Pioneers Write

Last Blog Post!

2010-01-04T21:48:00.004-06:00

Pioneers Writer has moved to English 11 Cafe.

Please join us there!

Semester Test Review

2009-12-15T21:19:00.001-06:00

Here it is....Semester 1 Review.

The one posted previously linked to Pre-AP English 10...sorry!

This one should be similar to the hard copy you had. I had to recreate as the one you have is saved on the computer at school.

Monday, Dec. 14

2009-12-14T07:43:00.006-06:00

Our last week!

Today's Menu:

The daily announcements.
Writer's Notebook: Does The Crucible fulfil its title? Reflect, respond...then turn in your Writer's Notebook. (topic list here)
The Crucible = a Test...literally!
Work on project.
Review for semester test. Ooooppss...posted wrong link! Will correct shortly! Thanks, Madeline!

Deadlines:

Semester test: Wednesday, 1A.
Project due: Thursday, 8:00 AM
Blogs due Friday, 8:00 AM

Thurs/Fri: Dec. 10-11

2009-12-10T08:07:00.004-06:00

Yes, it's cold outside!

Today's Menu:

Announcements
Quiz over Act 3
Read Act 4.
Test on The Crucible and vocab on Monday!
Semester Test Review...I'm working on that. Will post it very soon!

DUE next week:

Blog posts
Writer's Notebook
Song list with rationale and cd cover for The Crucible
Semester Test = 20% of your entire grade for this semester!

Tues/Wed: Dec. 8-9

2009-12-08T07:52:00.005-06:00

Please click here for today's announcements.

Writer's Notebook:

1A: Please see previous post for topic.

The Crucible:

Quiz over Act 2 and vocab.
Read Act 3.
Work on project and character wheel.

Fri/Mon: Dec. 4 & 7

2009-12-07T08:18:00.005-06:00

Good morning!

Here are today's announcements.

Writer's Notebook: Review the first page of this handout and this article about our Navy Seals and reflect on this question in your writer's notebook: When is torture a "good thing"? (Grammar question: why is the question mark outside the quotation mark?)

The Crucible

Vocab quiz.
Read Act 2...complete for next time.
Assign Vocab list 2...quiz next time!
Reminder: be working on your character wheel and your song list.

Wed/Thurs, Dec. 2-3

2009-12-02T04:46:00.007-06:00

Today's Announcements.

Today's Other Read...reader's theater. Check out who is bullying whom!

The Crucible = a great test

Quiz over intro-pages 24!
Vocab...review lists 1 and 2. Quiz next time!
Assign parts and read.

Grammar Time!

Review appositives. Write a sentence containing an appositive on your assigned character on this Etherpad.
Today we shall discuss participials.

Mon/Tues ~ Nov. 30-Dec. 1

2009-11-30T08:17:00.008-06:00

Welcome back!

Please read today's announcements here.

1A: Send your novels!

Open your blog...how many posts have you written this nine weeks?

The Crucible:

Read "Half-Hanged Mary."
Vocabulary 1 and 2...due next time!
Assign parts....Readers' Theater next time...
Read through to page 24 for next time.

Grammar

Participials.

Mon/Tues, Nov. 23-24

2009-11-20T09:00:00.008-06:00

Today's Announcements. Now, tell me...why does today's have an appostrophe?

Writer's Notebook: Time to be thankful! Draft a top ten list in your Writer's Notebook as you ponder on the reason for the season. Then share this list on your blog.

The Crucible = a great test...so prepare yourself for the journey!

Meet Arthur Miller.

Discussion: What is a Puritan? How could such an extreme case of bullying occurred? Surely such cases would never occur again...right? In modern times?

Meet the characters. Assign character wheels.

Click here...complete the left side and save into your My Documents.
Review vocabulary.

Grammar Time!

Review appositives.

Time to sing!

Discuss participials.

Bold three participials in your newly assigned blog post at the top.

Now go and have a grand few days off...enjoy your family, appreciate them, and come back rested as we continue our journey with families of earlier times.

Thurs/Fri, Nov. 19-20

2009-11-20T08:57:00.003-06:00

Today Menu...

Write your group's "Watch" poem on an Etherpad.
TEST: Speak content and vocabulary.
Assign: The Crucible - pages Intro -14. Work on part 1 vocabulary.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Tues./Wed, Nov. 17-18

2009-11-17T07:44:00.007-06:00

Please read today's announcements here...

Today's Menu!

Vocabulary Quiz!

Writer's Workshop

Finalize "Watch."
Draft two blog entries: Speak book review and thoughts of bullying (see previous post).
Draft young adult novel...250 words and title due Thursday/Friday.

Homework:

Vocabulary Test and Speak test on Thursday/Friday!

The Future

The Crucible!

Monday, Nov. 16

2009-11-17T07:43:00.001-06:00

We have three to-do's today:

Complete totem poles.
Finalize "Watch" poems.
Draft book review of Speak for your blog.

Time to Blog

2009-11-13T21:44:00.002-06:00

Now that you have read Speak and "Listen" and have written "Watch," take some time to reflect on the impact of bullying on our society...whether that society is national or in the halls of BHS.

Thurs/Fri, Nov. 12 and 13

2009-11-12T07:56:00.002-06:00

Read today's announcements here.

Writer's Notebook: The cost of plagiarizing: Please read this blog post emphasizing ten people who plagiarized and the consequences of their actions. (Source: The Doc Is In.) Did any of these surprise you? What were the consequences of their actions? Comment on this article in your Writer's Notebook. Can you make any T2T connections? Hopefully, you will not make any Text-2-You connections!

Vocab quiz today!

Writer's Workshop:

Speak essay due today! Have you added your "comments?" Now we need to add a cover page and a Works Cited page.
"Watch": Time to record your thoughts. Draft of poem due Tuesday, Nov. 17
Young Adult Novel: Title and 250 words due next Friday, Nov. 20.

Nov. 9-11

2009-11-09T08:09:00.018-06:00

Good morning!

Here are today's announcements.

Please go here and take a survey for the BHS newspaper The Spirit of the Pioneer.

Writer's Notebook:

For Mon/Tues: What observations have you or can you make about the people around you? Remember you are gathering evidence for the poem we will write later this week.
For Wed./Thurs: In honor of Veteran's Day, after reading/watching "In Flander's Field," reflect/pay tribute to the veterans you know.

Literary Totem Poles: Please email your final paragraphs...if you have not already done so. Due NOW!

N0-N0 List:

Contractions
It
Things/Stuff
You = Second Person
I think/feel/believe
There is/are/was

Good Moves:

Transitions!
Appostives: one per paragraph in bold print.
Use three vocab...bold them.

Writer's Workshop!

Essay drafts due today!

Edit/revise/type!
Insert and bold one appositive per paragraph.
Use three of your vocab within your essay...bold the words.

Young Adult Novel ~ Deadline Nov. 20

Need the first 250 words and a title!

Homework:

1A: Essay draft due Wednesday...typed!
Final essays due: 1B-Thursday and 1A - Friday
Vocab quiz: 1B- Thursday and 1A- Friday

Wednesday, November 4

2009-11-03T21:36:00.003-06:00

Group Leaders! Did you make any changes to your totem pole paragraphs? If so, please send me a revised PowerPoint. Let's print and put your Literary Totem Poles together!

