Homework:
Get grade slip signed
Today:
Buzzword
Explained how to read the grade slip
Some classes studied apostrophes
sections 1 and 2 finished their vocab finals
Have a nice weekend.
(This is one of those short ones!)
THE VOCAB BOOKS ARE IN! Yes! Homework all next week!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
September 27, 2007
Homework:
None
Today:
DOL
Sections 1 and 2 finally finished their presentations. Look for the web page of the recordings on Monday (I hope).
Sections 3,6, and 7 scored their vocab final/pre-test. Some students did particularly well! One class had 3 students scoring in the 80's out of 100! Yes, they will have to take the final again. However, many students scored 50 and below, with good reason. They have not studied the words yet!
Look for grade slips tomorrow. They will need to be signed and returned.
None
Today:
DOL
Sections 1 and 2 finally finished their presentations. Look for the web page of the recordings on Monday (I hope).
Sections 3,6, and 7 scored their vocab final/pre-test. Some students did particularly well! One class had 3 students scoring in the 80's out of 100! Yes, they will have to take the final again. However, many students scored 50 and below, with good reason. They have not studied the words yet!
Look for grade slips tomorrow. They will need to be signed and returned.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September 26, 2007
Homework:
None
Today:
Sections 1 and 2 are almost finished the presentations.
Section 3,6, and 7 are finished their vocab diagnostic.
I tried something different this year. I thought I would give the students the vocab final first. Seriously! I plan to use the test I just gave them as their vocab final in June. It looks just like the ones I have given in the past. I figured, maybe I will show them what the big test will look like to inspire them to work hard. (I hope I didn't dishearten them!)
We will go over the tests tomorrow to see who scored the highest. Then I will file them away until June so we can compare them. Who knows? It could be interesting!
I am almost finished the grades. I have a few students I need to take care of. Look for a grade slip to be brought home on Friday.
None
Today:
Sections 1 and 2 are almost finished the presentations.
Section 3,6, and 7 are finished their vocab diagnostic.
I tried something different this year. I thought I would give the students the vocab final first. Seriously! I plan to use the test I just gave them as their vocab final in June. It looks just like the ones I have given in the past. I figured, maybe I will show them what the big test will look like to inspire them to work hard. (I hope I didn't dishearten them!)
We will go over the tests tomorrow to see who scored the highest. Then I will file them away until June so we can compare them. Who knows? It could be interesting!
I am almost finished the grades. I have a few students I need to take care of. Look for a grade slip to be brought home on Friday.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
September 25, 2007
Homework:
None
Today:
DOL
Sections 1 and 2 are still finishing up their presentations.
Sectioins 3,6, and 7 are beginning a diagnostic test for vocab.
I look forward to meeting you at Parents' Night tonight. See you there!
None
Today:
DOL
Sections 1 and 2 are still finishing up their presentations.
Sectioins 3,6, and 7 are beginning a diagnostic test for vocab.
I look forward to meeting you at Parents' Night tonight. See you there!
Friday, September 21, 2007
September 21, 2007
Homework:
None
Today:
Notebook quiz
Some classes finished the presentations. Sections 1 and 2 are FAR from finishing. I will post the files by the end of next week. Have a nice weekend.
None
Today:
Notebook quiz
Some classes finished the presentations. Sections 1 and 2 are FAR from finishing. I will post the files by the end of next week. Have a nice weekend.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
September 20, 2007
Homework:
Notebook quiz tomorrow on 9/4 -9/18
Today:
I gave the students a grade slip. Since there were only a few grades, I did not require them to get it signed. I will be adding some more meaningful grades soon, specifically the notebook quiz, the presentation grades, and another participation grade. I explained that the next slip will need to be signed. I hand the grades to the students to show them how getting the work in on-time helps their grade. With 7 classes of assignments whirling in their heads, it is easy to forget that some assignments were not completed. That gives them a false sense of how they are doing. The grade slip shows them exactly why they received their grade.
We continued presentations today. I continued to explain in detail why each student received an A,B, or C. Each student provides me with an opportunity for a brief lesson. Students who want to improve their scores can revise their essays based on my comments. A few students have taken me up on that.
By this time, I would have given the first vocab quiz. Since we had to order the books from collected money, the process has taken a long time. Next week we will start with a diagnostic. When the books come in you will see an increase in homework.
Notebook quiz tomorrow on 9/4 -9/18
Today:
I gave the students a grade slip. Since there were only a few grades, I did not require them to get it signed. I will be adding some more meaningful grades soon, specifically the notebook quiz, the presentation grades, and another participation grade. I explained that the next slip will need to be signed. I hand the grades to the students to show them how getting the work in on-time helps their grade. With 7 classes of assignments whirling in their heads, it is easy to forget that some assignments were not completed. That gives them a false sense of how they are doing. The grade slip shows them exactly why they received their grade.
