Homework: Pictionaries 11-20 and Choosing the Right Word
Continue to work on the essay
Be sure parents have filled out the sheet
I handed out grade slips today for the third marking period. I wanted the students to see how they were doing so far. It was more of an update.
Report cards will be handed out Wednedsay. I will not be here. In class I will be expecting the students to work on the essay. Today we discussed the general format of the essay. I can guess from the discussion today that most students don't really know what they are going to write. That is fine. Neither do I! I was sitting and working on my essay for at least an hour today. The best idea I came up with is pretty lame. But, it will have to do. I am writing a detailed explanation of what my goals are for my children.
In some classes, we listened to the song "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. The song is about a parent's wish for his child. It is touching. I wanted the students to discuss how they would agree or disagree with that parent's goal for his child.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
January 29, 2007
Homework: Pictionaries 1-10 Unit 9
Get the parent brainstorming sheet filled in
I tried to have a discussion about values on Friday, and it did not go as well as I wanted. I tried the discussion today using this format:
What we value, determines how we act.
For example, if you value “honesty,” you will try not to lie to anyone and expect people to be honest with you. If you do not value honesty, you might lie and cheat to get what you want.
1. Today, look down the list of words and find items that you value (think are important).
2. Write down as many items you want that you value.
3. Rewrite the list putting the most important items at the top.
When we look at our own list compared to yours, we might see that we similar in our values. Or maybe, we will see that we value different things.
Suggestion:
Look for words that cover more than one idea. For example, “Truth” contains words like honesty and justice.
Here are my values I want my children to possess when they get older:
1 spirituality, beauty, truth, vision, passion
2 faith, grace, thankfulness, discipline
3 family, selflessness, humor
4 exploration, wonder, spontenaity, learning
5 education, knowledge, reason, artiulacy
6 empathy, thoughtfulness, respect, making a difference
7 trust, honesty
Get the parent brainstorming sheet filled in
I tried to have a discussion about values on Friday, and it did not go as well as I wanted. I tried the discussion today using this format:
What we value, determines how we act.
For example, if you value “honesty,” you will try not to lie to anyone and expect people to be honest with you. If you do not value honesty, you might lie and cheat to get what you want.
1. Today, look down the list of words and find items that you value (think are important).
2. Write down as many items you want that you value.
3. Rewrite the list putting the most important items at the top.
When we look at our own list compared to yours, we might see that we similar in our values. Or maybe, we will see that we value different things.
Suggestion:
Look for words that cover more than one idea. For example, “Truth” contains words like honesty and justice.
Here are my values I want my children to possess when they get older:
1 spirituality, beauty, truth, vision, passion
2 faith, grace, thankfulness, discipline
3 family, selflessness, humor
4 exploration, wonder, spontenaity, learning
5 education, knowledge, reason, artiulacy
6 empathy, thoughtfulness, respect, making a difference
7 trust, honesty
Friday, January 26, 2007
January 26, 2007
Homework: Parents, please complete the goal sheet I sent home.
The new assignment is listed at MrBoZ.com . I handed these sheets to the students yesterday.
I also updated the calendar. (I don't know if you are aware of it.)
Today we worked from a copy of these values. I showed them the definition of a value and a principle. In short, our behaviors are determined by/grow out of our values. What we value will determine how we act. Today, on a Friday afternoon, I pointed out that their values were not my values. They did not want to do work or pay attention. Clearly they did not value education the way I was at that moment. That is frustrating, but to be expected. However, I think they got the point.
I made the classes pick what five values they thought Americans should have. They were to discuss which one should be the top value. All of this discussion of values will show up in their essays. I have not decided exactly how, but it would be interesting to have the parents choose their top five values they hope their children possess.
The new assignment is listed at MrBoZ.com . I handed these sheets to the students yesterday.
I also updated the calendar. (I don't know if you are aware of it.)
