IOWA tests are over. You guys did a wonderful job, but don't wear yourself out celebrating. I know that many of your teachers are giving tests over the next few days, and, no, that is not an April Fool's joke.
You DO have an English test tomorrow. Please come with your Chapter 22 packets completed, and be familiar with all uses of end marks and commas. Abbreviations will be tricky since you probably have the least amount of experience with them, but the rules on commas can be difficult, especially with determining if a clause or phrase is essential or nonessential. Feel free to do as much practice from the book so you may get a feel for what the editor's deem essential versus nonessential.
Once again, the test is on Chapter 22 of Elements of Language. We will review briefly in class, but you should be ready to ask any questions when you get to the room. Tomorrow is not the time to start becoming familiar with the material.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Honors March 30
We started class with a discussion on the cyclical nature of human development. This discussion helped us reach a deeper understanding of our own behavior and how to navigate high school life.
Then we received some materials that have contributed to our grades.
Finally, we started an active reading worksheet.
Homework:
complete both sides of the active reading worksheet
do Chapter 22 worksheet packet
Study for an exam next class on Chapter 22
Then we received some materials that have contributed to our grades.
Finally, we started an active reading worksheet.
Homework:
complete both sides of the active reading worksheet
do Chapter 22 worksheet packet
Study for an exam next class on Chapter 22
Friday, March 27, 2009
March 27 and 30
Period 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6:
We had a discussion on the cyclical nature of human development, and then we took a lap around the track to discuss and consider how we exhibit the stages of the cycle.
I returned some graded materials.
We reviewed worksheet packet #1 which covered end marks and commas.
Class ended with a few extra minutes to get started on the homework.
Homework:
worksheet packet #2. A 6 page packet that covers commas.
We had a discussion on the cyclical nature of human development, and then we took a lap around the track to discuss and consider how we exhibit the stages of the cycle.
I returned some graded materials.
We reviewed worksheet packet #1 which covered end marks and commas.
Class ended with a few extra minutes to get started on the homework.
Homework:
worksheet packet #2. A 6 page packet that covers commas.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Honors March 26
Agenda:
Distribute grade sheets.
Tie up loose ends.
Acknowledge and create a plan for dealing with missing/failing grades.
Discuss the importance on grammar and punctuation in the real world.
Warm-ups 3-24 and 3-37 on paragraph versatility and developing opinions.
Homework:
Copy the rules from Chapter 22 in Elements of Language 22a through 22m. Copy only the red text, but be sure to read around the rules and look at the examples.
Distribute grade sheets.
Tie up loose ends.
Acknowledge and create a plan for dealing with missing/failing grades.
Discuss the importance on grammar and punctuation in the real world.
Warm-ups 3-24 and 3-37 on paragraph versatility and developing opinions.
Homework:
Copy the rules from Chapter 22 in Elements of Language 22a through 22m. Copy only the red text, but be sure to read around the rules and look at the examples.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
8 Page Notebooks
You will recall that we made YELLOW 8 PAGE NOTEBOOKS. They were used to pass the Chapter 21 exam, but you should keep them around. Add to them. You never know when Mr. Swaney might allow you to use them on a pop quiz.
March 25 and 26
Agenda:
-Return grade reports and graded materials
-iron out questions and concerns
-Wrap up Chapter 21 on capitalization. Remember, electronic communications have tainted how many people capitalize written documents. To keep us looking intelligent and well educated, Chapter 21 served as a refresher on capitalization. From now on, failure to capitalize words properly will be grounds for grade cuts. Keep capitalization in mind during all assignments for all classes.
-Chapter 22 introduction.
Homework:
-Chapter 22 worksheet packet
-Return grade reports and graded materials
-iron out questions and concerns
-Wrap up Chapter 21 on capitalization. Remember, electronic communications have tainted how many people capitalize written documents. To keep us looking intelligent and well educated, Chapter 21 served as a refresher on capitalization. From now on, failure to capitalize words properly will be grounds for grade cuts. Keep capitalization in mind during all assignments for all classes.
-Chapter 22 introduction.
Homework:
-Chapter 22 worksheet packet
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23 and 24
Agenda:
-Turn in Homework
-Turn in Projects
-8 page notebooks
-Return homework and review
-Chapter 21 exam
Homework:
-No homework.
-Turn in Homework
-Turn in Projects
-8 page notebooks
-Return homework and review
-Chapter 21 exam
Homework:
-No homework.