Writer's Workshop: Time to get started on that young adult novel...create a character, a setting, develop a plot, choose a title...begin making decisions.

Writer's Notebook: Do you know a "Melinda"? This moment you choose to be either reactive or proactive. Which do you choose?

Reactive: In this instance, you would either choose to do nothing or you continue to bully.

Proactive: You choose to help this person. How can you...yes, you!...help your "Melinda"?

Grammar Time!

Review phrases.

Review essay choices.

Draft...write some more!

Mon/Tues: Nov. 2-3

2009-11-02T07:41:00.004-06:00

Writer's Notebook:

Is Speak a novel about life in a high school? In what ways is Merryweather High School similar to your school? In what ways is it different?
Why might Anderson have named this school Merry-weather?

Novel Dissection...Speak:

Lit Circle Discussion.
Essay assignment.
Literary Totem Poles: Check paragraph format...proof!

Writer's Workshop: Phrases.

Review prepositional phrases.
What are appositives?
What are abosolutes?
Include at least one of each in your totem pole paragraphs. Underline them.

November is National Family Literacy Month: Here's the deal!

Your parent/guardian may read one of your required books for you!
Discuss the book with your parent/guardian.
Blog about your experience.
Deadline December 1.

A New Contest for Us! Enter the Young Adult Novel Contest!

Need a title and the first 250 words.
Deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Here's mine...a drafty draft.

House of Night Fan?

2009-11-01T14:18:00.002-06:00

Here's the link to the latest release in the House of Night series...Tempted (chapter one)...should you be interested.

Thurs/Fri: October 29-30

2009-10-29T07:45:00.006-05:00

Beta Club meets Friday, Oct. 30 in the library during lunch!

Today's Menu!

SSR
Read today's announcements here.
Writer's Notebook Time: Have you ever felt like there were two "you's" fighting inside you? (Might refer to page 132 of Speak.)
Review The Writer Lady = Laurie Halse Anderson. Read her biography and check out the info on Speak.
New Vocab List.
As you complete the novel, record evidence on the t-chart provided regarding trees used as a symbol.

This nine weeks, we will read three in-class novels/drama: Speak, The Kite Runner or Thousand Splendid Suns, and The Crucible, which will count as four of your six required reads for this grading period. Please complete the other two on your own.

First blog post topic for this nine weeks: The new unit that we are starting is entitled The Bullying Mentality. Prepare a post on this topic in which you give an instance when bullying is the wrong behavior choice and then an instance when bullying is a positive choice. This would be a four-paragraph minimum post.

Mon., Oct. 26

2009-10-26T07:39:00.003-05:00

Today's menu includes...

SSR
Read today's announcements here.
Totem Poles...need to organize and get your sections printed.
Hand back papers.

Have a stupendous day!

Thurs., Oct. 22

2009-10-21T20:44:00.003-05:00

Ready...set...target. Yes, it's that time again!

Now, let's complete the Literary Totem Poles. Below is a slide that I create...a model. I color-coded my paragraphs...no, you do not have to color-code, although the colors do look nice!

I need for you to go get all sixteen slides on one presentation and then email to me so that I can print them for you...yes, in color!

Homework:

We are transitioning from A Pioneer Never Quits to the Anti-bullying Unit. Our first read is Speak. This will be a quick read...so get ready!

Mon./Tues., October 19-20

2009-10-19T09:03:00.005-05:00

Test today!

When finished with your test, please work on your totem pole sections getting them ready to print. Totem poles need to be completed by the end of class on Wed/Thurs.

Please read this short story for Wed/Thurs!

"A Rose for Emily" ~ by William Faulkner
Be ready for a quiz next time = first grade of the second nine weeks!

Test on Monday over Thematic Unit!

2009-10-18T22:38:00.001-05:00

Reminder: We have a test on the Pioneer Never Quits thematic unit on Monday/Tuesday.

Content that you should review includes...

the two novels: Touching Spirit Bear and the lit circle novel.
the origin myths
vocabulary for the Pioneer Never Quits unit.
terms from you Reader's Workshop.

Have you completed this checklist?

handed in our Writer's Notebook?
submitted your totem pole paragraphs?
completed your blog (three book reviews + one post)?

Are We Friends?

2009-10-18T21:20:00.001-05:00

For me to grade GoodReads book reviews, we must first be "friends."

Have you invited me to be your friend? Please check!

Thanks!

Friday, October 16 ~ Homecoming Day

2009-10-16T08:23:00.003-05:00

No SSR today.

Lit. Circle:

Work on your Literary Totem Poles. Email completed paragraphs to me.

TEST on TUESDAY! Content includes...

Content of the two novels you read.
Native American Myths
Page one...page one only...Pioneer Never Quits vocabulary.

Writer's Notebooks: Due today!

Blogs/Book Reviews: due noon on Saturday!

Wed., Oct. 14

2009-10-14T07:43:00.009-05:00

Good morning. Read today's announcements here.

Have you read Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why? He has a blog here. He would be a great author to add to your Google Reader! Remember how to do add a subscription?

Writer's Notebook: Please read the following quote and discuss something in your life you would like to conquer if only you possessed (insert your wording here).

"If we possessed such large canoes,
we would follow you to your land and conquer it,
for we too are men."
~Cherokee Chief, 1543

Writer's Notebook: due today!

Paragraph/Composition Terms TEST today!

Blog/Good Reads: due Saturday at noon.

Lit Circle: Watching you choose your digital tools has been interesting. Gentle reminder: what works for one does not necessarily work for another, and that is okay! Great job working together!

Share your paragraphs. Proof. Edit. Revise.
Determine what information will go on the reverse side of your literary section.
Totem poles will be here on Friday for final presentation!

Lit Circle ~ Novel Time!

Touching Spirit Bear should be completed!
Meet and assume the role you chose!

TEST ON MONDAY over A Pioneer Never Quits!

Two novels: Touching Spirit Bear and other assigned novel.
Articles on Native American myths
Articles on totem poles
Page one of vocab - only page one!

Mon./Tues., Oct. 12-13

2009-10-11T08:47:00.009-05:00

Read today's announcements here.

Let's have a "ha-ha" moment. Each of the following sentences have two possible meanings...what are they?

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Hospitals Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
Miners Refuse to Work after Death
Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge
(Source: http://www.webenglishteacher.com/)

Want to check out a book from Cafe 16 Library? We have a new method of checking out books!

Cafe 16 Library at cafe16library.blogspot.com

Reminder: Need to submit homework to Mrs. Gillmore? I have created an email just for that very purpose!

mrsg.homework@yahoo.com

Today's Menu!

Writer's Notebook: Reflect on possible topics for your totem pole. WN due in class on Friday!

Lit Circle:

Make final totel pole selections.
Assign sections.
Determine how you want to create your sections.
Review paragraph structure. Paragraph/Composition test on Wednesday!
HOMEWORK: Draft your paragraphs for Wednesday.

BLOG: You choose the topic.

May choose a topic from your Writer's Notebook, the news, other blogs.
Then comment on the three blogs following your blog on the class list.
Due Saturday by noon.
Remember blog posts are a test grade!

OTHER:

Book Reviews are due. Should have three reviews on your blog and three on GoodReads...this equals six posts = a test grade!

REMINDER:

Have your role sheet for your A Pioneer Never Quits novel ready for Lit Circle time on Wednesday!