Today we worked from a copy of these values. I showed them the definition of a value and a principle. In short, our behaviors are determined by/grow out of our values. What we value will determine how we act. Today, on a Friday afternoon, I pointed out that their values were not my values. They did not want to do work or pay attention. Clearly they did not value education the way I was at that moment. That is frustrating, but to be expected. However, I think they got the point.
I made the classes pick what five values they thought Americans should have. They were to discuss which one should be the top value. All of this discussion of values will show up in their essays. I have not decided exactly how, but it would be interesting to have the parents choose their top five values they hope their children possess.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
January 25, 2007
(I could not blog yesterday. The site was out when I had time to do it.)
Homework: Yes, I sent home work for the parents.
Please fill out the sheet and return.
(The more detailed you can be the better.)
We are starting our third essay of this unit. I will have the page up soon on MrBoZ.com soon. In short, though, the essay will be a comparison between what the students see as their goal for their lives and what their parents see as the goal for their child's life. I am reading a parenting book with a study group, and one activity was to picture my child as an arrow that my wife and I will one day release at a target. The book asked us to define the target so we can make our parenting decisions based on that target. If we want her to have certain values, we have to do certain things as parents to help her attain those values. Or, we raise her so that she is heading in the right direction.
As I look at my children, I realize that they will not always agree with what I want as a parent. Therefore, I am asking the students to figure out what their goals are for themselves. With their goals in mind, they will be better able to make decisions. Since this is the first time I am doing this topic, I have some details to work out. But over the next few days the students will develop a clear picture of what they need to write.
Homework: Yes, I sent home work for the parents.
Please fill out the sheet and return.
(The more detailed you can be the better.)
We are starting our third essay of this unit. I will have the page up soon on MrBoZ.com soon. In short, though, the essay will be a comparison between what the students see as their goal for their lives and what their parents see as the goal for their child's life. I am reading a parenting book with a study group, and one activity was to picture my child as an arrow that my wife and I will one day release at a target. The book asked us to define the target so we can make our parenting decisions based on that target. If we want her to have certain values, we have to do certain things as parents to help her attain those values. Or, we raise her so that she is heading in the right direction.
As I look at my children, I realize that they will not always agree with what I want as a parent. Therefore, I am asking the students to figure out what their goals are for themselves. With their goals in mind, they will be better able to make decisions. Since this is the first time I am doing this topic, I have some details to work out. But over the next few days the students will develop a clear picture of what they need to write.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
January 23, 2007
Homework: Finish Unit 8 vocab
Finish the essay for tomorrow
Today we discussed how the introduction of an essay aims towards the conclusion. We discussed how the writer has a purpose for the essay and the introduction and conclusion help him to deliver that message. I gave them a handout that had thirteen different types of introductions. I expect the students to play with their introductions for this paper.
Tomorrow we will begin the third essay. If any parent is actually reading this blog, you will find this third essay topic interesting. I am reading a parenting book. It asked us to write down the target we have in mind for our children, like our goals for them. This third essay will ask the students to explain what they think (or know) are your goals for them. Then they will explain how they are doing in meeting those goals. In other words, they are comparing your expectations for their lives with their own performance so far. How do they think they are measuring up to your expectations will be the focus. It should be an interesting paper!
Finish the essay for tomorrow
Today we discussed how the introduction of an essay aims towards the conclusion. We discussed how the writer has a purpose for the essay and the introduction and conclusion help him to deliver that message. I gave them a handout that had thirteen different types of introductions. I expect the students to play with their introductions for this paper.
Tomorrow we will begin the third essay. If any parent is actually reading this blog, you will find this third essay topic interesting. I am reading a parenting book. It asked us to write down the target we have in mind for our children, like our goals for them. This third essay will ask the students to explain what they think (or know) are your goals for them. Then they will explain how they are doing in meeting those goals. In other words, they are comparing your expectations for their lives with their own performance so far. How do they think they are measuring up to your expectations will be the focus. It should be an interesting paper!
