Ms. Haney's English Class G Period

6-6-07

2007-06-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is your English Exam! Don't forget to study everything from the review sheet that I gave you. Also, read yesterday's entry about your essay! The essay is a part of your final exam and MUST be here (no exceptions) the moment you step into class on Thursday!

Have a great night, get some good sleep, and I will see you tomorrow!

Last Week and your Work for the Final

2007-06-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we watched "The Chronicles of Narnia"--what a great movie! I could definitely relate to many of the characters in the novel. Could you?

Your task for the FINAL EXAM:
Write a 1 - 1 1/2 page essay on ONE of the following questions. You chose a question today in class and had 30 minutes to draft about it.

In the beginning, Lucy's brother and sister don't believe she visited Narnia. Have you ever told the truth and no one believed you? Describe the situation and how you felt.
Lucy felt betrayed when Edmund does not back her up abou their trip to Narnia. He tells Peter and Susan that he didn't go when he in fact did. Has anyone ever betrayed you? Describe the situation. How did you respond? How did you feel?
Atfter the witch promises Edmund power as ruler, he begins dreaming abou tthe things he'd do and the law he will make. If you were king/queen, what THOUGHTFUL laws would you put into place AND why? Make sure your answer is realistic!
The 4 Pevensie children have a close relationship, even though they've struggled. How well do you get along with your siblings? Describe, with specific details, your relationship.
When the children become kings/queens, their new names have descriptions attached: Peter the Magnificant, Susan the Gentle, Edmund the Just and Lucy the Valiant. What would your name be and why do you feel you have earned that name? Give specific examples/reasons for choosing your new name.

The day of the exam, when you walk through the door I expect you to have in your hand:

a one to one 1/2 page DOUBLE SPACED, TYPED essay (size and font issues the same as they have been all year)
essay must be an ORGANIZED, THOUGHTFUL response
spelling and grammar counts!
proper MLA heading on your paper
DO NOT include the question in addition to your essay on your paper. Embed the question in your response.

YOU MAY NOT HAVE YOUR PARENTS BRING IT TO YOU BECAUSE YOU FORGOT IT! If your printer does not work, you must bring it on disk so I can print it! If your computer does not work, you must make other arrangements before or after school tomorrow to get it typed, type it at the library or at a friend's house, etc. NO EXCUSES!

5/23 Class and 5/24 Class

2007-05-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday you read a selection from "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou.

Today (5/24) we will take a look at the answers to the questions you had on this selection as well as the MLK, Jr. selection.

We will also discuss the short essay portion of your final exam. This will entail watching "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" next week. Much like "The Neverending Story" essay, if you are absent for part of the movie, you will still be able to answer the short essay question as it will pertain to you and your life.

No homework this evening except to make your lunch tonight and break in your running shoes for Field Day tomorrow!

5-21 and 5-22 Class

2007-05-22T11:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday (5/21) we read a primary source, a speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. We discussed the significance of a primary source and also strategies in reading one. We also discussed and reviewed tactics of good speech writing.

Today (5/22) we reviewed the article you read last week "The Other China" and focused in on the questions that were asked and why you may or may not have understood the types of questions the author wanted answered. We discussed again inferences.

Homework: finish the questions that go along with the MLK speech article and have them ready for tomorrow!

5-16 Class

2007-05-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today you had about 15 minutes to finish the work packet on The Power of Words that we began yesterday. We corrected it as a class.

Next we took at a non-fiction selection called "The Other China". We only had time to read this in class. This will be due at the end of class tomorrow. Please take this into consideration when you think about HOMEWORK for this class tonight. Tomorrow for class I am going to give you a day of rest and the promised "Ice Cream Treat Day". During class I plan on showing "A Close Shave" from my Wallace and Gromit Collection. If you feel you can work under these conditions (watching a quiet movie and eating some ice cream) then perhaps you do not need to finish this worksheet tonight. However, if you know this will hinder your work efforts too much, please finish the questions as homework tonight.

5-15 Class

2007-05-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

Today we shared some of the fun sentences from yesterday's creative writing exercise.

Next we explored 3 Liners and created impromptu poems.

Finally I handed out an article called "The Power of Words" and we read this as a class. This article will be due on Friday, 5/18.

Homework:
Make sure the Final Package is complete, perfected, and ready to hand in tomorrow!

5-15 Class

2007-05-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

Today we took a bit of a breather from the structured research paper. We explored some creative writing options--taking a look at metaphorical quotes and how combine nouns and verbs to create new/interesting/original images.

Homework:
The Final Package is due on Thursday! Keep working on editing at home. Make sure you have it perfected for Thursday! If you are going to be absent on Thursday, I expect that you will make arrangements to hand it in early!

Again, if you do not know what the is included in the Final Package, see me at Homeroom or Lunch time!

5-14 Class

2007-05-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today you had your last in-class editing session.

Homework for Tonight and until Thursday:

For TOMORROW: bring in a fun "Writer's Hat" to do some creative writing in

For Tonight, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night: Your FINAL PACKAGE is due on Thursday for you research paper. If you are unsure of what the FINAL PACKAGE is, you need to see me! (I lectured on this for a whole day last week!)

5-11 Class

2007-05-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Today you had your first editing session with your peers. I know that everyone received his/her paper back with at least something to correct.

Homework:
Make all corrections to your paper and come to school on Monday with a clean copy. When you enter class on Monday you should not have any writing on your paper. Again, it should be a fresh, clean copy. If for some reason you did not come in with at least 5 pages today, you MUST come in with at least 5 pages on Monday. We will have one more editing session on class on Monday.

5-10 Class---A DAY OF GRACE

2007-05-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today I went over what you will need for the FINAL PACKAGE which will be due on THURSDAY, MAY 17th! (I changed the due date from Wednesday to Thursday).

I also went over a sample paper to show you proper parenthetical citations and Works Cited page. Finally I passed out the rubric that I will use to grade your paper. This will be handy to have in the editing process. Ask your parents and/or friends to use it as a guideline to "pregrade" your paper :)

See me if you missed class today so I can get this information to you!

Again...due dates and plans for the next week:
Tomorrow (FRIDAY):
Bring your completed rough draft to class for editing

Monday
Bring your completed rough draft to class for another editing

Tuesday & Wednesday night:
Edit and make your Final Package perfect to turn in on Thursday

5-10 Class

2007-05-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today you had your last class period to work on your rough draft and ask questions.

HOMEWORK:
Tomorrow your 5-7 page rough draft TYPED is due! You must come to class with it; I will be checking to make sure you have it completed for points! If for some reason you have a last minute computer error, come with a double-spaced hand written version! If you have printing issues, save it to a disk and bring it in and I will print it out for you. Another option would be to email it to me at haney@shrineschools.com and I will receive it when I arrive in the morning and print it out for you!

