Daily+Notes

Wednesday, 05/19/10:
 * 1) Finish final drafts by MIDNIGHT. You have the entire class period to peer review, type, print out, and turn in. IF for whatever reason you are not ready to turn in your paper at the end of the class period, you may email it to me at vpark@tcusd.net by midnight!
 * 2) Read: [|Tips for writing a short story]

Tuesday, 02/16/10:
 * 1) WOW Story: Valentine's/Schmalentine's Day.
 * 2) Class discussion of Robert Frost's poem, "After Apple-Picking."
 * HW: Write a summary (1 paragraph) of the poem "After Apple-picking." Please use text to support your arguments.

Tuesday, 01/12/10: COMPUTER LAB
 * 1) Finish typing persuasive paragraph from yesterday.
 * 2) Open up a new Word document and type your second persuasive paragraph.
 * 3) Open up a THIRD Word document, format it correctly, and answer the following quiz review questions:
 * 1. Where do you go to double-space your document?
 * 2. What are the characteristics of MLA?
 * 3. What is the first step of the writing process?
 * 4. What goes in an introduction paragraph?
 * 5. What is a concrete detail?
 * 6. What is a thesis?
 * 7. What font do you have to use for MLA?
 * 8. What is ethos, logos, pathos?
 * 9. What does feign mean?
 * 10. Can you name all of our WOWs thus far?
 * 1) We are BACK IN THE CLASSROOM TOMORROW. Please study for the quiz which is tomorrow.

Monday, 01/11/10: COMPUTER LAB
 * 1) typingtest.com!
 * 2) Record your net speed and accuracy.
 * 3) REVIEW: How to properly format your Word document. MLA format!
 * 4) Type one of your persuasive paragraphs.

Friday, 01/08/10: **IN THE COMPUTER LAB ON MONDAY!**
 * 1) Review last night's written responses
 * 2) Group exchanges 2x!!!
 * 3) Continue brainstorming
 * 4) What are ethos, logos, and pathos arguments?
 * 5) Sample argument: Mother is telling you to clean your room. What would be her ethical arguments? Logical arguments? Pathetic arguments?
 * 6) ORGANIZE: Organize your brainstorming items into ethos, logos, pathos arguments.
 * HW: Write a paragraph arguing the "con" or "opposite" position as last night's homework. This time, choose one of the three types of arguments (ethos, logos, pathos) and create that tone in your persuasive paragraph.

Thursday, 01/07/10:
 * 1) Continue our discussions about law and about the media.
 * 2) John Stossel report 3
 * 3) Writing response 3
 * 4) START NEW PERSUASIVE ESSAY: Brainstorming activity
 * 5) Group exchanges

Wednesday, 01/06/10:
 * 1) What are good laws? Which laws are the best laws?
 * 2) What are the not so good (or "dumb") laws? Are there any?
 * 3) John Stossel reports 1 & 2
 * 4) Write paragraph responses 1 & 2

Tuesday, 01/05/10:
 * 1) Finish New Year's Theme assignment. Collect.
 * 2) WOW: facetious
 * 3) What are good laws? What are not so good (dumb) laws?
 * 4) Watch John Stossel video clips.
 * 5) Writing assignment.

December: //A House on Mango Street//. Read selected vignettes. Group presentations of vignettes.

Monday, 12/07/09:
 * 1) Typingtest.com. Have you seen an improvement?
 * HW: Enter your Net speed and Accuracy.
 * 1) Read the following document: [[file:Eleven.pdf]]
 * 2) Comic Life or Keynote: 5-6 sections or slides

Friday, 12/04/09:
 * 1) Typingtest.com
 * 2) Read article. [[file:steve lindsey.pdf]]
 * 3) Type answers, and email to turn.essay.in@gmail.com. Please write your name in the subject bar.

MONDAY before Thanksgiving, 11/23/09:
 * 1) Ten minutes to prepare group presentations.
 * 2) Presentations!
 * HW: Read the article.

Finally Friday, 11/20/09:
 * 1) PLEASE make sure you check our class website regularly.
 * 2) Read around of final drafts!
 * 3) Group preparation of research. Be prepared to start presenting on Monday.

Therrific Thursday, 11/19/09:
 * 1) WOW Story or Poem (Thanksgiving) final draft due tomorrow!
 * 2) Group Super Mini Research Presentations tomorrow. Be prepared to share notes/facts/dates/court cases/ordinances regarding your group's topic.
 * What is racism?
 * What is racial discrimination?
 * What are the rights of the child?
 * What are women's rights?
 * What is a Human Right, and who determines when a right is applicable?

