Holiday Break

Have a wonderful, relaxing, restful break!!!!

See you next year!

Colon and Semicolon Test

1. Study and Review first
2. Test on Semi-colons/Colons
3. Watch “Everyday Creativity”
· Write one paragraph on what inspired you about the movie
· List 3 things I don’t know about you that you want me to know
· Explain what your plans are for vacation
· Tell me three things you liked in English 10HP in 2007.
· Explain what teaching strategy helps you learn grammar. Do you have any suggestions of what else to try?

Semi-colons and Colons

December 20, 2007

1. Please get a grammar book
2. Powerpoint on semi-colons and colons
3. Colon/Semi-colon pp. 261 A & B
4. Make-up comma test and fragments
5. Watch “Everyday Creativity” in preparation for the poetry unit
6. I will be after school tonight for make-up work or help

Fragment and Run-on Test

1. Test on Fragments/Run-ons
2. Exercises in book turn in bin (p. 119,121)
3. Watch “Everyday Creativity”
4. Turn in completed sheet on “How to Spot A Witch” p. 179
5. Make up comma test – staple corrected exercises to back of test
6. I will not be after school today
7. Failures: 9 for Hour 3; 14 for Hour 4; 9 for Hour 5; 15 for Hour 6
8. Thursday: Grammar book p. 261 A & B

Note: Extra credit on Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer movie has been extended over the holiday break. New deadline: January 10th

Fragments and Run-Ons

1. Fragment and Run-on Powerpoints
2. Grammar Book p. 119 A & B, p. 121 A & B
3. Comma Make-Up Test
· Complete grammar book exercises
p. 254 A & B and P. 258 A & B
· Correct from teacher’s book
· Take make-up test and correct
4. Read “How to Spot a Witch” p. 179 and take notes on all the witch tests

Bless Me Ultima Paper

Students worked in groups of 3-4 to read and grade each other's papers based on the AP scale of 1-9.

Powerpoint on subject-verb agreement.

Finished Detail packet

1. We fine tuned details in the detail packet, which we finished.
2. Corrected comma packet - 16-20 correct passed.
15 or less did not pass and must complete p. 254 A and B and p. 258 A and b and correct it before the make-up comma test is given.
3. Paper due on Monday, one page, typed, double spaced
Find a passage, paragraph with lots of details
Write a claim explaining how the details enhance the meaning of the text and show the author's attitude.
Evidence - include at least three examples (details) and explain/infer why the detail is important and what it does
Warrant - write a summation sentence including the examples and how that supports the claim.

AP skill of detail

1. Find your 3 ring notebook and put
· Final corrected narrative paper in plastic
· Final corrected analysis paper in plastic
· Cyrano’s eulogy/gazette and poem on Mark Twain
· Sensory detail sheet
· Transition sheet
· Huck AP questions and claims
· All Claim, Evidence, Warrant notes
· Indian Camp symbolism notes
2. Label one divider as Detail and put detail sheet in
3. Take notes on 3 pages of detail
4. Read "Bless Me Ultima" and write a one page, typed, double spaced paper on the AP skill of detail due on Monday

Comma Test

On Tuesday, Groups 6-9 finished the Gallery Walk for Commas. I was truly impressed with the creativity!
Comma Test today must pass with a 80% mastery (16 out of 20) or else you must retake the test.
Free RIF books in the library.
Start DETAIL packet to put in three ring binder. This is an AP skill.

Extension: Watch Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer movies over break. Type a one page comparison with the novel for 10 extra credit points.

Gallery Walk on Commas

Groups 1-5 presented today.

Students took notes and a practice quiz.

Groups 6-9 present on Tuesday.

Gallery Walk Work Day

English 10HP – Friday
Grades Handed Out
1. Last day to turn in signed syllabus and signed contract for points
2. Recipe due – 25 points
3. Gallery Walk
· Use every rule on your page
· Cite your source
· Teacher book has correct answers
· Teaching time: 10 minutes
4. Michael Scheffler is wearing a tutu!
5. Groups 1-5 present on Monday
6. Groups 6-9 present on Tuesday
7. Comma Test on Wednesday – 80% mastery is required to pass with a B- minimum

Gallery Walk for Commas

I collected signed syllabus for 10 points.
Recipes for Huck Finn are due Friday typed with a picture for 25 graded points that go into the writing bin.
Students worked in gallery walk groups to plan the presentation on the assigned commas.
Friday is a work day, so bring supplies and typed sentences.