Again, you MUST have it here so we can edit!

5-8 Class

2007-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today was another class day to work on your rough draft and ask questions as you went along.

HOMEWORK:
Continue working on your rough draft. The rough draft, 5-7 pages, typed, is due THURSDAY! Continue using your class time wisely, but don't forget to work on this at home as well!!

5-7 Class

2007-05-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today I checked over everyone's outlines and gave you a grade. I was much more pleased with this portion of the research paper. I was very happy that I was able to give out more A's and B's this time :)

Today while I checked outlines, you had your first opportunity to work on your rough draft.

Tonight's Homework and the plan for the rest of the week:

Monday - Wednesday your objective is to complete a typed outline. I would suggest writing it in class (I will be giving you the entire class period Mon-Wed to do so), and every night, you can type up what you finish in class.

On Thursday you MUST bring your completed, typed rough draft to class. I will be giving you a grade for this... I will also be putting you in editing groups on Thursday and on Friday. In order to participate you must have your completed typed draft with you!
Over the weekend you can begin making changes and preparing to turn in the "Final Package".

I will be talking to you about what is included in the final package on and what is on the rubric before you begin editing on Thursday.
You will have the weekend, Monday and Tuesday night to finish everything.
The Final Research Paper will be due on Wednesday of next week.

5-4 Class

2007-05-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today we discussed introductions and how write one that would really grab your reader's attention. We also discussed how you could make your introduction sound mature. We focused in on our audience (teacher and others who are middle-school aged and older).

DUE MONDAY:
A typed outline. Your outline MUST include where you plan to put your STAT, PARA, IQ, and DQ. Your outline must also include your introduction/thesis statement. Also, make sure you at least include the roman numeral for your conclusion (although if you would like to take it one step further, you may actually write your conclusion).

5-2 Class

2007-05-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome back everyone!

Today we discussed introduction/thesis statements and outlines. I showed you an example of each of these and what you should do for them for your papers.

Your outline and introduction/thesis will be due on Monday. They must be typed.

You will have tomorrow and Friday in class to work on them and ask questions while you are working through them.

Homework:
Your notecards are all due tomorrow. Make sure you have them all completed!!!

4-27 Class

2007-04-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today you did a great job on your last day of in-class research!

Homework:

All of your notecards will be due the Thursday you return to school, May 3rd.
You MUST have a good time if you are going to Washington, D.C. and take a lot of pictures so we can make an awesome collage in the yearbook next year!

4-25 Class

2007-04-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today was yet another opportunity to research and complete notecards. By the time I remembered to come around and check for the Para, Stat, IQ, and DQ, there was only 5 minutes left of class! But I will definitely be coming around to make sure you have them tomorrow :)

Homework: Keep working on your notecards! You have been doing well all week diligently working on them, and if you keep working like you are the notecards will not be due until the Thursday you return from DC :) Keep up the great work!

4-24 Class

2007-04-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

We did the same thing in class we did yesterday.

Please remember that tomorrow I am going to look for:

1 direct quote
1 statistic
1 indented quote
1 paraphrase

somewhere within your notecards.

You have been very productive these last two days! Keep up the good work!

4-23 Class

2007-04-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Today I looked at your 5 source cards and gave you points. The entire hour you devoted to reading your sources and completing notecards.

Homework:
Everyday this week your homework will be solely to work on your notecards!

Due Wed. 4/25: 1 statistic, 1 paraphrase, 1 indented quote, and 1 direct quote in your notecards somewhere.

**If everything goes well in class this week, all of your notecards will be due the Thursday you return from D.C. If too many people are not taking their work seriously, then notecards will be due on the Wednesday you return.

4-20 Class

2007-04-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Today we went over the "Teaching Life's Lessons in Dollars and Sense" article so we could discuss a proper source card, direct quote, indented quote, statistic, and paraphrase. I think our discussion went really well; some students had a few misunderstandings and I am glad we could bring it all out in the open and make sure that everyone is now on the right track!

For Monday: all 5 source cards are due. While you are working on reading and taking notes on your notecards, I will be checking them off and giving you credit for having them ALL done and done properly.

For Wednesday: you must have an example of a Statistic, Paraphrase, direct quote, and an indented quote on your notecards. Again, I will be coming around and giving you credit for having it done and done properly.

This weekend I would suggest working very hard on your source cards. Also, keep in mind that all of your notecards and research will be due when you return from Washington, D.C. You may want to begin this weekend creating notecards. However, I am also giving you 5 entire class days to work on them and the only homework you will have for those evenings will be to finish your notecards!

If you use your time wisely in class next week, I will give you a break and have all of your notecards due on the Thursday of the week you return from D.C. However, if too many people are off task and do not bring in their sources, they will be due the Wednesday you return to school.

Stay focused on your topic!
Have a great weekend!

4-19 Class

2007-04-19T12:25:00.001-07:00

Today we looked closely at an internet article as a source.

We reviewed the four terms we talked about on Tuesday: paraphrase, direct quote (DQ), indented quote (IQ), and statistic.

In the article you had time in class (homework if you didn't finish) to:

make a source card for the article
find something you wanted to paraphrase for the article and paraphrase it
highlight a portion of the paper you wanted to directly quote
highlight a portion of the article you considered a good indented quote
highlight a statistic in the article

Attempt #'s 1-5, even if you don't think they are right. I would like to discuss all of our mistakes and misconceptions in class tomorrow!

4-16, 4-17, and 4-18 Class (Three Days in Review)

2007-04-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry I was absent on Monday; I was stuck in Orlando on vacation. We missed our plane and had to catch a red-eye flight and an Amtrak train to eventually get home. Know that I much rather would have been here :)

While I was out on Monday (4-16), you worked on Pages 601 Parts A, B, and C and 603-604 Parts A, B, and C. Ms. Evangelista also check off those students who had their 5 resources in early for 5 points extra credit.

On Tuesday (4-17) I made sure to give credit to all the students who had their 5 resources with them. While I was checking with students, I assigned Page 607 #1-20, answers only. Next, I lectured on how to write a proper source card. I also spoke about paraphrases, direct quotes, indirect quotes, and statistics briefly.

On Wednesday (4-18) no one came to class because you were involved in the Human Sexuality discussion.

4-4 Class

2007-04-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today we had one more day to research in the library. I opened researching a bit more so you could utilize other sites besides MeL. If you worked wisely today, you should have been able to find at the very least, two articles.

HOMEWORK OVER BREAK:

Sources due when we return! You will need to have a total of 5 sources, and 2 MUST be hard sources (actual books or magazines or brochures--they may NOT come from the internet). The other 3 can be anything you'd like! If you bring in your 5 sources on Monday I will grant you 2 points extra credit. If you bring them in on Tuesday, there will be no extra credit. So, in short, you must use your Spring Break to research!