Monday, January 22, 2007
January 22, 2006
Homework: Completing the Sentence Unit 8
Work on the essay (was due today but is not due Wednesday)
I pushed the due date of the essay off until Wednesday. I wanted to cover a few topics important to the writing of narrative essays. Today I discussed the idea of how the introduction points towards the conclusion. I used the analogy of a bow and arrow. The writer pulls back the bow and sets the reader up to look forward towards the distant target. When the reader has the basic idea of where he is being aimed, the writer stops the intro and releases. Now the reader goes through the story and hits the target. Ideally, the target should resemble the ideas presented in the intro, or at least be in the direction the intro pointed towards. It isn't the perfect analogy, but it works.
We also looked at a sample essay for their topic. I showed the sea and mountain technique being used. Tomorrow we will look at 13 different types of introductions.
Work on the essay (was due today but is not due Wednesday)
I pushed the due date of the essay off until Wednesday. I wanted to cover a few topics important to the writing of narrative essays. Today I discussed the idea of how the introduction points towards the conclusion. I used the analogy of a bow and arrow. The writer pulls back the bow and sets the reader up to look forward towards the distant target. When the reader has the basic idea of where he is being aimed, the writer stops the intro and releases. Now the reader goes through the story and hits the target. Ideally, the target should resemble the ideas presented in the intro, or at least be in the direction the intro pointed towards. It isn't the perfect analogy, but it works.
We also looked at a sample essay for their topic. I showed the sea and mountain technique being used. Tomorrow we will look at 13 different types of introductions.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
January 18, 2006
Sorry I did not blog yesterday.
Homework: Choosing the Right Word Unit 8
Work on the essay
Today: I have not been so ready to teach grammar this week when I see that I need to teach the format of the narrative essay. The three days this week have been spent teaching a variety of techniques for detailed narratives that have meaning. Today I had them practice a technique to add sensory details and thoughts.
They make three columns. The middle column contains the story in outline form: first, second, third, etc. Then, in the right column, I had them add sensory details in between the items in the middle. In other words, after they say the event, they should give sensory details to explain. Next, I had them add thoughts in the left column. This adds another layer. These thoughts come from two levels. The thoughts could be those they had during the even they are describing, or they could be the thoughts they are having now as they write from the mountain. The mountain is the perspective we look back on events from. Now that we are farther from the event, we are not in it; therefore, we can look back and reflect on how the event fits into our current lives.
Finally, I had them read the piece weaving back and forth from side to side. This way they can focus on event, sensory details, and thoughts as they tell their story. I hope they will use this technique in their next essay that is due Monday.
Homework: Choosing the Right Word Unit 8
Work on the essay
Today: I have not been so ready to teach grammar this week when I see that I need to teach the format of the narrative essay. The three days this week have been spent teaching a variety of techniques for detailed narratives that have meaning. Today I had them practice a technique to add sensory details and thoughts.
They make three columns. The middle column contains the story in outline form: first, second, third, etc. Then, in the right column, I had them add sensory details in between the items in the middle. In other words, after they say the event, they should give sensory details to explain. Next, I had them add thoughts in the left column. This adds another layer. These thoughts come from two levels. The thoughts could be those they had during the even they are describing, or they could be the thoughts they are having now as they write from the mountain. The mountain is the perspective we look back on events from. Now that we are farther from the event, we are not in it; therefore, we can look back and reflect on how the event fits into our current lives.
Finally, I had them read the piece weaving back and forth from side to side. This way they can focus on event, sensory details, and thoughts as they tell their story. I hope they will use this technique in their next essay that is due Monday.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
January 16, 2007
Homework: Pictionaries 1-10 Unit 8
Begin new essay.
Here is the topic for the next essay: Life takes surprising turns which challenge human beings to face the unexpected. Last week we read an example of a narrative essay. If you read the essay, you will see that the task of building a blue bird box has new meaning when she looks back on it. The meaning which she states at the end of the essay is that "the things you build can have a purpose greater than you imagine." When we begin to wonder what the point is, she states it at the end. Today I had a few students tell me stories, but I had to ask why they told me about them. Sure, the stories were funny, but a narrative is more than just entertainment. The story reveals something about the writer and how he/she views life.