Gallery Walk

On Wednesday, students reviewed the seven claims written in groups on Tuesday after correcting the AP multiple choice test.

Directions were given for the Gallery Walk on Commas.

Practice AP Tests

English 10HP Today

1. Take a multiple choice sample AP Test

2. Write a claim in groups for an AP essay questions

3. Collect signed contracts

First Day of Trimester 2

Welcome!
Everyone is getting use to new students in new hours.
Seating chart was assigned and hopefully you are sitting in a new area of the room
The syllabus was discussed. Check the blog every day and buy a flashdrive.
Also, submit edited narrative and analysis papers in your three ring notebook.
Return the signed contract with a parent signature.
Write a creative recipe for Huck Finn, typed with a picture. Due Friday. 25 points in the writing bin.

Last Day of Trimester 1

For finals, students reported on the independent reading novel with a Book Talk in a group.

Grades were given for what I have recorded so far. The bins (including Huck Finn journals) still need to be graded and recorded.

Return books please on Huck Finn and Independent Reading.

Extra credit: Watch Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer. Write a one page paper connecting it the novel. What was the same and what was different?

End of the Trimester News

Be sure to check your grades for accuracy. If you find an error, please politely and respectfully staple your grade print out with your corrected paper and I will be more than glad to make the correction. Grades are important to you and me. Let's work together on grades!

Last Friday, the assigned journals on Huck Finn were due in the basket. Students who did not finish the book and could not write about the ending of the novel journal had time to finish it over the long week-end and turn it in the basket on Monday.

Monday - last quiz on Huck Finn

Completion of Wrestling with Right and Wrong worksheet due in the basket

Tuesday: Final Test on Huck Finn (100 points)

Wednesday/Thursday Final Day complete the Book Talk (speak 20 minutes on a 250 page novel read this trimester). Be prepared with the book talk sheet completed. Answer the questions on the other students presenting their book talk.

Satire and Irony

Monday, November 19
Watch 3 youtubes on satire
Write 3 writeabouts on Huck Finn
finish sheet on satire in the literature group

Tuesday, November 20
In the literature circle, complete worksheet on Drawing Conclusions

Wednesday, November 21
In the literature circle, complete the worksheet on plot.

Satire and Irony

On Friday, I gave notes on incongruity, satire, and irony.
Students wrote a nine line poem on incongruity and completed a worksheet on satire and irony.
The third sheet on satire is due on Monday.
Read Chapters 33-36.

Literature Circle

On Wednesday in the literature circles students:
finished the study guide
finished the map
compare/contrast Jim and Huck with the Profiles of Gifted Behavior - turn in for points

On Thursday, I showed 6 clips from United Streaming on Huck Finn as a review for the test
Quiz on chapters 12-29
Read Huck Finn

Friday:
Satire and Irony
Notes and literature circle for completing worksheets

Profiles of Gifted Behavior - George Betts

On Monday I gave notes on Profiles of Gifted Behavior by George Betts. If you want to know more, google to find the article with more descriptions.

Homework: Write a paragraph giving examples from your life where you have been on this chart and where you are now.

Huck Finn: In your literature circle on Wednesday, examine where Huck and Jim might be on this chart.

Tuesday: Notes in class on symbolism of river, fog, raft, shore.

Mark Twain and Huck Finn

Wow! I have not posted for awhile!

I attended the Gifted/Talented Conference on Thursday/Friday and will be teaching you what I learned and incorporating more ideas into my units starting with Huck Finn.

To recap the week:

1. "Indian Camp" claim, evidence, warrant paper was due typed with peer conferencing shets, rubric, rough drafts and outline.

2. I tried a new journal strategy called write abouts where students wrote three journals and received feedback from other students.

3. Hours 3-4 took the PLAN test. Hours 5-6 had reading time.

4. Mr. King finally got to talk with Hour 3 this week, so they were not left out. He gave me a website he wanted you to see on the "N" word, which I will show this week.