We continued presentations today. I continued to explain in detail why each student received an A,B, or C. Each student provides me with an opportunity for a brief lesson. Students who want to improve their scores can revise their essays based on my comments. A few students have taken me up on that.
By this time, I would have given the first vocab quiz. Since we had to order the books from collected money, the process has taken a long time. Next week we will start with a diagnostic. When the books come in you will see an increase in homework.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
September 19, 2007
Homework:
Notebook quiz Friday
Today:
No daily drill
We spent the whole period listening to presentations.
I will hand out grade slips tomorrow to give students a little idea of how they have been performing. I have very few grades. However, some students will see that the few things they haven't done are affecting their grades! Most look good, though.
Notebook quiz Friday
Today:
No daily drill
We spent the whole period listening to presentations.
I will hand out grade slips tomorrow to give students a little idea of how they have been performing. I have very few grades. However, some students will see that the few things they haven't done are affecting their grades! Most look good, though.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
September 18, 2007
Homework:
Be prepared for the oral presentation
Today:
Buzzword
Today was the first day of presentations. Today is when students finally learn what my expectations are for their reading. All the talking in the world beforehand does not prepare them for exactly what I am looking for when they get in front of the class. Therefore, on the first day of presentations, the first few students are the guinea pigs. After each of the first few readings, I go into detail explaining why I gave the grade I gave. This can be hard for students to hear, but each time I explain a score to the class, I am teaching. The students who follow these students have the advantage of taking more time to make their readings exactly what I want. They also are at a disadvantage because I will have heard lots of great readings! Today's guinea pigs, though, are allowed to revise their essays based on the feedback I provided. In the end, if a student revises a paper and makes it better based on my feedback to others, I have done my job! We will listening to presentations most of the week. I will eventually make a web page so you can listen to your child.
P.S. I have some students who were not prepared to read. They will be graded two grades lower for being late. That is my policy.
Be prepared for the oral presentation
Today:
Buzzword
Today was the first day of presentations. Today is when students finally learn what my expectations are for their reading. All the talking in the world beforehand does not prepare them for exactly what I am looking for when they get in front of the class. Therefore, on the first day of presentations, the first few students are the guinea pigs. After each of the first few readings, I go into detail explaining why I gave the grade I gave. This can be hard for students to hear, but each time I explain a score to the class, I am teaching. The students who follow these students have the advantage of taking more time to make their readings exactly what I want. They also are at a disadvantage because I will have heard lots of great readings! Today's guinea pigs, though, are allowed to revise their essays based on the feedback I provided. In the end, if a student revises a paper and makes it better based on my feedback to others, I have done my job! We will listening to presentations most of the week. I will eventually make a web page so you can listen to your child.
P.S. I have some students who were not prepared to read. They will be graded two grades lower for being late. That is my policy.
Monday, September 17, 2007
September 17, 2007
Homework:
1. Presentation essay due tomorrow
Students should be ready to read an organized essay. I explained that the essay should have a handshake and a thesis. The essay should be organized and focused on defining who they are. Those are the two main ways they will be graded. I will also expect the essay to be at least a certain length. Their readings will be recorded, and the recordings will be posted on a web page eventually! This way, you will be able download the recording and hear your child.
2. Notebook Quiz Friday on notes from 9/4 - 9/18
All the required notes are in this document.
Today:
DOL
Review the calendar for the week
Examine a good introduction which contains a handshake and thesis
Look at three ways to write handshakes:
1. Use questions
2. Use a quote
3. Use and interesting fact or statistic
Practice by using one of the new techniques for their own paper
1. Presentation essay due tomorrow
Students should be ready to read an organized essay. I explained that the essay should have a handshake and a thesis. The essay should be organized and focused on defining who they are. Those are the two main ways they will be graded. I will also expect the essay to be at least a certain length. Their readings will be recorded, and the recordings will be posted on a web page eventually! This way, you will be able download the recording and hear your child.
2. Notebook Quiz Friday on notes from 9/4 - 9/18
All the required notes are in this document.
Today:
DOL
Review the calendar for the week
Examine a good introduction which contains a handshake and thesis
Look at three ways to write handshakes:
1. Use questions
2. Use a quote
3. Use and interesting fact or statistic
Practice by using one of the new techniques for their own paper
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 14, 2007
Homework:
Rough essay due Monday
Sections 1 and 2: some students need to improve their collages
Today:
Buzzword
I was out yesterday for the Jewish New Year. The students were supposed to think about how they would organize their essays. Some classes worked harder than others, so I spent today making sure the students have an idea of what to write about.
I had the students trade their collages with someone else. I took the students few some steps so they could explain what they thought their partner was trying to say about him/herself. If the goal of the collage was to show how they define themselves, well, how did someone else see them? If it was not what they thought, maybe they need to think about what they will say on Monday.