I thought I would have a grammar day Wednesday, but I think the students need some more time to get this essay rolling. Starting the week late is difficult. The essays are the most important thing I teach. I want them to understand how to arrive at a good topic. Then I want them to see what they are to develop.
Begin new essay.
Here is the topic for the next essay: Life takes surprising turns which challenge human beings to face the unexpected. Last week we read an example of a narrative essay. If you read the essay, you will see that the task of building a blue bird box has new meaning when she looks back on it. The meaning which she states at the end of the essay is that "the things you build can have a purpose greater than you imagine." When we begin to wonder what the point is, she states it at the end. Today I had a few students tell me stories, but I had to ask why they told me about them. Sure, the stories were funny, but a narrative is more than just entertainment. The story reveals something about the writer and how he/she views life.
I thought I would have a grammar day Wednesday, but I think the students need some more time to get this essay rolling. Starting the week late is difficult. The essays are the most important thing I teach. I want them to understand how to arrive at a good topic. Then I want them to see what they are to develop.
Friday, January 12, 2007
January 12, 2007
Homework: Essay due Tuesday
Today I discussed the idea of "sea and mountain" in the narrative. When we are in the moment, experiencing it, we are in the sea. We only notice what is going on. We are not even thinking about the importance of the moment. "Mountain" is when we are beyond the moment looking back. In narratives, this can be years or decades. From the mountain, we can see the moment we went through and the others that surround it. Whereas we could only experience the moment in the present while we were in it, now that time has passed, we reflect on the event and give it meaning based on our current life situation. The way we look at the moment can even change over time. For instance, the trip that I am writing about had meaning to me for the months that followed. But now that things have changed in the relationship of the person I visited, I am revisiting the trip through different eyes. I am, in a way, rewriting the narrative of the trip. This time I am emphasizing the parts that relate to my life right now. I am realizing that the trip was important to me for other reasons.
I have to finish my essay this weekend as well. I plan to write all three essays with the students. Narrative writing is my favorite. The essays we have done so far have been kind of formal. Now we can engage in introspection... my favorite! I enjoy the process of discovering what I need to say. While the formal writing process stresses outlining, these types of essays allow a writer to discover meaning and craft the final piece in stages. Sometimes what I think I am going to write is not what comes out.
Today I discussed the idea of "sea and mountain" in the narrative. When we are in the moment, experiencing it, we are in the sea. We only notice what is going on. We are not even thinking about the importance of the moment. "Mountain" is when we are beyond the moment looking back. In narratives, this can be years or decades. From the mountain, we can see the moment we went through and the others that surround it. Whereas we could only experience the moment in the present while we were in it, now that time has passed, we reflect on the event and give it meaning based on our current life situation. The way we look at the moment can even change over time. For instance, the trip that I am writing about had meaning to me for the months that followed. But now that things have changed in the relationship of the person I visited, I am revisiting the trip through different eyes. I am, in a way, rewriting the narrative of the trip. This time I am emphasizing the parts that relate to my life right now. I am realizing that the trip was important to me for other reasons.
I have to finish my essay this weekend as well. I plan to write all three essays with the students. Narrative writing is my favorite. The essays we have done so far have been kind of formal. Now we can engage in introspection... my favorite! I enjoy the process of discovering what I need to say. While the formal writing process stresses outlining, these types of essays allow a writer to discover meaning and craft the final piece in stages. Sometimes what I think I am going to write is not what comes out.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
January 11, 2007
Homework: Essay due Tuesday
Today we took the quiz on Unit 7. I also handed out the graded ant debate essays to sections 2,3, and 6. I handed those students an updated grade slip to show the impact of not handing in an essay, although I have already notified them many times that they have not handed in the essay. I can only do so much. Missing 100 points has a huge impact on the grade.