5. On Thursday, Quiz Chapters 1-11 was given.

6. The poem on Mark Twain was due on Friday with the rubric staped to the top.

7. On Friday, students wrote a journal on lies.

8. On Friday, the literature circles worked on the study guide and the map.

Indian Camp Paper and Huck Finn

Mr. King spoke to Hours 4-6 last Friday about the "n" word. I hope you all learned something from the discussion.

Monday: Peer Conferencing for the Claim, Evidence, and Warrant Paper

Read Chap 1-4 in Huck Finn and complete the study guide.

Claim, Evidence, and Warrant

On Wednesday, directions were given and samples shown on how the write the claim, evidence, and warrant analysis paper on "Indian Camp." The paper is due next Tuesday, November 6th, typed, double spaced with the rubric stapled to the top.

The outline is due Thursday for me to check.

Read three articles on the "N" word for Friday so you can ask the guest speaker, Mr. King, some questions.

Be prepared to take notes on Mark Twain on Thursday.

Indian Camp

Today was a great day for analysis! Thank you for contributing your responses. All of your notes will be used in future analysis plus the analysis paper, which I will give directions for on Wednesday.

Out of 110 students, only one student did not turn in the narrative on time. Congratulations for HP behavior on quality work done on time.

On Thursday, I will show a powerpoint on Mark Twain and give you the poetry assignment on Mark Twain, plus four articles to read in preparation for the guest speaker on Friday, who will talk about the "N" word.

Start reading Huck Finn.

Narrative Final Copy

On Monday, turn in the following either staped or in a folder:
1. Final copy (typed) on top
2. Self-Reflection (10 points)
3. Conference Sheets and copies corrected by writing partners
4. Rough Draft with all changes (verbs, sensory detail, dialogue)
5. Extra Credit - signature of adult who edited your paper

Editing the narrative

This week we are working on editing the narrative to make it publishable in addition to "A" work.
Monday: Show not tell and Detail packet plus The Lead Board
Students read "Malcolm X" and rewrote the title, introduction and conclusion for 10 points to turn in.
Tuesday: Students highlighed action verbs and sensory detail words in the packet to add to the paper. Read "The Chase" and "From Mexico" and highlight for sensory detail and description.
Wednesday: Homework is to read "Born on the 4th of July" and highlight for sensory detail and description. Add sensory detail, description, and a simile or metaphor to the narrative.
Thursday: Add dialogue and complete the packet
Friday: Bring two typed copies of the narrative to your peer conferencing group.

Extra credit: Many students could not rent out Roxanne at the last minute because I have 105 students and there are only so many Blockbuster and Hollywood Video stores around. When I let you know in advance, some students order through Netflex. I will re-open Roxanne until after Thanksgiving to give the rest of you a chance for extra credit. Write a one page compare/contrast paper comparing Roxanne to Cyrano, the play.

Also, extra credit: I still need quotes and pictures for the bulletin board. Please type one quote per page, so it is large enough to read.

Extra credit on the narrative: Have a parent/adult/older sibling, etc. edit your narrative and sign the rough draft. Make the changes before I grade it.

Endings and Beginnings

After showing samples in class, students will rewrite the beginning and ending of the narrative.

Read Malcolm X "The First Major Turning Point" for an example of a title

Rough drafts due typed today.

Extra credit: Find famous one line quotes from Mark Twain, type and print for bulletin board.

Extra Credit

Roxanne extra credit closes on Monday, October 22nd.

Please stay after school to help create a bulletin board on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Open on Monday, October 22nd until the bulletin board is complete.

or

Bring pictures of Mark Twain (enlarged) or Huckleberry Finn to contribute to the bulletin board.

Narrative

This week, I introduced the narrative. Students' pre-writing was the story circle telling three stories. The rough draft is due Monday (2-5 pages typed double spaced). Next week we will work on editing for publication.

Remember Monday is the last day to turn in extra credit on Roxanne.

Read your independent novel over the four day week-end and complete your book talk form so you won't be stressed at the end of the trimester.

Today we will hopefully finish the powerpoint presentations. I changed my mind and let students present their whole powerpoint, which you know and I know is taking a lot longer than I thought. However, you are wowing me with your analysis skills and beautifully crafted powerpoints.