Technical Difficulties
Some students are still experiencing difficulties posting responses to the blog. I appreciate your efforts, but keep in mind, the blog responses are bonus, so experiencing these difficulties is not going to hurt your grade. I cannot diagnose or explain why members of the blog sometimes have their posts rejected, so keep trying.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Difficulties with Blog comments
I have offered bonus points for comments to the blog, but I have had many responses from people saying that they have had difficulty posting. I cannot diagnose these technical problems, but keep in mind that you must be a registered follower of the blog to leave a comment. Other than that, I don't have any solutions to the problem, but the comments are bonus; focus on the assigned work first.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19 and 20
In these classes we adjusted the seating chart to accomodate the new SmartBoard.
We had a class materials check to make sure students continue to come to class prepared to work.
We reviewed the materials for Animal Farm.
Then we took the Animal Farm test.
Homework:
In accordance with the new schedule, we'll have a Chapter 21 test next class.
Chapter 21 is about capitalization, but to be sure you're totally prepared, please complete the
Chapter 21 Chapter Review #'s 1-45 which starts on page 689 on Elements of Language.
The project is due next class. I distributed a check list for each type of project so you can be sure to have all the required elements for Monday. Period 1 did not receive this list, but I will have some available on Friday at X-Period.
We had a class materials check to make sure students continue to come to class prepared to work.
We reviewed the materials for Animal Farm.
Then we took the Animal Farm test.
Homework:
In accordance with the new schedule, we'll have a Chapter 21 test next class.
Chapter 21 is about capitalization, but to be sure you're totally prepared, please complete the
Chapter 21 Chapter Review #'s 1-45 which starts on page 689 on Elements of Language.
The project is due next class. I distributed a check list for each type of project so you can be sure to have all the required elements for Monday. Period 1 did not receive this list, but I will have some available on Friday at X-Period.
Period 5 Class Stars for 3/19/09
The following students have an A average for period 5 English as of 3/19/2009:
Lawerence Wilkerson
Please take a moment to congratulate this young man on his hard work.
Period 3 Class Stars 3/19/2009
The following students have an A average in period 3 English as of 3/19/2009:
Matthew Lien
Jack Vonarb
Take a moment to congratulate these young bucks on their achievement.
Period 1 Class Stars. 3/19/2009
As of 3/19/2009, the following students have an A average in English class in period 1:
Michael Avery
Tyler Munro
David Toma
Be sure to congratulate these young men on their work.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Animal Farm Review
Remember that Animal Farm connected directly to the things you have been learning in history class about the Russian Revolution. In English we discussed the plot and characters as part of our exploration of literature, but your history classes helped you understand the real events that Orwell allegorized in the novel. We discussed the importance of symbols: Napoleon for Stalin, Snowball for Trotsky, Boxer for the working class, and others.
George Orwell's real life, as Eric Blair, offers some important information for study as well. He served in the Spanish Civil War and suffered a nearly fatal throat wound. Because the pen is mightier than the sword, however, he sought vengeance on the Russian Communist movement that he disagreed with because of his strong socialist identity. We discussed why his political writing may have demanded he us a pen name, or pseudonym. His work aside from his creative writing was that of a journalist, and that is, in part, responsible for his straightforward, simple syntax.
The quiz and the exam are full of zingers, which, as Mr. Sheehan advised me, are questions that require a careful reading of the novel to answer. For instance, the animals intended for Boxer to be able to retire after his twelfth birthday, but about month before that birthday, when Boxer fell ill, he was sent to the knacker to be turned into glue. So, in reality, he never got to retire to the pasture.
Ultimately, the animals didn't succeed in preserving their utopia designed around communism. The pigs became power hungry, and in order to preserve their power, they used propaganda to justify their loose interpretation and revision of the Seven Commandments. In the end, the pigs began walking on two legs, and they became indistinguishable from the humans. They walked on two legs and drank beer with humans that they had earlier deemed enemies. The other animals were never any better off, just like Benjamin, the donkey, had predicted.
George Orwell's real life, as Eric Blair, offers some important information for study as well. He served in the Spanish Civil War and suffered a nearly fatal throat wound. Because the pen is mightier than the sword, however, he sought vengeance on the Russian Communist movement that he disagreed with because of his strong socialist identity. We discussed why his political writing may have demanded he us a pen name, or pseudonym. His work aside from his creative writing was that of a journalist, and that is, in part, responsible for his straightforward, simple syntax.
The quiz and the exam are full of zingers, which, as Mr. Sheehan advised me, are questions that require a careful reading of the novel to answer. For instance, the animals intended for Boxer to be able to retire after his twelfth birthday, but about month before that birthday, when Boxer fell ill, he was sent to the knacker to be turned into glue. So, in reality, he never got to retire to the pasture.