*************

A tentative look at the week we return from break:

(I reserve the right to change/alter due dates as I see fit).

On the Monday we return, we will discuss how to take proper notes on a notecard and how to create a source card. BRING NOTECARDS beginning Monday, APRIL 16th (and continue to do so for the rest of the month)!!!! I will do a "source check" for those wishing to get a little extra credit!

On Tuesday I will do another "source check" and begin discussing paraphrases and statistics.
On Wednesday I will be gone in the afternoon and you will have class time to start working on your notecards.
On Thursday we will discuss indented quotes and direct quotes.
On Friday we will discuss the MLA Works Cited page.

4-3 Class

2007-04-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

We started today by going to the library and looking at the Multi-Media website at http://mmedia.shrinestudents.org/.

Next I showed you a great researching resource called The Michigan ELibrary (otherwise known as MeL http://www.mel.org/ (click here to use!).

Under featured resources along the righthand side, you will see MeL kids and MeL teens. Today we investigated MeL Teens. Under the databases on the next page, we used General Reference Center Gold and SIRS Discover Deluxe. At school we are able to use this without any login. However, I noticed at home that I had to either use my driver's license number (which you can use your parents) or my library card number.

MeL is not the only webtool to use to research online, but it is very comprehensive and a great starting out point.

HOMEWORK: Starting today you MUST research! On Tuesday, April 17th, you must physically bring in your 5 RESOURCES! 2 MUST be "hard sources" (actually physical books, magazines, or brochures). The other 3 can be anything you'd like (more hard sources, internet, etc.)

When we return, I will be talking about how to write/what to write on your notecards. It will be very very important that you have all of your resources here on Tuesday! (Remember what I said: if you keep up with me and the due dates, this paper will be a breeze!)

HAPPY RESEARCHING!

4-2 Class

2007-04-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Happy April!

Today we went to the library and used the entry on the blog below to see how we could determine a "real" website from a "fake" website.

No homework this evening. Tomorrow we will be going back to the LRC to begin researching!

Monday's In Class Assignment--How to Evaluate a Website!

2007-04-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today you are going to read and pay critical attention to one of the following 4 websites. In a Word document, you are going to answer the 4 questions for the website I assign you. Remember to pay close attention to every detail as you view and read the websites!

Website #1 http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/
Website #2 http://www.mcwhortle.com/
Website #3 http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/
Website #4 http://www.californiamuseum.org/

On a Word document, type your answers to the following questions IN COMPLETE SENTENCES:
1. Describe the look/design of the website.
2. What company produces/created this website? Does it provide the date in which it was created? (usually this information can be found at the bottom of the website's main page)
3. After reading the information, does it sound believable? Why or why not?
4. Is this a credible source? Why or why not?

3-29 Class

2007-03-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today I returned your topic card back. I discussed with those who did not have a solid topic or did not ask proper questions to answer.

This weekend should be used to visit the library for sources! You must have at least two hardcopy sources (sources NOT of the internet) (can include hardcopy magazines, books, and pamphlets).

Click on the link below to hear a reminder :) (A new tech site I am trying out!)
Gabcast! G Period English #3 - Research Paper reminder

3-27 Class

2007-03-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today we took a more serious look at the timed writing process.

Remember, you need to start becoming very good at delegating your time and delegating it wisely. 10 minutes for organized prewriting, 25-30 minutes to construct a good, organized 5 paragraph essay, and 5-8 minutes to edit your work.

If you were absent today, do not worry about making up the prompt. It will just be one less grade factored in for your term grade.

3-27 Class

2007-03-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Today you turned in your punctuation handbook and took your punctuation test.

We discussed the first leg of your research paper (reviewed from Friday's discussion).

Homework:
Topic Notecard with the topic of your research paper and your name/hour on the top. On the lines, include the 5 questions you are going to answer with the research you write about in your paper. See the handout we discussed if you have questions; I included an example on there for you to see. Remember that your question should NOT take one or two sentences to answer. Instead it should take about 3/4 - 1 page to answer (in theory 5 questions should = a 5 page paper :)

I will be collecting these cards tomorrow and reading them. On Thursday when we return for class (remember Wednesday is our field trip) I will return your card either approving or rejecting your topic.

3-22 Class

2007-03-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today we corrected and collected last night's homework.

Next we discussed more about dialogue. It is crucial to remember that each new speaker, including the first speaker, gets his/her own paragraph! Remember that each paragraph is indented!

Finally I gave you your review assignment for your test on Monday!

Mastery Review Assignment:
Page 654 & 655 #34-40 only, rewrite the sentences
Page 656 Part G, #71-85, rewrite the sentences
I also gave you a worksheet to finish.

Also due tomorrow:
"The Neverending Story" essay! Make sure you have a copy of the rubric with it along with your "Important Characters and Places" worksheet. Read the blog entries below this one if you need the rubric, and even further down if you need to remember what the essay topic is all about!

3-21 Class

2007-03-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today we discussed hyphens and apostrophes.

Homework:
Page 644 rewrite #1-3 properly
Page 645 #1-10, rewrite sentences
Page 647 #1-10, answers only

Up and Coming:
**"The Neverending Story" Essay and "Important Characteres" worksheet due Friday (see rubric below)
**Friday I will begin talking about the research paper and the first step in the process. This is an important day and you don't want to miss it!
**Test over Punctuation & Punctuation Handbook due Monday

NEVERENDING STORY RUBRIC

(print this out and staple it behind your essay)

__/10 MLA format, typed, rubric attached

__/50 sticks to the topic of the essay (see NEVERENDING STORYESSAY in the earlier blog posting)

__/20 uses proper sentence combining techniques (does not have choppy sentences; remember we want to gain maturity in our writing--it's the 4th Term of school now!)

__/20 clearly edited (use a friend/parent as an editor!)

__/100 TOTAL POINTS

3/20 Classwork

2007-03-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Homework:
Besides the assignments listed above with their due dates, you have the following book work due tomorrow:Page 648 & 650 #1-2 and rewrite the dialogue on 650Page 641 & 642 #1-9

**Also, read the following information below pertaining to upcoming project and test due dates

PUNCTUATION HANDBOOKS, SHORT ESSAY, and 3/20 Class

2007-03-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

(click on the link above to go to Amazon.com and a resource for the book)

Punctuation Handbooks

Your punctuation handbooks will be due on Monday. I have taken a look at the material and we will have a test on it Monday, in which case your puncutation handbook will be due that day as well.

"The Neverending Story" Essay

In the movie The Neverending Story, Fantasia is being destroyed by The Nothing. We discussed in class that Fantasia represented the imagination and creativity of humans. Bastian (the little boy reading the book) does not believe that he can make a difference in Fantasia and doubts Fantasia's existence, therefore, killing the chances of Fantasia's survival.

