Fall+2013-+Eng+I

=Mr. Thomas- Honors English I: 1st Period, Fall 2013=

Here you will find a running document of class activities as well as important dates and documents.

=Week 1: 8/26-8/30= 8/26: No School; Teacher work day 8/27: First day of school 8/29: Quiz on syllabus and classroom procedures 8/30: Syllabus signed, turnitin.com account made, email to Mr. Thomas due, essay due

Tuesday, 8/27

 * First day of school

1. On a sheet of paper: 2. Check roster 3. Student information sheet 4. Syllabus
 * Write at least 2 questions you have about Ashley High School
 * When finished, wait patiently for further instructions
 * When I call your name:
 * Do you prefer a different name?
 * Ask me one of your questions you wrote for your start-up
 * What are the three most important pieces of information?
 * Share
 * Get this signed



Homework:
-Get your syllabus signed (due Friday) -Get your needed materials

Wednesday, 8/28

 * Continue your start-up on the sheet you started yesterday (your 2 questions about AHS). Copy the part in italics, then write your answer directly below.

Start-Up: (Write at least 3 sentences) What do you typically like/dislike about English class? What do you hope to get out of this class?
 * When you finish the start-up, complete your brainstorming of 5 unique get-to-know-you questions

1. If you have your syllabus to turn in 2. Checking in… 3. Share start-up 4. Classroom procedures 5. Website 6. turnitin.com 7. Log-in Reference sheet 8. Letter to Students 9. First assignment 10. Get to know your classmates
 * Schedule changes= only if you have holes in your schedule
 * Syllabus and classroom procedures quiz = Tomorrow
 * Due dates:
 * Friday, 8/30
 * Syllabus signed
 * Turnitin.com account made
 * Email sent to Mr. Thomas
 * First writing assignment due by 11:59
 * Bathroom policy
 * Speaking in class
 * Getting out of your seat
 * Good job!
 * Behavior...
 * Check this before you ask me what you missed
 * Make an account
 * How to upload
 * Any questions?
 * You will share a portion of this letter



Homework:
-Syllabus signed -Send Mr. Thomas an email (directions at bottom of log-in sheet) -Set up turnitin.com account -Begin working on writing assignment -Get ready for syllabus and classroom procedures quiz

Thursday, 8/29
*If you have your syllabus signed, put it in the basket on the desk at the front of the room

Start-Up: (At least 3 sentences) How do you currently feel about your classes this semester? Are they what you expected? Which is your favorite so far?

1. Checking in… 2. Syllabus/classroom procedures quiz 3. Reading test 4. Continue introducing classmates
 * Emails
 * Pay attention to directions
 * Turnitin.com issues?
 * Questions about essay?
 * Tomorrow is a regular bell schedule
 * Signed syllabus?
 * Put your name and the date on a blank sheet of paper

Homework:
-Syllabus signed -Send Mr. Thomas an email (directions at bottom of log-in sheet) -Set up turnitin.com account -Academic Expectations essay

Friday, 8/30
Start-Up: //What is the purpose of English class?// (Write at least 4 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. Vocabulary placement text 4. Library orientation
 * No school Monday
 * Essay due tonight

Homework:
-Academic expectations essay (Due to turnitin.com by 11:59pm)

=Week 2: 9/2-9/6= 9/2: No school; holiday

Tuesday, 9/3
Start-Up: //What factors contribute to a story's mood, tone, and overall effectiveness?// Explain how these factors affect a story. (4 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. Finish vocabulary placement 4. Check answers to reading placement 5. No Excuses list 6. Parts of Speech scavenger hunt
 * Tardies count!
 * You still need a turnitin.com account
 * Have your "academic goals" portion of your essay here to be shared on Thursday



Homework:
-POS Homework sheet

Wednesday, 9/4

 * Turn in your homework in the tray

Start-Up: Why is it important to know the parts of speech and how they work with one another?

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. First list of vocabulary 4. Finish Parts of Speech scavenger hunt (2nd and 4th) 5. Literary terms list 6. Read "Ambush" by Tim O'Brien 7. Identify terms from list and describe them as they apply to "Ambush" 8. Think Pair Share
 * Picture day on Friday
 * Goal presentations tomorrow
 * Calendar
 * Read
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Write an original sentence for each of your vocabulary words -Be prepared for presentations tomorrow

Thursday, 9/5

 * Turn in your homework--and any late work--in the tray on Mr. Thomas's desk

Start-Up: If you could change one aspect of Ashley High School, what would it be? Why would you want to change this? (4 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. Begin sharing academic goals 4. When reading nonfiction 5. "Helpless Generation" article
 * Picture day tomorrow
 * Trouble with vocabulary sentences?
 * Presentation expectations
 * Score your classmates
 * Reading reflection questions
 * Choose 6 of the 10 questions to answer
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Have your parents read the article and share their opinions on the subject.

Friday, 9/6
Start-Up: Describe a time you overcame a difficulty in your life.(4 sentences)

1. Share 2. Checking in... 3. Helpless generation article 4. Continue presentations 5. Vocabulary review
 * Vocabulary quiz on Monday; you want to know the definition and be able to use it in a sentence
 * What'd your parents have to say?
 * Continue discussion
 * Turn in

Homework:
-Study for vocabulary quiz

=Week 3: 9/9-9/13=

Monday, 9/9

 * Take a new Start-Up sheet from the tray by the door

Start-Up: //What are three strengths you have as a student?// List and describe these strengths and how you have developed these skills over the years. (4 sentences)


 * When you are finished, review your vocabulary words.

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in… 3. Vocabulary quiz 4. How Would You Feel? (due Sunday, 9/15) 5. Vocabulary List 2 (quiz Friday, 9/13) 6. Greek Gods and Goddesses 7. Barbie Project (due Friday, 9/13)
 * First essays will be finished by Wednesday
 * Progress reports Thursday
 * Student Council first meeting Wednesday
 * When you finish, turn it in to tray and take “How Would You Feel?” essay
 * Brainstorm
 * Who are you?
 * Where are you?
 * What is the time period?
 * What kind of war have you been fighting?
 * What was your role in the war?
 * Prezi: []



Homework:
-No Homework

Tuesday, 9/10
Start-Up: There is a saying: //“Do simple things well.”// Explain what this means and how it can lead to success in everything you do. (4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Parts of Speech
 * Barbie Project due Friday
 * Questions?
 * Have with you this week so you can work on it in your free time
 * “How Would You Feel?” essay due Sunday
 * Turnitin.com
 * Troubles? SEE ME BEFORE FRIDAY
 * Have with you this week so you can work on it in your free time
 * If you have Mythology, you may want to bring it
 * Student Council meeting tomorrow
 * Bring $5
 * Reminder
 * Notes
 * Part 1
 * Part 2
 * IVANCAPP (Interjection, Verb, Adjective, Noun, Conjunction, Adverb, Preposition, Pronoun)
 * FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)
 * Practice



Homework:
-Parts of Speech worksheet -Read and annotate background of //The Odyssey// handout



Wednesday, 9/11
Start-Up: 9/11 Response

Read the following excerpt silently, and then respond to it openly on your Start-Up sheet 'What about a teakettle? What if the spout opened and closed when the steam came out, so it would become a mouth, and it could whistle pretty melodies, or do Shakespeare, or just crack up with me? I could invent a teakettle that reads in Dad's voice, so I could fall asleep, or maybe a set of kettles that sings the chorus of "Yellow Submarine," which is a song by the Beatles, who I love, because entomology is one of my raisons d'etre, which is a French expression that I know.'

• Entomology- The branch of zoology dealing with the study of insects • Rasion d'etre- Reason for living

What do you think about this paragraph? Who do you think is speaking? What kind of book do you think this comes from? What do you think this character is currently going through? Based on this small excerpt, how would you characterize the speaker?

-Now, respond openly about September 11, what it means to you, what you remember from this day 12 years ago, any other thoughts or questions you have about this topic. Consider writing a list of everything you are thankful for.

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in… 3. Review homework 4. The Trojan War 5. Video clips
 * Barbie project
 * How Would You Feel? Essay
 * We will be using these tomorrow; have it with you somehow (however much you have done)
 * Student Council today after school
 * Grammar
 * // The Odyssey // background
 * Notes
 * []
 * []



Homework:
No Homework

Thursday, 9/12
Start-Up: //If you were Prince Paris, which goddess would you have chosen? Why?// (3 sentences)

Mettlesome- adj. full of spirit and strength

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in… 3. How Would You Feel? Essays 4. Recap information from yesterday 5. The Odyssey 6. Vocabulary review activity
 * Barbie project due tomorrow
 * How Would You Feel? Essay due Sunday
 * Vocabulary quiz tomorrow
 * 5 previous words will be included
 * Who has a full draft?
 * Partner up
 * Each of you will have 2 minutes to talk about your essay to your group
 * When Mr. Thomas instructs, group members will be able to ask questions and give suggestions
 * Read pages 291-300
 * Answer associated questions



Homework:
-Barbie project -Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 9/13
As you enter, place your Barbie project in the tray on Mr. Thomas’s desk

If you do not have your project, complete this paragraph on a sheet of paper and turn it in to the tray on my desk:

Mr. Thomas, I do not have my Greek God or Goddess Barbie project today, 9/13/13, because _. I will have it turned in to you by _. I understand that this assignment is late and that I lose 10 points each day it is late after today. Thank you, Sign Your Name

Start-Up: //What do you think of The Odyssey so far?// Respond openly or simply recap what you have read.


 * When you finish, take out your Start-Up sheet and begin reviewing your vocabulary words

1. Discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Finish vocabulary story 4. Vocabulary quiz 5. Future You letter
 * Essay due Sunday
 * Turnitin.com will be available this afternoon!
 * Reference your “No Excuses” list and run a spelling/grammar checker
 * If you finish early, continue working on first questions from //The Odyssey//



Homework:
-How Would You Feel? essay (due Sunday by 7:00pm to www.turnitin.com)

=Week 4:9/16-9/20=

Monday, 9/16
As you enter, take a new Start-Up sheet from the tray by the door. If you have your Future You letter from Friday or any late work for me, turn it in to the tray behind my desk

Start-Up: //Who do you primarily blame for the events of the Trojan War?// Explain why.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. New vocabulary words 4. Grammar practice Articles=a, the
 * How Would You Feel? essays should be submitted
 * If you have not put it on turnitin.com, try again
 * Write original sentences for each word
 * Share
 * Questions?
 * Copy the following sentences, then label the part of speech for each word
 * Harris and Jacob went to the football game on Friday.
 * Sneakily, the cat watched the squirrel from the window in the living room.
 * Discuss

5. Review The Odyssey
 * Continue reading



Homework:
-Finish sentences for vocabulary words

Tuesday, 9/17
Place vocabulary sentences in the tray behind my desk.