Ultimately, the animals didn't succeed in preserving their utopia designed around communism. The pigs became power hungry, and in order to preserve their power, they used propaganda to justify their loose interpretation and revision of the Seven Commandments. In the end, the pigs began walking on two legs, and they became indistinguishable from the humans. They walked on two legs and drank beer with humans that they had earlier deemed enemies. The other animals were never any better off, just like Benjamin, the donkey, had predicted.
Period 6 Stars. 3/18/2009
These young bucks have an A average in period 6:
Christian Beltran
Adam Cornell
Antonino Lovato
Nicholas Morton
Congratulate these men when you see them next.
Period 4 Stars. 3/18/2009
The following students have an A in period 4:
Richard Fasani
Patrick Harrigan
Congratulate these young bucks when you see them.
Period 2 Class Stars on 3/18/2009
These students have an A average in English as of today:
Whoever posts a comment on this blog explaining how these young bucks have attained such admirable grades will receive a few bonus points on an upcoming homework assignment. The post must be submitted by Friday, March 20.
Espindola
Guiney
Moeller
Rubia
Tapia
Villescas
Morquecho
Whoever posts a comment on this blog explaining how these young bucks have attained such admirable grades will receive a few bonus points on an upcoming homework assignment. The post must be submitted by Friday, March 20.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March 17
It was a wild 1 through 7 day here at Crespi. Odd periods took some time for quiet reflection and review while the even periods took their Animal Farm quizzes.
Of importance, however, were the dates of grammar tests for the rest of the semester.
Elements of Language Chapter Month Day*
21 March 23/24
22 April 1/2
23 April 29/30
24 May 11/12
25 May/June 29/1
*Green denotes "odd" periods, black denotes "even" periods, including honors.
Of importance, however, were the dates of grammar tests for the rest of the semester.
Elements of Language Chapter Month Day*
21 March 23/24
22 April 1/2
23 April 29/30
24 May 11/12
25 May/June 29/1
*Green denotes "odd" periods, black denotes "even" periods, including honors.
Staff Responsibilities Worksheet and March 17
Because of the short periods, even classes, 2 and 6, will not have the Staff Responsibilities worksheet for homework.
Your assignment from March 17 is as follows:
Projects Due March 24
Animal Farm Test Friday (March 20)
Copy rules 21a through 21g4 in Elements of Language Chapter 21
Your assignment from March 17 is as follows:
Projects Due March 24
Animal Farm Test Friday (March 20)
Copy rules 21a through 21g4 in Elements of Language Chapter 21
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cross-Curricular Reminder
In English, we have studied Animal Farm to expand our knowledge of classic literature and elements of the novel. Significant to our stidy are the symbols present in the novel. These symbols coincide with things you have been covering in history class as well. Napoleon as a symbol for Stalin and Snowball as a symbol for Trotsky, for example, are symbols that Orwell employed in his allegorical warning against the dangers of communism.
Considering what you have learned about the Russian Revolution, consider what the other characters or events may have symbolized. Foxwood and Pinchfield farms and the Battle of the Cowshed, for instance, played important parts in the novel. Characters like Benjamin and Mollie, however, don't symbolize individuals, but they are used to show types of people present in the proletariat.
Furthermore, keep in mind that texts exist within a time period, but they also exhibit a relationship with the conditions under which the text was created. Animal Farm is Orwell's thinly veiled attack against the dangers of Soviet communism, but remember that Orwell's agenda against communism went further than his personal devotion toward socialism. Because he disagreed with totalitarianism, Orwell, whose real name is Eric Blair, enlisted in a Loyalist force to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Under Stalin's leadership, Russia had supported the forces against which Orwell battled, and because the pen is mightier than the sword, Orwell exacted vengeance for his near-fatal throat wound by creating Animal Farm.
Considering what you have learned about the Russian Revolution, consider what the other characters or events may have symbolized. Foxwood and Pinchfield farms and the Battle of the Cowshed, for instance, played important parts in the novel. Characters like Benjamin and Mollie, however, don't symbolize individuals, but they are used to show types of people present in the proletariat.
Furthermore, keep in mind that texts exist within a time period, but they also exhibit a relationship with the conditions under which the text was created. Animal Farm is Orwell's thinly veiled attack against the dangers of Soviet communism, but remember that Orwell's agenda against communism went further than his personal devotion toward socialism. Because he disagreed with totalitarianism, Orwell, whose real name is Eric Blair, enlisted in a Loyalist force to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Under Stalin's leadership, Russia had supported the forces against which Orwell battled, and because the pen is mightier than the sword, Orwell exacted vengeance for his near-fatal throat wound by creating Animal Farm.
