Sunday, November 26, 2006

Grade 11- December 4-8

Monday:
Return Vocab Quizzes
Poem Memorization Quiz (R. Frost)
Homework:
The Road Not Taken Poem Memoriztion (Take 2)

Tuesday:
Video (Sub) End of Act I

Wednesday:
Discussion of the end of Act I- Treatment of Linda
What does Biff know about Willy???
Linda Loman Character Acivity
Letter to therapist/friend
Good Housekeeping- 50's wife discussion
Homework:
Complete classwork

Thursday:
Begin Act II
The mood is very optimistic...will it last???
What significance may Willy's coat have?
Samll group readings
Homework:
Type Biopoem

Friday:
Small groups readings
Quiz

Grade 10 - November 27-December 8

Monday:
Vocabulary Chapters 5-7
Check Responses for Chapter 4 & Discuss
Homework:
Read Chapter 5
Complete Response Questions 1-3

Tuesday:
Homework Check
Small Groups - Charting Richard's Exposure to Violence
Homework:
Read Chapter 6
Complete Response Questions 1 & 2

Wednesday:
Homework Check
Quiz 1-6
Homework:
Read Chapter 7
Complete Response Questions 1 & 2

Thursday:
Homework Check
Small Groups- Character Chart
Homework:
Study for Vocabulary Quiz

Friday:
Vocabulary Quiz
Extra Points for Flashcards
Homework:
Read Chapter 8
Complete Questions 1 & 2

Monday:
Homework Check
Vocabulary Chapter 9

Homework:
Read Chapter 9
Complete Questions 1& 2

Tuesday
Small group activity w/ Mrs. Dunn
Homework:
Chapter 1o & Questions

Wednesday
Smartboard- Themes in Black Boy (Group Assignment)
Homework:
Chapter 11& Questions

Thursday:
Jim Crow South Webquest-Computer Lab
Homework:
Chapter 12 & Questions

Friday:
Jim Crow South Webquest-Computer Lab
Homework:
Chapter 13 & Questions

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Grade 11- November 19-21

Monday:
Death of a Salesman- Act One (continued)
Small groups of 4-5 to read up to page 39
Note the significance of "The Woman" & The Stockings
Homework:
Study for Vocab Quiz on Wed. 1-20
Tuesday:
Large group reading/discussion of Act I 40-50
Homework: Vocabulary Quiz on Wednesday 1-20
Wednesday:
Vocabulary Quiz 1-20
Happy Thanksgiving!

Grade 10 - November 19-21

Monday:
Black Boy Vocabulary Chapter 2& 3
Discuss Chapter 2 Questions, Specifically R.W.' s Superstitions
Homework: Chapter 3 due Wednesday
Tuesday:
Dicsuss Chapter 3
Homework:
Read & complete questions- Chapter 4
Vocabulary Quiz
Wednesday:
Vocabulary Quiz
There is no additional reading over break, but be sure to use the time to catch up!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Grade 11 - November 13th-17th

Junior English- Mrs. Baker
Goal:
To submit a sample of your best writing to be published
Possible Markets:
Teen Ink, Branford Review, New Haven Register, BHS Newspaper, Newsweek “My Turn” Competition, etc…
Assessment:
BHS PGR Writing Rubric (distributed in class)
Peer Revision:
Tuesday
Final Draft:
Wednesday

We will begin Death of a Salesman on Thursday

Grade 10: November 13-17

Monday: November 13th:
Black Boy Essential Questions:
How does this novel enhance my understanding of being southern, black and male in the early 20th century?
Why would it be important in 2006 to read a novel such as this?
What messages about race and gender are found in this novel?
How is this novel similar to other novels & stories that we have read about "Coming of Age"/ Moving from a state of "Innocence to Experience"?
Would "American Hunger" have been a better title for this novel? Why or Why not?

In class:
Chapter One Vocabulary
Study Guide- Chapter One Questions due Thursday
Read Pages 3-9

Homework:
Complete 10 of the sentence starters inspired by pages 7-9
Read to page 15
Index Cards for vocabulary = extra credit on the quiz
Study Vocab

Tuesday, November 14th:
Share sentence starters and discuss pages 7-9
In class reading 15-25
Homework:
Complete Chapter One
Study Vocab

Wednesday, November 15th:
Complete Study Guide Questions
*Challenge Option: Intro. to book
Homework:
Complete Study Guide Questions
Study Vocab

Thursday: November 16th (Mini-day):
Small groups to discuss and report to the class Chapter One
Homework:
Study Vocab- Quiz Tomorrow!