Start-Up: //Write 3 grammatically correct sentences that each include a noun, an adjective, an adverb, a preposition, and a conjunction.// Label each part of speech.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Grammar 4. Review //Odyssey// guiding questions part 2 5. Video clip 6. Continue reading
 * //Odyssey// test on Monday (tentatively)
 * Grammar assessment coming in the near future
 * Spirit week is next week!
 * Semicolon
 * Subject/predicate
 * Notes
 * Practice



Homework:
-No homework

Wednesday, 9/18
Start-Up: //Describe your perception of Odysseus as a leader, a husband, a father.// (Write at least 4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Finish reading //The Odyssey// 4. Discuss events of the story 5. The Odyssey Analysis Collaboration
 * Vocabulary quiz Friday
 * I will be after school tomorrow
 * Do you need help with anything?
 * When you finish, you may work on something for another class, read, or study vocabulary words
 * Thoughts? Questions?



Homework:
-Finish reading //The Odyssey// if you did not in class

Thursday, 9/19
Start-Up: //What do you think of// The Odyssey // as a whole? // Consider the story from beginning to end. Do you like how it ends? Why or why not? (4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Continue working on group analysis
 * Vocabulary quiz tomorrow

Homework:
-Study vocabulary words

Friday, 9/20
Start-Up: //If you were Odysseus, what would you have done differently?//
 * When you finish, review your vocabulary words silently

1. Share Start-Up 2. Vocabulary quiz 3 3. Work on group project

Homework:
-Finish group project; only 10 minutes on Monday

=Week 5: 9/23-27=

Monday, 9/23
Start-Up: //What influences from// The Odyssey //and Greek mythology have you seen in other pieces of literature, other media, and in our culture?// (Ex: Hermes's winged shoes)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Finish group project (10 min.) 3. Breifly share projects 4. Review Odysseus's journey 5. Introduce Playlist Project 6. //The Odyssey// study guide
 * Due Friday



Tuesday, 9/24
Start-Up://What, in your opinion, is Odysseus's greatest character flaw?// (What characteristic of his causes him the most trouble?) Explain.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. New vocabulary words 4. Finish //Odyssey// Study Guide 5. View video clips from //Odyssey// movie
 * //Odyssey// test tomorrow
 * Half day on Friday
 * You will go to all of your classes
 * Pep-rally at the end of the day
 * You will dismiss at 12:30
 * Tomorrow is Gender Bender day for Spirit Week
 * Playlist Project due Friday



Homework:
-Study for //Odyssey// test

Wednesday, 9/25
Start-Up: Briefly review for your //Odyssey// test

1. Questions? 2. //Odyssey// test 3. Cultural effects of //The Odyssey// 4. Finish movie clips



Thursday, 9/26
Start-Up: //Write a pitch for a movie based on// The Odyssey //that is told as a parody//. OR //What is something that you have never done but have always wanted to do?// Have you ever attempted?

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Introducing quotes 4. Article 5. TRIAC 6. Practice Integrating Quotes 7. Begin //O Brother, Where Art Thou?//
 * Tomorrow=half day; dismiss at 12:30 (busses leave at 1)
 * Homecoming!!!
 * Game
 * Dance on Saturday; here at school (buy your ticket at lunch!)
 * Playlist Project due tomorrow
 * I will give you until Monday without penalty
 * Vocabulary quiz Monday
 * Who’s the best dressed? (1st period)
 * Vote for Homecoming (2nd period)
 * Read
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Playlist Project

Friday, 9/27

 * Half day

Viewing of //O Brother, Where Art Thou?//

=Week 6: 9/30-10/4=

Monday, 9/30

 * Place your Playlist Project in the tray on my desk
 * Use a sheet of notebook paper for your Start-Up sheet. Make your formatting neat and easy to follow.

Start-Up: (Mrs. Harmati) When I was young I wanted to be a ninja. //What superhero or character did you want to be?//


 * When you have finished, silently study your vocabulary words

1. Share Start-Up 2. Vocabulary Quiz #4 3. Finish //O Brother, Where Art Thou?//

Homework:
-Sentences for new vocabulary words

Tuesday, 10/1

 * Have your vocabulary sentences on your desk, I will come around to check

Start-Up: //If you could be famous for anything, what would you choose to be famous for?//

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Thesis Statement 4. Review TRIAC 5. is the best _
 * New October calendars
 * Progress reports today
 * Notes
 * Brainstorm: List of things/people you like/consider to be “the best”
 * Ex: Pizza is the best food; the iPhone is the best piece of technology; Ashley is the best high school in the county; Miley Cyrus is the best singer/twerker in the world
 * Explain activity
 * Students write

Homework:
-No homework -DON'T finish your persuasive essay, we will finish tomorrow in class

Wednesday, 10/2
Start-Up: //Write a thesis statement for the following prompt:// Should Ashley High School move to a four-day/week schedule?


 * You may look back at your notes from yesterday if you need to

1. Share Start-Up

2. Checking in...


 * Vocabulary quiz on Friday

3. "This is the Best" essay


 * Continue writing from yesterday
 * You may listen to music
 * Rate your own

Homework:
-No Homework

Thursday, 10/3
Start-Up: //In a very short story, integrate the following excerpt:// “She reached into her pocket for the object only to find that it was no longer there.”

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Grammar Practice 4. Finish “This is the Best” essay 5. Vocabulary review
 * Vocabulary quiz tomorrow
 * And the winner is…..

Homework:
-No homework

Friday, 10/4
Start-Up: There is an old saying that goes, //“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”// Explain what you think this saying means. Give an example of a situation that supports your interpretation. (4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Vocabulary Quiz #5 3. Essay swap! 4. Article 5. Should NHCS End PhysEd Classes?
 * Read your partner’s “This is the Best” essay, then, on a separate sheet of paper, comment on the following:
 * How strong is his/her thesis? What makes it strong/not strong?
 * Do you feel that every supporting detail supports his/her thesis?
 * What part of the essay is weakest? Why? What could make it stronger?
 * What part of the essay is strongest? Why?
 * Brainstorm
 * Write a thesis
 * Write one paragraph with quote

Homework:
-No homework

=Week 6: 10/7-10/11=

Monday, 10/7

 * Use a sheet of notebook paper for your Start-Ups. Make your formatting neat and easy to follow.

Start-Up: //What makes poetry different from other forms of writing?// (3 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Should NHCS Ban PhysEd Classes? 4. Shakespeare Biography 5. Shakespearean Language- Mrs. Harmati 6. Vocabulary List 6
 * Math tutoring schedule
 * PSAT?
 * Register by Friday in Student Services
 * Playlist Projects
 * Read article
 * Brainstorm: Do you think they should? Why or why not?
 * Write a thesis statement
 * You should base one supporting idea off of the article (or all three)
 * If only one from article, other two come from your brainstorm
 * Write a body paragraph supporting your thesis
 * Include a quote from the article
 * Read, annotate
 * Discuss
 * Video: []
 * Shakespearean Insults Activity



Homework:
-Complete parts of speech and sentences for vocabulary words

Tuesday, 10/8

 * Have your vocabulary sentences on your desk; I will come around to check

Start-Up: //Who do you trust?// There are people around us—or types of people—who we typically put more trust into than others. Describe the kinds of people you tend to trust with matters of your life. Are they generally older? Are they just your friends? Are they from your church? After that, consider why it is that you trust those people.

1. Share Start-Up 2. //Shakespeare in Love// 3. Shakespearean Language
 * Viewing Guide
 * Answer questions
 * Respond to prompt on back
 * Discuss
 * Handout
 * Read through together
 * Complete activity on sheet
 * Write two sentences using Shakespearean language



Homework:
-Print the lyrics to a song and bring to class tomorrow

Wednesday, 10/9
Start-Up: //What role do the arts play in your life?//

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Thee, Thou, Thine practice 4. Song lyrics translations
 * Your own copy of // Romeo // ?
 * Register for PSAT
 * Some inspiration…
 * Take your song line-by-line
 * Have fun, but try to make it sound like Shakespeare rather than simply changing a couple words



Thursday, 10/10
Start-Up: //What is something you really like about yourself?// This could be a physical feature, a character trait, or something you are good at. Do other people recognize this thing about you? Do you work on strengthening this quality?

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Continue translating songs 4. Iambic Pentameter
 * Personal copy of //Romeo//
 * PSAT
 * Share
 * Handout
 * Practice

Homework:
-Complete iambic pentameter handout -Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 10/11
Start-Up: //What's on your mind?//

1. Time to study independently 2. Vocabulary quiz 6 3. Review Iambic Pentameter worksheet 4. Sonnet 130
 * Read
 * Translate
 * Discuss

=Week 7: 10/14-10/18=

Monday, 10/14

 * Mr. Thomas out; Mrs. Mann sub

Start-Up: //When is it ok to base a decision off of emotion rather than logic?// Give an example and explain.

1. Discuss Start-Up 2. Prologue Activity 3. Problematic Relationships essay
 * Read the prologue
 * Identify the rhyme scheme
 * Divide the excerpt into sections (quatrains and couplet)
 * Mark the iambs
 * Translate each line into modern English
 * When you finish, you may read or work on assignments for another class



Tuesday, 10/15
Start-Up: At this point in your high school career, //what advice would you give to an incoming freshman?// Explain how knowing this information would help him/her in the transition to high school.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Discuss prologue activity from yesterday 4. //R&J// Background Information 5. Read Act I, Scene 1 6. Continue reading/acting 7. DEJs 1 & 2
 * How was yesterday?
 * Does anyone have an essay to turn in?
 * No vocabulary words this week… (you’re welcome)
 * Still study the past words
 * Has anyone gotten a personal copy of // Romeo // ?
 * Answer questions
 * Translation?
 * Handout
 * Discuss
 * Act out
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Complete DEJ #2

Wednesday, 10/16
Start-Up: //Why do we have different forms of writing?// Why is it that one type of writing serves a different purpose than another? (Consider newspaper and magazine articles, poetry, novels, essays, etc.)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Review DEJ #2 3. Romeo and Juliet Act I Study Guide 4. Independent Reading Project
 * • Complete the questions provided
 * o Look back through the play to ensure you have the correct answers
 * • Read Act I, Scene 4
 * • When you finish, proceed to browsing the list of novels provided for IRP
 * • Choosing a book
 * • Read through the list provided
 * o Which are you initially interested in?
 * • Research the books, choose 3 potentials



Friday, 10/18

 * Have out two sheets of paper

1. What did your parents have to say about the novels you choose?Which novel do you think you will choose? 2. Timed Writing 3. Read //Romeo and Juliet// 4. DEJ #3



= Week 8: 10/21-10/25 =

Monday, 10/21
Start-Up: //Irony//; Explain the difference between situational, dramatic, and verbal irony. What kind of purpose does each serve?