March 13 and 17
This blog post has to account for a strange schedule over the weekend. Tuesday is a 1 through 7 day, so the even periods 2 and 6 are going to have an agenda similar to the one from March 13, but because of the limited time, we may have to adjust and move some things to Wednesday.
Period 1: Agenda
Most of the period was spent working the Animal Farm review sheet, and we ended the class with the 50 question Animal Farm quiz.
Period 3: Agenda
We worked with an Active Reading worksheet, but the class was extremely talkative, and we got far behind schedule. After reviewing the worksheet, class ended while most students were in the middle of the quiz. Hopefully, the lesson we learned is that we need to behave in class to make sure we have time to complete the items on the agenda. Since most people were unfairly rushed, I will not be counting those quiz scores. On Tuesday, however, we will take another quiz on Animal Farm.
Period 5: Agenda
We started class with the review and quiz to make sure we had time to complete those tasks. We finished class with the first portion of the Active Reading activity, and the class will have to finish it as additional homework.
Homework:
All classes still have the same homework assignments with the exception of period 5 that also has to finish the Active Reading activity.
-Projects due March 23 for periods 1,3, and 5
March 24 for periods 2, 4, and 6
-Animal Farm test next class. Be sure to read and review.
-Copy the rules from Chapter 21 of Elements of Language. The rules start with rule 21a and got to 21g4. Only copy the red text, but don't be afraid to read the surrounding text and check out the examples and charts.
-Complete the "Staff Responsibilities" worksheet which comes from the CAHSEE Practice Exam that we started working with last class.
Period 1: Agenda
Most of the period was spent working the Animal Farm review sheet, and we ended the class with the 50 question Animal Farm quiz.
Period 3: Agenda
We worked with an Active Reading worksheet, but the class was extremely talkative, and we got far behind schedule. After reviewing the worksheet, class ended while most students were in the middle of the quiz. Hopefully, the lesson we learned is that we need to behave in class to make sure we have time to complete the items on the agenda. Since most people were unfairly rushed, I will not be counting those quiz scores. On Tuesday, however, we will take another quiz on Animal Farm.
Period 5: Agenda
We started class with the review and quiz to make sure we had time to complete those tasks. We finished class with the first portion of the Active Reading activity, and the class will have to finish it as additional homework.
Homework:
All classes still have the same homework assignments with the exception of period 5 that also has to finish the Active Reading activity.
-Projects due March 23 for periods 1,3, and 5
March 24 for periods 2, 4, and 6
-Animal Farm test next class. Be sure to read and review.
-Copy the rules from Chapter 21 of Elements of Language. The rules start with rule 21a and got to 21g4. Only copy the red text, but don't be afraid to read the surrounding text and check out the examples and charts.
-Complete the "Staff Responsibilities" worksheet which comes from the CAHSEE Practice Exam that we started working with last class.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 11 and 12
Yesterday, I was unable to post this blog because of a technical problem with the website; I apologize.
We started class by working on a reading comprehension section of the California High School Exit Exam. We read about falconry and electric cars.
During that, we submitted our project proposals for approval by the teacher.
Following that, we discussed the projects some more, and some classes took a spelling quiz.
Furthermore, we took some notes on George Orwell and more of the political elements of Animal Farm.
Homework:
Quiz on Animal Farm next class.
CA worksheet from the CAHSEE
Projects due March 23 for periods 1, 3, and 5
March 24 for periods 2, 4, and 6
finish reading Animal Farm.
*Remember, your history classes are discussing the Russian Revolution, and the stuff you are learning in history is directly applicable to the things we are learning about in Animal Farm.
We started class by working on a reading comprehension section of the California High School Exit Exam. We read about falconry and electric cars.
During that, we submitted our project proposals for approval by the teacher.
Following that, we discussed the projects some more, and some classes took a spelling quiz.
Furthermore, we took some notes on George Orwell and more of the political elements of Animal Farm.
Homework:
Quiz on Animal Farm next class.
CA worksheet from the CAHSEE
Projects due March 23 for periods 1, 3, and 5
March 24 for periods 2, 4, and 6
finish reading Animal Farm.
*Remember, your history classes are discussing the Russian Revolution, and the stuff you are learning in history is directly applicable to the things we are learning about in Animal Farm.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Opportunity for Bonus
I need the guidelines for each project posted as comments on this blog post. You may earn 5 bonus points on Friday's quiz on Animal Farm by typing the project guidelines from one of the assignment types.