New Homework Email

2009-10-09T04:27:00.000-05:00

From this day forth, please send homework to this email address:

mrsg.homework@yahoo.com

Why a Yahoo email? Our class blogs are set up through my gmail account, and as far as I know, one cannot be logged into two gmail accounts at one time. Therefore, Yahoo it is!

Thanks!

Thurs., Oct. 8 and 9

2009-10-08T04:38:00.008-05:00

Friday's Announcements

Today's Menu:

Lit Circle:

Discuss the origin myths. Complete this form.
Assign roles for your group. Choose your next assignment.
Plan your totem pole. Open this handout.

Writer's Workshop:

Review terms. See handout (from Mrs. G).
See cartoon.
Composition Test on Wednesday!

Homework:

Read Totem Poles and Totem Poles: Heraldic Columns of the Northwest Coast
Read your novel. Complete your role sheet.
Post book reviews to blog. Check out the book review rubric here.

Photo: http://englishcompanion.ning.com/photo/the-5paragraph-theme-monster?context=user

Wed., Oct. 7

2009-10-07T08:41:00.001-05:00

Finalize sentence on Etherpad.

Comma test today!

Ready for the quiz over the Native American origin myths? They were assigned on Monday...

Assignments:

Read Touching Spirit Bear.
Plan your group's totem pole project. Click here for more information.

Monday, October 5 ~ 1 A

2009-10-05T08:08:00.007-05:00

Good morning! You may read today's announcements here.

Today's Menu:

Proofread your Etherpad.
Ducks Galore paragraphs are due now!
Review commas: punctuate the "Alma Mater." Test on Wednesday! Know three great comman sites and their urls...here are two! See last Thursday's post for more information.

Homework:

Read excerpts from The Walum Olum and The Navajo Origin Legend: Text of myths.doc.
Study vocab.
Post your book reviews.
Comma test on Wednesday.

Fri., Oct. 2 ~ 1B English 11

2009-10-02T08:15:00.003-05:00

Duck paragraphs are due at 8:20!

Through the month of October, we will Focus on Poe...the poet Edgar Allen Poe. Please go here and listen (yes, you need your earphones!) to the production of "The Raven." Please add the terms to your Reader's Notebook.

Comma Test on Tuesday!

In your lit circle group, punctuate the "Alma Mater" as a review of the endmark and comma rules.
Three parts to Tuesday's Comma TEST: 1) multiple choice, 2) passage with little punctuation, and 3) three URL's to awesome comma sites...these three sites are to be bookmarked in Delicious with this tag...Comma_Rules. I have provided two sites here!

Thursday, Oct 1 ~ 1 A English 11

2009-09-30T22:54:00.006-05:00

Good morning!

Please read today's announcements.

Today's Quiz:

Definition of Theme: the lesson the author wants you learn having read his/her literary work.
What is one possible theme for your novel? Include at least three details to support this theme.
Goal: to prove your read all the novel!

Your Historical Novel: In your lit circle, prepare a statement using Etherpad about whether your novel fits into the theme A Pioneer Never Quits.

Today's Other Topics:

Ducks Galore: Must complete part 4. Due today: your two introductions - 1) to the teacher and 2) your Voice Thread script to your classmates. These two intros and your comment on the Voice Thread is a test grade! Today, we record your comments to the Voice Thread...get that tone ready! Two-by-two, you may go out in the hall to record your comment.
Book Reviews: You now have two due! One over your out-of-class read (which was tohave been read at mid-term!) and now your historical fiction novel. These are to be posted to your blog and Good Reads by Monday. Please refer to the rubric when composing your book reviews. Click here to see the rubric:
http://mrsginfo.pbworks.com/f/Book+Review+Rubric+from+Lisa+Huff+modified+by+TG.doc
WE DID NOT GET TO THIS! WILL START HERE ON MONDAY. Commas: In your lit circle group, punctuate the "Alma Mater" as a review of the endmark and comma rules.

Three parts to Monday's Comma TEST: 1) multiple choice, 2) passage with little punctuation, and 3) three URL's to awesome comma sites...these three sites are to be bookmarked in Delicious with this tag...Comma_Rules.

Homework:

Complete 1, and 2! Let's get these items checked off our list!

Caught up and want to get a jump start on next week's project? Click here for an overview of the totem pole project. I do have a few extra copies of Touching Spirit Bear if you would like to read it some this weekend.

Wed., Sept. 30

2009-09-30T08:15:00.002-05:00

Good morning!

Please read today's announcements.

Today's Quiz:

"Is everything always in a circle?" Cole had asked Garvey.

"Why not?" Garvey said. "Life is a circle."

Support or disprove Garvey's claim with evidence from the novel. You should have completed this novel, so I expect to find evidence from throughout the novel.

Today's Other Topics:

Ducks Galore: Must complete part 4 by Friday! Due Friday: two introductions.
Commas: Three parts to Friday's Comma TEST: 1) multiple choice, 2) passage with little punctuation, and 3) three URL's to awesome comma sites...then bookmark these three in Delicious with this tag...Comma_Rules.
Book Reviews: You now have two due!

Monday, Sept. 28

2009-09-28T08:12:00.012-05:00

SSR Time...

Today's announcements.

Writer's Notebook: Place this definition of plagiarism in your WN.
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

* to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
* to use (another's production) without crediting the source
* to commit literary theft
* to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.

Now give your thoughts on why one might plagiarize? Now make the commitment to not plagiarize in this class!

Quiz! Remember tone is the author's attitude towards his/her subject. What is Ben Mikaelsen's attitude toward his subjects...including main character, culture, setting, conflict...other topics? Sorry...not an open-book quiz.

Ducks Galore: Due Friday!

# 4 is due on Friday at 8:00 AM

Book Review 1

* Post to your blog and GoodReads.

Lit. Circle

Voice Thread Time! Time to record your introduction. Please hand in a copy of your text when your recording is completed...have your proofread it? Check for no-no's! Now, let's produce an awesome document!

Vocabulary: Study the words!

Complete novel for Wednesday!

Grammar Time!

For the test on Friday, you will need to know three awesome sites to go to for assistance with comma rules. I have provided two here (hint!).
Before the test on Friday, you will tag these three sites in your Delicious account...Comma_Rules.

Sept. 25: Cafe Gillmore Menu

2009-09-25T07:57:00.005-05:00

Good morning!

Read today's announcements her e .

Shhhh...we are reading for fifteen minutes! SSR Time!

Book Review 1

Post to your blog and GoodReads.

Lit. Circle Time!

Voice Thread Time!
Vocabulary Project
Complete novel for Tuesday!

Grammar Time!

Comma Review
Test next Thursday!

Sept. 24: Cafe Gillmore Menu

2009-09-24T07:24:00.004-05:00

Good morning!

Shhhh...we are reading for fifteen minutes! SSR Time!

Please read today's announcements here.

Book Reviews: Post on your blog and on GoodReads.
Commas
Ducks Galore: Picture time!

Homework for Monday, Sept. 28:

Finish Touching Spirit Bear for Monday!
Write your introduction for your Voice Thread...due Monday!
Other: turn in all late work! Now! (introductory duck paragraphs and book reviews)

Sept. 21

2009-09-19T01:49:00.008-05:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: On Wednesday, we start something new! The first 15 minutes of class is SSR time! That's right...always bring your favorite read with you! I have not decided what my read will be, but as I have about fifty novels awaiting me, the challenge is not what to read but which one!