Friday, November 17th:
Vocabulary Quiz
Chapter 2 Vocabulary
Homework:
Read pages 36-50

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Grade 11 October 30-November 3

Moday, 10/30:
TKM/SAT ESSAY
Homework:
Read SAT Essay Article
3-Important facts
2-Suprising Details
1-Question to discuss in class

Tuesday, 10/31:
Review/ Return Test
Grade Printouts
Share 3-2-1
Homework:
Make-up work

Wednesday, 11/1:
Book Fair/Independent Novel
Homework:
Make-up work

Thursday, 11/2:
Teen Ink "Market Analysis"
Homework:
Independent Novel needed for Thursday

Friday 11/3:
Grammar Video
Homework:
Independent novel needed for Thursday

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Grade 11 - 10/16-10/27

October 16:
Complete viewing of trial scene, Complete Scottsboro Video
Chapter 20 in class
What do the children represent and stand for in this novel?
Vocabulary
Homework:
Index Cards
Chapter 21

October 17:
Chapter 22 in class
Homework:
Chapters 23 & 24
Note:
Is Boo as prisoner or refugee?


October 18 & 19:
Discuss Chapter 23: The Children's Reaction to the Verdict: "Only Children Weep..."
Compare Aunt Alexandra's views of people/folks w/ Scout & Jem's
Homework:
Complete 25 & 26

October 19:
Discuss Chapter 24: Irony & The Missionary Circle Meeting
Homework:
Write a one page paper about "Institutionalized Racism" citing examples from our society.
(This lesson skipped due to time constraints)

October 20:
Vocabulary Quiz
Video: The Verdict
Homework:
Newpaper Article covering Tom Robinson's Death
How has Scout changed/matured? Cite specific examples.

October 23:
Discuss the news of Tom's death (End of Chapter 24 & all of 25)
In class reading Chapter 26
Homework:
Complete 26 & 27
Make a list of predictions based on the tone of these these two chapters

October 24:
Discuss Predictions
Complete Chapters 28 & 29 in class
Homework:
Complete Novel
30 & 31

October 25:
Video Verdict-End
Homework:
List of 5 Possible Paper Topics/ Thesis Statements

October 26:
Novel Discussion
Paper Assignment
H/W: Study for Test

October 27:
TKM Unit Exam
H/W: Paper due Thursday

Grade 10: October 16 - November 3

*Please note that I will be adding additional classwork & homework assignments.

October 16:
Share “Boys & Girls” Responses and “Hair Vignettes
Figurative Language Notes
Read & Discuss 12-27
Homework:
Pages 29-38 & Response
Study Vocabulary

October 17:

Share Responses
Conferences w/ Mrs. Baker & Mrs. Dunn (“Moustache” Quiz & Dress Code Essay)
Homework:
39-52 & Response
Study Vocabulary

October 18:
Share Responses
Vocabulary Quiz
Homework:
53-64 & Response


October 19:
Author's Style Group Assignment Laptops & Smartboard
Homework:
Pages 65 – 73 & Response

October 20: (Shortened Classes)
Groups to finish assignment from yesterday
Figurative Language Quiz
Period 8- Vocab Quiz
Homework:
Pages 74-83 & Response


October 23:

REVISED PAPERS - "Moustache" & Dresscode are DUE BY TUESDAY, TOMORROW!
Groups to present information to the class about Cisnero's Style
Homework:
Pages 74-91 & Complete ONE Response (From either section)
Compose a vignette about your own life modeled after Sandra Cisneros's Style due Thursday

October 24:
Share Responses/Vignettes
Class discussion (two groups) up to 91
Homework:
Pages 92-102 & Response
Vignette due Thursday

October 25:
Complete Study Guide Questions
Homework:
Study Guide
Pages 103-110 & Response
Vignette due tomorrow

October 26:
Return Quizzes
Discussion of "Red Clowns"
Class divided into two groups to review the study guide
Homework:
Review novel & study guide for tomorrow's assessment

October 27:
Mango Street Test

October 30:
1. 15 Minutes to finish Mango Test
2. Review Assignment Sheet
3. Brainstorming: “What are the stories
of your life?”
Homework:
Complete brainstorming sheet
List the topic/theme of each of the four vignettes you plan to write. What will be the “tie that binds”?