Your essay topic is this: Think about yourself and what alive and motivated everyday? For the world of Fantasia, creativity and imagination kept it alive and thriving. What do you need in your life to keep going? Be specific and give examples. Remember what keeps you motivated cannot be a tangible object/something you can touch (for example, "If I didn't have my IPod, I couldn't survive" or "I don't know what I would do without Mom"). If you can, incorporate similarities between you and the characters and/or certain elements of the movie to get your point across.

This essay should be no longer than a page and a half. Remember what we have been learning about sentence combining! I want you to be concise! Try to rid your essay of short, choppy sentences!

DUE DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 23rd. We will NOT be working on this in class. It will be up to you to have a friend and/or parent edit your essay! Remember you DO need other people to read your work BEFORE it gets to me!

3-19 Class

2007-03-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today we finished watching The Neverending Story. Tomorrow we will be discussing the writing topic for this movie.

Homework:
Read 637
Complete questions Page 638 #1-5 (write out sentences)
Read 638 (second half)
Complete questions Page 639 #1-5 (write out sentences)
**try your best and we will discuss the material tomorrow

3-15 Class

2007-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today and tomorrow Mrs. Hardy will be guest teaching while I am away at a technology conference.

Please be on your best behavior!

Today you corrected last night's assignment and the work from last night and Tuesday night was collected.

Next you began watching "The Neverending Story" and had a character/places worksheet to fill out while you watch. Enjoy the movie and we will talk about the writing that will result from this movie when I return on Monday. Don't forget to take good notes!

No Homework.

3-14 Class

2007-03-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today we covered some more work with usage of commas.

Homework
Page 633 #1-5, #11-15
Page 634-635 #1-5 and Part B, rewrite the paragraph

for all the the problems, you must write out the sentences.

3-13 Class

2007-03-13T08:02:00.001-07:00

Today we began by correcting homework.

Next we started on a clean sheet doing a few review problems (page 627 #1-3)

Finally we talked about our new section on commas (there are 9 subcategories for commas so make sure you cover them all in your Punctuation Handbook!)

Class/Homework:
Page 629 Part A #1-5
Part B #11-15
Page 630 Part A #1-5
Part B #11-15
**you must write out the sentences for these problems.

3-12 Class

2007-03-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Today we began our new grammar unit: punctuation. You were given the rules and expectations for the Punctuation Handbook. If you were absent, make sure you see me when you return during lunch or homeroom!

We tackled endmarks today.

Class/Homework:
Page 624 #1-10, answers only
Part B, answers only
Part C, rewrite the paragraph

Page 626 #1-15, answers only

3-9 Class

2007-03-09T11:31:00.001-08:00

Today we had a creative writing day. This assignment is due on Monday.

The objective of this assignment was:

1. To use some creativity (instead of working from the grammar book---take a little break)

2. Be able to come up with some concrete work within timed constraints

I gave you this prompt:
You come home and check your phone messages. You hear the third message and freeze.

Remember to set an opening scene using the five senses. Make sure you end your story and everything wraps up nicely.

We will share our storie on Monday.

3-9 Class

2007-03-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Today we had a creative writing day. This assignment is due on Monday.

I gave you this prompt:
You come home and check your phone messages. You hear the third message and freeze.

Remember to set an opening scene using the five senses. Make sure you end your story and everything wraps up nicely.

We will share our storie on Monday.

3-7 Class

2007-03-07T12:06:00.001-08:00

Today we began by attending the SSLB Book fair. Next we corrected the first part of the mastery review.

Finally I gave you the second portion to the review assignment.

Homework:
Mastery Grade
Page 568 Part C--rewrite the paragraph following the directions carefully.
Page 571 Part C & D

3-6 Class

2007-03-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected last night's homework.

We also discussed the options for those interested in the Detroit Free Press Writing Competition and the after school session Mrs. Rome and I are holding tomorrow in the LRC.

Today in class and at home you are to work on part one of the review for our test on Thursday.

Homework:
Page 569 Part A, write out the sentences and follow the directions
Page 570 Part A and B, follow the directions given.

This will be corrected tomorrow for a mastery grade.

3-5 Class

2007-03-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected the ten problems you had on Friday. We discussed any questions you had.

Next you had the entire hour to complete the assignment and ask any questions.

Class/Homework:
Page 566/567/568 #6-20; #26-35 (you did #1-5 & 21-25 on Friday)
Page 569 Part B, follow the directions

Looking Ahead:
Trip to Borders/SSLB sponsored Book Fair on Wednesday. Bring at least $10 to spend or more (depending on if you are interested in purchasing soft or hardcover). We will only be spending 15 minutes in the library to shop.

Scholastic Book Club Orders due March 15th!

TEST THURSDAY!

3-2 Class

2007-03-02T09:47:00.001-08:00

March in like a lion

Today we started by correcting last night's assignment.

Next you read about complex sentences and we discussed the differences between those and compound sentences.

Finally you received this assignment:
Homework:
Read Page 565/566
Complete page 566/567/578 Parts A & B #1-5 & #21-25 only--copy the sentences and follow the directions for each section

Looking Ahead
We will have a test over compound and complex sentences Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

3-1 Class

2007-03-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected page 560 from last week.

Next we discussed page 562.

Homework:
Page 562 #1-10 write out the sentences
Page 564 Part A--write S for simple sentence, C for complex. Also list the subject(s) and verb(s) for each sentence.

2-28 Class

2007-02-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today in class we heard the rest of the eulogys and tribute poems that we didn't have time for last Thursday.

Next you did a reflection on your eulogy/tribute poem.

Homework:
Finish the reflection and have it to hand in tomorrow.

2-21 Class

2007-02-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today we took a look at last night's assignment and checked it.

I did not collect it; you added to this assignment with the work we discussed today on page 559.

Homework:

Page 560 Part A & Part B--rewrite all of the sentences and follow the directions for each.
Your final copy of your eulogy or tribute poem is due tomorrow and must have the rubric attached to the back. We will be reading them aloud in class tomorrow, so please make sure they are FULLY edited and that you practice your speech to your mom, dad, brother or sister (or even your dog at home). You do not have to memorize it, just make sure you are prepared.

RUBRICS

2007-02-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Please copy rubric that fits your writing piece and attach it to the back of your writing.

Eulogy Rubric
____/10 must be 1 page to 1 1/2 pages in length (do not exceed 2 pages), contain a rubric, headed with MLA style

____/40 must be thoroughly edited (grammar and punctuation) and include a title

____/40 must include specific examples of how you want to be remembered or how you want the person you wrote about to be remembered

____/10 must have a proper tone

____/100 points GRAND TOTAL

TRIBUTE POEM RUBRIC
___/10 must be at least 30 lines, include the rubric, and headed with MLA style

___/10 must be edited and have a title

___/40 must include specifics on how you want to be remembered or how you want the subject of the poem to be remembered

___/40 must use "showing not telling" details along with sensory images

___/100 points GRAND TOTAL

2-20 Class

2007-02-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

Today you had the opportunity to work with two editors on either your eulogy or your tribute poem.

