Internship Opportunity and EXTRA CREDIT!!!

Hi  everyone,

I always post scholarship and internship opportunities on the wall in the classroom, but this one is particularly good, and if you show me your application, I will give you EXTRA CREDIT!

Here is the link: http://www.ycteenmag.org/write/ycteen_online_application.html

You should go to www.ycteenmag.org and look around to get a feel for what kinds of writing they do. If you get the internship, not only will it look GREAT on your resume, but you will get advice from professional writers and journalists!

If you're considering applying, come see me before you submit your application. It's due in three weeks!

Week of January 17 to 20

Hi everyone!

This is the last full week of the semester, so make sure you turn in ALL of your work on time! The last day of the semester is next Monday, January 23rd.

Monday

No School

Tuesday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Write argument essays using the template from Friday.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Read "Hope, Despair and Memory" par. 8-11. Double Entry Notes on Writing Strategies: Figurative Language, Imagery and Repetition.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Wednesday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Use the Regents Argument Essay Rubric to score three sample essays.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Read par. 12-21 of "Hope, Despair and Memory." Double Entry Notes: Writing Strategies. Quickwrite: Determine how Wiesel's use of writing strategies advances his purpose in paragraphs 12-19

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Thursday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Read and annotate texts for an Argument Essay.

Homework: Using the notes from today’s readings, complete an outline for the argument essay you will write in class tomorrow. Tomorrow’s essay will count as a test, so be prepared!

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Read par. 20-25 of "Hope, Despair and Memory." Double Entry Notes on Writing Strategies and Central Ideas.

Homework: Write at least two questions for a Socratic Seminar on this text. You can connect it to other texts, current events or history.

Friday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Write argument essay based on yesterday's texts.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book. Reading Logs due Monday, which is the last day of the semester!

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Prepare for Socratic Seminar using your classmate's questions.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book. Reading Logs due Monday, which is the last day of the semester!

Week of January 9th to 13th

Hello everyone!

Here are the assignments for the week. We have a very short marking period--including this week, there are only two weeks left before the semester ends, so make sure you turn in all of your work on time, and see your teachers during office hours if you're not sure what you need to do!

Monday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Read "A Genetics of Justice" par. 16-22.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Read "Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit" par. 25-31.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book, and study for tomorrow's exam on "Yellow Woman..."

Tuesday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Read par. 23-31 of "A Genetics of Justice."

Homework: Write ½ page: How does Alvarez refine a central idea of the text in paragraphs 27–31?

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: "Yellow Woman..." exam.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Wednesday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: "A Genetics of Justice" exam.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book.

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Prepare for Socratic Seminar on The Autobiography of Malcolm X and "Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit." Complete the Socratic Seminar Prep Worksheet.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your book. If necessary, finish preparing for tomorrow's Socratic Seminar! Remember, you need evidence for each question.

Thursday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Begin a jigsaw analysis of argument essay texts.

Homework: 10 pages of independent reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy from your text. If you didn't finish your graphic organizer from today, you MUST finish it tonight!

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Socratic Seminar comparing Malcolm X and Leslie Marmon Silko.

Homework: Complete Socratic Seminar reflection questions.

Friday

Periods 1, 5 and 7

Classwork: Complete the jigsaw analysis of the argument essay texts. Using the argument essay template, begin an outline for your essay.

Homework: Finish your essay outline. You will be writing your essay in class on Tuesday, so make sure it is ready! Also, reading logs are due on Tuesday, so make sure yours is finished by then.

Periods 2 and 6

Classwork: Begin reading Elie Wiesel's Nobel Prize Speech: "Hope, Despair and Memory." Read par. 1-4 and take notes on central ideas.

Homework: Read paragraphs 5-7 of the speech and come in with a list of central ideas from this section.

Week of January 3rd to January 6th

Happy 2017 everyone! I hope you all had a happy and restful winter break.

Monday

No school

Tuesday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Read page 1 and paragraphs 1-6 on page 2 of "Genetics of Justice." Double Entry Notes: Unfolding of Central Ideas: Silence and Trauma.

Quickwrite: Analyze how Alvarez unfolds Trujillo’s impact on her mother in paragraphs 1–6.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one writing strategy from your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read paragraphs 1-3 of "Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit." Double Entry Notes: Structure of Introduction. Quickwrite: Analyze the effectiveness of the way Silko begins the text.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one writing strategy from your book.