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. New vocabulary words 4. //Romeo//
 * Acquire your IRP book by Wednesday
 * We will have 20 minutes reading time in class until the project is due
 * Read Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2
 * DEJ #4



Homework:
-Vocabulary sentences

Tuesday, 10/22
Start-Up: //R&J vocabulary//; Write three sentences about Romeo and Juliet using three vocabulary words.

1. Check vocabulary sentences 2. Share Start-Up 3. Checking in… 4. Recap yesterday’s reading 5. View film 6. Distribute DEJs 7-9 7. Begin CSG #1
 * Have IRP book tomorrow
 * Midterms are next week
 * 1st and 3rd will be on Wednesday 10/30
 * 2nd and 4th will be on Thursday 10/31
 * Ours will be on R&J and dramatic terms
 * Schedule change on Thursday
 * Homeroom from 8:30-10:30
 * Extra Credit opportunity:
 * Bring in 3 articles about education, education reform, student performance (by Friday)
 * Until Act III



Homework:
-None

Wednesday, 10/23

 * Sit in the groups you formed at the end of class yesterday
 * Have out your IRP novel

Start-Up: //How do you stay motivated?// Explain how you keep yourself motivated throughout your education and other facets of your life that may be difficult. (at least 4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Independent Reading Project 4. Independent Reading Time (20 minutes) 5. Work on //R&J// CSG #1
 * Tomorrow: Homeroom from 8:30-10:30
 * Distribute guidelines
 * Time management:
 * Good goal= finish reading by Nov. 11
 * This gives you a full week to work solely on the project
 * Count days you will read from now until the 11th, divide number of pages in your novel by the number of days you will read; that is your daily goal
 * Examples of past projects
 * Questions?



Homework:
-None

Thursday, 10/24

 * No class; Homeroom until 10:10

Friday, 10/25

 * Independently review your vocabulary words. If you have extra credit assignments, put your name on them and turn them in to Mr. Thomas

1. Vocabulary quiz 7 2. Work on CSG #1

=Week 9: 10/28-11/1= 10/29: 1st and 4th Period Switch 11/1: Half Day; End of first 9 weeks

Monday, 10/28
Start-Up: //Word Transformations//

You can change hate to love in just three steps—that is, you can change the word hate to the word love by changing one letter at a time, where each change produces a new word:

Hate--have -- hove --love.

See how many steps it takes you to make the following transformations:

Dog to cat Jump to pool Cool to warm

1. Discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. New vocabulary words 4. IRP reading 5. Finish CSG #1 6. View film 7. Continue reading
 * Tomorrow= Schedule change
 * 1st and 4th period switch
 * Friday= half day (end of first 9 weeks)
 * Turn in

Tuesday, 10/29
Start-Up: // Here’s a tip… // Complete the following sentences how you see fit.
 * Adults need to understand that….
 * Teenagers need to understand that….

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. “Words for teenagers” article
 * Read independently
 * Respond openly:
 * What are your initial thoughts on this article?
 * Do you agree? Do you disagree?
 * Can you understand where this judge is coming from?
 * Do you have friends or know teens who should probably read this?

3. Midterm tomorrow 4. Time to read or study
 * //Romeo and Juliet//
 * Dramatic terms



Homework:
-Vocabulary sentences -Study for midterm

Wednesday, 10/30
Start-Up: //IRP Reflection//; Write about your IRP novel (what has happened so far, describe the main character, what do you think is going to happen, who is your favorite character, etc.)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Midterm

Thursday, 10/31
Start-Up: //What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?// (This could be a real situation you were in or simply a movie you have seen.) Explain it.


 * When you finish, take out your IRP novel and begin reading. If you have finished your novel, you may work on your IRP project or study for a midterm or your vocabulary quiz

1. Talk with neighbors about Start-Up 2. IRP Reading time (20 min) 3. Talk with neighbors about IRP 4. IRP and Extra Credit pages on website 5. View film

Homework:
-Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 11/1

 * Prepare for vocabulary quiz

1. Vocabulary Quiz 8 2. View //R&J// film

=Week 10: 11/4-11/8=

Monday, 11/4
Start-Up: //Second nine-weeks//; Brainstorm three goals you have for this new nine-week period. These goals can be all academic, all personal, or a mix of both. If you have more than three goals, feel free to share them. Explain why these goals are important to you and how you plan to achieve them. Please make your Start-Ups neat and easy to follow.

When you finish, you may begin reading your IRP novel

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP reading time (20 min) 3. Discuss midterm and new vocabulary words 4. “The privilege of public schools”
 * While reading, I will call you up individually to get your Midterm, Vocab Quiz 8, and new vocabulary words
 * Read
 * On the back:
 * Who said it?
 * Where is it from?
 * Summarize the article
 * What is the main point?
 * Why does he/she feel this way?
 * Do you agree?
 * Why or why not?

5. //Romeo and Juliet// Race to the end
 * Count off by 6
 * Read your assigned section
 * Present:
 * Walk us through your scene
 * What happened?
 * Why does it matter?



Homework:
-Vocabulary sentences

Tuesday, 11/5
Start-Up: //R&J vocabulary//; Write about Romeo and Juliet (anything about it) using at least 5 vocabulary words. You may use this week's or any past weeks’.


 * When you have finished, begin working on your IRP

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP time (20 min) 3. Key words 4. Finish reading with group 5. Final essay 5. Finish film
 * Choose one word that is on your mind
 * It could be an adjective that describes the way you feel today, the name of someone on your mind, a place you have been or want to visit, ANYTHING on your mind
 * Write your word, your name, and the date at the top of your paper
 * 7 minutes
 * The only rule is you cannot talk at all during these 7 minutes
 * Prepare for presenting to class
 * What happens?
 * What is significant?
 * Prompts
 * Finish for homework



Homework:
-Choose a prompt (or 2 possible prompts) and brainstorm your thoughts on the prompt to be turned in tomorrow

Wednesday, 11/6

 * Turn in your homework to the tray on Mr. Thomas’s desk (essay brainstorm and vocab. 9 sentences)

Start-Up: //A compelling character//; what, in your opinion, makes a character intriguing? Explain. Give an example of a character you find interesting. Who did you find most interesting in Romeo and Juliet? Why?

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP time (20 min) 3. Finish movie 4. //R&J// final essay
 * This is a literary analysis, so focus on the play itself
 * Development of theme throughout play
 * Focus on that theme!
 * Explain how it is portrayed in the play and how it may change over the course of the play
 * Give more analysis of the text rather than your personal opinions
 * Making claims of the time period (setting=1300s, Shakespeare=1500s-1600s)
 * Great! But do research to use FACTUAL information, not just assumptions

Thursday, 11/7
Start-Up: //Shakespeare Tweets//; Create a twitter conversation between 2 or more characters from Romeo and Juliet. Make a clever user name for the characters and keep their conversation tied closely to the plot of the play.
 * Twitter basics:
 * “Handle”=username, starts with “@” (i.e. @RMontague, @Julie2Coolie)
 * Be creative!
 * Each “tweet” can be no more than 140 characters (each letter, punctuation, space)

1. Share Start-Up 2. //R&J// Final Essay Outlining 3. IRP time
 * Developing a theme (love, fate, mortality, religion, etc.)
 * FOCUS
 * How is it portrayed in the play?
 * Does it change throughout the play?
 * Literary analysis; What you are saying may seem apparent
 * More on the text, rather than personal opinion
 * Claims of the time period; (R&J setting=1300s, or Shakespeare’s time=1500-1600s)
 * Find factual information
 * What is it you want to say? Thesis Statement
 * Develop a thesis statement
 * 1. A character analysis of _ from Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet reveals that he/she __.__
 * __ 2. The fate of the main characters in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet illustrates that ____.__
 * __ 3. The imagery used by Juliet in the famous balcony scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet demonstrates ___.
 * Brainstorming further
 * Now you know what to say, figure out what you want to say about your thesis
 * How will you support this claim?
 * Outlining
 * Start with big picture
 * Identify sub-topics
 * Topic sentence
 * Textual evidence/support
 * Analyze evidence
 * Connect to thesis
 * Outlines are not set in stone! Move things around until it reads as smoothly as possible.

Homework:
-Complete an outline for your essay

Friday, 11/8
Start-Up: The golden rule…; What do you consider to be “the golden rule”? (What is the one thing everyone in the world should do?) Explain why that idea is important, in your opinion, to the betterment of all people.


 * When you finish: Place your Start-Up in the tray on Mr. Thomas’s desk, then take out a sheet of paper and your IRP work

1. Vocabulary quiz 9 When you finish, work on your IRP 2. IRP 3. //R&J// final essay
 * Review outline
 * Partners look for:
 * Completed
 * Clear thesis statement?
 * Sufficient supporting ideas? (Is there anything he/she should include to prove his/her thesis?)
 * Textual support for each topic?
 * Do the examples from the play work?
 * Sufficient explanation of examples?
 * What could make it stronger?
 * Begin writing your first draft
 * Mr. Thomas one-on-one conferences
 * As you work, keep track of questions to have to ask Mr. Thomas when it is your turn
 * If I do not get to you during class, email me: thesis statement, any questions you have about the essay

Homework:
-//R&J// final essay (due Tuesday by 9pm on turnitin.com) -Email Mr. Thomas

=Week 11: 11/11-11/15= 11/11= No school 11/12= //R&J// Final Essay due to turnitin.com by 9pm

Tuesday, 11/12
Start-Up: "Change is good"; Do you agree or disagree? Why? Explain. Describe a time in which you experienced a change and tell why it was good or bad for you.