Next we discussed the first section of our next unit on compound and complex sentences.

Homework:
Read pages 556/557. Complete Page 557 Part A, follow the directi0ns and Part B on 558, follow the directions

Looking Ahead
Your final draft of your eulogy/tribute poem is due Thursday and must have the appropriate rubric attached. I will be devising a rubric for the poem and a separate one for the eulogy essay. Both will total the same number or points. Please use the rubric to GRADE YOURSELF prior to coming to class. Ask yourself: Do I include all of the items Ms. Haney wants in my writing?

I will be giving you a short grammar assignment tomorrow night, so you may want to get a head start this evening!

2-19 Class

2007-02-19T04:47:00.000-08:00

Today I gave you the hour to write a rough draft of either your eulogy or your tribute poem.

Remember that if you are writing a eulogy in essay format, it must be a page to a page and a half in length.

If you are choosing to write the tribute poem, it must be at least 30 lines. If you are writing only a couple of words per line, please take the initiative to write more than 30 lines.

HOMEWORK:
You must have a completed rough draft for class tomorrow. In class tomorrow we will edit and also work on our next grammar unit.

2-16 Class

2007-02-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Today we went over the answers of the MLK Jr. Packet. We discussed further his February speech prior to his passing two months later.

Next we discussed your next writing assignment. You have a few options. I asked you to decide whether you were A) a very confident writer who needs a challenge or B) a somewhat confident writer who feels they have some things you need to work on.

For those of you who chose A) I would like you to do the following:
Compose a minimum 30 line tribute poem. Remember the two tribute poem/songs we looked at today (Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" and Tobey Keith's "American Soldier"). Try to think about how you would like to preserve someone's memory. What specifics would you include? Make sure you are confident with using sensory imagery, using "showing not telling" details, and you are concise and to the point in your tribute. This does not have to rhyme.

For those of you who chose B) I would like you to do the following:

write a eulogy in 3rd person (this means the eulogy will be about how you want to be remembered but you will refer to yourself using your name and pronouns of either he/she (if you still have questions, feel free to aske me or reference your textbook--we have discussed this before).
OR you may choose this one. Write a eulogy or a tribute for someone you love or care about (they may still be living or have already passed on)
FOR EITHER ONE OF THESE, the final will be 1 1/2 pages typed (about 150-175 words), MLA style, double spaced

FOR MONDAY
You must have made your A or B choice and have completed a SPECIFIED BRAINSTORM. On Monday in class, you will have time to write your first draft and ask any questions you may have about the project

2-15 Class

2007-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoyed your Snow Day!

Today you started off by working on page 308 completing Part A #1-10.

Next we talked about one of MLK Jr.'s speeches. I gave you a handout for this.

Tonight:
Make sure to finish the bookwork:
Page 308 Part A #1-10

Also, finish the entire handout packet I gave you. However, you do NOT have to do "Writing About It"--the last section of the worksheet.

2-13 Class

2007-02-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Today we did a lot of bookkeeping.

You turned in many things. If for some reason a letter was not turned in because you did not have a stamp, or envelope, or rubric, make sure you turn it in tomorrow. It will be counted late, but you do need to turn it in!

There is no homework for G Period only this evening (H Period has a short assignment).

RUBRIC FOR THE BUSINESS LETTER

2007-02-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

____/ 20 pts. Properly edited (correct spelling/punctuation/grammar)

____/ 50 pts. 8 Parts of the Friendly Letter (correct format/spacing/information)

____/ 50 pts. Proper Body (includes proper tone and specific reasons you liked/did not like the product/service

____/ 5 pts. Includes the Rubric

_____/ 125 pts. GRAND TOTAL

2-9 Class

2007-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

In class today you were able to watch Wallace and Gromit's "Wrong Trousers" while making excellent final drafts of your 6th grade buddy letters!

For Tuesday Make Sure You Have The Following:

Final draft of your buddy letter w/an envelope to send it in
2 COPIES of your Business Letter--one Business letter should be attached to the rubric (make a copy of the rubric and staple it), the other Business letter needs an envelope and a stamp that you need to provide!
Any bookwork you did not finish from Thursday night needs to be completed! We will discuss this work in class on Tuesday and I will collect it!
Study for the short Business Letter quiz you will have on Tuesday! Make sure to study the handout that I gave you.

2-8 Class

2007-02-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today I checked to make sure you had your rough draft and revised version of your business letter.

Next you wrote a rough draft of a friendly letter to your 6th grade buddy from 6th grade visit day.

Homework/Classwork:

Read pg 300-301

Do Part A Page 301 #1-5

Read Pages 302-304
Do Part A Page 304 #1-5
Part B #1-8
Part C rewrite paragraph

Also, make sure someone at home reads AND SIGNS your business letter!

2-7 Class

2007-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed your business letters and you had the opportunity to edit two letters and have your letter edited by two others in class.

Homework:
Make all of the corrections to your letter this evening. Come to class tomorrow with your revised version AND your rough draft.

2-6 Class

2007-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected the writings of problem sentences covering pages 294-298.

Next we talked about the 8 Parts of a Business Letter and discussed the next writing activity. We talked about tone and I showed you an example of a letter of complaint and a letter of compliment.

Homework:
Create a typed rough draft of your business letter and bring it in to school tomorrow. Tomorrow we will have an editing session and discuss some of the letters in class.

You will have a short "8 Parts of Business Letter" quiz on Friday, so make sure you study the handout that I gave you today!

2-5 Class

2007-02-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Although it was chilly out this morning, we still had school! So if you are home for whatever reason, you missed a few things :)

Today the class took their test on prepositions. Afterward, they continued on with the assignment you did on Thursday dealing with fragments and run-on sentences. On that same sheet they did a bit more work.
Class/Homework:
They read pages 296, 297, and 298. Then they completed Practice Your Skills #1-5 on 296 and Practice Your Skills #1-5 on 298.

Make sure this assignment is complete and we will talk about the fragments, run-ons, stringy sentences and correcting empty sentences in class tomorrow.

6TH Grade Visit Day

2007-02-02T08:38:00.001-08:00

I hope you enjoyed touring your sixth grade buddy around today!

Remember your assignment and your test that you will have on Monday (see the post below).

Have a great weekend!

1-31 Class & 2-1 Class

2007-02-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

1-31
For the most part, I want to thank you for working so diligently while I was home ill yesterday. In class you reviewed for your test with the following assignment: Page 549 Part A & B, Page 550 Part C, D & E.