Welcome to the 12 new students added on Monday!

Enjoy four days off! Enjoy your friends and get some sleep. Some os you are sleep deprived!

Narrative

All 10th grade students across the district are required to write a narrative paper this trimester.
In HP English 10, students will write for publication of their narrative.

Pre-writing is on Tuesday called a Story Circle. Each student will bring three true stories to tell in a group of three students, then go home Tuesday night and write one of these stories as the rough draft.

Powerpoints will be finished on Wednesday.

I explained the Book Talk - an independent novel to read outside of class to report on during final testing.

Powerpoint Presentations

Because the powerpoint presentations are taking too long, I will grade the first half of the powerpoint, which will be similar from student to students. Students will present the last half so I can grade you on presentations.

Over the three day week-end, read your independent novel plus watch Roxanne and write a one page compare/contrast paper to Cyrano.

Get some sleep!

Powerpoint

Today I handed out the rubrics to show how I am grading.

Remember 60 points are on the required including 10 points each for the similarities and differences; 20 points for the powerpoint; 20 points for the presentation.

Presentations start 20 minutes into the hour on Wednesday and finish on Thursday.

The 100 points goes into a weighted bin of 25 points, so do well.

Intelligent, indepth responses with explained examples (either on the powerpoint or during the presentation) get an A. Obvious, predictable responses get a B. Remember to google the names to find information online that will help you.

Work hard on your first powerpoint. You will be making first impressions for who would want to work with you in future groups.

Grades have changed after grading the Cyrano Test and the Vocabulary Test.

Code Powerpoint

Your task, should you choose to accept it, it to make a powerpoint comparing Cyrano to Pirates of the Caribbean and a Cyrano to a current code (Marines, Boy Scouts, etc.)

I am grading you on your in-depth analysis skills.

In your powerpoint include:
1. A definition of code (use these key words throughout your powerpoint).
2. Compare/contrast Cyrano and Jack Sparrow (obvious comparisons get a C, more in-depth analysis receives a higher grade). Use Cyrano's definition of honor on p. 40, and The Three Musketeers or Knights of the Round Table (from England) to help with the honor code of the 17th century.
3. Compare Roxane with Elizabeth Swan. Use the handout on The Art of Courtly Love to help you.
4. Compare Christian with Will Turner.
5. Explain what parts of the honor/pirate code they follow.
6. Compare/contrast Cyrano's honor code with a current code like Boy Scouts or Marines.
7. Explain what happens if the code is broken.
8. Explain how a code reflects the beliefs of a society.

Include a pictures/graphic per slide, plus no more than 5 lines of type on each slide.

Code Powerpoint

I am so proud of how well you studied for the test, came in prepared, and quietly waited until the last person finished the test!

On Friday, view the code powerpoint and take notes in the computer room.

On Monday and Tuesday, I have a computer room scheduled, so if you don't finish it on Friday, you will have time.

Also, you can make the powerpoint in class on Monday and Tuesday. The powerpoint is due Wednesday. Presentations on Wednesday and Thursday will be graded by the class and the teacher.

You can work with 2-3 students in your class or from my other three classes.

Extra Credit on Roxanne closes November 1st.

Test

Study. Study. Study for the test!!!! 130 points

Start when you enter the room. No late passes to your next class.

Finish your eulogy or gazette on Cyrano, which is Due Friday.

Code Powerpoint on Friday in the computer room.

Study Guide and Allusion sheet due on jFriday.

Vocabulary Test on Monday.

Today we reviewed the vocabulary with the fantastic millionaire and jeopardy games.

LeBret's eulogy or Gazette on Cyrano's Death

Write LeBret's eulogy(sermon at Cyrano's funeral) or a gazette article on Cyrano's death. Due on Friday. Include pictures, direct quotes, detailed information. paragraphs, complex writing for an A.

I found gazette templates on google.

Finish Act V

Thursday, September 27th was Sophomore Respect Retreat all day

Friday, September 28th was a DEAR DAY

Monday, Finish reading Act V, finish study questions, finish allusion sheet.