The marking period is over January 19.
Today we took the quiz on Unit 7. I also handed out the graded ant debate essays to sections 2,3, and 6. I handed those students an updated grade slip to show the impact of not handing in an essay, although I have already notified them many times that they have not handed in the essay. I can only do so much. Missing 100 points has a huge impact on the grade.
The marking period is over January 19.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
January 10, 2007
Homework: Sections 3,6,7 make flashcards
Quiz Unit 7 Thursday
Work on essay if you have time.
First, sorry I did not get to blog yesterday. I forgot. I don't really have that much to say. We have had two days to work on the current writing topic. Tomorrow we will take a quiz and continue working on grammar. Finally, Friday will be used as writing time for the essay. The final draft is due next Tuesday. (I am writing one as well.) Students should be working on the essay at home. I am only giving them some time in class. Quiet time should be provided for the students to organize their thoughts into a quality essay. Thanks.
Quiz Unit 7 Thursday
Work on essay if you have time.
First, sorry I did not get to blog yesterday. I forgot. I don't really have that much to say. We have had two days to work on the current writing topic. Tomorrow we will take a quiz and continue working on grammar. Finally, Friday will be used as writing time for the essay. The final draft is due next Tuesday. (I am writing one as well.) Students should be working on the essay at home. I am only giving them some time in class. Quiet time should be provided for the students to organize their thoughts into a quality essay. Thanks.
Monday, January 08, 2007
January 8, 2006
Homework: Synonyms and Choosing the Right Word Unit 7
Essay #1 is Due January 16 (They must keep a copy.)
I handed out grades in class today. It was a small update. I also sent e-mails to parents with the grades. If you are not receiving them, you should send me an e-mail so I can add you to the list.
Today we began the first essay. I stressed that a narrative should be more about the writer than the topic. What I mean is, even though the essay is to be about an event, I am not interested in the details of the even as much as I am interested in how the event exemplifies something the writer has learned about him/herself.
Essay #1 is Due January 16 (They must keep a copy.)
I handed out grades in class today. It was a small update. I also sent e-mails to parents with the grades. If you are not receiving them, you should send me an e-mail so I can add you to the list.
Today we began the first essay. I stressed that a narrative should be more about the writer than the topic. What I mean is, even though the essay is to be about an event, I am not interested in the details of the even as much as I am interested in how the event exemplifies something the writer has learned about him/herself.
Friday, January 05, 2007
January 5, 2007
I will have the grades updated Monday morning. I will send out an e-mail when I am done.
The results of the ant debates are also posted online:
(If you have been there before, you might have to hit "Refresh" on your browser.)
Honors 1
Honors 2
Academic 3
Academic 6
Academic 7
I don't know if the students notice all the factors that went into getting a win. Since the winner is decided by the class, each student in the class scores the debate. When the debate was over, I then entered all their scores into a spreadsheet which totaled the points and revealed the winner. The class and I didn't always match. There was only one time where I overruled the class and determined the winner. Sure, sometimes students added points for their friends. Sometimes they just made up scores that sounded like those around them. Other times students weren't really being critical, and they gave points for everything that was said no matter how silly it was. In summary, the votes they cast are as accurate as some of the votes we cast when we vote!
I don't know what each participant takes away from the debate experience. They stand in front of the class, deliver a presentation on a fictitious ant's fate, rebut an opponent that might have terrible supports, and then they are scored and given a 100 point grade! How crazy is that? But it is an experience they won't forget. I hope they remember the lesson when they are asked to write a persuasive speech in the future.
I will be reading the essays soon. I look forward to seeing how all of the preparation has resulted in intelligent, well thought out essays. That is what I will be scoring them on.
The results of the ant debates are also posted online:
(If you have been there before, you might have to hit "Refresh" on your browser.)