When you have finished, work on your IRP

1. IRP Time 2. Vocabulary List 10 //3. R&J// Final essay 3. Classroom!
 * Due tonight by 9pm (on turnitin.com)
 * Peer edit
 * Revise, etc.



Homework:
-//R&J// Final Essay= Due tonight by 9pm (on turnitin.com)

Wednesday, 11/13
Start-Up: //IRP Character//; Choose your favorite/the most interesting character from your IRP novel and describe him/her. Summarize this character in three sentences. What character traits make this person interesting? Explain.

When you finish, work on your project.

1. IRP Time 2. Research papers.... 3. Article Summary Sheet 4. Articles
 * I'm trying something new!
 * All of you will write your persuasive research paper on the topic of the American Educational System
 * We will be reading and discussing articles
 * Complete as you read an article
 * What's Wrong With American Schools
 * We Have What We Need
 * Read
 * Discuss





Homework:
-Finish sumamry of Article 2 if you did not in class

Thursday, 11/14
Start-Up: //Vocabulary Practice//; 1.) Describe someone or something that is lax and explain why. 2.) Describe someone or something that is supernatural and explain why. 3.) Describe a metamorphosis. 4.) Describe someone’s bias you have witnessed. 5.) Describe why integrity is important.


 * When you finish, work on your IRP

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP 3. Education Articles 4. Group Sharing
 * You will be given two articles each
 * Read these articles and record your summaries of these articles on the sheet you received yesterday
 * In your group of 6, each member will share his/her two articles read.
 * Other group members are to record the titles and main points of their members' articles
 * Write down titles of articles you want printed for your research folder


 * ALL ARTICLES ARE UPLOADED TO THE "EDUCATION RESEARCH" PAGE

Homework:
-Study Vocabulary (quiz tomorrow)

Friday, 11/15

 * Mr. Thomas out for award and professional development

1. Vocabulary Quiz 10 2. View 1996 //Romeo + Juliet// film

= Week 12: 11/18-11/22 =

Monday, 11/18
Place your IRP in the box on Mr. Thomas's desk, then begin your Start-Up

Start-Up: //IRP Reflection//; Reflecting on your experience with your IRP, is there anything you wish you would have done differently? Explain why or why not. Did you learn something new? Explain. (4 sentences)

1. Share/discuss Start-Up

2. Checking in...

3. Ms. Reinwald activity 4. New vocabulary words 5. Finish movie
 * How was Friday?
 * Discuss movie

Tuesday, 11/19

 * Have out a blank sheet of paper and a writing utensil before the bell rings. Also, have out your vocabulary sentences.

1. Keywords 2. Finish //Romeo + Juliet// film 3. Education articles 4. Educational Articles; Independent response
 * Continue from Thursday
 * In groups:
 * 1. Share your articles’ information to your group members
 * 2. Write down info from your groups’ articles
 * Title, key points, connections
 * 3. Keep track of articles you want printed
 * In complete sentences:
 * What was interesting?
 * What is something new you learned?
 * What have you witnessed/experienced?
 * Common threads between articles?
 * What thoughts do you have on the educational system now?
 * Any ideas for how to improve?

Homework:
-Finish Educational Articles Response

Wednesday, 11/20
Start-Up: //Vocabulary Practice//; Write a script for a commercial about anything using at least 5 vocabulary words. Try to focus on this week's list, but feel free to pull from any past weeks.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Bring Your Own Device form 3. Stations
 * Read
 * Discuss
 * Take to your parents; sign and return to me
 * Walk through/explain process
 * Do it!

Station 1: Character Analysis

Station 2: Citing Sources

Station 3: Vocabulary Review (first 80 words)

Station 4: Annotated Bibliography

Station 5: Thesis Building

Thursday, 11/21
Start-Up: //Ayn Rand Quote//; Read the following quote and respond in 3-4 sentences:

“The only purpose of education is to teach a student how to live his life—by developing his mind and equipping him to deal with reality.”

What does this quote mean? Do you think your school experience has reflected this belief? Explain.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Finish Stations activity from yesterday
 * Tomorrow
 * //R&J// essay review

Homework:
-Finish your Character Analysis sheet -Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 11/22

 * Mr. Thomas out on AP Art field trip

1. 5 minutes to review vocabulary words 2. Vocabulary Quiz 11 3. Write your character analysis essay *Turn in by the end of class
 * Use the sheet from yesterday/you finished for homework
 * //At least// 5 paragraphs
 * You may listen to music (with headphones) while you write

= Week 13: 11/25-11/29 = 11/27-11/29= NO SCHOOL; Thanksgiving Holiday

Monday, 11/25
Start-Up: //Michael Jordan Quote//; “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

Describe a situation in which you either chose not to try (really try), or you were tempted with the possibility of not trying in order to avoid failing.

If this has never happened to you, describe why this motto, Trying is more important than Failing, would be a helpful and motivating rule to live by for anyone.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Character Analysis essays
 * //R&J// final essays are graded
 * IRPs will hopefully be done tomorrow
 * Vocab. quizzes will hopefully be done tomorrow
 * Acquire a copy of //To Kill a Mockingbird// over the Thanksgiving break
 * Writing practices
 * Thesis=clear, concise
 * Organization
 * Context
 * Valid support
 * Explain support
 * Connect support to thesis
 * Time to Work/Revise=15 minutes

Tuesday, 11/26
Start-Up: //I Believe…//; Brainstorm a list of five statements about life that you believe to be true. For example, “There is good in everyone” or “What goes around comes around”

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Belief statement survey 3. "What Life Has Taught Me" and "Cool Quotes for Teens" handouts 4. Group beliefs activity

=Week 14: 12/2-12/6=

Monday, 12/2
Welcome back!

As you enter, do the following:
 * 1) Take your IRP from the table next to the door
 * If I can keep your project, take your rubric (with grade) and put your project back in the box
 * 1) Write your name on the slip of paper handed to you as you entered
 * 2) Take out something to write with and a sheet of paper (two if you have large handwriting)

1. Overview of IRP grades, common issues 2. What we will be doing... What I need from you... 3. Library

Tuesday, 12/3
Start-Up: //Book Speed-Dating//; Why did you choose the book you did yesterday? What are your thoughts on the entire activity? *If you weren't here: What was the highlight of your Thanksgiving break?


 * When you finish, take out your book and begin/continue reading

1. Read 2. Share/discuss Start-Up 3. Character Analysis essay 4. Final draft due tomorrow!
 * Self Assessment
 * Peer Assessment



Homework:
-Final draft of character analysis essay

Wednesday, 12/4

 * Turn in your character analysis essay to the tray on my desk

Start-Up: Challenge; What has been the most challenging part of your school year so far? Was it an assignment? A situation? Describe that challenge and how you handled it.

Today you will need: • Research folder • Any articles you have • Annotated bibliography (started when we were in stations) • Writing utensil • Paper

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Research 3. Read
 * Connections between articles
 * Initial thoughts writing assignment
 * Discussion
 * Big Picture:
 * 3-5 Pages
 * Persuasive (argumentative)
 * At least 4 sources
 * MLA Format
 * Topics
 * Make it easy on yourself!
 * Stay with Education Reform!
 * Sample Paper
 * Read through
 * Works Cited
 * Discuss



Thursday, 12/5
Start-Up: //Vocab. Practice//; Use at least 5 of your vocabulary words to describe/discuss your novel.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Research 4. Time to read!
 * December calendar?
 * IRP novels
 * Return to me if you borrowed one
 * // To Kill a Mockingbird //
 * Start on Monday
 * Online version on my website (not entire novel)
 * Citing Sources
 * Notes
 * Practice
 * How to
 * Use info from sources
 * Brainstorming
 * Your opinion
 * Big ideas
 * Connections/support from articles
 * Outline

Homework:
-Brainstorm for research paper thesis

Friday, 12/6
Start-Up: //Research Thesis//; What is it that you are planning to persuade your reader of in your research paper?


 * When you have finished, get prepared for Vocabulary Quiz 12 (take out a clean sheet of paper and clear your desk)

1. Vocabulary quiz 12 2. Prepare for computer lab 3. Computer lab



Homework:
-Complete outline of research paper (due Monday)

=Week 15: 12/9-12/13=

Monday, 12/9
Start-Up: //Equality//; Do you consider all men to be created equal? How does this idea influence the way you interact with others? Do you think the majority of people believe this to be true, or do you believe we should be working toward dispersing this belief throughout the world? Explain.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Harper Lee/Civil Rights handout 3. Vocabulary List 13 4. Library: Research



Homework:
-Read Chapters 1-3 of //To Kill a Mockingbird//

Tuesday, 12/10
Start-Up: //“You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”// Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Have you ever experienced this first-hand? Where did we see this idea in last night’s reading of To Kill a Mockingbird?

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. //TKaM// questions 3. Research
 * Complete



Homework:
-Complete //TKaM// questions -Read chapters 4-6

Wednesday, 12/11
Start-Up: //TKaM Reflection//; Describe your current thoughts on To Kill a Mockingbird. What questions do you have in regards to the novel?


 * When you have finished, take out your research materials, get a laptop, and continue working on your research paper

1. Questions about research? 2. Work on research paper (first draft due Friday)

Thursday, 12/12
Start-Up: //Misleading Words//; Out of the parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.) which would you consider to have the most potential to stretch the truth? Explain why and give an example of how you could use that part of speech to mislead someone.


 * We have the laptops again! When you finish Start-Up, take a laptop and continue working on your research paper (full draft due tomorrow)

Homework:
-Complete Identity questions and Reading Questions of chapters 4-6

Friday, 12/13
=Week 16: 12/16-12/20= 12/20: HALF DAY

Monday, 12/16
Start-Up: //Outcast;// Have you ever been or known someone to be an outcast? Explain how others treated you/him/her.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Research writing workshop

Homework:
-Read Chapters 7-9 of //TKaM//

Tuesday, 12/17

 * We only have laptops today!! Please get yourselves settled, get a laptop from the cart, and begin working on revising your research paper

Then, read //To Kill a Mockingbird//; You want to be through chapter 12 tonight

Homework:
-Research Paper (due Thursday to turnitin.com) -Read //TKaM// chapters 10-12

Wednesday, 12/18
=Mr. Thomas- Honors English I: 2nd Period, Fall 2013=

Here you will find a running document of class activities as well as important dates and documents.