Tuesday, Watch end of video

SYMBOLISM

Take really good notes on symbolism in Cyrano.
Start ACT V
Turn in Journal 4
Thursday: Sophomore Respect Retreat - have fun bonding.
Friday: DEAR DAY. I wil not be here. Remember to bring a book of 250 pages to read.

Act IV

We finished reading Act IV and Christian dies. Cyrano still has not told Roxanne he loves her.

Act IV Quiz; study questions; allusions

Journal #4 due on Wednesday.

20 vocabulary words are due on Friday.

Remember to bring a book of your choice (at least 250 pages) to read on Friday.

Act IV

Read Act IV

Journal #3 Due

Extra Credit

After reading Cyrano, watch Roxanne (a modern day Cyrano) and write a one page Compare/contrast paper on the similarites and differences between Cyrano and Roxanne. Wait until we finish the play, but order from Netflex now, so you have it at home.

Cyrano Act III

We finished reading the balcony scene in Cyrano in Act III.

Finish reading Act III, study questions for Act III, and allusion and the five point quiz.

Write Journal #3. 1/2 page per question, typed, double-spaced (two pages total) - due Monday for Hours 3,5,6. Hour 4 was due Friday.

Five vocabulary words on Cyrano were due on Friday in the 4 poster style.

Finish Act II

Every class finished reading Act II and took the five point quiz.
We updated the study guide and allusion sheet.
Hours 4,5,6 handed in their typed Journal #2
Hour 3 is due tomorrow.
Get ready for the famous balcony scene during Act III!!!!!

The games are cancelled tonight. That means you can complete the vocabulary sheet!

Cyrano Act II

Today I collected the continuum and we moved around the room in the real continuum.
We read half of Act II. Homework: Journal #2 Remember one page double spaced typed. If you can't fill up a whole page with one question, answer both questions. No computer excuses. If your printer is not working, you are out of ink or paper, etc. e-mail me your paper (sasseg@district279.org) or save it on a flashdrive and print it out in the library when you get to school.
We filled in more questions on the study guide and the allusion sheet.
I explained the vocabulary assignment, which five words are due on Friday.

Cyrano - end of Act I

Today in class, I collected Journal #1. Remember in an HP class all assignments need to be typed and on time. No more excuses for late work. If your printer doesn't work, the computer is out of ink or paper, problem solve. E-mail me your paper or load your assignment on a flashdrive and print it out at school in the library in the morning or at lunch. Stay after school to finish if all else fails or your computer is not working.
All classes watch the video of Cyrano Act I.
Quiz Act I - a short five point true/false test.
Continue looking up allusions and complete the Study Guide
Hours 4,5, 6 started reading Act II
Hours 3 finished reading Act I. (Hour 3 is behind because of the fire drill last week)

Cyrano Act I

Today, Hours 4 and 5 finished reading Cyrano Act I. Tomorrow Hours 3 and 6 will finish reading the rest of Act I.

Friday: Quiz on Act I, Journal on Act I due, video on Act I.

Keep the allusion sheet and Study Guide (must be finished for Act I for homework) in your folder until the end of the play.

Extra credit: Watch the scene in the movie Roxanne where Cyrano talks about his nose and in his duel with Valvert when he composes a ballad. WRite one paragraph explaining the similiarites and one paragraph comparing the differences. You have until Friday, September 21st to finish this for 5 points.

Cyrano

On Wednesday, we watched the beginning of Cyranno DVD, then read Act I and answered study guide questions.
Remember to apply for Student Senate.
Third hour is behind reading because of the fire drill today.
I collected the Author Packet for 40 points.
The next homework assignment is vocabulary work and journals.
Enjoy leaving at 1:40!
15 out of 95 students brought in a box of kleenex for 5 extra credit points. those points are still available.

Cyrano

On Tuesday, books were handed out on Cyrano. I was five books short 6th hour. I spent two hours picking up 3 books at Borders in Roseville, 1 book in Coon Rapids, and 1 book in Maple Grove. Barnes and Noble does not carry the edition we are reading. So if you lose your book, please replace the copy by buying another one at Borders. I have no extras at this point.

On Monday I collected the library packet and Wednesday I will collect the Author packet on Rostand.