Please check here for today's announcements.

Let's take a moment to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

WRITER'S NOTEBOOK: Please view the following video; then reflect in your WN on the collaborative beauty of Google Docs. Oooopps, it's not here! This one must be blocked. Hummmm...I will work on this for next time...

WRITER'S NOTEBOOK, PART 2: Read the Batesville Guard handout; then discuss in your WN your responsibility as a "digital citizen."

TECH TIME! Today we are going to set up your Google Reader. Please log in to your Google account and select the blue button that says "Reader" across the top. Please add the following blogs to your Reader:

pioneerswrite.blogspot.com

Your peers' blogs.

WRITER'S WORKSHOP. Help! I just glanced over your duck paragraphs, and none of them are typed in the form that we worked through in class. Help, I say! Uh, oh...now, we are all behind. MUST type all assignments from this day forth...unless you and I have worked out an agreement or in case, of course, of major emergencies.

Ducks Galore Test #1: 1) Introduce your duck to me via your paragraph (Type! Type! Yes! Now!) and 2) introduce your duck to your classmates via Voice Thread. Duck photos in class on Wednesday!
Grammar Time: Check the comma exercise.

READER's WORKSHOP: Time for Lit Circles.

Sept. 18

2009-09-18T07:41:00.004-05:00

Congratuations to our own Ashleigh Rogers for being selected Homecoming Junior Maid

Please read today's announcements.

Writer's Notebook: Click here to read an article in Tuesday's Batesville Guard. In your Writer's Notebook discuss your dedication to being a responsible digital citizen.

REMINDER: Due last time...comma exercise and book review and duck introductory paragraph.

Tech Time! I need your help today! Time to listen...shhh....

2009-09-17T00:10:00.002-05:00

Good morning!

Suggested Timing to Today's Agenda:

Grammar: 15 minutes
Book Reviews: 30-40 minutes
Silent Sustained Reading (SSR): 30-40 minutes.

I had told the students that they would not get to take their novel home, but I changed who's reading what, so this group will be allowed to take their assigned novel home with them.

These novels are based on historical fiction set during the early years of our county. These novels should be a "quick" read (lower reading level); therefore, they need to be completed next week.

Here are the assigned groups (I hope I got the number of books right...please make adjustments as to who is reading what, if needed):

Indian Captive: Keaton, Kaitlyn, Chelsea, Alex, Tyler
Fever 1793: Justin, Ashley, Padrick
Copper Sun: Colton, Cara, Katie, Chynna, Baylee, Ashleigh

Reminder: duck paragraphs are due today!

Thanks!

Sept. 16: Today's Agenda

2009-09-16T07:02:00.002-05:00

Good morning!

I brought the Homecoming ballots with me! Mr. Sparks is going to bring you some more ballots. Please have the students vote for two junior maids.

Suggested Timing to Today's Agenda:

Voting: 5 minutes
Grammar: 15 minutes
Book Reviews: 30-40 minutes
Silent Sustained Reading (SSR): 30-40 minutes.

I had told the students that they would not get to take their novel home, but I changed who's reading what, so this group will be allowed to take Touching Spirit Bear home with them.

This novel should be a "quick" read (lower reading level), but the plot is active and has a great message for all readers.

Thanks!

Sept. 14-15

2009-09-14T00:26:00.004-05:00

Check here for today's announcements.

Today's Menu:

Commas Rule...or Comma Rules
Ducks Galore: from profile to paragraph
Literary terms to consider using in paragraph.

I will not be here on Wednesday/Thursday as I will be serving on a committee for the Arkansas Department of Education.

Due in class on Wednesday/Thursday:

Your introduction of your duck...
Draft your first book review.
Study the comma rules...could be a quiz!
SSR Time...Touching Spirit Bear.

Sept. 10-11: Let's Always Remember...

2009-09-10T07:38:00.011-05:00

Today's Announcements.

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
- Abraham Lincoln

WRITER'S NOTEBOOK: To mark the anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, President Bush proclaimed that September 11 be named Patriot Day. On this day, the proclamation asks that flags be flown at half-mast and that the day be marked by ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and other remembrance services.

President Obama has also declared September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Please go here to learn more that this.

Even though this day marks the anniversary of a huge disaster, it is called Patriot Day. How does this label change our perceptions about the events of September 11, 2001? Think of the various meanings of the word “patriot.” Is it possible to be a patriot and still disagree with certain aspects of the government? What is the best way to voice criticism of the government?

May we also commemorate this day with poetry? Please read the following poems:

We're Still Standing
© Hannah Schoechert

Those twin towers
Standing tall with pride,
Fell with grieving hearts.
Stunned, America cried.

But we're still standing.

Bin Laden tried
To crush our land,
But we stood our ground
With our flag in hand

And we're still standing.

Red for the valor
And the blood that fell.
White for the purity
Our heroes tell.
Blue for the justice
That will be done,
Proving once more
These colors don't run

And we're still standing.

By Hannah Schoechert
A 7th grade student

To The Foolish American

© By Alyssa Marquardt

It kills me to hear you say
That war is just a foolish game
That men and women dare to play
Well I'd like to see you last one day
You obviously don't see the pain
Or the freedom that we Americans gain.
From those brave ones across the sea
The ones that mean so much to me
The ones who give you the right
To stand right there and hold that sign
You'll never see the world as a soldier does.
You'll never see that hate or feel that love.
You worry about work and school
They worry about destructive tools.
They worry about saving and taking lives.
And the freedom of their kids and wives.
We can't appreciate our whole ton.
But they are happy with the last little one.
So before you stand back and point you finger,
Listen to these words I give
And appreciate the life you live.

(Poem accessed at Poetry America.)

Who is the speaker? What is his/her perspective? What are your thoughts on these poem?

TODAY'S MENU:

Grammar Time! Please punctuate this poem.

Tech Time: Have you created all your accounts? Completed the form and hit submit?

Now let's post to your blog!

Choose a topic.
Draft your post.
Proofread! Then proofread again! Might consider having someone else proofread!
Run spell check.
Post to your blog.
Read your post again...make any necessary revisions...again!

Reading to write your book review? Open up the Book Review Rubric here.

Ducks Galore: Introduce me to you duck! Click here to go to the Mrs. G's Info Page.

Homework:

Complete your out-of-class read!
Post an entry to your blog.
Draft your introduction of your duck.

Sept. 9-10

2009-09-09T07:49:00.005-05:00

Please read today's announcements.

Let's complete the tech accounts:

Google (email, blog, Reader, iGoogle)
Penzu
Delicious
GoodReads

When you have all these accounts created, go to the Sept. 8 post and fill out the Google form and hit submit! This is worth a test grade so check all your information carefully!

Ready to blog?

Time to get "quacked" up!

Sept. 8: Target Your Digital Identity

2009-09-07T18:54:00.006-05:00

Good morning! I hope you had a restful three-day break...welcome back.

Please read today's announcements here.

First, we need to complete the Target test.

Now, we need to complete creating your online accounts:

Google (email, blog, Reader, iGoogle)
Penzu
Delicious
GoodReads

Once you have all these accounts created, please complete this Google form and submit.

Sept 3, 2009

2009-09-02T21:32:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Please read today's announcements.

Today's menu at Cafe Gillmore:

Create an account at Delicious and GoodReads.