=Week 1: 8/26-8/30= 8/26: No School; Teacher work day 8/27: First day of school 8/29: Quiz on syllabus and classroom procedures 8/30: Syllabus signed, turnitin.com account made, email to Mr. Thomas due, essay due

Tuesday, 8/27

 * First day of school

1. On a sheet of paper: 2. Check roster 3. Student information sheet 4. Syllabus
 * Write at least 2 questions you have about Ashley High School
 * When finished, wait patiently for further instructions
 * When I call your name:
 * Do you prefer a different name?
 * Ask me one of your questions you wrote for your start-up
 * What are the three most important pieces of information?
 * Share
 * Get this signed



Homework:
-Get your syllabus signed (due Friday) -Get your needed materials

Wednesday, 8/28

 * Continue your start-up on the sheet you started yesterday (your 2 questions about AHS). Copy the part in italics, then write your answer directly below.

Start-Up: (Write at least 3 sentences) What do you typically like/dislike about English class? What do you hope to get out of this class?
 * When you finish the start-up, complete your brainstorming of 5 unique get-to-know-you questions

1. If you have your syllabus to turn in 2. Checking in… 3. Share start-up 4. Classroom procedures 5. Website 6. turnitin.com 7. Log-in Reference sheet 8. Letter to Students 9. First assignment 10. Get to know your classmates
 * Schedule changes= only if you have holes in your schedule
 * Syllabus and classroom procedures quiz = Tomorrow
 * Due dates:
 * Friday, 8/30
 * Syllabus signed
 * Turnitin.com account made
 * Email sent to Mr. Thomas
 * First writing assignment due by 11:59
 * Bathroom policy
 * Speaking in class
 * Getting out of your seat
 * Good job!
 * Behavior...
 * Check this before you ask me what you missed
 * Make an account
 * How to upload
 * Any questions?
 * You will share a portion of this letter



Homework:
-Syllabus signed -Send Mr. Thomas an email (directions at bottom of log-in sheet) -Set up turnitin.com account -Begin working on writing assignment -Get ready for syllabus and classroom procedures quiz

Thursday, 8/29

 * If you have your syllabus signed, put it in the basket on the desk at the front of the room

Start-Up: (At least 3 sentences) How do you currently feel about your classes this semester? Are they what you expected? Which is your favorite so far?

1. Checking in… 2. Syllabus/classroom procedures quiz 3. Reading test 4. Continue introducing classmates
 * Emails
 * Pay attention to directions
 * Turnitin.com issues?
 * Questions about essay?
 * Tomorrow is a regular bell schedule
 * Signed syllabus?
 * Put your name and the date on a blank sheet of paper

Homework:
-Syllabus signed -Send Mr. Thomas an email (directions at bottom of log-in sheet) -Set up turnitin.com account -Academic Expectations essay

Friday, 8/30
Start-Up: //What is the purpose of English class?// (Write at least 4 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. Vocabulary placement text 4. Library orientation
 * No school Monday
 * Essay due tonight

Homework:
-Academic expectations essay (Due to turnitin.com by 11:59pm)

=Week 2: 9/2-9/6= 9/2: No school; holiday

Tuesday, 9/3
Start-Up: //What factors contribute to a story's mood, tone, and overall effectiveness?// Explain how these factors affect a story. (4 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. Finish vocabulary placement 4. Check answers to reading placement 5. No Excuses list 6. Parts of Speech scavenger hunt
 * Tardies count!
 * You still need a turnitin.com account
 * Have your "academic goals" portion of your essay here to be shared on Thursday



Homework:
-POS Homework sheet

Wednesday, 9/4

 * Turn in your homework in the tray

Start-Up: Why is it important to know the parts of speech and how they work with one another?

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. First list of vocabulary 4. Finish Parts of Speech scavenger hunt (2nd and 4th) 5. Literary terms list 6. Read "Ambush" by Tim O'Brien 7. Identify terms from list and describe them as they apply to "Ambush" 8. Think Pair Share
 * Picture day on Friday
 * Goal presentations tomorrow
 * Calendar
 * Read
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Write an original sentence for each of your vocabulary words -Be prepared for presentations tomorrow

Thursday, 9/5

 * Turn in your homework--and any late work--in the tray on Mr. Thomas's desk

Start-Up: If you could change one aspect of Ashley High School, what would it be? Why would you want to change this? (4 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in... 3. Begin sharing academic goals 4. When reading nonfiction 5. "Helpless Generation" article
 * Picture day tomorrow
 * Trouble with vocabulary sentences?
 * Presentation expectations
 * Score your classmates
 * Reading reflection questions
 * Choose 6 of the 10 questions to answer
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Have your parents read the article and answer these questions:
 * How do you perceive my generation?
 * What--if anything--should parents be doing differently?

Friday, 9/6
Start-Up: Describe a time you overcame a difficulty in your life.(4 sentences)

1. Share 2. Checking in... 3. Helpless generation article 4. Continue presentations 5. Vocabulary review
 * Vocabulary quiz on Monday; you want to know the definition and be able to use it in a sentence
 * What'd your parents have to say?
 * Continue discussion
 * Turn in

Homework:
-Study for vocabulary quiz

=Week 3: 9/9-9/13=

Monday, 9/9

 * Take a new Start-Up sheet from the tray by the door

Start-Up: //What are three strengths you have as a student?// List and describe these strengths and how you have developed these skills over the years. (4 sentences)


 * When you are finished, review your vocabulary words.

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in… 3. Vocabulary quiz 4. How Would You Feel? (due Sunday, 9/15) 5. Vocabulary List 2 (quiz Friday, 9/13) 6. Greek Gods and Goddesses 7. Barbie Project (due Friday, 9/13)
 * First essays will be finished by Wednesday
 * Progress reports Thursday
 * Student Council first meeting Wednesday
 * When you finish, turn it in to tray and take “How Would You Feel?” essay
 * Brainstorm
 * Who are you?
 * Where are you?
 * What is the time period?
 * What kind of war have you been fighting?
 * What was your role in the war?
 * Prezi: []



Homework:
-No Homework

Tuesday, 9/10
Start-Up: There is a saying: //“Do simple things well.”// Explain what this means and how it can lead to success in everything you do. (4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Parts of Speech
 * Barbie Project due Friday
 * Questions?
 * Have with you this week so you can work on it in your free time
 * “How Would You Feel?” essay due Sunday
 * Turnitin.com
 * Troubles? SEE ME BEFORE FRIDAY
 * Have with you this week so you can work on it in your free time
 * If you have Mythology, you may want to bring it
 * Student Council meeting tomorrow
 * Bring $5
 * Reminder
 * Notes
 * Part 1
 * Part 2
 * IVANCAPP (Interjection, Verb, Adjective, Noun, Conjunction, Adverb, Preposition, Pronoun)
 * FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)
 * Practice



**Homework:** -Parts of Speech worksheet -Read and annotate background of //The Odyssey// handout



Wednesday, 9/11
Start-Up: 9/11 Response

Read the following excerpt silently, and then respond to it openly on your Start-Up sheet 'What about a teakettle? What if the spout opened and closed when the steam came out, so it would become a mouth, and it could whistle pretty melodies, or do Shakespeare, or just crack up with me? I could invent a teakettle that reads in Dad's voice, so I could fall asleep, or maybe a set of kettles that sings the chorus of "Yellow Submarine," which is a song by the Beatles, who I love, because entomology is one of my raisons d'etre, which is a French expression that I know.'

• Entomology- The branch of zoology dealing with the study of insects • Rasion d'etre- Reason for living

What do you think about this paragraph? Who do you think is speaking? What kind of book do you think this comes from? What do you think this character is currently going through? Based on this small excerpt, how would you characterize the speaker?

-Now, respond openly about September 11, what it means to you, what you remember from this day 12 years ago, any other thoughts or questions you have about this topic. Consider writing a list of everything you are thankful for.

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in… 3. Review homework 4. The Trojan War 5. Video clips
 * Barbie project
 * How Would You Feel? Essay
 * We will be using these tomorrow; have it with you somehow (however much you have done)
 * Student Council today after school
 * Grammar
 * //The Odyssey// background
 * Notes
 * []
 * []



Homework:
No Homework

Thursday, 9/12
Start-Up: //If you were Prince Paris, which goddess would you have chosen? Why?// (3 sentences)

1. Share start-up 2. Checking in… 3. How Would You Feel? Essays 4. Recap information from yesterday 5. The Odyssey
 * Barbie project due tomorrow
 * How Would You Feel? Essay due Sunday
 * Vocabulary quiz tomorrow
 * 5 previous words will be included
 * Who has a full draft?
 * Partner up
 * Each of you will have 2 minutes to talk about your essay to your group
 * When Mr. Thomas instructs, group members will be able to ask questions and give suggestions
 * Read pages 291-300
 * Answer associated questions



Homework:
-Barbie project -Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 9/13
As you enter, place your Barbie project in the tray on Mr. Thomas’s desk

If you do not have your project, complete this paragraph on a sheet of paper and turn it in to the tray on my desk:

Mr. Thomas, I do not have my Greek God or Goddess Barbie project today, 9/13/13, because _. I will have it turned in to you by _. I understand that this assignment is late and that I lose 10 points each day it is late after today. Thank you, Sign Your Name

Start-Up: //What do you think of The Odyssey so far?// Respond openly or simply recap what you have read.


 * When you finish, take out your Start-Up sheet and begin reviewing your vocabulary words

1. Discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Brief review of vocabulary 4. Vocabulary quiz 5. Future You letter
 * Essay due Sunday
 * Turnitin.com will be available this afternoon!
 * Reference your “No Excuses” list and run a spelling/grammar checker
 * If you finish early, continue working on first questions from //The Odyssey//



Homework:
-How Would You Feel? essay (due Sunday by 7:00pm to www.turnitin.com)

=Week 4:9/16-9/20=

Monday, 9/16
As you enter, take a new Start-Up sheet from the tray by the door. If you have your Future You letter from Friday or any late work for me, turn it in to the tray behind my desk

Start-Up: //Who do you primarily blame for the events of the Trojan War?// Explain why.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. New vocabulary words 4. Grammar practice Articles=a, the
 * How Would You Feel? essays should be submitted
 * If you have not put it on turnitin.com, try again
 * Write original sentences for each word
 * Share
 * Questions?
 * Copy the following sentences, then label the part of speech for each word
 * Harris and Jacob went to the football game on Friday.
 * Sneakily, the cat watched the squirrel from the window in the living room.
 * Discuss

5. Review The Odyssey
 * Continue reading



**Homework:** -Finish sentences for vocabulary words

Tuesday, 9/17
Place vocabulary sentences in the tray behind my desk.