October 31:
Computer Lab
Homework:
Personal Vignette Assignment
Research “El Dia de los Muertos”- One page, typed
Bring in something for the celebration

November 1:
“El Dia de los Muertos” Mexican Celebration
Homework:
BHS Writing Rubric- Put into your own words

November 2&3:
Computer Lab
Homework:
Personal Vignettes due Monday 11/6

November 6:
View student vignette samples
Label rhetorical questions, similes, metaphors, personification, repetition, alliteration, etc...
State Theme
Homework:
Option of revising
Final Draft/ Sharing of Vignettes Wednesday & Thursday

November 7: No School for Students

November 8 & 9:
Vignette Reading/ Sharing

November 10: No School

We will begin Black Boy next week!

Monday, October 02, 2006

Grade 11: October 3- October 6

Tuesday:
Complete Scottsboro Video
What additional information was gained from the video? What do you still want to know?
Share 3-2-1 Duluth Article
"Strangefruit" Billie Holiday
Exit slip: What significance do these events in our country's history have on you?
Homework:
Read to the end of Chapter 16

Wednesday:
Discuss mad dog episode in relation to the develoment of Atticus as a character
Gender Stereotypes & Chapter 13
Homework:
Bring in index cards
Read to the end of 16

Thursday:
Quiz Chapters 13-16
Next set of Vocab- Quiz Thursday
Homework:
Read up to Chapter 19 for Monday

Friday:
Discuss 13-16
Possibly "I Have a Dream"
Homework- To be added

Monday:
Quiz 17-19
Acting out courtroom scene- Mayella
Homework: To be added

Grade 10: October 3 - October 6

Tuesday:
Reading Quiz "The Moustache"
Read the Dave Barry column & write a one page reaction in your journals. How is this column like "The Moustache"?
Homework:
Prepare to discuss "The Moustache" in small groups tomorrow:
Develop:
2 Discussion questions
2 Clarification questions
1 Meaningful Connection
Write down and be prepared to share your thoughts on the theme, the meaning of the title, and symbolism.


Wednesday:
Small group discussions
Exit slip: How was your interpretation of the story deepened through today's discussion? Explain any difficulties that you had interpreting this story.
Overview of dress code letter to the editor assignment
Marginal notes mini-lesson: How can marginal notes save you time and help you organize your letter?
Mini-lesson audience, especially source # 3
Homework: Interview a parent, friend, etc...about his/her views on school dress codes

Thursday:
Reading, highlighting, marginal notes for all sources
Homework:
Complete reading, highlighting, and marginal notetaking
Important for tomorrow's lesson

Friday:
Using the graphic organizer: Does it help you? If not, what will you use in its place?
Essay to be written in class and finished for homework
H option- Elements of Persuasion Mini-lesson ???
Homework:
Type letter and bring on Monday

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Grade 11 - September 18 - September 26

Monday
Return/ review vocabulary quizzes
Class Discussion of Chapters 1-5 (Oral Quiz)
Homework:
Chapters 6-7
Develop:
2 Discussion Questions
1 Connection
1 Clarification Question
1 Well-Written Sentence

Let's have full class participation tomorrow!

Tuesday
Review Parts of Speech (This is a pre-assessment and will not count toward your grade)
Class Discussion of Chapters 6&7
Homework:
Read Chapters 8-10-due Thurs.
Develop a combination of four discussion questions, clarification questions, connections, and/or noteworthy sections

Wednesday:
Next 20 vocabulary words for TKM - Quiz next Wed.
Read & Discuss "Incident" by Countee Cullen
Homework:
Read chapters 8-10
Prepare the required items listed above for the discussion.