Honors 1
Honors 2
Academic 3
Academic 6
Academic 7
I don't know if the students notice all the factors that went into getting a win. Since the winner is decided by the class, each student in the class scores the debate. When the debate was over, I then entered all their scores into a spreadsheet which totaled the points and revealed the winner. The class and I didn't always match. There was only one time where I overruled the class and determined the winner. Sure, sometimes students added points for their friends. Sometimes they just made up scores that sounded like those around them. Other times students weren't really being critical, and they gave points for everything that was said no matter how silly it was. In summary, the votes they cast are as accurate as some of the votes we cast when we vote!
I don't know what each participant takes away from the debate experience. They stand in front of the class, deliver a presentation on a fictitious ant's fate, rebut an opponent that might have terrible supports, and then they are scored and given a 100 point grade! How crazy is that? But it is an experience they won't forget. I hope they remember the lesson when they are asked to write a persuasive speech in the future.
I will be reading the essays soon. I look forward to seeing how all of the preparation has resulted in intelligent, well thought out essays. That is what I will be scoring them on.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
January 4, 2007
Homework: be finished 1-20 pictionaries unit 7
get a notebook for grammar and "Daily Buzzwords"
There were not as many debates left as I thought. Therefore, I will be getting some grades into the book soon. Look for a grade update early next week. I have to add in the ant essay turned in (25 pts), the 4-6 quiz (35 pts), and the results of the debate (100pts).
Today, some classes started grammar. I plan to complete unit 11 in the grammar book we are using. It covers nouns, adjectives, and pronouns. It may sound simple, but the book is not. This is an "old-school" grammar book (no pictures!). Discussing these parts of speech allows discussion of all parts of the sentence.
I also put up the first of three essay topics. You can see the assignment here: http://www.mrboz.com/school/assignments/assignment_essay1_january_writing_month.html . I will be having the students write three essays. They will then choose one to read to the class and have scored. Since I want their full effort on each essay, I will not put up the next topic until the first one is handed in. I don't need them blowing off two essays and only writing one. They should do their best on each one. I will be giving them time to write more in class.
get a notebook for grammar and "Daily Buzzwords"
There were not as many debates left as I thought. Therefore, I will be getting some grades into the book soon. Look for a grade update early next week. I have to add in the ant essay turned in (25 pts), the 4-6 quiz (35 pts), and the results of the debate (100pts).
Today, some classes started grammar. I plan to complete unit 11 in the grammar book we are using. It covers nouns, adjectives, and pronouns. It may sound simple, but the book is not. This is an "old-school" grammar book (no pictures!). Discussing these parts of speech allows discussion of all parts of the sentence.
I also put up the first of three essay topics. You can see the assignment here: http://www.mrboz.com/school/assignments/assignment_essay1_january_writing_month.html . I will be having the students write three essays. They will then choose one to read to the class and have scored. Since I want their full effort on each essay, I will not put up the next topic until the first one is handed in. I don't need them blowing off two essays and only writing one. They should do their best on each one. I will be giving them time to write more in class.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
January 3, 2007
We are back! But what a long day it was! I discussed the upcoming schedule. First, we will finish up a few ant debates. Some might not get to go. I timed the presentations wrong.
Starting next week, we will begin the first of three essays the students will write this month. On February 6th, we will read one of them to the class and record it as we did earlier in the year. I will have the prompts up one at a time when I give them to the students. We will be spending more time writing in class this month.
We will also be doing more grammar. By the end of the month, the students will have covered a few parts of speech. This is further prep for diagramming sentences. We will cover as much as we can.
I will update the calendar soon.
Starting next week, we will begin the first of three essays the students will write this month. On February 6th, we will read one of them to the class and record it as we did earlier in the year. I will have the prompts up one at a time when I give them to the students. We will be spending more time writing in class this month.
We will also be doing more grammar. By the end of the month, the students will have covered a few parts of speech. This is further prep for diagramming sentences. We will cover as much as we can.
I will update the calendar soon.
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