Start-Up: //Write 3 grammatically correct sentences that each include a noun, an adjective, an adverb, a preposition, and a conjunction.// Label each part of speech.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Grammar 4. Review //Odyssey// guiding questions part 2 5. Video clip 6. Continue reading
 * //Odyssey// test on Monday (tentatively)
 * Grammar assessment coming in the near future
 * Spirit week is next week!
 * Semicolon
 * Subject/predicate
 * Notes
 * Practice
 * Odysseus reaches Calypso's island



Homework:
-No homework

Wednesday, 9/18
Start-Up: //Describe your perception of Odysseus as a leader, a husband, a father.// (Write at least 4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Finish reading //The Odyssey// 4. Discuss events of the story 5. The Odyssey Analysis Collaboration
 * Vocabulary quiz Friday
 * I will be after school tomorrow
 * Do you need help with anything?
 * When you finish, you may work on something for another class, read, or study vocabulary words
 * Thoughts? Questions?



Homework:
-Finish reading //The Odyssey// if you did not in class

Thursday, 9/19
Start-Up: //What do you think of// The Odyssey //as a whole?// Consider the story from beginning to end. Do you like how it ends? Why or why not? (4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Continue working on group analysis
 * Vocabulary quiz tomorrow

Homework:
-Study vocabulary words

Friday, 9/20
Start-Up: //If you were Odysseus, what would you have done differently?//
 * When you finish, review your vocabulary words silently

1. Share Start-Up 2. Vocabulary quiz 3 3. Work on group project

Homework:
-Finish group project; only 10 minutes on Monday

=Week 5: 9/23-27=

Monday, 9/23
Start-Up: //What influences from// The Odyssey //and Greek mythology have you seen in other pieces of literature, other media, and in our culture?// (Ex: Hermes's winged shoes)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Finish group project (10 min.) 3. Breifly share projects 4. Review Odysseus's journey 5. Introduce Playlist Project
 * Due Friday



Tuesday, 9/24
Start-Up://What, in your opinion, is Odysseus's greatest character flaw?// (What characteristic of his causes him the most trouble?) Explain.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. New vocabulary words 4. //Odyssey// Study Guide 5. View video clips from //Odyssey// movie
 * //Odyssey// test tomorrow
 * Half day on Friday
 * You will go to all of your classes
 * Pep-rally at the end of the day
 * You will dismiss at 12:30
 * Tomorrow is Gender Bender day for Spirit Week
 * Playlist Project due Friday



Homework:
-Study for //Odyssey// test

Wednesday, 9/25
Start-Up: Briefly review for your //Odyssey// test

1. Questions? 2. //Odyssey// test 3. Finish clips from //Odyssey// movie

Thursday, 9/26
Start-Up: //Write a pitch for a movie based on// The Odyssey //that is told as a parody//. OR //What is something that you have never done but have always wanted to do?// Have you ever attempted?

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Introducing quotes 4. Article 5. TRIAC 6. Practice Integrating Quotes
 * Tomorrow=half day; dismiss at 12:30 (busses leave at 1)
 * Homecoming!!!
 * Game
 * Dance on Saturday; here at school (buy your ticket at lunch!)
 * Playlist Project due tomorrow
 * I will give you until Monday without penalty
 * Vocabulary quiz Monday
 * Who’s the best dressed? (1st period)
 * Vote for Homecoming (2nd period)
 * Read
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Playlist Project

Friday, 9/27

 * Half day

Viewing of //O Brother, Where Art Thou?//

=Week 6: 9/30-10/4=

Monday, 9/30

 * Place your Playlist Project in the tray on my desk
 * Use a sheet of notebook paper for your Start-Up sheet. Make your formatting neat and easy to follow.

Start-Up: (Mrs. Harmati) When I was young I wanted to be a ninja. //What superhero or character did you want to be?//


 * When you have finished, silently study your vocabulary words

1. Share Start-Up 2. Vocabulary Quiz #4 3. //O Brother, Where Art Thou?//

Homework:
-Sentences for new vocabulary words

Tuesday, 10/1

 * Have your vocabulary sentences on your desk, I will come around to check

Start-Up: //If you could be famous for anything, what would you choose to be famous for?//

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Finish //O Brother// 4. How does it relate to //The Odyssey//? 5. Thesis Statement 6. Review TRIAC 7. is the best _
 * New October calendars
 * Progress reports today
 * Notes
 * Brainstorm: List of things/people you like/consider to be “the best”
 * Ex: Pizza is the best food; the iPhone is the best piece of technology; Ashley is the best high school in the county; Miley Cyrus is the best singer/twerker in the world
 * Explain activity
 * Students write

Homework:
-No homework -DON'T finish your persuasive essay, we will finish tomorrow in class

Wednesday, 10/2
Start-Up: //Write a thesis statement for the following prompt:// Should Ashley High School move to a four-day/week schedule?


 * You may look back at your notes from yesterday if you need to

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. "This is the Best" essay
 * Vocabulary quiz on Friday
 * Continue writing from yesterday
 * You may listen to music
 * Rate your own

Homework:
-No Homework

Thursday, 10/3
Start-Up: //In a very short story, integrate the following excerpt:// “She reached into her pocket for the object only to find that it was no longer there.”

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Grammar Practice 4. Finish “This is the Best” essay 5. Vocabulary review
 * Vocabulary quiz tomorrow
 * And the winner is…..

Homework:
-No homework

Friday, 10/4
Start-Up: There is an old saying that goes, //“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”// Explain what you think this saying means. Give an example of a situation that supports your interpretation. (4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Vocabulary Quiz #5 3. Essay swap!
 * Read your partner’s “This is the Best” essay, then, on a separate sheet of paper, comment on the following:
 * How strong is his/her thesis? What makes it strong/not strong?
 * Do you feel that every supporting detail supports his/her thesis?
 * What part of the essay is weakest? Why? What could make it stronger?
 * What part of the essay is strongest? Why?

Homework:
-No homework

=Week 6: 10/7-10/11=

Monday, 10/7

 * Use a sheet of notebook paper for your Start-Ups. Make your formatting neat and easy to follow.

Start-Up: //What makes poetry different from other forms of writing?// (3 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Should NHCS Ban PhysEd Classes? 4. Shakespeare Biography 5. Shakespearean Language- Mrs. Harmati 6. Vocabulary List 6
 * Math tutoring schedule
 * PSAT?
 * Register by Friday in Student Services
 * Playlist Projects
 * Read article
 * Brainstorm: Do you think they should? Why or why not?
 * Write a thesis statement
 * You should base one supporting idea off of the article (or all three)
 * If only one from article, other two come from your brainstorm
 * Write a body paragraph supporting your thesis
 * Include a quote from the article
 * Read, annotate
 * Discuss
 * Video: []
 * Shakespearean Insults Activity



Homework:
-Complete parts of speech and sentences for vocabulary words

Tuesday, 10/8

 * Have your vocabulary sentences on your desk; I will come around to check

Start-Up: //Who do you trust?// There are people around us—or types of people—who we typically put more trust into than others. Describe the kinds of people you tend to trust with matters of your life. Are they generally older? Are they just your friends? Are they from your church? After that, consider why it is that you trust those people.

1. Share Start-Up 2. //Shakespeare in Love// 3. Shakespearean Language
 * Viewing Guide
 * Answer questions
 * Respond to prompt on back
 * Discuss
 * Handout
 * Read through together
 * Complete activity on sheet
 * Write two sentences using Shakespearean language



Homework:
-Print the lyrics to a song and bring to class tomorrow

Wednesday, 10/9
Start-Up: //What role do the arts play in your life?//

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Thee, Thou, Thine practice 4. Song lyrics translations
 * Your own copy of //Romeo//?
 * Register for PSAT
 * Some inspiration…
 * Take your song line-by-line
 * Have fun, but try to make it sound like Shakespeare rather than simply changing a couple words



Thursday, 10/10
Start-Up: //What is something you really like about yourself?// This could be a physical feature, a character trait, or something you are good at. Do other people recognize this thing about you? Do you work on strengthening this quality?

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Continue translating songs 4. Iambic Pentameter
 * Personal copy of //Romeo//
 * PSAT
 * Share
 * Handout
 * Practice

Homework:
-Complete iambic pentameter handout -Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 10/11
Start-Up: //What's on your mind?//

1. Time to study independently 2. Vocabulary quiz 6 3. Review Iambic Pentameter worksheet 4. Sonnet 130
 * Read
 * Translate
 * Discuss

=Week 7: 10/14-10/18=

Monday, 10/14

 * Mr. Thomas out; Mrs. Mann sub

Start-Up: //When is it ok to base a decision off of emotion rather than logic?// Give an example and explain.

1. Discuss Start-Up 2. Prologue Activity 3. Problematic Relationships essay
 * Read the prologue
 * Identify the rhyme scheme
 * Divide the excerpt into sections (quatrains and couplet)
 * Mark the iambs
 * Translate each line into modern English
 * When you finish, you may read or work on assignments for another class



Tuesday, 10/15
Start-Up: At this point in your high school career, //what advice would you give to an incoming freshman?// Explain how knowing this information would help him/her in the transition to high school.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Discuss prologue activity from yesterday 4. //R&J// Background Information 5. Read Act I, Scene 1 6. Continue reading/acting 7. DEJ 1
 * How was yesterday?
 * Does anyone have an essay to turn in?
 * No vocabulary words this week… (you’re welcome)
 * Still study the past words
 * Has anyone gotten a personal copy of //Romeo//?
 * Answer questions
 * Translation?
 * Handout
 * Discuss
 * Act out
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Complete DEJ #1

Wednesday, 10/16
Start-Up: //Why do we have different forms of writing?// Why is it that one type of writing serves a different purpose than another? (Consider newspaper and magazine articles, poetry, novels, essays, etc.)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Review DEJ #2 3. Romeo and Juliet Act I Study Guide 4. Independent Reading Project
 * • Complete the questions provided
 * o Look back through the play to ensure you have the correct answers
 * • Read Act I, Scene 4
 * • When you finish, proceed to browsing the list of novels provided for IRP
 * • Choosing a book
 * • Read through the list provided
 * o Which are you initially interested in?
 * • Research the books, choose 3 potentials



T **hursday, 10/17**

Friday, 10/18

 * Have out two sheets of paper

1. What did your parents have to say about the novels you choose?Which novel do you think you will choose? 2. Timed Writing 3. Read //Romeo and Juliet// 4. DEJ #3



=Week 8: 10/21-10/25=

Monday, 10/21
Start-Up: //Irony//; Explain the difference between situational, dramatic, and verbal irony. What kind of purpose does each serve?