2-1
Today we began by grading the review assigment you worked on yesterday. Next I gave you a practice test on the prepositions you are to have memorized for Monday's test. Finally we talked about problem sentences on page 294. You need to finish Page 295 #1-6 Part A and #1-6 Part B for Monday.

HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEKEND: Besides finishing Page 295 #1-6 Part A and #1-6 Part B for Monday, study for the test you will have on Monday too. Also, do not forget the work we have started on page 294 because we will continue with that after the test on Monday.

1-30 Class

2007-01-30T05:13:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed conjunctions and interjections.

Classwork/Homework
Read pages 546 and 547
Page 547 Part A #1-10 answers only
Part B, rewrite the paragraph
Page 548 Part B #11-20, answers only

Coming Up...
Tomorrow we will review for the test on Thursday over prepositions, conjunctions and interjections. Remember that you have to memorize the prepositions on page 537. (You were told this last week!) Make sure that you added "at", "like","since", and "via" to your list. The list has a total of 48 words.

Friday we will do a writing activity on correcting problem sentences. Many of you, in your essays, seemed to have trouble clearly stating your ideas in sentences. We will look at a section of our book beginning on Page 294 and do some activities together to sharpen our writing.

Beginning Monday of next week we will be delving into our Business Letters!

1-29 Class

2007-01-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today you took a quiz over prepositions.

Classwork/Homework:
After the test, you were responsible for completing this work by tomorrow:
Read page 541 and complete Page 542 Part A #1-10, answers only. You also need to rewrite the paragraph in Part B and make all the necessary corrections.

In order to do part A, you will need to actually read page 541 and read the examples given. Please make your best attempt at the work and we will discuss it tomorrow in class.

1-26 Class

2007-01-26T12:39:00.001-08:00

Today we discussed Adverb Phrases and Adjective Phrases and how to look at a prepositional phrase to put it into the correct category.

Class/Homework:
Page 543 take notes
Page 544 #1-9, answers only Part A
Part B rewrite the paragraph

ALSO FOR MONDAY: There will be a 30 question quiz on prepositions, objects of prepositions, adverbs vs. prepositions and prepositional phrases on Monday. Also, your business name and complete address is due Monday as well.

New Writing Assignment

2007-01-25T05:31:00.002-08:00

In our next writing assignment, we will be writing business letters. In order to prepare for this assignment beginning next week, please find a business/company whose goods/services you have used. You may have either really appreciated their goods/services, so that in a letter you can thank them and show your appreciation. You also have the option of letting a company or business know that you did not enjoy/appreciate their goods/services.

Use the internet to search for the name and mailing address of where you can send your letter of appreciation or concern to the company. First, search for the company name in google or yahoo. Next, after you have found the company's website, search their links for the customer service mailing address.

Bring the full name and address of the company to school by Monday.

Please continue reading below for today's agenda and this evening's homework.

1-25 Class

2007-01-25T05:31:00.001-08:00

Today we talked about what you read yesterday on page 536/537 and reviewed the "try this" example problems. Next we discussed prepositional phrases on page 539.

Class/Homework:
Page 538 Part A#6-10 answers only,
Part B #11-20, answers only
Page 539 #1-10 Part A, answers only
Part B, rewrite the paragraph and follow the directions

YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ OVER THIS MATERIAL ON MONDAY!

1-24 Class

2007-01-25T05:29:00.001-08:00

Today everyone took a "retest" on adverbs and adjectives. Afterwards you were to have read about our next unit of grammar: prepositions on page 536/537. You were to also have tried #1-5 on page 538.

1-22 Class

2007-01-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

Today we graded the assignment you did on Friday and I collected it.

Next you started and hopefully almost completed the review assignment. This is due tomorrow. You will have a test over the adverb unit tomorrow as well.

Homework:
STUDY FOR THE TEST TOMORROW!
Page 527 Part A and B
Page 528 Parc C and D (rewrite the sentences for D only)

MEMORY ESSAY RUBRIC

2007-01-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

MEMORY ESSAY RUBRIC

____ (50 pts) includes "showing" not telling details

____ (20 pts) proper MLA heading and includes the rubric

____ (20 pts) proper grammar and punctuation; evidence paper was properly edited

____ (30 pts) use of the three senses HIGHLIGHTED in your paper

____ (50 pts) memory is organized and easy to understand

____/170 pts

1-19 Class

2007-01-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected last night's homework. You kept this assignment and added today's assignment to it. I will collect it all on Monday.

Today's assignment talked about double negatives on page 525.

Homework:
Page 524 Check Point--rewrite the sentence UNLESS it does not have an error (then just put Correct)
Page 525 #1-10 answers only
Page 526 Check Point--Part B--(write down the correct modifier UNLESS the sentence does not have any errors, simply write CORRECT).

Also: Your Memory Final Draft is DUE MONDAY!!! Please copy the rubric above and have it to hand in on Monday!

1-18 Class

2007-01-18T06:39:00.001-08:00

Today I gave you back the editing check list from your editor.
Next we discussed comparative/superlative adverbs and the difference between adjectives and adverbs.

Homework:

One other person MUST read your essay. When that person has finished reading and making editing marks on your page, you MUST have him/her sign it. Tomorrow I will be checking for the signature and giving you points toward your writing grade.
Page 521 #1-10 answers only.
Page 523 #1-10 ---I changed the directions slightly from what the book tells you, so make sure you do it correctly: write down the correct modifier and tell whether the modifier is an ADV (adverb or an adjective) and then tell what word the ADV or ADJ modifies.

You had plenty of class time to get this assignment started and you were given examples on how to complete it properly.

LOOKING AHEAD

The final draft of your essay will be due on Monday.

1-17 Class

2007-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today you worked with a partner in a peer editing session. You were given a check list of things to look for in a paper. At the end of the session, you were to compose a 10 sentence paragraph of your overall impressions of the paper. You were to site specific examples of areas of strength and weakness in the paper.

After the session was completely over, you handed in the editing checklist and returned the paper to the author.

ABSENT STUDENTS or STUDENTS HOME ILL
If you were absent today or if you went home sick, you will be meeting with me during homeroom tomorrow! If you have not handed in your rough draft, please make sure you bring it to our homeroom meeting tomorrow!

Enjoy the evening free of English homework! See everyone tomorrow!

1-16 Class

2007-01-16T13:07:00.001-08:00

Today you turned in your rough draft. If you don't believe you turned in a rough draft with 100% of your effort, make changes to it on your computer tonight and bring in another copy tomorrow. If you feel what you submitted today was your best effort, I will hand it back to you tomorrow. Tomorrow in class we will hold a few peer editing sessions.

In class we discussed a little more about adverbs. Remember: always ask yourself what the word you have chosen as an adverb actually modifies. If it modifies a noun or a pronoun, it is NOT an adverb---it is an ADJECTIVE :)

Class/Homework:
Page 518/519 Part A, answers only, Part B--rewrite the sentences, adding an appropriate adverb.