Only one description will count for each student. One person may post back with the PowerPoint, one may reply with the T-Shirt, one with the Comic Book, one with the Video, and one with the Artistic Rendering.
For full points, please match the grammar and style exactly, including the bold-faced words. Be sure to include your name and period number at the bottom of your post.
Only one description will count for each student. One person may post back with the PowerPoint, one may reply with the T-Shirt, one with the Comic Book, one with the Video, and one with the Artistic Rendering.
For full points, please match the grammar and style exactly, including the bold-faced words. Be sure to include your name and period number at the bottom of your post.
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 9 and 10
For these classes, we submitted our take home quizzes. You will receive a homework grade for turning it in as well as a quiz grade for your performance on the quiz.
We reviewed Animal Farm, and we read Chapter 5 together in class. In that chapter, we saw the dangers of laziness in the society the animals were creating, and we saw Napoleon use his force of dogs to run Snowball off the farm.
I assigned the project for the novel, and we discussed the timeline for the project as well as other concerns you may have.
Homework:
You are to complete the "Project Proposal" form that you can find on the reverse side of the assignment guidelines that I gave you. The proposal is due next class, and the project itself will be due on March 23 for periods 1, 3, and 5; and on March 24 for periods 2, 4, and 6.
Furthermore, you should outline Chapters 6,7,8, and 9 of Animal Farm. As I had mentioned, we'll be done with the novel by the weekend.
We reviewed Animal Farm, and we read Chapter 5 together in class. In that chapter, we saw the dangers of laziness in the society the animals were creating, and we saw Napoleon use his force of dogs to run Snowball off the farm.
I assigned the project for the novel, and we discussed the timeline for the project as well as other concerns you may have.
Homework:
You are to complete the "Project Proposal" form that you can find on the reverse side of the assignment guidelines that I gave you. The proposal is due next class, and the project itself will be due on March 23 for periods 1, 3, and 5; and on March 24 for periods 2, 4, and 6.
Furthermore, you should outline Chapters 6,7,8, and 9 of Animal Farm. As I had mentioned, we'll be done with the novel by the weekend.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March 5 and 6, 2009
Class started with an explanation of the standardized heading we will be using in class. It consists of the following:
Name(first and last)
Period number
Title of Assignment*
Date
*Grammar assignments as follows: E of L. Chapter number. Exercise numbers.
Literature from text book as follows: A in R. Story title. (Reading Check) or (Study and Discussion)
Remember, not using this heading is as bad as not turning an assignment in for homework. Without this heading, you will receive a zero.
Then we took a walk outside in groups to discuss projects for Animal Farm. I will be making an official assignment next week, and you will have at least one week to complete the project.
We did a peer review, but those who failed to bring essays to class received failing grades for this portion of the class.
Lastly, we did a brief review of the excerpt from Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi."
For Homework:
take home quiz for "Life on the Mississippi"
outline Chapters 1 through 4 in Animal Farm
Name(first and last)
Period number
Title of Assignment*
Date
*Grammar assignments as follows: E of L. Chapter number. Exercise numbers.
Literature from text book as follows: A in R. Story title. (Reading Check) or (Study and Discussion)
Remember, not using this heading is as bad as not turning an assignment in for homework. Without this heading, you will receive a zero.
Then we took a walk outside in groups to discuss projects for Animal Farm. I will be making an official assignment next week, and you will have at least one week to complete the project.
We did a peer review, but those who failed to bring essays to class received failing grades for this portion of the class.
Lastly, we did a brief review of the excerpt from Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi."
For Homework:
take home quiz for "Life on the Mississippi"
outline Chapters 1 through 4 in Animal Farm
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 3 and March 4, 2009
The agenda for these classes was as follows:
We read an old fall semester final exam review to refresh our memories about some key concepts from the first semester.
Warm up activity on following teacher instructions.
I handed out an example essay for the comparison/contrast essay you have been writing about "The Death of a Tree" and "How to Name a Dog."
The homework was as follows:
Complete the comparison/contrast essay.
Read chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 from Animal Farm.
We read an old fall semester final exam review to refresh our memories about some key concepts from the first semester.
Warm up activity on following teacher instructions.
I handed out an example essay for the comparison/contrast essay you have been writing about "The Death of a Tree" and "How to Name a Dog."
The homework was as follows:
Complete the comparison/contrast essay.
Read chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 from Animal Farm.
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