Washed Wednesday, 11/18/09:
 * 1) WOW: dexterous
 * Houdini was dexterous; he could escape from a straight jacket.
 * Best guess?
 * Write 3-5 sentences!
 * 1) What is diction? Why is it important to be fluent in academic language?
 * 2) Happy-o-meter!
 * 3) Sad-o-meter!

Twisty Tuesday, 11/17/09:
 * 1) Notebook check!
 * 2) Reread Toilet Paper article.
 * 3) Grade each others' answers.
 * 4) Collect Business Letter.

Magic Monday, 11/16/09: Sub day.
 * MEETING IN THE LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER TODAY!**
 * WHAT: Debating toilet paper.
 * WHY: To analyze arguments. To learn how to persuade.
 * HOW: Read a non-fiction article. Answer reading comprehension questions. Write a persuasive business letter.


 * 1) Quickly sit down 3-4 persons to a table. Please do this quietly and remember to follow all classroom and school-wide rules while in the library. Keep your voices down!
 * 2) You will be reading an article about TOILET PAPER today. Mr. B will ask for volunteers.
 * 3) Reading questions: Please answer IN COMPLETE SENTENCES on a separate sheet of paper all of the questions listed at the end of the article. You may discuss the answers quietly with your table mates, but each person must write their own answers. DUE at the end of the period.
 * HW: Write a business letter. Prompt is also located at the end of the article. Due tomorrow. May be typed.

FREAKY FRIDAY the 13th!!!: Sub day.


 * WHAT: Projects, and how to turn them in!
 * WHY: So that we can become familiar with character & plot analysis, as well as, become fluent with Google Docs and Comic Life.
 * HOW: Google docs or COMIC Life


 * 1) Finish your project!!! Due at the end of the class period.
 * 2) HOW TO TURN IT IN:
 * Google doc presentation: "Share" the document with me at turn.essay.in@gmail.com
 * Comic Life presentation: Print it out, and turn it in to Mr. B.

Thrilling Thursday, 11/12/09:
 * COMPUTER LAB!**
 * What: Comic Life and Google Doc Presentation Projects
 * Why: To accurately RECAP the story. To analyze character. To use presentation software. To be creative and to have fun!
 * How: Work time in the computer lab; Presentations!

RAYMOND'S RUN Project: You are creating either:

A. Comic Life Raymond's Run project

or

B. Google Doc or Powerpoint presentation

Content: Please recap or retell the story of "Raymond's Run." Imagine you are teaching an entire group of people who have never read the story. What information would be important to cover?

--Title --Main character --Plot --Theme

Rubric:
 * Content: (Is the plot summary accurate? Does it cover the bases?) 10 points
 * Creativity: (Do the slides/pictures/comic squares look interesting? Are they easy for the reader to follow? Were the pictures chosen/drawn appropriate? Creative?) 10 points
 * Presentation: (Did you do a good job of presenting?) 10 points

Wait! No School Wednesday! 11/11/09:
 * Veteran's Day :)**

Tasty Tuesday, 11/10/09:
 * COMPUTER LAB!** MEET IN THE COMPUTER LAB!!! BRING YOUR IDs!
 * What: "Raymond's Run"
 * Why: To analyze the themes of the story
 * How: Group Project

Mystery Monday, 11/09/09:
 * COMPUTER LAB!** Meet in the computer lab!!! Bring your IDs!
 * What: Typing and Google Docs
 * WHY: To type more quickly so that our work takes less time to complete. Because knowing how to type will only make the quality of our lives better! To learn about how Google Docs is a great tool for school!
 * How: Games, Typingtest.com, Introduction to google docs, email


 * 1) Visit class wikispace
 * 2) Log into email
 * 3) typingtest.com
 * 4) Play with google docs!
 * 5) **HW: Finish your google docs presentation on McDonald's Fries vs. Carl's Jr. Fries. A few of you have chosen to do a different (but related) topic instead. That's great!**

Funny Friday, 11/06/09:
 * Note: We will be meeting in the Computer Lab next week!**
 * What: "Raymond's Run"
 * Why: To finish analyzing character
 * How: Thinking maps and discussion
 * Question: Why is it important to analyze character? How do thinking maps assist us?

Thankful Thursday, 11/05/09:
 * What: "Raymond's Run"
 * Why: To continue analyzing the main character, Hazel!
 * How: Thinking maps


 * 1) Bubble Map: to find adjectives to describe Hazel's character
 * 2) Tree Map: to determine the most important characteristics and to find textual evidence!
 * 3) Double-bubble Map: to compare and contrast Hazel with ourselves
 * 4) Flow Map: to analyze cause-and-effect

Wish Wednesday, 11/04/09:
 * 1) What: "Raymond's Run"
 * 2) Why: To begin character analysis!
 * 3) How: Thinking maps!