Wednesday:

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Read "Remembering to Never Forget" and paragraphs 7-8 of "Genetics of Justice."

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one writing strategy from your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read paragraphs 4-10 of "Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit." Double Entry Notes: Character interactions and Central Ideas. Quickwrite: How do the author’s interactions with other individuals develop a central idea in paragraphs 4–10?

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one writing strategy from your book.

Thursday:

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Read paragraphs 9-15 of "Genetics of Justice."

Author's Toolbox: Imagery

Definition: Using sensory details (touch, taste, sight, sound, smell) to describe vivid scenes and reveal the tone.

Example: “Her feet were swollen and hurting. Her back was damp with sweat.”

Homework: Write ½ page: How does the imagery Alvarez uses in paragraphs 9-15 affect the text?

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read paragraphs 11-16 of "Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit." Double Entry Notes: Central Ideas: Harmony, Beauty, Cultural Identity, etc.

Homework: Write ½ page: Determine two central ideas in paragraphs 11–16 and analyze how they interact and build on one another.

Friday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Pop Quiz on "Genetics of Justice" paragraphs 1-15.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one writing strategy from your book. Reading Logs due on Monday!

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read "Yellow Woman..." par. 17-24. Double Entry Notes: Gender Identity and Femininity. Quickwrite: Determine two central ideas in paragraphs 11–16 and analyze how they interact and build on one another.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one writing strategy from your book. Reading Logs due on Monday!

Week of December 19th to 23rd

Happy almost Winter Break, everyone! This is the first week of the new marking period. All classes have a major project due on Friday, December 23rd, at 10:00 PM, shared with msatwill@gmail.com via Google Drive. Check your specific period's section for handouts and instructions!

Monday

Periods 1, 5 and 7:

Classwork: Use your outline for your final TKAM project to help write body paragraphs. Use the Model Body Paragraph to make sure that you have everything you need. By tomorrow, your outline and two body paragraphs need to be completed. The final draft is due Friday, December 23rd at 10:00 PM, as a Google Doc shared with msatwill@gmail.com.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book.

Periods 2 and 6:

Classwork: Review guidelines for Malcolm X Essay Revisions. On the back of the guidelines are model body paragraphs. Revise at least two of your body paragraphs using the guidelines, checking for claim, evidence and analysis in each one. The final draft is due Friday, December 23rd at 10:00 PM, as a Google Doc shared with msatwill@gmail.com.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book.

Tuesday

Periods 1, 5 and 7:

Classwork: Review the rubric that your essay will be graded on. Complete a peer review of your body paragraphs.

Homework: Finish revising your body paragraphs based on your peer feedback, and write your final body paragraph(s).

Periods 2 and 6:

Classwork: Complete a peer review of your body paragraphs, and revise them based on your peer feedback.

Homework: Write your final body paragraphs. Remember, you need at least ten pieces of evidence!

Wednesday

Periods 1, 5 and 7:

Classwork: Evaluate a model introduction and conclusion. Draft your own introduction and conclusion.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book. Meet in the Computer Lab tomorrow! You will need a Gmail account for class tomorrow, so create one if you don’t have one already, and double check your password!

Periods 2 and 6:

Classwork: Evaluate model introductions. Revise your own introduction and conclusion.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book. Meet in the Computer Lab tomorrow!

Thursday

All Periods:

Meet in the Computer Lab

Classwork: Type up your essay and revise it using the revision checklist.

Homework: Complete your revision of your essays. Tomorrow’s writer’s workshop is our final one, so come to the Computer Lab prepared to edit and polish your final draft.

Friday

All periods:

Meet in the Computer Lab

Classwork: Edit your essay using the editing checklist. Make sure you read your work out loud to catch your mistakes!

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book. Final drafts of your essays are due at 10:00 PM tonight!

Have a wonderful Winter Break! Stay warm and safe, and I'll see you in 2017!

Week of December 12th-16th

Hello everyone,

This is the last week of the marking period! Make sure you turn in any late work by Friday the 16th.

Monday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Final Exam

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read p. 309-311 (From “My head felt like it was bleeding inside” to “And I felt that I perceived the anatomy of the plotting”) and answer the following question: What is Malcolm’s state of mind in Miami?

Read Malcolm X, p. 312-215. Double Entry Notes: Turning Points.