Thursday:
Class Discussion of 8-10 TKM
Practice taking dialectical notes
View video clip - if there is time
Homework:
Read Chapters 11 & 12
Complete Dialectical Notes w/ at least four quotes noted
Memorize "Incident" by Countee Cullen - due Monday
Complete a one-page reaction to the "N-Word" article in your journals

Friday:
Use dialectical notes & "4 Points" to discuss Chapters 8-10
Homework:
Memorize "Incident"

Monday:
Recite/ Write out memorized poem
Share reactions to article
Share dialectical notes for 11 & 12 TKM
Class discussion 11 & 12
Homework:
Read Chapters 13 & 14 - Complete dialectical notes
Vocabulary Quiz on Wednesday

Tuesday:
Class Discussion Chapter 13
Scottsboro Article, Prereading (Generating Questions), Selective Highlighting
Homework:
Complete Reading/Highlighting Article
Study for vocabulary quiz

Wednesday:
Vocabulary Quiz/ School Pictures/Scottsboro Article Discussion

Thursday:
Vocabulary Quiz/School Pictures/Scottsboro Article Discussion

Friday:
Scottsboro Video
Homework: Duluth Lynching Article 3-2-1
3-Important Facts 2- Interesting Details 1-Question

Grade 10 September 18 - September 26

Monday
"The Lie"
In journals, react to the following: Who is lying in this story? What is the multi-layered meaning of the title? Use the term irony somewhere in your response.
Turn in Post-its from reading
Share journal responses (class discussion)
Is this good literature?
Homework:
Study vocabulary for Wednesday's quiz


Tuesday

Think/Pair/Share
Are there circumstances that warrent different treatment of children by parents? Can you think of any examples in your own family? Should parents treat all children in the same manner?
Essential vocabulary (Not on tomorrow's quiz)
Homework:
Add new words to your vocabulary section
Use Post-its when reading to keep track of your thoughts questions and ideas. Note passages that give evidence that proves whether or not you think Charle's mom was a good mother and if the men have been good sons?

Wednesday
Vocabulary Quiz
Periods 2&3: Class discussion- building meaning w/ "A Visit to Grandmother"
Period 8: Class Discussion w/ "Everyday Use"
Homework:
All classes are re-read the assigned story applying the new knowlege that came out of our class discussion.

Thursday

Return & review vocabulary quizzes
Dialectical journal practice
Homework: Periods 2 & 3 have until Friday to make revisions to the "Teenage Wasteland" Essay

Friday
CAPT Preassessment
Homework: Periods 2 & 3 Read "Everyday Use" & Complete Dialectical Journal
Perioad 8: Read "Initiation" & Complete Dialectical Journal

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Alanis Morisette "Ironic" - Wikipedia

Check out these links to see what people have to say about what is/ is not ironic in this song. What do you think?
http://fgk.hanau.net/articles/ironic.html
http://www.geocities.com/eirig/

Monday, September 11, 2006

Grade 10 - September 11 - September 15

Monday
Complete Reading of "Teenage Wasteland"
Class Discussion of story:
Who’s to Blame?
Compose a working thesis and plan essay
Homework:
Essay due Wednesday

Tuesday
Is this good literature?
Mini-lesson characterization/ worksheet (small groups) (page 41)
Homework: Paper due tomorrow
Finish Classwork

Wednesday
Mini-lesson: Incorporating Quotes
We will look at a student model and offer revision advise.
We will work in pairs to peer edit.
Homework: Final Draft due tomorrow!


Thursday

Exit/ Entrance Slips
In journals: Reflect on a time when you told a lie.
"The Lie" Vocabulary & Reading
Active Reading Strategy: Using Post-its to mark connections
Mini-lesson Irony
Homework:
Finish reading "The Lie." Use Post-its to keep track of connections while reading.
Complete vocabulary crossword puzze & add the new words to you vocab. section in your notebook.


Friday:

Alanis Morisette's "Ironic" - What is and isn't ironic in this song?
In journals, react to the following: Who is lying in this story? What is the multi-layered meaning of the title? Use the term irony somewhere in your response.
Turn in Post-its from reading
Share journal responses (class discussion)
Is this good literature?
No homework!

Grade 11 - September 11-September 15

Monday:“Meet Harper Lee” handout/ Novel Background Handout
Character Bookmark
Chapter One – Begin in class
Homework: “My Early School Days” – personal reflection
Think about a hated or much loved teacher, an incident that was particularly sad or funny and create the scene. (Due Tuesday)
Vocabulary Index cards due Wednesday, Quiz on Friday

Tuesday:
View Film Clip
Read Introduction Handout
Share "Early School Years" reflections
H/W: Chapter Two & Index Cards