Tubular Tuesday, 11/03/09:
 * 1) Finish reading "Raymond's Run"
 * 2) DIG DEEPER!
 * 3) Answer reading questions 1-3 in complete sentences. Due tomorrow.

Mortal Combat Monday, 11/02/09:
 * 1) WOW: cacophonous
 * As Dracula arose from his coffin, the werewolves let out a __cacophonous__ wail.
 * B.G.???
 * A.D.: (look it up in the dictionary!)
 * What's the noun form of this word?
 * Write 3-5 sentences using the word!
 * 1) Read "Raymond's Run"

Thursday before Halloween! **10/29/09:**
 * 1) Scary Story!

Wake-up Wednesday! **10/28/09:**
 * 1) Trade letters and read.
 * 2) Write a response!

Teacher Parent Conference Tuesday, **10/27/09:**
 * 1) Check Yes/No chart for all-girls school debate!
 * 2) Write a letter to the TCUSD School Board
 * HW: Finish the letter!

Mystery Monday, **10/26/09:**
 * 1) WOW: bereft
 * He felt sad and __bereft__ just thinking about how she didn't love him; now he would just "be left" without her.
 * 1) Period 3 only: Collected Twilight Zone assignment from Friday.
 * 2) DEBATE: Should TCHS turn into an all girls school and Oak into an all boys school? Why or why not?
 * HW: Write at least ten reasons for each side. Yes, we should make the change. No, we shouldn't.

Finally FRIDAY! **10/23/09:**
 * 1) REVIEW: What is irony?
 * 2) REVIEW: What is dramatic irony? Situational irony?
 * 3) REVIEW: What is theme?
 * 4) Watched "Living Doll" episode.
 * 5) Around the world activity: Students divided a piece of paper into four sections. Each section had one of the following questions:
 * What is ironic in this episode?
 * Dramatic irony?
 * What is the theme or main message (moral) of the episode?
 * How does the theme relate to today?

Thursday Thursday! **10/22/09:**
 * 1) Discussed: What would you do if you were sitting on the plane next to the Bhutanese girl?
 * 2) Discussed: What is segregation? Does it still exist? Does it exist at Temple City High School?
 * 3) Discussed: What are cliques? Are they a good thing or a bad thing?
 * 4) Began to watch a new episode of the Twilight Zone. To be finished, discussed, and written about tomorrow.
 * 5) Next week! We will begin reading //A House on Mango Street//.

Wonderful Wednesday, **10/21/09:**
 * 1) New York, New York! Where is Bhutan?
 * 2) What is a refugee? Why would anyone want to flee their own country?
 * 3) Reviewed Twilight Zone episode.
 * 4) What was happening in American and in the world during the 1960s?
 * 5) What is the THEME of the Twilight Zone episode?

SUBSTITUTE Mr. B Torrential Tuesday, **10/20/09:**
 * 1) Discussed irony. Discussed dramatic irony.
 * 2) Watched Twilight Zone episode "Eye of the Beholder"
 * HW: Write a one page paper explaining the irony of this episode.

SUBSTITUTE Mr. B Maybe Monday? **10/19/09:** OPEN READING DAY!

SUBSTITUTE Mr. B Finally Friday, **10/16/09:**
 * 1) Open Reading Day on Monday! Bring a book that you really want to read.
 * 2) Collect Vocabulary quizzes.

Thumper Thursday, **10/15/09:**
 * 1) Grammar girl notes

Winsome Wednesday, **10/14/09:**
 * 1) Today, we will think about how we think.
 * 2) Checked DJs. Considering the nature of this assignment, why would it be a bad idea to work on this last minute?
 * 3) What makes for a productive study space?
 * 4) Peer reviewed DJs. Commented on partner's entries.
 * 5) Quickwrite: What did you learn from your partner's DJs? What did you agree/disagree with?
 * HW: Keeping in mind what you learned/gained from reading your neighbor's DJs, **add one more entry to your own**! Due tomorrow.