Insert a link at Cafe English 11 for your writing metaphor.

At this point, your digital fingerprint now includes the following accounts

Google (Gmail, Blogger, Documents, Reader, and iGoogle)

Cafe English 11

Penzu

Delicious

GoodReads

Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Leave a Comment!

2009-08-29T20:19:00.011-05:00

Please read today's announcements.

Today's Writer's Notebook topic: Please read this post by children's book author Janette Rallison on her blog: "Where Children's Book Author's Work." In your notebook, discuss where you write. Describe this inspiring place and explain why you choose that particular place(s).

Please complete this form and provide your email address for this class:

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Now let's practice leaving a comment on a blog post! Please read this story. The man featured in this story was definitely a Pioneer! Please leave a comment in which you feature someone you know that is a "giving" person. Thanks!

August 27-28: Completing Your Writing Process

2009-08-26T21:47:00.004-05:00

First, read today's announcements.

Today's Student Learner Expectaions:

W.4.10.14 Use available technology for all aspects of the writing process

W.4.11.12Apply grammatical conventions for capitalization, punctuation, formatting, and spelling

W.7.10.1: Use figurative language effectively with emphasis on metaphor and symbolism

May we review some punctuation rules? Please click on the following link...go slowly, for we will work through these together! Goal? Let's make a 100% on this quiz!

Peer Edit Reviews. Now you will share your metaphor paper with two others. You may complete the peer edit form online or in print format (use the paper copy I hand out).

Now, the results are yours. Take the peer edit forms and use the suggestions to your advantage.

NOW DUE:

Final metaphor paper.

Please continue setting up your gmail account, Penzu, and your Delicious account.

Have you selected your A Pioneer Never Quits novel?

August 25-26

2009-08-22T19:51:00.013-05:00

First, please read today's announcements.

Please complete the following set of questions:

Loading...

This form was created using Google Forms...an application you can now access and utilize when needed thanks to your creating a Google account when you created your Gmail. Yes, I will show you how to do to create such forms...as soon as we all have our emails created.

Please click here to check out the source for the last question.

The beauty of such an exercise in using just six words establishes the importance of word choice. Here's a challenge for you: (Go ahead...raise your right hand...and solemnly promise) From this moment on, I will attempt to NOT use "is" as the only verb in a sentence.

Is it a crime to use just "is" as your main verb? NO! The overuse of "is," though, does allude to your writing style and screams to all your readers: I AM A LAZY WRITER.

Do you know that in re-reading this post, I had to change several uses of "is"?(That's right...go ahead...count how many times I used "is" as the only verb within a sentence.) Answer? In a few minutes, I will tell you how many verbs I had to revise...just one small step towards developing my writing style even more.

"No-No" List!

things/stuff
it
Starting sentences with "I think....I feel...I believe"
Seconnd person = "you"
Starting sentences with "There are...there is...here were..."
Contractions = can't, don't, aren't...

TO-DO LIST:

1. Draft metaphorical paper.
2. Select your out-of-class read.
3. Set up your gmail account and your Penzu account.

So far so good! We are off to a grand start!

Day 1 Is Here!

2009-08-17T09:09:00.004-05:00

Welcome to English 11!

Please complete the following two surveys:

Student Information ~ Day 1
Click Here to take survey

R U Techie?
Click Here to take survey

REMEMBER: No one will read your results except for myself! Thanks!

Time to Review!

2009-05-25T21:18:00.003-05:00

As of Monday afternoon, the school server was down, so I could not update your grades. Will do so early in the morning...if I can.

Please click here to see more of your review.

REMINDER: Please return any novels you have checked out...whether in-class reads or from our class library.

DUE TOMORROW ~ Tuesday, May 26:

Cover Letter with classified ad from a newspaper attached.
Resume

By the way, I will not be able to be there...or least for very long...for my husband must have a much-needed knee surgery on Tuesday.

Plans for Monday:

Turn in resume.
Read this blog post.
Gather your notes together.
Share your notes.
Print what you no longer have by accessing the class wiki.
Study.

Summer is almost here! Just a few more days...we can do this!

Book Reviews and Blog Grading

2009-05-24T15:48:00.004-05:00

Few of you are abiding by the book review rubric! Uh oh! Few points awarded for one paragraph reviews. Also, remember unless you designate how many pages a book is, I am counting it as one.

Also, PLEASE remember to run spell check before publishing. This will also gain you points on works turned in for grades!

I have completed the grading of the blogs (Sunday afternoon)...please let me know if you would like for me to review your blog again. Unless asked by you, I am assuming you are finished with the blog for this year...these blogs will be used next year...as a senior!

The Final Assignments

2009-05-21T08:44:00.002-05:00

Do you have the following ready to submit?

Writer's Notebook
Blog Posts
Resume draft

The following is some of the information you might be gathering together from your three-ring binder for the semester test:

Novels: The Great Gatsby (and vocabulary) and Night
Poems: "Nothing Gold Can Stay," "Fifty Years Later," and "Ex-Basketball Player"
Usage: Which word means what?!
Formatting of letters and MLA reports/essays.
Paragraph and essay structure

Questions?

The Overlap

2009-05-08T15:57:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, please complete/revise your essay...remember, check yourself for plagurism!

Format for Essay:

Cover Page
Outline (just body of essay should be included on this one...no introduction or conclusion info)
Essay...with parenthetical citations
Works Cited Page
Essay Rough Draft

Read The Wrestling Match: Chapters 1-7

Ongoing Assignments:

Blogs
Writer's Notebook
Grammar

Three weeks left...two of classes and one of testing!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2009-05-06T23:20:00.002-05:00

Please consider taking a moment...or two...and thanking your teachers on your blog. Then send them an email with a link to your note. I promise you they will appreciate YOU even more!

Here's my note about my teachers...

Enjoy!

More Courage?

2009-05-04T21:04:00.002-05:00

This week we complete this unit and begin a sports-focused one!

But first:

Have your short stories read for class. Remember links to these stories are on the class wiki.
Next class, we will review for the test.
We will also discuss your research essay.
Haven't presented your Holocaust topic? Must do so next time!

Questions?

Why Night?

2009-04-22T22:59:00.002-05:00

As you continue reading Elie Weisel's novel Night, please consider why he chose this particular title.

Remember, I am with my daughter's forth grade class either going (Thursday morning) or in St. Louis. Please work on the following in class:

The sub has a Writer's Notebook prompt. Read, respond, and place in your notebook.
Continue reading Night thru page 28 in class.
Then take the quiz...not open book!
Now read pages 29-90+....ooops...can't remember the exact final page...just completed the chapter that ends in the 90's.

Attending Prom? Enjoy...and please be safe!

For April 16

2009-04-15T07:35:00.004-05:00

My son broke his ankle jumping off a running (runaway) horse yesterday evening...I would not recommend this to anyone in the future!

Got in at 4:00 AM this morning from Children's...surgery delayed until swelling goes down.

NOTE TO SUBSTITUTE:

If the students finish early or get off task (talking too much or on sites not about the Holocaust), take them back to the room and assign Night. Novels are in the classroom.

Here's what you should work on today...

Be sure your blog is updated. Click here for a list of topics due.
Now....read previous blog about the all assignments due on this research essay. TURN IN LATE WORK!
Then...create your PowerPoint and your speech outline. A few reminders: few words on each slide, a picture is worth at least 14 words, be careful with the use of sounds (they can be so annoying!).
Speeches begin on Monday...in the order listed on the Think Tank.
Let me think...No, I can think of no reason for surfing the Internet for any other topics than the Holocaust...or your blog...or the Think Tank.

