Schedule for Week of 16 September:
I would first like to share how pleased I have been with your Book Talks-this sentiment was also shared by the Assistant Principals who visited the classroom. Everyone appears to be off to a "good" start responding to the Conference Topic on www.nicenet.org. (Often, I too, will enter your conversation, but this time I am "taking a back seat." (Although, I was searching for a "reaction" to the comment, "We were only having a laugh.") Perhaps, someone may desire to address this. [Diedrich's heart almost stops every time he hears this-I wonder why.]
A Reminder: Your "second" post/response is due by 23:59 hours on 18 September.
Monday, 16 September: Book Talk Presentations continued...I will introduce you to TWO of the English 9 "mandated" units if we have time left in the period. We will begin with a Poetry Unit (Please do not make a face-I promise that this unit will be an enjoyable and a meaningful activity for all.) Simultaneously, you will also be acquainted with the Writing Unit-but this is actually a "year-long" activity-you would probably "scream" if I used three to four weeks of class time for the required activities.
Introduction to Our Poetry Unit
This is a "link" for a handout you will actually receive either on Tuesday or on Wednesday. I included it so you could watch the videos we may or may not view in class. Our "primary" initial focus will be on applying the TPCASTT strategy to the analysis of a poem. Relax-students in the past have felt comfortable using this technique.
By the way, one project will involve everyone taking his/her turn in "teaching" a poem to the class using this procedure.
Tuesday, 17 September: We will actually begin with the writing unit-a "brief" explanation -see below- for the paragraph "structure" I will require from everyone in this class. Then, I will introduce the Poetry Unit. Logically, you will then have to submit the "Eleven sentence paragraph" of a poem you "analyze" using TPCASTT. Naturally, since we now have a 57 minute period, I will allow you to begin this assignment in class so that I will have the opportunity to assist if needed.
Wednesday, 18 September, We will continue to "mix" the two units. Specific aspects of both will be addressed. Note: We do not have specific "texts" so I will distribute appropriate handouts when necessary as well as display power-points for you to take notes as required.
Assignment: TBA (Depends on what we accomplish in class). Please do not wait until tonight to prepare for your first SAT Vocabulary Quiz (List 1).
Thursday, 19 September" SAT List 1 Vocabulary Quiz(Ten Words-Matching-Seven Minutes)
Poetry Unit continued...
Remember: I am always available after your last class of the day for tutoring and/or to address any concerns you may have.