Tasty Tuesday, **10/13/09:**
 * 1) Discussion: How does the "back and forth" motif show up in the story "The Rocking Horse Winner"?
 * 2) Discussion: Luck=Money=Love?
 * 3) How to do Double-entry (Dialectical) Journals: HOT DOG!
 * 4) 7 entries on "The Rocking Horse Winner" due tomorrow

Mythic Monday, **10/12/09:**
 * 1) Discussion: What is your obsession?
 * 2) WOW: allay
 * He allayed his parents' fears by getting all A's on his report card.
 * What is your Best Guess at a definition?
 * Actual definition?
 * Write three sentences using the word appropriately.
 * 1) Vocabulary quiz on Friday. Checked blue handouts from last Thursday. Students created their vocab quiz sheets. Students will use the blue handouts to study for the quiz. Blue handout will be collected on Friday before the quiz.
 * 2) "The Rocking Horse Winner" discussion regarding the themes and symbols found in the story.
 * HW: Read an article!

Fantastic Friday, **10/09/09:**
 * 1) Stories with Holes!
 * Period Two: 1 minute!
 * Period Three: 10 minutes! (Yikes)
 * Period Seven: xxx minutes (Uh oh)
 * 1) Periods 2 & 3 only: Reviewed reading questions for "The Rocking Horse Winner"

Thrashing Thursday, **10/08/09:**
 * 1) Worked on vocabulary handout: [[file:The Rocking Horse Winner.doc]]

Wacky Wednesday, **10/07/09:**
 * 1) Read the rest of "The Rocking Horse Winner." For each page of the story, show evidence of at least two of the three things Good Readers Do. (predict, visualize, and talk to the text!)

Tantrum Tuesday, **10/06/09:**
 * 1) Period 2 only: Typingtest.com
 * 2) Periods 3 & 7 only: GOOD READING. "The Rocking Horse Winner" table: [[file:RHWinnerTable.doc]]

MAMA MIA Monday, **10/05/09:**
 * 1) Period 2 only: We continued working in groups. Please check "Home" page for an overview of key concepts and tasks.
 * 2) Periods 3 & 7 only: TYPINGTEST.com.
 * HW: Continue reading "The Rocking Horse Winner" What does a good reader do?
 * HW: Read something fun!

FANTASTIC Friday, **10/02/09:**
 * 1) Effective and Equitable Group Work! Students broke into groups and created names for their new restaurant. Worked on a restaurant menu. Content 5 pnts, Creativity 5 pnts, and Presentation 5 pnts.
 * 2) EVALUATE: Groups discussed two points. "Desribe how your groups worked together. What can you do as a group in the future to get the job done well? Come up with a few strategies."
 * HW: Read an article about a current event.

Thump Thump Thursday, **10/01/09:**
 * 1) Began reading "The Rocking Horse Winner"
 * 2) Good readers always...PREDICT!
 * HW: Discussion page off of the "Home" page has a new topic.

Wishful Wednesday, **09/30/09:**
 * 1) Reviewed the Rocking Horse handout.
 * HW: Please print out the short story found on the Handouts page. It's a long document, so try to print two pages to each piece of paper. If you don't know how to do this and your parents are okay with you printing out all 15 pages, then please do so. Otherwise, I can provide a copy for you in class tomorrow.
 * HW: Make sure you write an extra sentence for question #1 where you weave in a quote.
 * HW: READ something gooooooood.

Special shout out to all the victors in the world.

Temperate Tuesday, **09/29/09:**
 * 1) Rough drafts will be returned sometime this week! Good job everybody.
 * 2) Why is it important to turn things in on time? Why is this a good habit to form? How will being prompt help us when we're working?
 * 3) What do all good readers do? PREDICT! Remember, there are no right answers when you're predicting!
 * 4) Began D.H. Laurence's "The Rocking Horse Winner." Please print out the handout, and answer questions in complete sentences. Due tomorrow. [[file:rocking horse winner2.doc]]
 * HW: Read for fun!

Mighty Monday, **09/28/09:**
 * 1) REFLECT: What was the writing process like for you over the weekend? What does your study space look like? Are there any distractions when working? How can we clear away the distractions the next time we have to write a paper or work on a project?
 * 2) REVIEW.
 * 3) Turn in ROUGH drafts!
 * HW: READ, READ, READ. :)

What a Wednesday! **09/23/09:**
 * 1) Is there a difference between "every day" and "everyday"? What about "You're my favorite Period 8," and "You're my favorite, Period 8"?
 * 2) Period 2 only: New topic! "The Jonas Brothers are the best band in the world." Hot dog it! For homework, write an introduction paragraph for this new topic. We also started our one-on-one conferences to discuss your other introduction paragraphs.
 * 3) Period 3 only: Write introduction paragraphs for both topics. Due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
 * 4) **HW for ALL: Find a gooooood book. READ for fun!**

Terrific Tuesday, **09/22/09:**
 * 1) Periods 2 & 7 only: An introduction to introduction paragraphs. For homework, please write an introduction paragraph for the essay about Temple City High School. Also, write an introduction paragraph for the essay about famous sports athletes. Have any questions? Email Ms. P!
 * 2) Period 3 only: Brainstormed different essay topics. Narrowed down three main points for a sample essay about the Jonas Brothers. For homework, please narrow down the three main points for your essay on famous sports athletes.
 * 3) **HW for ALL:** Read for fun.