Questions? Leave me a comment or send me an email.

Remember...work, work, work today. I expect to hear great things from the substitute!

Holocaust Reseach Essay

2009-04-09T09:25:00.004-05:00

Here are the steps we have either completed or are about to complete...

List of three url's and designate whether a primary or a secondary source. Remember: one primary and two secondary are required. Talk with me if you need to vary these numbers. Also, remember this is a minimum number of sources. You, of course, may use more in your essay!
Completed annotation form for each source and a copy of your preliminary Works Cited page and preliminary outline.
Post your preliminary introduction as a comment in the Think Tank.
Turn in a draft of your cover, outline, essay, Works Cited page, and sources used in your essay.
Now begin drafting your PowerPoint for your in-class presentation on your essay topic.

Thanks!

Book Review Due by Monday!

2009-04-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

This week completes the third week of this nine week! Please post a review on your blog of your greatest out-of-class read by Monday.

If reading a book that counts as more than one, please let me know before Monday.

Remember to post at the end of your review on a separate line in italics how many pages your book has.

Thanks!

A Look at April 6-10

2009-04-04T20:43:00.002-05:00

This week we advance into our study of the Holocaust as we prepare to read Elie Weisel's Night.

Past Due...

Butterflies need to flutter into my room...NOW!

To-Do List:

Go to our class collaboration wiki...The Think Tank...and request access to the wiki. This will send me an email, upon which I will respond and grant you access as a writer to this wiki.
Post your introduction to your Holocaust essay there as a comment.
Draft the body of your essay. Be sure to include parenthetical citation, which keeps you from plagiarizing! Click here to see sample parenthetical citations.
As you read and review your topic, be planning the info/pics to include on your PowerPoint presentation. Have a video you would like to embed into your PowerPoint? Let me know...together we can do that too!
Prepare cover page, outline, and Works Cited page.

Questions? Please ask...or send me an email. Thanks!

Essay Resources

2009-03-29T23:10:00.004-05:00

Welcome back! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable week away from school.

Take a few moments to reflect on your Spring Break in you Writer's Notebook.
Now, we are back at work on our Holocaust research paper. Remember, you are actually only responsible for becoming an expert on your assigned subtopic.
Please check the wiki should you misplace your handouts and need more copies.
Today's handouts include the form for creating your annotated bibliography for each of your three sources.
Once you have read your sources, draft your outline.
Numbers 4 and 5 are due on Wednesday for 1B and on Thursday for 2B.

I will be at a committee meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, so you will have an opportunity to watch The Great Gatsby. Enjoy!

Take a moment and tell us about your Spring Break...but, first, let me tell you about mine!

I read four novels! Have two of the four book reviews posted on Mrs. Gillmore's Book Review Blog.
Watched...oops, supervised my husband and son enhancing my flowerbeds. No , seriously, I have some sore muscles from moving mulch around!
Spent time with my family, especially appreciated the time with my mother who has dementia...what sad disease.
Went to Branson for a couple of days...a nice get-a-way for us.

Now, time for you to share...go ahead...type a comment!

Fly Like a Butterfly!

2009-03-18T10:51:00.002-05:00

Butterflies commerating the life of the child who wrote your assigned poem...the one who lived in the Terezin Concentration Camp...are due Thursday/Friday!

Remember the guidelines/specifications:

No larger than 8 1/2 x 11.
No glitter.
No edible decorations.
Must be two-dimensional.
Must commemorate the life of your assigned child.

Please check out the Holocaust Museum in Houston website for samples.

Bring them to class...and we will let your butterflies fly!

The Third Nine Week Is Over!

2009-03-13T08:36:00.004-05:00

Please turn in your Writer's Notebook! Due now!

My grades are due into the office on Tuesday morning. I will take no late work past Monday, March 16 at 8:00!

Thanks!

You Make Me PROUD!

2009-03-10T16:28:00.003-05:00

Wonderful job "trying" today on the End-of-Level Literacy! Awesome job!

Ask me if I have been bragging! Yes, I have!

Good luck tomorrow...one more day!

Oh, the Rewards!

2009-03-09T14:03:00.003-05:00

End-of-Level Literacy Exam has arrived!

Count your rewards!

From the school, no remediation class and an extra half of a personal day.
From Mr. Campbell, two off-campus lunch passes.
From myself, food and grades!

Just for trying! That is all that is asked of you!

Good luck!

Let's Make a Deal! $1 Million Dollars!

2009-03-04T10:33:00.001-06:00

Today in 1A we discussed a deal that hopefully results in a win-win situation for all of us!

Please continue reviewing your literary and composition terms...we will test over all those terms on Friday/Monday!

What is on our schedule for next Tuesday and Wednesday?!

Also, we need to plan our menu! Any ideas? Recommendations?

Lesson Plans for March 2

2009-03-02T07:24:00.003-06:00

Good morning!

My daughter is sick today...yuck!

Please complete the following for today:

Complete End-of-Level Literacy Prompts (2 of them), first one entitled "The Games They Played."
You will be given five minutes to read the prompt; then you may work in teams of two to answer the questions(that's right...eight multiple choice and the constructed response).
I want to see main ideas underlined in each questions and the evidence you select for your constructed response underlined in the reading passage.
May work up to 35 minutes on each passage.
When ALL OF YOU are finished with EOL prompts, you may type book reviews: 1-3 now due! Next week in the end of this nine-week grading period...must have four novels completed by then. Writer's Notebooks will be due then also...if behind on them, catch up = a test grade!
Homework: Read out-of-class novels!
NOTE TO LILY: You may work on your NHD paper this week during class...so you are exempt from today's work!

End-of-Level Literacy Exam begins next Tuesday! Please, please....make plans to be in class this Wednesday and Friday! Two more days to prep...and plan our menu, of course!

Thanks for the Interest

2009-02-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks to those who expressed an interest in National History Day!

Lily will represent the juniors from my classes...good luck to her as she delves deeply into psyche of one the greats who impacted history.

Are You Interested?

2009-02-21T21:15:00.002-06:00

Would you like to enter a research paper in the National History Day competition?

I have two spots...one of which is already taken!

I need to know on Monday if you are interested in this opportunity to compete both at the state and national levels...yes, this might mean a trip to Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC!

Interested? Check out the National History Day website.

What is due Monday (Feb. 23) if you choose to compete? Your selected "Individual in History" and the title of your paper. The paper itself IS NOT due until March 9.

Should you choose to enter this awesome opportunity, you and I will work closely to draft and edit/revise this paper for competition. In addition, I will allow your substituting this work in place of several of the assignments the rest of your classmates will complete between now and March 9.

Be thinking...and deciding...and then let me know!

End-of-Level Exam

2009-02-16T21:18:00.002-06:00

The End-of-Level Literacy Exam is March 10-11.

Due to this, we will not have a test on The Great Gatsby vocabulary. Instead, I want us to focus for the next three weeks on some specialized literary and grammar terms. These lists/PowerPoints will be posted on the class wiki on Tuesday (Feb. 17).

We are now officially in test-crunch mode!

We can do it; yes, we can!

What's Next...

2009-02-15T22:14:00.002-06:00

Just a quick reminder...

