday, 9/14
9th Academic English:  Night Reading Assignment 1 due on Tuesday, 9/11

Students will begin work on Root Words and Affixes to prepare them for true learning of vocabulary.  They will be required to identify, define, and apply their knowledge by completing activities which will culminate in a game.  The first formal vocabulary unit will be assigned next week. They will be required to identify all affixes and root words before locating the definitions.  After defining the vocabulary and identifying how it can be used, students will then need to use the word in context. The goal is for students to become better readers by learning the skills necessary for discovering the meaning of words through breaking them down and/or in context.

Public Speaking:  Students are learning how to reach their audience as a speaker.  They have been reading and discussing correct methods to use when giving a speech.  They have also learned that good public speaking skills include actively listening to one's audience.  They will be required to analyze and evaluate one of the greatest speeches of all time by Martin Luther King Jr.  The goal is for students to use what they have learned in their first introductory speech.

Notes: pp. 13-end of chapter and pp. 49-61 due by the end of period on 9/5
Critique due on Friday, 9/7

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Welcome Back!  I hope you enjoyed your summer!  I would like to continue your success in school with a motivating and challenging year in the English classroom.  Get ready...get set...go!

9th Grade English:  Students will be introduced to the expectations of the class on Monday.  In order to grasp the cultural identity of WWII for preparation of the novel Night by Elie Wiesel, students will be viewing The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  Literary elements and devices will be introduced and the Cornell Note taking method will be used to demonstrate comprehension of the story and the application of the literary elements and devices.  Both will be used for application to a newspaper project in the coming weeks.  A writing prompt will be assigned for quality of writing and assessment of grammar.                             

Writing Promt due on 8/31

9th Grade Academic:  Students will be introduced to the expectations of the class on Monday.  In order to grasp the cultural identity of WWII for preparation of the novel Night by Elie Wiesel, students will be viewing The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  Literary elements and devices will be introduced and the Cornell Note taking method will be used to demonstrate comprehension of the story and the application of the literary elements and devices.  Both will be used for application to a newspaper project and a propaganda project in the coming weeks.  A writing prompt will be assigned for quality of writing and assessment of grammar.

Writing Prompt due on 8/31

Public Speaking:  In the beginning, students will be required to read, comprehend and take notes on the text, preparing them for the requirements of Public Speaking, which includes the utilization of research skills that they will need for the semester. 

Reading Assignment 1 due on 8/30
Reading Assignment 2 due on 9/4