1-12 Class

2007-01-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

Today I collected your homework from last night.

Next we discussed your Memory Paper.

You must use at least 3 of your senses in your description of your memory narrative. Highlight these in your paper
Also, use specific, proper nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
Make sure the majority of your sentences are showing sentences, NOT telling sentences

We also discussed our next unit: adverbs.

DUE TUESDAY (remember there is no school Monday for MLK DAY)

a typed rough draft of your Memory Narrative. It must be at least 750 words (about 1 1/2 pages).
Read page 516 and take notes (What questions do ADV answer? What do ADV modify?) Also complete page 517 #1-10 answers only

You had a great deal of time in class to work today! I hope you used it wisely!

1-11 Class

2007-01-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed a rule of writing good descriptions: "Show, Don't Tell". We read, discussed, and completed many examples from pages 262-265 in your book. We also paired up with a partner to do some work together.

Homework:
On page 265 Part B, you are going to choose 2 sentences out of the eight and write a 4-6 sentence "showing paragraph" to replace the "telling sentence" given. Remember to add great verbs and specific nouns, not just colorful adjectives and adverbs. These two short paragraphs are due tomorrow! We will be sharing with the class.

1-9 Class (Blog Down) and 1-10 Class

2007-01-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

10-9 Class
Sorry, yesterday the blog was down and I could not post. If you have question about Tuesday Night's homework, please see Ms. Haney.

1-10 Class
Today we corrected our homework from yesterday. Next you took a test on adjectives.
For tonight's homework you are going to do some reading and brainstorming for your next writing assignment:
Read: Page 32 "Invitation to Write"---this is your next writing prompt.
Page 32 #1--this short paragraph will help jog your brain about the types of things you can write about.
Page 33 "Student's Process"

What to Write Tonight: Think about a memory that you have that you STRONGLY remember and had a STRONG emotional reaction to. This memory can have a happy, sad, frustrating, or angry emotion tied to it. Your writing will turn out the best if your emotions are strong. After you have thought about it, complete a chart similar to the one you read on page 33 under "Students Process". I will make sure you have this tomorrow and give you credit.

1-8 Class

2007-01-08T12:16:00.001-08:00

Today we corrected the first part of the review for a mastery grade.

Next we discussed Possessive pronouns as adjectives and demonstrative pronouns and how they can be used as adjectives.

Homework:
Page 504 #1-10
Page 507 #1-10
Page 508 #1-24 evens only

1-5 Class

2007-01-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

Today we began the first part of the review for the test.

Homework:
Page 509 & 510 Parts A, B, and C only

Looking Ahead:
Next week we will learn one more portion about adjectives. Tuesday you will do the remainder of the review and your test will be on Wednesday.During these class periods we will slowly be moving into our next writing piece: the Character Sketch. You have already read Pages 28-31 and answered the Think and Respond questions on page 31. You will be rereading this to refresh yourself with the material. I will not collect the Think and Respond questions you wrote out previously, but it will help to know the answers to these questions when we talk about these two readings next week.

1-4 Class

2007-01-05T05:16:00.001-08:00

Today we corrected last night's work. I did NOT collect it. I will collect it tomorrow with tonight's homework assignment:

Tonight's Homework:
Page 502 #1-12 answers only,
Page 503 Part B--rewrite paragraph
Page 503 Check Point, follow the directions for 1-8

1-3 Class

2007-01-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

Today we began the new semester discussing adjectives. We will continue with this unit for the next two days. Monday we will begin a new writing assignment: Character sketches.

Homework:
Page 497 #1-12
Page 498 #13-17
Page 499 #1-10

12-13 Class

2006-12-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Today we started to watch "Akeelah and the Bee."

The only homework you have is to make sure your cheat sheet is done for Friday's class so I can inital it. Remember, if you do not have it here done on Friday, you will not be able to use it on the mid-term.

12-12 Class

2006-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected last night's assignment for a Mastery Grade.

Next you took your test.

Tomorrow we will begin watching Akeelah and the Bee. On Friday we will discuss the two essay questions you can choose to write on the day of the final. Also, remember that your "cheat sheet" for the test is due on Friday. If you do not bring it Friday, you cannot use it on the exam.

No Homework tonight!

12-11 Class

2006-12-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected the assignment from Friday. I collected this for an exposure grade.

MIDTERM: Next we discussed the mid-term. I gave you the small square sheet of paper that you may jot down notes on to use on the test. REMEMBER: If you lose this sheet, you will not receive another one and you will forfeit your right to have any notes for the test. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR THINGS! This notesheet is due on FRIDAY. I will collect it at the beginning of the hour so I can approve it and inital it. IT MUST HAVE MY INITALS SO THAT YOU CAN USE IT. If you DO NOT bring it on Friday, you will NOT be able to use it on Wednesday.

Finally, you had the class period to work on the following review for your test tomorrow. This review is a Mastery Grade:
Class/Homework
Page 481 #1-20
Page 487 Part E
Page 488 Part F/G
**answers only for all sections.

TOMORROW is your test covering main/helping verbs, verb tenses and the principle forms of verbs.

This week at a glance:

Monday: review for the test & discuss the mid-tern

Tuesday: take the verb test & review for the mid-term

Wednesday: Watch the movie "Akeelah and the Bee"--discuss stereotypes and the 2 essay choices for the mid-term pertaining to the movie

Thursday: continue watching "Akeelah and the Bee"

Friday: finish watching the movie. Your notesheet on the back of the square review sheet for the mid-term is due at the beginning of the hour. You will submit it to me for approval. If you do no bring it on Friday, you will not be able to use it on the exam on Wednesday. If you are going to be absent on Friday, bring it to me earlier.

12-8 Class

2006-12-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed the principle parts of verbs.

Classwork/Homework
You need to complete Page 478/479 #1-47, answers only

12-7 Class

2006-12-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected last night's assignment on verb phrases.

Next we discussed verb tenses. We also discussed not shifting verb tenses in your papers.

Class/Homework:
Page 474/475 take a few notes over your reading
Page 475 #1-15, answers only
Page 476 #16-28
Page 476 Check Point---Create the chart as explained in the directions

12-6 Class

2006-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Today we covered verb phrases.

Class/Homework:
Page 471 Part B--rewrite the paragraph, make sure to edit
Check Point #1-10 answers only, follow the direction

Page 472/473 #1-10 answers only

12-5 Class

2006-12-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today we graded last night's review assignment.

Next you took a test. Following the test you had a short reading assignment with a few questions.

Classwork/Homework
Due Tomorrow!
Read pages 50-53. Do the Think and Respond questions on page 53 #1-4. The answers must be in complete sentences and answered thoughtfully.