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. New vocabulary words 4. //Romeo//
 * Acquire your IRP book by Wednesday
 * We will have 20 minutes reading time in class until the project is due
 * Read Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2
 * DEJ #4



Homework:
-Vocabulary sentences

Tuesday, 10/22
Start-Up: //R&J vocabulary//; Write three sentences about Romeo and Juliet using three vocabulary words.

1. Check vocabulary sentences 2. Share Start-Up 3. Checking in… 4. Recap yesterday’s reading 5. View film
 * Have IRP book tomorrow
 * Midterms are next week
 * 1st and 3rd will be on Wednesday 10/30
 * 2nd and 4th will be on Thursday 10/31
 * Ours will be on R&J and dramatic terms
 * Schedule change on Thursday
 * Homeroom from 8:30-10:30
 * Extra Credit opportunity:
 * Bring in 3 articles about education, education reform, student performance (by Friday)
 * Until Act III

Homework:
-None

Wednesday, 10/23

 * Sit in the groups you formed at the end of class yesterday
 * Have out your IRP novel

Start-Up: //How do you stay motivated?// Explain how you keep yourself motivated throughout your education and other facets of your life that may be difficult. (at least 4 sentences)

1. Share Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Independent Reading Project 4. Independent Reading Time (20 minutes) 5. Distribute DEJs 7-9 6. Begin //R&J// CSG #1
 * Tomorrow: Homeroom from 8:30-10:30
 * Distribute guidelines
 * Time management:
 * Good goal= finish reading by Nov. 11
 * This gives you a full week to work solely on the project
 * Count days you will read from now until the 11th, divide number of pages in your novel by the number of days you will read; that is your daily goal
 * Examples of past projects
 * Questions?



Homework:
-None

Thursday, 10/24
Start-Up: //Homeroom information//; Summarize what you learned in homeroom this morning.

1. Share Start-Up 2. Work on CSG #1

Homework:
-Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 10/25
*Independently review your vocabulary words. If you have extra credit assignments, put your name on them and turn them in to Mr. Thomas

1. Vocabulary quiz 7 2. Work on CSG #1

= Week 9: 10/28-11/1 = 10/29: 1st and 4th Period Switch 11/1: Half Day; End of first 9 weeks

Monday, 10/28
Start-Up: // Word Transformations //

You can change hate to love in just three steps—that is, you can change the word hate to the word love by changing one letter at a time, where each change produces a new word:

Hate--have -- hove --love.

See how many steps it takes you to make the following transformations:

Dog to cat Jump to pool Cool to warm

1. Discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in…
 * Tomorrow= Schedule change
 * 1st and 4th period switch

3. New vocabulary words 4. IRP reading 5. Finish CSG #1 6. View film 7. Continue reading
 * Friday= half day (end of first 9 weeks)
 * Turn in

Tuesday, 10/29

 * Short class due to PLAN test

Start-Up: //Here’s a tip…// Complete the following sentences how you see fit.
 * Adults need to understand that….
 * Teenagers need to understand that….

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. “Words for teenagers” article


 * Read independently
 * Respond openly:
 * What are your initial thoughts on this article?
 * Do you agree? Do you disagree?
 * Can you understand where this judge is coming from?
 * Do you have friends or know teens who should probably read this?



Homework:
-Vocabulary sentences

Wednesday, 10/30
Start-Up: //IRP Reflection//; Write about your IRP novel (what has happened so far, describe the main character, what do you think is going to happen, who is your favorite character, etc.)

1. Share Start-Up 2. IRP reading time (20 min) 3. Midterm: Dramatic terms and //Romeo and Juliet// 4. View film

Homework:
-Study for midterm

Thursday, 10/31
Start-Up: //What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?// (This could be a real situation you were in or simply a movie you have seen.) Explain it.

1. Share Start-Up with neighbors 2. Midterm

Homework:
-Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 11/1

 * Prepare for vocabulary quiz

1. Vocabulary Quiz 8 2. View //R&J// film

=Week 10: 11/4-11/8=

Monday, 11/4
Start-Up: //Second nine-weeks//; Brainstorm three goals you have for this new nine-week period. These goals can be all academic, all personal, or a mix of both. If you have more than three goals, feel free to share them. Explain why these goals are important to you and how you plan to achieve them. Please make your Start-Ups neat and easy to follow.

When you finish, you may begin reading your IRP novel

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP reading time (20 min) 3. Discuss midterm and new vocabulary words 4. “The privilege of public schools”
 * While reading, I will call you up individually to get your Midterm, Vocab Quiz 8, and new vocabulary words
 * Read
 * On the back:
 * Who said it?
 * Where is it from?
 * Summarize the article
 * What is the main point?
 * Why does he/she feel this way?
 * Do you agree?
 * Why or why not?

5. //Romeo and Juliet// Race to the end
 * Count off by 6
 * Read your assigned section
 * Present:
 * Walk us through your scene
 * What happened?
 * Why does it matter?



Homework:
-Vocabulary sentences

Tuesday, 11/5
Start-Up: //R&J vocabulary//; Write about Romeo and Juliet (anything about it) using at least 5 vocabulary words. You may use this week's or any past weeks’.


 * When you have finished, begin working on your IRP

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP time (20 min) 3. Key words 4. Finish reading with group 5. Final essay 5. Finish film
 * Choose one word that is on your mind
 * It could be an adjective that describes the way you feel today, the name of someone on your mind, a place you have been or want to visit, ANYTHING on your mind
 * Write your word, your name, and the date at the top of your paper
 * 7 minutes
 * The only rule is you cannot talk at all during these 7 minutes
 * Prepare for presenting to class
 * What happens?
 * What is significant?
 * Prompts
 * Finish for homework



Homework:
-Choose a prompt (or 2 possible prompts) and brainstorm your thoughts on the prompt to be turned in tomorrow

Wednesday, 11/6

 * Turn in your homework to the tray on Mr. Thomas’s desk (essay brainstorm and vocab. 9 sentences)

Start-Up: //A compelling character//; what, in your opinion, makes a character intriguing? Explain. Give an example of a character you find interesting. Who did you find most interesting in Romeo and Juliet? Why?

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP time (20 min) 3. Finish movie

Thursday, 11/7
Start-Up: //Shakespeare Tweets//; Create a twitter conversation between 2 or more characters from Romeo and Juliet. Make a clever user name for the characters and keep their conversation tied closely to the plot of the play.
 * Twitter basics:
 * “Handle”=username, starts with “@” (i.e. @RMontague, @Julie2Coolie)
 * Be creative!
 * Each “tweet” can be no more than 140 characters (each letter, punctuation, space)

1. Share Start-Up 2. //R&J// Final Essay Outlining 3. IRP time
 * Developing a theme (love, fate, mortality, religion, etc.)
 * FOCUS
 * How is it portrayed in the play?
 * Does it change throughout the play?
 * Literary analysis; What you are saying may seem apparent
 * More on the text, rather than personal opinion
 * Claims of the time period; (R&J setting=1300s, or Shakespeare’s time=1500-1600s)
 * Find factual information
 * What is it you want to say? Thesis Statement
 * Develop a thesis statement
 * 1. A character analysis of _ from Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet reveals that he/she __.__
 * __2. The fate of the main characters in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet illustrates that__ __.__
 * __3. The imagery used by Juliet in the famous balcony scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet demonstrates__ _.
 * Brainstorming further
 * Now you know what to say, figure out what you want to say about your thesis
 * How will you support this claim?
 * Outlining
 * Start with big picture
 * Identify sub-topics
 * Topic sentence
 * Textual evidence/support
 * Analyze evidence
 * Connect to thesis
 * Outlines are not set in stone! Move things around until it reads as smoothly as possible.

Homework:
-Complete an outline for your essay

Friday, 11/8
Start-Up: The golden rule…; What do you consider to be “the golden rule”? (What is the one thing everyone in the world should do?) Explain why that idea is important, in your opinion, to the betterment of all people.


 * When you finish: Place your Start-Up in the tray on Mr. Thomas’s desk, then take out a sheet of paper and your IRP work

1. Vocabulary quiz 9 When you finish, work on your IRP 2. IRP 3. //R&J// final essay
 * Review outline
 * Partners look for:
 * Completed
 * Clear thesis statement?
 * Sufficient supporting ideas? (Is there anything he/she should include to prove his/her thesis?)
 * Textual support for each topic?
 * Do the examples from the play work?
 * Sufficient explanation of examples?
 * What could make it stronger?
 * Begin writing your first draft
 * Mr. Thomas one-on-one conferences
 * As you work, keep track of questions to have to ask Mr. Thomas when it is your turn
 * If I do not get to you during class, email me: thesis statement, any questions you have about the essay

Homework:
-//R&J// final essay (due Tuesday by 9pm on turnitin.com) -Email Mr. Thomas

=Week 11: 11/11-11/15= 11/11= No school 11/12= //R&J// Final Essay due to turnitin.com by 9pm

Tuesday, 11/12
Start-Up: "Change is good"; Do you agree or disagree? Why? Explain. Describe a time in which you experienced a change and tell why it was good or bad for you.

When you have finished, work on your IRP

1. IRP Time 2. //R&J// Final essay 3. Classroom!
 * Due tonight by 9pm (on turnitin.com)
 * Peer edit
 * Revise, etc.



Homework:
-//R&J// Final Essay= Due tonight by 9pm (on turnitin.com)

Wednesday, 11/13
Start-Up: //IRP Character//; Choose your favorite/the most interesting character from your IRP novel and describe him/her. Summarize this character in three sentences. What character traits make this person interesting? Explain.