Essays are due!
This week, we will review The Great Gatsby...then test!
Vocab test this week also.

I do hope you have taken advantage of this extra to read! Remember, within your essay, you have to support your commentary by referencing specific page numbers.

Keep reading!

Ready to Review?

2009-02-01T20:36:00.000-06:00

Completed a novel for your "out-of-class" read? Now ready to write a book review? Please click here to access the rubric for your book reviews.

Remember you may want to check out some sites and peruse some book reviews.

Mrs. Gillmore's Book Reviews
New York Times Book Reviews
USA Today ~ Young Adult Novels : These are too short but a good place to check out some of the newest novels.

What have your read lately?

I am reading Inkheart. So far? I definitely recommend this one!

Icy Homework!

2009-01-27T11:37:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone is safe and warm and enjoying a day (or two?) off from school.

Some Gentle Reminders to 1A and Assignment for 1B:

For Monday or Tuesday of next week (February 2-3), read through chapter five of the The Great Gatsby. Based on what you have read thus far, draft a letter from Gatsby to another character. Click here for the prompt and note-taking chart.
First blog post is due! I plan to grade those while we having this nice, "cool" break...hopefully, we will continue to have electricity! Topic? Your thoughts on materialism.
Due to the BHS's reading expectations, please be reading an "outside of class" novel. REMEMBER: a book review of each novel must be posted to your blog and Good Reads = the assessment for each novel. I hope to complete the book review rubric and post this document for you soon.

What are your thoughts so far on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel?

A Great Day in English 11

2009-01-21T09:27:00.001-06:00

The guys dominated our class today thanks to D'Mac...and all the girls who chose to not attend class today! Thanks, Emily and Gabby, for gracing us with your presence!

What's your color?

2009-01-20T21:18:00.002-06:00

As we read chapter two of The Great Gatsby, you are to gather evidence of Fitzgerald's deliberate use of color. Be sure to include the color, the character/object being referenced, and the page number.

Then you will be assigned a color to research and present to your peers.

Enjoy!

Good luck, Mr. Obama!

2009-01-20T08:42:00.001-06:00

Today is a history-making event as the first African-American is inaugurated into the grand office for our outstanding country.

You choose the version!

2009-01-17T19:34:00.003-06:00

Let's get started on The Great Gatsby! While you will be assigned a hard copy, you may access this novel online at this site.

Check back for more "materialistic" updates!

Welcome Back!

2009-01-07T20:58:00.002-06:00

Glad to have you back on our journey through English 11...Gillmore Style.

So far we have...

Reviewed run-on sentences. What are the two types?
Analyzed an EOL prompt using an excerpt from The Signers...an prompt that I meant to use during A Pioneer Never Quits unit. Uh oh, where does all the time go?
Reviewed your semester test.

Now, for the rest of the week:

Grammar Time: Review of parallel structure.
Review the EOL prompt.
Complete a prompt using Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay," which will serve as a starting point for our next thematic unit.
Assign an essay modeled after an EOL writing prompt.

What is in our near future?

Completing your assigned essay.
The Materialism Unit during which we will read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Analyzing your annotated bibliographies for your Natural High Day paper.

Reminders:

You have to read six books this nine weeks. As a class, we will read The Great Gatsby and Night this nine weeks, so that means you are responsible for reading four novels of your choice.
Expectations/Length Requirements:
1-299 pages = 1 book
300-599 pages = 2 books
600 + pages = 3 books
I will post assessment options soon...just as soon as I get that all decided!

Once again...welcome back!

Check out my newest blog!

2009-01-02T13:28:00.001-06:00

Throughout 2009, one of my goals is to write book reviews as I complete the latest great read.

Please check out Mrs. Gillmore's Book Reviews here.

Completed my first novel yesterday...Twilight!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T20:16:00.002-06:00

I hope your break has been a fun, relaxing, and restful one!

Here's to a great 2009!

Our Revised Schedule

2008-12-16T19:40:00.002-06:00

No school on Wednesday, December 17!

According to an email sent out by Mr. Campbell today, our semester test schedule will be as follows:

Thursday: All "A" classes
Friday: All "B" classes

Also due on your test day for our class is...

Your The Crucible essay
Your Writer's Notebook

Reminder: Blogs are due!

I hope you have enjoyed your break...before the Christmas Break!

Questions?

See you on Thursday!

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2008-12-10T16:21:00.005-06:00

Attention all you Muggles: I have four copies of J.K. Rowling's latest book...a children's book. Thank goodness, there is a kid in us all!

If you are a Harry Potter fan, please see me to check out a copy!

Go, Pioneers!

2008-11-20T23:40:00.000-06:00

Good luck to the Pioneers as they compete against Greenwood!

Good luck to the band as they play splendidly and represent good ol' Batesville High in such a grand fashion!

I will not be attending the game...working on homework! Boo hoo! Have a HUGE project due on Monday. Yes, being a student is stressful!

Drop me a comment and let me know how the game goes. Okay?

A Look Ahead!

2008-11-09T21:05:00.004-06:00

This week , we begin the fourth week in this nine weeks...wow! This year is quickly slipping by us!

What shall we accomplish this week?

The Crucible:

We will be reading the drama in class. Glance over the character list and determine which character you would like to portray.
Project: Yes, one is on its way. I am stilling deciding which one we will do...more on that later!
Vocabulary: Study! Upon completion of the word list, we will take a test on all the words. Keep studying all of them!

Outside-of-Class Novel:

Keep reading! Novels need to be completed next Monday/Tuesday. I know some of you have completed the novel! You have not? Keeping reading!
Blog post is due! The first on this novel is due now! Check the wiki for the assigned posts this nine weeks. These blog posts will be worth a test grade this nine weeks.

Grammar/Phrases:

This week we need to review prepositional and appositive phrases.
Do you like to diagram? Let's see if you do!

The week of Nov. 16-22 is Bullying Awareness Week. What can we do, as a class, to promote awareness of bullying throughout that week? Help me brainstorm some ideas...I'll be sharing some I have found online also.

Are you thinking?

Staying Safe Online

2008-11-03T12:51:00.001-06:00

Please go to this link and read another English teacher's (Dana Huff from Georgia) comments about Internet Safety.

Just could not say this any better myself!

You're Invited!

2008-11-02T18:01:00.002-06:00

I will have a guest speaker the last part of 3B and the first part of 4B giving a book talk on Th1rteen R3asons Why and other novels on Wednesday, Nov. 5. If would like to attend and have a class where your teacher would considering letting you visit with me again then, I will be glad to write you a note.

I am sure the elections results will also be a topic!

Just let me know if I can assist with this!

A Published Author!

2008-11-02T15:26:00.002-06:00

Your Letters to the Next President are published!

Want to see your writing in print? Click here to access all the published letters. Then click on Arkansas. See Batesville?

Great job!

How does it feel to see your writing another screen besides your own blog?

Go Fly a Kite?

2008-10-19T19:57:00.003-05:00

This week brings us to a discussion of Amir...who can't fly a kite, who can't be a friend, who can't take a stand.

Although fearful of bullies, Amir himself is a bully. A bullied bully?

Begin to think. What do you think will happen now?

Infer. Draw some conclusions and be prepare to make some predictions.

Why Do They Bully?

2008-10-09T22:19:00.003-05:00

Dictionary.com defines bullying as: "a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people." Definitely not a person I want to know or even meet.