12-4 Class

2006-12-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today you turned in your Princess Bride papers.

Next we discussed a short review for the quiz you will take tomorrow.

You did the following assignment in class. It became homework if you did not finish it. We are grading it for a Mastery Grade tomorrow before the quiz.

Class/Homework
Page 486 Part A, B, C, D--#1-45, answers only for each section
STUDY FOR YOUR QUIZ TOMORROW!

RUBRIC FOR THE PRINCESS BRIDE

2006-12-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

DIRECTIONS TO COPY & PASTE THE RUBRIC:

Highlight the rubric from this site and hold the CTRL and hit the C key to copy it.
Open a Word document and hold the CTRL and hit the V key to paste it.

EDITING!

Yes, I know we edited in class, but have mom or dad edit it too! They usually have some really good suggestions to help you with your writing too!

FOR MONDAY MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

Final Draft
Final Outline
Final Works Cited Page
The Rubric
Any of your prewriting & rough drafts that you worked through
Grammar Assignment we did in class Friday: Page 469 & 471 PART A on both pages, answers only #1-10

The Princess Bride Rubric

____paper is clearly structured and organized (your evidence is clearly explained and is not just "plunked" in your paper) (30 pts.)

_____ paper has been edited for punctuation and grammar (20 pts.)

_____ paper uses the "inverted thesis" structure in the introduction and the conclusion is simply restated (20 pts.)

_____ paper includes proper MLA style (including proper heading format and work cited page) (10 pts.)

_____ paper includes at least 3 parenthetical citations (10 pts.)

_____ paper includes a copy of the rubric (10 pts.)

TOTAL ______/ 100 PoInTs

11-30 Class

2006-11-30T11:45:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected and collected the grammar assginments from the past two days.

Next we did some peer editing.

Homework:
Tonight you must make all of the corrections that were made on your paper. Print out a clean copy of your draft after the corrections are made. Also, make corrections to your Work Cited page and print a new copy of that as well. You need to bring both of these to school with you tomorrow!

Those of you who were unprepared today: have mom or dad or your brother/sister read your paper and sign your rough draft. Please tell them to correct your paper with another color. After they read it, make the corrections and print off a new copy. I would like you to bring the first rough draft with their corrections on it AND the new fresh copy to school tomorrow!

11-29 Class

2006-11-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed portions of your paper. You took notes on:

Conclusions
the Works Cited Page (see page 29 in your red MLA book)
MLA Heading (see page 35 in your red MLA book)

We also did a short book assignment. Page 466/467 Part A, answers only. We will correct this grammar assignment along with the one from last night tomorrow in class.

DUE TOMORROW:

completed rough draft (including the conclusion and MLA heading)
completed Works Cited page

**Tomorrow's agenda: correct the two grammar assignments (one we did in class yesterday and the one we did today). Next we will spend the rest of the hour peer editing.

DUE MONDAY

completed rough draft (including the conclusion)
complete, FINAL DRAFT
completed Works Cited page

11-28 Class

2006-11-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed action and linking verbs. I gave you a very short assignment which you should have finished within the hour.

Tonight you need to make sure your rough draft is complete, although you do not need a conclusion yet. Also, if for some reason, you did not finish the grammar assignment, you must complete:

PAGE 464 & 465 #1-10 answers only. #11-20--I changed the directions. Simply write the italicized word and find two better, more livelier verbs to put in its place (you do not have to write out the sentences).

11-27 Class

2006-11-27T05:34:00.000-08:00

Today I went around to make sure you had finished your outline.

Next we discussed how your outline translates into the writing of your paper. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence with details to support your claim/topic sentence. To move to the next paragraph, make sure to include an appropriate transition sentence.

Later this week we will work on adding parenthetical citations and writing your conclusion.

Homework:
You must have the rough draft of your introduction and body TYPED by Wednesday. If you want to make sure you are doing it right, get a good start on it this evening and see me at lunch or homeroom on Tuesday for a writing conference.

11-20 Class

2006-11-20T06:34:00.000-08:00

Today I came around and checked that your character map was completed. If you did not have this assignment done, your grade dropped drastically. You also made more work for yourself over Thanksgiving Break!

HOMEWORK:
Over Thanksgiving Break you must TYPE your outline for your paper. Use your character map (this will help a GREAT DEAL!)

Remember to look at your notes for the rules of writing an outline and follow all of them.

This will be due when you return on Monday.

11-17 Class

2006-11-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed inverted thesis statements.

You took notes on how to compose an inverted thesis statement on the back of your character map sheets.

On Monday, you need to have completed your character map. We will discuss on Monday how your character map will easily translate into an outline.

Remember: if you follow my timeline of homework, finishing everything day by day as we go through it, this paper will NOT be a burden to you. PLEASE KEEP UP WITH THE PACE OF THE CLASS. The moment you let a day of homework slip by is when you will start to feel some strain. YOU CAN DO IT :)

11-16 Class

2006-11-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Today I passed back your tests.

Next we discussed our first organizational leg of the character analysis paper. I introduced the Character Map. In class we discussed choosing a main character to write about so you have enough for a 5 paragraph essay. The character must clearly exhibit 3 different character traits.

After you identify the traits, you must look for two scenes for each trait in the novel. You must include the page numbers where this scene takes place.

If you organize yourself well on this sheet, you will already have mapped out a great portion of your paper!

This worksheet is due on Monday!

Tomorrow we will be talking about inverted thesis statements and continue working on your worksheet.

11-15 Class

2006-11-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

Today you took your test on personal pronouns.

Next we discussed how we are going to begin the character analysis paper! The Character Map I handed out will be a nice, helpful graphic organizer for you to get you started.

YOU MUST BRING YOUR PRINCESS BRIDE BOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW!

11-14 Class

2006-11-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

I hope you were good for the substitute today!

Your review assignment today was:
Page 451 Part A, answers only
Page 452 Part B, answers only
Page 453 Part C, answers only
Page 453 Part D, answers only
Page 454 Part F, follow the directions given
Page 455 Part G, answers only

**This is due on Wednesday. Your test will be Wednesday as well.

11-10 Class

2006-11-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today we corrected our homework from last night.

Next we discussed antecedents and indefinite pronouns on pages 445 and 448.

Class/homework:
Page 445-446 #1-10 answers only
Page 447 #1-5, answers only
Page 449 #1-10 answers only

11-9 Class

2006-11-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

Today we discussed Possessive Pronouns and common problems with pronoun usage.

Class/Homework:
Page 440 & 441 #1-12 answers only
Page 442 #1-12, answers only

We also discussed the similarities between the Princess Bride movie and book. We used a Venn Diagram to sort out our thoughts. You must fill in 5 examples in each of the three spots in the diagram. This is also due tomorrow.