When you finish, work on your project.

1. IRP Time 2. Research papers.... 3. Article Summary Sheet 4. Articles
 * I'm trying something new!
 * All of you will write your persuasive research paper on the topic of the American Educational System
 * We will be reading and discussing articles
 * Complete as you read an article
 * What's Wrong With American Schools
 * We Have What We Need
 * Read
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Finish sumamry of Article 2 if you did not in class

Thursday, 11/14
Start-Up: //Vocabulary Practice//; 1.) Describe someone or something that is lax and explain why. 2.) Describe someone or something that is supernatural and explain why. 3.) Describe a metamorphosis. 4.) Describe someone’s bias you have witnessed. 5.) Describe why integrity is important.


 * When you finish, work on your IRP

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. IRP 3. Education Articles 4. Group Sharing
 * You will be given two articles each
 * Read these articles and record your summaries of these articles on the sheet you received yesterday
 * In your group of 6, each member will share his/her two articles read.
 * Other group members are to record the titles and main points of their members' articles
 * Write down titles of articles you want printed for your research folder


 * ALL ARTICLES ARE UPLOADED TO THE "EDUCATION RESEARCH" PAGE

Homework:
-Study Vocabulary (quiz tomorrow)

Friday, 11/15

 * Mr. Thomas out for award and professional development

1. Vocabulary Quiz 10 2. View 1996 //Romeo + Juliet// film

= Week 12: 11/18-11/22 =

Monday, 11/18
Place your IRP in the box on Mr. Thomas's desk, then begin your Start-Up

Start-Up: //IRP Reflection//; Reflecting on your experience with your IRP, is there anything you wish you would have done differently? Explain why or why not. Did you learn something new? Explain. (4 sentences)

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in... 3. Finish movie 4. New vocabulary words
 * How was Friday?
 * Discuss movie

Tuesday, 11/19

 * Have out a blank sheet of paper and a writing utensil before the bell rings. Also, have out your vocabulary sentences.

1. Keywords 2. Finish //Romeo + Juliet// film 3. Education articles 4. Educational Articles; Independent response
 * Continue from Thursday
 * In groups:
 * 1. Share your articles’ information to your group members
 * 2. Write down info from your groups’ articles
 * Title, key points, connections
 * 3. Keep track of articles you want printed
 * In complete sentences:
 * What was interesting?
 * What is something new you learned?
 * What have you witnessed/experienced?
 * Common threads between articles?
 * What thoughts do you have on the educational system now?
 * Any ideas for how to improve?

Homework:
-Finish Educational Articles Response

Wednesday, 11/20
Start-Up: //Vocabulary Practice//; Write a script for a commercial about anything using at least 5 vocabulary words. Try to focus on this week's list, but feel free to pull from any past weeks.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Bring Your Own Device form 3. Stations
 * Read
 * Discuss
 * Take to your parents; sign and return to me
 * Walk through/explain process
 * Do it!

Station 1: Character Analysis

Station 2: Citing Sources

Station 3: Vocabulary Review (first 80 words)

Station 4: Annotated Bibliography

Station 5: Thesis Building

Thursday, 11/21
Start-Up: //Ayn Rand Quote//; Read the following quote and respond in 3-4 sentences:

“The only purpose of education is to teach a student how to live his life—by developing his mind and equipping him to deal with reality.”

What does this quote mean? Do you think your school experience has reflected this belief? Explain.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Finish Stations activity from yesterday
 * Tomorrow
 * //R&J// essay review

Homework:
-Finish your Character Analysis sheet -Study for vocabulary quiz

Friday, 11/22

 * Mr. Thomas out on AP Art field trip

1. 5 minutes to review vocabulary words 2. Vocabulary Quiz 11 3. Write your character analysis essay
 * Use the sheet from yesterday/you finished for homework
 * //At least// 5 paragraphs
 * You may listen to music (with headphones) while you write
 * Turn in by the end of class

=Week 13: 11/25-11/29= 11/27-11/29= NO SCHOOL; Thanksgiving Holiday

Monday, 11/25
Start-Up: //Michael Jordan Quote//; “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Describe a situation in which you either chose not to try (really try), or you were tempted with the possibility of not trying in order to avoid failing. If this has never happened to you, describe why this motto, Trying is more important than Failing, would be a helpful and motivating rule to live by for anyone.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Character Analysis essays
 * //R&J// final essays are graded
 * IRPs will hopefully be done tomorrow
 * Vocab. quizzes will hopefully be done tomorrow
 * Acquire a copy of //To Kill a Mockingbird// over the Thanksgiving break
 * Writing practices
 * Thesis=clear, concise
 * Organization
 * Context
 * Valid support
 * Explain support
 * Connect support to thesis
 * Time to Work/Revise=15 minutes
 * Peer Review
 * Context= Do you understand what the novel is about?
 * Thesis= Is it clear what he/she is saying about this character?
 * Support= Are all examples valid? Have they been explained? Is the connection between these examples and the thesis clear?
 * Grammar and Spelling

Homework:
-Write final draft of essay

Tuesday, 11/26
Start-Up: //I Believe…//; Brainstorm a list of five statements about life that you believe to be true. For example, “There is good in everyone” or “What goes around comes around”

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Belief statement survey 3. "What Life Has Taught Me" and "Cool Quotes for Teens" handouts 4. Group beliefs activity

=Week 14: 12/2-12/6=

Monday, 12/2
Welcome back!

As you enter, do the following:
 * 1) Take your IRP from the table next to the door
 * If I can keep your project, take your rubric (with grade) and put your project back in the box
 * 1) Write your name on the slip of paper handed to you as you entered
 * 2) Take out something to write with and a sheet of paper (two if you have large handwriting)

1. Overview of IRP grades, common issues 2. What we will be doing... What I need from you... 3. Library

Tuesday, 12/3
Start-Up: //Book Speed-Dating//; Why did you choose the book you did yesterday? What are your thoughts on the entire activity? *If you weren't here: What was the highlight of your Thanksgiving break?


 * When you finish, take out your book and begin/continue reading

1. Read 2. Share/discuss Start-Up 3. Character Analysis essay 4. Final draft due tomorrow!
 * Self Assessment
 * Peer Assessment



**Homework:** -Final draft of character analysis essay

Wednesday, 12/4

 * Turn in your character analysis essay to the tray on my desk

Start-Up: Challenge; What has been the most challenging part of your school year so far? Was it an assignment? A situation? Describe that challenge and how you handled it.

Today you will need: • Research folder • Any articles you have • Annotated bibliography (started when we were in stations) • Writing utensil • Paper

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Research 3. Read
 * Connections between articles
 * Initial thoughts writing assignment
 * Discussion
 * Big Picture:
 * 3-5 Pages
 * Persuasive (argumentative)
 * At least 4 sources
 * MLA Format
 * Topics
 * Make it easy on yourself!
 * Stay with Education Reform!
 * Sample Paper
 * Read through
 * Works Cited
 * Discuss



Thursday, 12/5
Start-Up: //Vocab. Practice//; Use at least 5 of your vocabulary words to describe/discuss your novel.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Checking in… 3. Research 4. Time to read!
 * December calendar?
 * IRP novels
 * Return to me if you borrowed one
 * //To Kill a Mockingbird//
 * Start on Monday
 * Online version on my website (not entire novel)
 * Citing Sources
 * Notes
 * Practice
 * How to
 * Use info from sources
 * Brainstorming
 * Your opinion
 * Big ideas
 * Connections/support from articles
 * Outline

Homework:
-Brainstorm for research paper thesis

Friday, 12/6
Start-Up: //Research Thesis//; What is it that you are planning to persuade your reader of in your research paper?


 * When you have finished, get prepared for Vocabulary Quiz 12 (take out a clean sheet of paper and clear your desk)

1. Vocabulary quiz 12 2. Prepare for computer lab 3. Computer lab



Homework:
-Complete outline of research paper (due Monday)

=Week 15: 12/9-12/13=

Monday, 12/9
Start-Up: //Equality//; Do you consider all men to be created equal? How does this idea influence the way you interact with others? Do you think the majority of people believe this to be true, or do you believe we should be working toward dispersing this belief throughout the world? Explain.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Harper Lee/Civil Rights handout 3. Vocabulary List 13 4. Library: Research



Homework:
-Read Chapters 1-3 of //To Kill a Mockingbird//

Tuesday, 12/10
Start-Up: //“You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”// Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Have you ever experienced this first-hand? Where did we see this idea in last night’s reading of To Kill a Mockingbird?

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. //TKaM// questions 3. Research
 * Complete



Homework:
-Complete //TKaM// questions -Read chapters 4-6

Wednesday, 12/11
Start-Up: //TKaM Reflection//; Describe your current thoughts on //To Kill a Mockingbird//. What questions do you have in regards to the novel?


 * When you have finished, take out your research materials, get a laptop, and continue working on your research paper

1. Questions about research? 2. Work on research paper (first draft due Friday)

Thursday, 12/12
Start-Up: //Misleading Words//; Out of the parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.) which would you consider to have the most potential to stretch the truth? Explain why and give an example of how you could use that part of speech to mislead someone.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Research Discussion (brief) 3. Identity Questions 4. Reading Questions for Chapters 4-6 5. Continue reading //TKaM//
 * What difficulties are you currently facing?
 * For which topics are you having difficulties finding sources?
 * Have you begun drafting your essay? How far are you?
 * Complete individually
 * Discuss with a partner
 * Identify similarities and differences
 * Discuss



Homework:
-Complete your first full draft of your research paper (bring hard copy tomorrow) -Finish reading //To Kill a Mockingbird// through Chapter 6 and complete reading questions

Friday, 12/13
=Week 16: 12/16-12/20= 12/20: HALF DAY

Monday, 12/16
Start-Up: //Outcast;// Have you ever been or known someone to be an outcast? Explain how others treated you/him/her.

1. Share/discuss Start-Up 2. Research writing workshop

Homework:
-Read Chapters 7-9 of //TKaM//

Tuesday, 12/17
*We only have laptops today!! Please get yourselves settled, get a laptop from the cart, and begin working on revising your research paper

Then, read // To Kill a Mockingbird // ; You want to be through chapter 12 tonight

Homework:
-Research Paper (due Thursday to turnitin.com) -Read //TKaM// chapters 10-12