I support you in running for Student Senate. Pick up an application from Mr. Bauman in Room 276 to be on the ballot next Wednesday for the sophomore vote during Advisory. I recommend campaigning during lunch and class. I have seen clever flyers in the stairwells in the past, but the most remembered is having your friends wear tagboard (front and back) with strong over the shoulders to campaign for you. Have them wear it all day long. Some bring pencils, food, etc. but that costs a lot of money. Think of something clever to print on the computer that you can hand out at lunch and in the halls - something memorable.

You will have a ton of fun, know what's going on in the school, and develop leadership skills.

I love Cyrano and look forward to reading it with you.

Library and Cyrano

Welcome to your second week at OSH! You are a true Oriole!

Today we worked in the library, but not everyone finished the packet on plagairism, so finish it for homework and turn it in on Tuesday. I hope you learned that a teacher can find a plagairized sentence in less than 10 seconds. It is not worth it. Just document where you got the information from.

On Tuesday, we start reading the play Cyrano de Bergerac - my favorite of all times. We will pick reading parts, so don't be absent.

The Cyrano 40 point packet on background information is due on Wednesday and is homework.

I want all of you to consider signing up for Student Senate, if you really want to be involved and be a leader for your class. See Mr. Bauman (Social Studies) for an application, which is due on Wednesday.

Feel free to e-mail me, talk to me before/after school, or before/after class if you have questions or concerns. I am here to help you. Make sure you let me know if you need help.

I think most of the three ring binders are in the room. However, still bring it if you haven't yet. I will let you know what goes in there and when to pick it up.

Last call for the signed syllabus and signed contract. Grades will be inputted into schoolview on Tuesday.

Plagairism

Today, we viewed the powerpoint on plagairism. Remember not to copy homework, study guides, etc. nor to use information in a paper without documenting it.

I was impressed with some high scores on the grammar test, but they were few and far between. We all now realize why we wil be studying grammar this year!

This week I collected the signed syllabus, the signed contract, the typed I am poem, and the typed paragraph response to a quotation.

I am glad you are all here and know you are welcome and belong!

On Monday, we will be in the library working. The rest of the week we will be reading Cyrano de Bergerac.

Pre-Test in Grammar

Today students took the pre-test in grammar. Remember, this test does not count in the grade book. It is for informational purposes only. We will correct in class tomorrow. You will correct your own.

Remember to bring the signed syllabus and signed contract.

Good luck at your games/meets tonight.

Start reading a book for independent study.

If your printer does not work, send you assignment to me on my e-mail and I will print it or bring a flashdrive to school with your assignment on it and you print it in the library.

If you ever have questions, ask me in class, e-mail me your concerns, or come in for extra help before or after school.

I care about you and want you to do well.

Quotations written assignment

Your I am poems were creative and insightful. Keep up the great work!

Remember to type all of your assignments.

Contracts and syllabus need to be signed by you and a parent/guardian and turned in this week.

Homework tonight: Choose a quotation from the list and explain how it describes you. Then give three examples from your life that fit the quote. Remember to type it.

Remember

I am so happy and excited to meet you. I look forward to an adventurous year together.

Sign the syllabus on the back and the HP contract, then have an adult sign it and return to the basket in class.

Remember to bring your three ring binder to class with 10 dividers, plastic sheets, and tabs to mark page numbers in books. Hang onto your passes.

Your I am poem needs to be typed and turned in today.

I received e-mails from students who could not get into my blog. Remember to put a period after english10hp.blogspot.com

Extra credit: 5 extra credit points for one box of kleenex.

I have books in the room for readvisory to check out.

Welcome to OSH

I am so excited you are here! In my English 10 HP class, students arrive from four junior highs (Osseo., Maple Grove, Northview, and a pocket from Brooklyn Jr.), private and charter schools, transfers from other districts, home schools, and from both honors and regular classes. Wherever you were last year, you are welcome and you belong. You will do great work this year!

Plan on finding a novel of your choice (250 pages minimum) to read this trimester for Independent Reading on DEAR days and Readvisory on Wednesdays.

I look forward to getting to know all of you.

Welcome Orioles. Buy your orange and black wardrobe now! School spirit is fantastic!