Mensa Monday, **09/21/09:**
 * 1) FREEWRITE. How was your weekend?
 * 2) How can freewriting be a helpful took when suffering from Writer's Block?
 * 3) **HW:** DEBATE. Are famous sports athletes role models? Should they behave like role models?
 * Periods 2 & 7 only: As a class, we brainstormed together, and narrowed down the 3 best reasons for the "Yes" category. Please go through the brainstorming exercise on your own and come up with what you believe are three most convincing arguments for the "No" category.
 * Period 3 only: Come up with AT LEAST 7 arguments for each column.

Freaky Friday, **09/18/09:**
 * 1) Finished our 6 Word Autobiographies--Good job everyone!
 * 2) Typingtest.com :)
 * 3) Discussion forum off the HOME Page: Why is it important to get good at typing?
 * HW: Read for fun.
 * 1) **DON'T FORGET! WE'RE MEETING BACK IN THE CLASSROOM ON MONDAY!**

Thoroughly Thursday, **09/17/09:**
 * 1) 6 Word Autobiographies!
 * HW: Read for fun.

Wacky Tacky Wednesday, **09/16/09:**
 * 1) Continued with our 6 Word Autobiographies
 * 2) "Photo Booth" projects!
 * 3) Introduction to "Skitch"
 * HW: Read for fun.

Tempestuous Tuesday, **09/15/09:**
 * 1) Numbered roll call!
 * 2) Review Discussion Forum. Good job everyone!
 * 3) 6 Word Autobiography

Manic Monday, **09/14/09:**
 * 1) Introduction to Apple computers & shortcuts!
 * 2) Scavenger Hunt: How do you get to our class wikispace via the high school website? (Hint: staff page)
 * 3) Discussion: Why is it better to have a boring email address? Why is gmail a good account to have?
 * 4) Join wikispaces.
 * 5) Learned how to request membership to our exclusive class website (http://room503english2.wikispaces.com)
 * 6) **HW: Please answer both discussion topics found on the "Home" page's "Discussion" tab.**

Fantastic Friday, **09/11/09**: Period 2 & 7:
 * 1) Origami time: two columns hot dog style. On the left hand side: Yes, famous sports athletes are heroes. On the right hand side: No, they are not. In each column, list at least six reasons to support each stance.
 * 2) Period 2 only: Vote by feet--Mini debate!
 * 3) Period 7 only: "Hero" keynote presentation

Period 3 only: CLASS ASSEMBLY


 * ANNOUNCEMENT: WE WILL BE MEETING IN THE COMPUTER LAB STARTING ON MONDAY. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE COMPUTER LAB. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR STUDENT I.D.**

Thorough Thursday, **09/10/09:**
 * 1) Period 7 only: Name game.
 * 2) Discussion: What is a hero?
 * 3) PowerPoint presentation: Are famous sports athletes heroes? Why or why not?

Wacky Wednesday, **09/09/09**:
 * 1) Review Course Syllabus. **NOTE:** My apologies, but the incorrect version of the Course Outline was uploaded yesterday. Because the Class contract (covering the class rules, procedures, & consequences) has not changed, you DO NOT have to sign a new contract. Nevertheless, please make note that the correct syllabus has been uploaded (check the Handouts page) for your reference.
 * 2) Review Cheating & Plagiarism contract.
 * 3) Period 3 only: Your Reader's History paper is due tomorrow. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR PAPER PRINTED AND STAPLED BEFORE YOU WALK INTO CLASS TOMORROW. If you have any concerns regarding this assignment, please contact me at vickiepark@gmail.com.

Terrific Tuesday September 8, 2009:
 * 1) Collect Reading History papers.
 * 2) Name Game
 * 3) "Hello my esteemed colleague!"
 * HW: Print out a copy of the Course Outline (found on Handouts page). Read. Sign. Parent/Guardian signature required also. Due tomorrow.
 * HW: Print out a copy of the Cheating and Plagiarism contract (found on Handouts page). Read. Sign. Parent/Guardian signature required also. Due tomorrow.