Quickwrite: How is does this section reveal a “turning point” in Malcolm X’s life?
Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book.

Tuesday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Socratic Seminar Instructions

Homework: Answer questions 1-6 in your Socratic Seminar packet. Use your copy of To Kill a Mockingbird to help find evidence!

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read Malcolm X, p. 345-348. Double Entry Notes: Character Development
Quickwrite: What events cause Malcolm X to “re-arrange” his beliefs?
Homework: Write ½ p: What “insights” (p. 348) has Malcolm X gained from his time in the Holy Land?

Wednesday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Socratic Seminar: Day One

Homework: Answer Day Two questions in your Socratic Seminar packet, and come up with at least three new questions!

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork:  Read Malcolm X, p. 367-370. Double Entry Notes: Central Ideas.
Quickwrite: Determine two central ideas present in pages 367–370 and analyze how they interact and build on one another.
Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book.

Thursday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Socratic Seminar, Day Two

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork:  Read p. 385 (Start at “Anything I do today…”) and answer the following question: Why does Malcolm X consider everything he does as “urgent”?

Read Malcolm X, p. 386-289. Double Entry Notes: Point of View.

Socratic Seminar Intro.

Homework: Prepare notes for at least five of the discussion questions on Malcolm X to use in tomorrow’s Socratic Seminar.

Friday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Socratic Seminar reflection, begin essays for To Kill a Mockingbird.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book. Reading Logs are due on Monday!

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Socratic Seminar.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response on one Writing Strategy in your book. Reading Logs are due on Monday!

Week of December 5th to December 9th

Hello everybody!

A major change taking place this week is in terms of the Do Now and Reading Logs. From now on, instead of doing independent reading as the Do Now, you will be given a question to answer in writing. Independent Reading will happen at home, three times a week. You need to read 30 pages per week instead of 50, and your responses need to be more structured--you need to choose a writing strategy and write about how that strategy is used in your book.

See me if you have questions!

Monday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Read p. 67-73. and add to identity charts for Tom Robinson and Atticus. Read an excerpt from the book about Tom's death, and compare the differences between the screenplay/movie and the novel.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response about one writing strategy that you found in your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read p. 215-217 and 237-239 in Malcolm X. Take Double Entry Notes on Character Development. Do a QuickWrite: How does Malcolm's character develop over the course of Ch. 13?

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response about one writing strategy that you found in your book.

Tuesday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Watch the movie of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Homework: Write ½ page: What is justice? What factors limit the legal system’s ability to deliver justice for Tom Robinson?

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read Malcolm X, p. 242-251. Double Entry Notes: Central Ideas

Homework: Write ½ page: Analyze how two central ideas interact and build off one another in Ch. 14.

Wednesday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Read p. 73-82 in To Kill a Mockingbird. Identity Charts: Boo Radley, Mr. Ewell, Scout.
Quickwrite: Why is it “Like shooting a mockingbird?” Who else is a “mockingbird” in this story?
Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response about one writing strategy that you found in your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read Malcolm X, p. 268-270 and 284-287. Double Entry Notes: Structure and effectiveness of claims. Quickwrite: Analyze the effectiveness of the structure of pages 268–270.

Homework: Write ½ page: Analyze the effectiveness of Malcolm’s claims on p. 284-287.

Thursday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Author's Toolbox:

Protagonist and Antagonist

Definition: A protagonist is the hero of a story, and an antagonist is the villain or enemy. The antagonist isn’t always a person!

Example: Batman vs. The Joker, Cinderella vs. the evil stepsisters, Calpurnia vs. Lula at church

Watch movie of To Kill a Mockingbird. QuickWrite: Who is the protagonist of TKAM? Why?

Homework: Write ½ p: Who or what is the antagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird? How do you think Atticus would answer that question? Who or what does he see as his opponent in the Tom Robinson trial?

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: None (Field Trip)

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response about one writing strategy that you found in your book.

Friday

1st, 5th and 7th Periods:

Classwork: Complete a Text Analysis Response essay, breaking down the specific requirements.

Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response about one writing strategy that you found in your book.

2nd and 6th Periods:

Classwork: Read Malcolm X, p. 305-309. Double Entry Notes: Style and Content
Quickwrite: Analyze how style and content contribute to the power or beauty in chapter 16.
Homework: 10 pages of Independent Reading, and write a response about one writing strategy that you found in your book.