Wednesday:
Period 5: Quiz - Chapters 1 & 2
View film clip
Discuss Chapters 1 & 2
Homework:
Read Chapter 3
Ongoing: Character Bookmark
*Vocabulary Quiz on Friday
Period 7: Quiz - Chapters 1 & 2
Discuss Chapters 1 & 2
Complete Character Trait Chart in small groups
Homework:
Read Chapter 3
Ongoing: Character Bookmark
*Vocabulary Quiz on Friday

Thursday:
Period 5- Complete Character Chart
Discuss Chapter 3
Read Chapter 4
Period 7 - Review character chart
Discuss Chapter 3
Read Chapter 4


Homework: (Periods 5 & 7)
Type 2 discussion questions, 1 clarification question, 1 connection, and note a sentence or two that you found to be well-written. (The main focus should be chapters 3 & 4, but you can bring up ideas & questions from the earlier chapters as well.) Be ready for a student-led discussion of the novel thus far.

Friday:
Vocabulary Quiz
Chapter 5 TKM
Student led discussion
H/W: Complete Chapter 5 (Be sure you have completed Thursday night's homework)

Friday, September 08, 2006

Wikipedia- Baba O'Riley

Here's what was found on wikipedia. Remeber that you can't always trust what is on here as anyone can post something as a fact.

Baba O'Riley

Here are some interpreatations of the song we listened to in class today prior to reading "Teenage Wasteland." What do you think the song is about?

Monday, September 04, 2006

Grade 11 – Class Syllabus 9/5 – 9/8

Tuesday, 9/5:
Article: “Why We Read” – Lawrence J. Cohen, PH.D
Selective Highlighting: What kinds of things can you get out of a good book? & How does Cohen distinguish “great books” from “beach books”?
In class journal: One page- What real people, characters, or authors have validated the best parts of me? *Update: Some classes were assigned to wite a reaction to the article instead.


Homework:
Interview a parent, friend, teacher, etc... Find out the criteria they use to classify a work of literature as “good.” (One paragraph)

Wednesday, 9/6:
Chalk Talk: “Good literature is…”
In class: Develop a personal definition of good literature
Homework: 1. Type up definition
2. Letter to Mrs. Baker/ Mrs. Dunn

Thursday, 9/7:
To Kill a Mockingbird
PowerPoint Novel Introduction
Chalk Talk/ Concept Web: Courage
What do you think characterizes a person who has courage?
What kinds of situations might call for courage?
Discuss Setting & Point of View
Homework:
1. Letter to Mrs. Baker
2. Index cards for first section of vocabulary words due Wednesday


Friday, 9/8:
“Meet Harper Lee” handout
Character Bookmark
Chapter One – Begin in class
Homework: “My Early School Days” – personal reflection
Think about a hated or much loved teacher, an incident that was particularly sad or funny and create the scene. (Due Tuesday)
Grade 10 Syllabus 9/5 – 9/8

Tuesday, 9/5:
Article: “Why We Read” – Lawrence J. Cohen, PH.D
Selective Highlighting: What kinds of things can you get out of a good book? & How does Cohen distinguish “great books” from “beach books”?
In class journal: One page- What real people, characters, or authors have validated the best parts of me? *Update: Some classes were assigned to wite a reaction to the article instead.


Homework:
Interview a parent, friend, teacher, etc... Find out the criteria they use to classify a work of literature as “good.” (One paragraph)


Wednesday, 9/6:
Chalk Talk: “Good literature is..."
In class: Develop a personal definition of good literature
Homework:
1. Type up definition
2. Letter to Mrs. Baker/ Mrs. Dunn

Thursday, 9/7:
Begin Short Story Unit – Focus on Parenting/ Family
"Teenage Wasteland” – Anne Tyler
“Baba O’Riley” – The Who
Vocabulary Worksheet
Reading Focus: Who’s to Blame? Use post-its to note sections to support your theory
Homework:
Letter to Mrs. Baker/ Mrs. Dunn

Friday, 9/8
Class Discussion of story:
Who’s to Blame?
Is this good literature?
Mini-lesson characterization/ worksheet (small groups) (page 41)
In Journal: Complete “A Personal Response” 1-4 (page 40)
Homework: Paper due Tuesday
Finish Classwork

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Welcome BHS Students! I am new to blogging, but I hope I can use this forum to post both daily and long term assignments. I'd also like to put links to sites that will enrich our study of various novels. If you have any ideas, please let me know! I'm looking foward to a great year! Mrs. Baker