But...we both know that bullies are not always so obvious. They are more like wolves in sheeps' clothing at times. (I almost hestitate to use that phrase since some of you do not know what "brown-nosing" means! Am I dating myself again? No, not going out on a date with myself, but showing my age!)

These bullies to whom I am referring are subtle and sneaky and sly, which is often more hurtful than if the bully were open and overt and obstinate. Do you agree?

Tell me: why do you think bullies bully?

Do Pioneers Bully?

2008-10-08T18:38:00.003-05:00

As we bring our "A Pioneer Never Quits" unit to a close, let's begin thinking about our next unit: "Just Say No...to Bullying."

This next unit will take us on a journey to Salem...to the Salem witch trials, as we read Arthur Miller's The Crucible and other young adult novels that deal with the issue of bullying.

Before then, though, we have two other projects we need to complete:

Letter to the Next President
Three blog posts

Have you turned in your Digital Identity worksheet? Please do!

Reminder: study for the test on Thursday/Friday!

Meet you in class!

Homework...homework!

2008-09-25T14:23:00.001-05:00

Are you caught up?

Here is where you should be in this class!

Touching Spirit Bear: Chapters 11-18
Work on your totem pole: 1B due Monday;1A due Tuesday
Research your selected issue for your Letter to the Next President
Blog post for lit circle novel: color-code, circle verbs and transitions, and insert "add-on's" (appositive phrases)
Study for a re-take of the four sentence types. 1B on Monday; 1A on Tuesday.

Keep up the good work!

A Loyal Pioneer

2008-09-23T07:44:00.005-05:00

Below is my paragraph for the blog assignment in which we analyzed our first lit circle book for the assigned literary term.

Please note as you read, the embedded "chunks" of info.

In Carol Brink’s novel Caddie Woodlawn, loyalty is a dominant theme. First, the reader develops a greater respect for Caddie, a fourteen-year-old living in Wisconsin in 1864, when she remains true to her dog Nero when her uncle Edmund convinces Caddie’s mom to allow him to take Nero to be trained as a bird dog. Through floods of tears and an abundance of sad memories, Caddie never gives up on the hope of Nero’s return, and return he does, looking worn and thin but, oh, so happy to see Caddie. Another echo of loyalty runs through Caddie’s relationship with her father. Always a favorite, Caddie realizes that her relationship with her father is a special one, one that she appreciates even more as he begins to share his hobby, his second income…the repairing of watches with his daughter, his newfound “partner.” For many more examples of loyalty to family, to the land, to the Native Americans, go with Caddie on her many adventures as she pioneers…and never ever quits.

Remember...we do not reveal spoilers!

Also, novels need to be hyperlinked to the book on amazon.com.

Uh, oh! Teacher is absent!

2008-09-15T21:25:00.001-05:00

That's right! I will not be here Tuesday, so here is your assignment.

Writer's Notebook: Continue to draft your totem pole sections.
Go to the mini-computer lab and load our Class Wiki.
Read both articles on sentence structures/patterns. Follow the directions on the wiki for each article. Complete the handout. Turn in. Why are we reviewing this again?
Then draft your post in Microsoft Word for the novel you just completed explaining how the author used the assigned term within your novel:
Theme: Jordan, Miles, RaechelSetting: Mildren, Maisie, Kelsey
Internal Conflict: Susie, Heather, Caitlin
External Conflict: Shanna, Donovan
Characterization: Cindy, Taresa, Kayla
Run out of time? We'll finish this next time.
If completed, print your post and turn in.
9:00: Complete the questions about your novel. Must be turned in today!
Turn in lit circle packet.
Turn in novel...unless you did not complete your post and think you might need your novel to do so.

Homework: Read this post to review other posts you need to draft.

A look at our near future:

Posting is now just a click away!
On Thursday, you will each receive a copy of Touching Spirit Bear.
Totem Poles will be due next week.

Thanks!

Sunday with Ike

2008-09-15T10:59:00.001-05:00

Please check out this site to see our theme in action: A Pioneer Never Quits.

Linking Together

2008-09-12T16:18:00.001-05:00

I need your help! Please paste your blog URL into an email, along with your blog title, and send this info to me.

Then I will paste your info onto the wiki so you can check out each other's blogs.

Reminder...read this for blog topic assignments on which to be pondering.

Have a great weekend!

Put Your Thinking Caps On!

2008-09-08T22:01:00.003-05:00

Your blogs are created; now the time has arrived to decide about what to post first!

Never fear, the teacher is never far away with just the right blog assignment close in hand!

Blog Topic 1:

As you draft your letter to the next President, plan an excerpt or summary of your thoughts to place in a post.

Blog Topic 2:

We know a pioneer as one who perseveres, one who does not quit. Think of someone in your life that is an example of this definition and begin drafting your presentation, your thank-you, about and to this person.

Then as we subscribe to your classmates' blogs, take advantage of your Reader and comment on one or two blogs. Remember through comments comes the confirmation that you are a published writer!

Blogger Is the Winner!

2008-09-02T19:03:00.002-05:00

After some deliberation and debate, Mrs. Huff and I have decided to use Blogger as the class blog type.

If you have created a Edublog or a Wordpress blog....I do apologize, but Blogger is adding some features that will work great for us. For example, soon our Readers can feed right into our blog! I know...the excitement will come as your understanding of these Web 2.0 tools develops. It will...I promise.

So let's all set up a Blogger. (My apologies for the lack of pics...I only have Paint to work with here at home, and the quality is just not good enough. Sorry!)

Step 1: Go to your gmail account and click on "more"; then scroll down to "blog."

Step 2: Click on "my account" in the upper right corner.

Step 3: Select Blogger.

Step 4: Proceed to set up a blog.

CAUTION: Remember, this is a class blog, for class assignments, for a grade. Okay? If you want to publish personal posts, please set up another blog in what is now called your "dashboard."

Congratulations you have now left your digital fingerprint on the web! You are about to be a published author!

I look forward to reading your entries and watching you grow as a writer...and reader!

A Pioneer Never Quits

2008-08-28T15:30:00.002-05:00

What pioneers do you know?

Do you know a George Washington? A Bill Gates?

Over the next month, we will study a thematic unit entitled "A Pioneer Never Quits," and one of your assignments will be to research two pioneers and submit two articles on your chosen ones. From all that are submitted, we, as a class, will choose two with which to conclude our thematic unit.

So be pondering on this...

Your Digital Identity

2008-08-26T21:00:00.000-05:00

The decision is yours: you determine who you are, who you will become. What is your digital identity?

As you hand in your metaphorical project, let's begin to ponder whether you will use this metaphor as a theme for your blog or whether you want choose another extended metaphor that will digitally represent you.

Remember your blog title and user name are a part of your URL, your title; it's your digital "fingerprint." Therefore, choose carefully, thoughtfully.

Other cautions:

Protect your identity. Do not use your name as your blog title/URL. Be cautious about what personal information you reveal throughout our blog. Will a reader be able to connect information and discern your first and last name or where you live or go to school?
Is your blog visually appealing? Use colors and fonts to enhance...not to distract your readers. Remember these choices, too, are a reflection of who you are. Your public is judging you based on such decisions.

So let me ask again...digitally, who will you become?

Whoever that might be, remember this: you are unique. Please let your blog represent that quality.