Thursday, April 30, 2009
School's not over yet, so keep at it!
1. Your "ruff" draft (10 pts.) is due tomorrow, Friday, May 1st. It may be typed or hand written. If you do not type it, make sure it's legible so I can read it.
2. We will go over some of the papers in class Friday on the Promethean board. I'll get you started on the editing process this way.
3. When I return your papers on Monday, we will start editing them in class together.
4. Your final draft will be due to me, typed, on Thursday, May 7th (40 pts.).
Those of you who are choosing to complete the art project (30 pts.) as a bonus assignment, those will be due to me by Monday, May 11th. Keep up the good work!
Chief says, "The heat is on!"
Monday, April 27, 2009
The End Is Near...
Since most of you didn't check my last post as was your homework assignment, you didn't come to class prepared for today's art work. Therefore, we will begin tomorrow and you will need to bring the following:
- Paper for your art (you chose the type, but seriously, notebook paper will NOT cut it. I can provide some with the help of our art teacher, Mr. Delach.
- Any pencils, pens, markers you want to use.
- You may use paint if you can keep it clean.
When you come into class tomorrow, get started right away - the power to create is all yours! I will be around to guide you and answer questions, but I can't and won't tell you what you should create. Remember that I'm not grading on artistic ability but on the accurateness of the details in your god's or goddess's depiction.
Some of you are now involved in extra-curricular sports and activities. I know this puts a strain on your free time but keep in mind you are not in danger of failing or being graded for those sports or activities. English and your other core classes should be your priority right now. Be prepared when you come to class tomorrow for I will be adding or deducting points from your final grade! I look forward to working with you all.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Your next steps...
- Edit for clarity
- Proofread
- Make changes to the papers
- Review the final writing steps before publishing
By Monday (4/27), I want your final drafts - typed. On that same day, we will begin working on the second part of your report - the art. For those of you who enjoy art, I know this part of the project will be enjoyable. We will be working in class on these posters, so bring any materials you want to use. Just remember our time is limited in class so some homework may need to take place. For those of you who detest working on anything artistic, well, this might not be your cup of tea, but you have to learn to step outside your safety zones and stretch your imagination. Trying new things is a part of life; it's inescapable. For these reasons you must complete this part of the project. Good luck. I'm here if you need guidance.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
You've got great comments...
- Do NOT work on this at home. I want you working on this in class so that I can answer questions and offer help. Do NOT come into class tomorrow with your final draft typed and ready for me to grade. Follow my deadline schedule please.
- You can type or hand-write your rough draft, but it has to have the five paragraphs.
- Submit your final draft on your blog only. Please don't post your rough drafts online. Thanks!
- Gods and goddesses have abilities or traits that make them special. In your report you have to write about a god's or goddess's "power" - I mean their ability(ies).
If other questions are posed, I'll update my blog to clarify. Feel free to submit your questions by commenting on my blog!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Relationships - The Odyssey
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." Charles Schultz
As this new year begins, I begin blogging with my Advanced English 9 classes. It won't be any suprise to my students when I say the ninth grade classes are all good kids and very smart. They have some of the highest PSSA scores on record here at the Fort. I can also swear that this has been a very enjoyable year for me with the English classes. They're just a bunch of fun kids.
For any parent reading my blog, and I hope you are, please monitor your child's progress and work as they post on his or her blog (or web log). Each student understands it is his own responsibility to keep up with the assignments and that posting on the internet is also a responsibility to be taken seriously. I encourage the students to interact with others in my classes by checking out their blogs and leaving appropriate comments. This not only gives them time socializing with friends, but helps them practice writing and communicating. It's all-around good exposure to the techno-friendly world we exist in.
Coming in future posts: a Shakespearean unit ~ Romeo and Juliet. Do I hear a collective groan out there???