I showed some classes how they could group what they would say in the essay. Here are a few suggestions: (1) Family, Friends, Hobbies; (2) things I do, places I go, TV shows I watch; and (3) I define myself as fun, fun, and more fun. Students were to come up with their own.
I also began the discussion on handshakes for the intro paragraph. We will discuss introductions all year long. I will listen to their introductions more on Monday.
Rough essay due Monday
Sections 1 and 2: some students need to improve their collages
Today:
Buzzword
I was out yesterday for the Jewish New Year. The students were supposed to think about how they would organize their essays. Some classes worked harder than others, so I spent today making sure the students have an idea of what to write about.
I had the students trade their collages with someone else. I took the students few some steps so they could explain what they thought their partner was trying to say about him/herself. If the goal of the collage was to show how they define themselves, well, how did someone else see them? If it was not what they thought, maybe they need to think about what they will say on Monday.
I showed some classes how they could group what they would say in the essay. Here are a few suggestions: (1) Family, Friends, Hobbies; (2) things I do, places I go, TV shows I watch; and (3) I define myself as fun, fun, and more fun. Students were to come up with their own.
I also began the discussion on handshakes for the intro paragraph. We will discuss introductions all year long. I will listen to their introductions more on Monday.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
September 12, 2007
Homework:
Collage due Friday
Written presentation due Monday
Today:
Buzzword
Today, we finished examining "Fabulous" and how Sharpay defines herself by her material things and her popularity. I also showed them the video "Material Girl" by Madonna. In the video, the material girl is the woman wooed by lots of men. She gets everything she wants, but she does not get one man. The actress (a character in the video) who plays the material girl has a boyfriend who gives her lots of stuff, but she does not like it. In the end, the actress ends up with a man who gives her simple flowers and drives a simple truck. The video juxtaposes the material girl on stage getting stuff with what love should really look like.
I then pointed the students towards what they should be writing about for their presentation. I keep telling them to do the collage first. This way, by looking at what they made, they can better organize how they want to present themselves to us. The topic of how we define ourselves is deep. In some classes, I discussed that there is who we actually are, what we think we are, and how we want to be seen by others. We present ourselves to varying degrees in all three ways. Ultimately, during the presentation to the class, the students, like Sharpay, will present how they want to be seen. Of course. That is what I do as well in my class. I am not going to reveal all of myself, and neither does Sharpay as we learn later in the movie.
Collage due Friday
Written presentation due Monday
Today:
Buzzword
Today, we finished examining "Fabulous" and how Sharpay defines herself by her material things and her popularity. I also showed them the video "Material Girl" by Madonna. In the video, the material girl is the woman wooed by lots of men. She gets everything she wants, but she does not get one man. The actress (a character in the video) who plays the material girl has a boyfriend who gives her lots of stuff, but she does not like it. In the end, the actress ends up with a man who gives her simple flowers and drives a simple truck. The video juxtaposes the material girl on stage getting stuff with what love should really look like.
I then pointed the students towards what they should be writing about for their presentation. I keep telling them to do the collage first. This way, by looking at what they made, they can better organize how they want to present themselves to us. The topic of how we define ourselves is deep. In some classes, I discussed that there is who we actually are, what we think we are, and how we want to be seen by others. We present ourselves to varying degrees in all three ways. Ultimately, during the presentation to the class, the students, like Sharpay, will present how they want to be seen. Of course. That is what I do as well in my class. I am not going to reveal all of myself, and neither does Sharpay as we learn later in the movie.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 11, 2007
Homework:
Collage is due Friday
I changed the presentation date to at least Monday. (I was over ambitious.)
The worksheet we did in class today needs to be finished for tomorrow.
Today:
We discussed popularity and materialism.
If you look at the assignment page on MrBoZ.com, you can see the lyrics of the two songs we studied.
Sorry this blog is not detailed. I ran out of time after school and had to post this at 8:00 P.M.
Collage is due Friday
I changed the presentation date to at least Monday. (I was over ambitious.)
The worksheet we did in class today needs to be finished for tomorrow.
Today:
We discussed popularity and materialism.
If you look at the assignment page on MrBoZ.com, you can see the lyrics of the two songs we studied.
Sorry this blog is not detailed. I ran out of time after school and had to post this at 8:00 P.M.
Monday, September 10, 2007
September 10, 2007
Homework:
Collage and short essay about yourself due Friday
Bring Vocab money if you have not done so already
Today:
We began the next writing piece by studying Sharpay's song "Fabulous" in High School Musical 2. Since Sharpay is central to the whole movie, this song establishes her character. Through the lyrics, the singing and dancing, and the colors used throughout the scene, we get a good picture of what she thinks of herself and what she values. I wanted the students to think about how they would present themselves. Would you show who you are, or would you present yourself as how you want to be seen? Is Sharpay what she sings about, or is she showing us how she wants us to think about her?
The next writing topic is up on MrBoZ.com. I will discuss the requirements with the students tomorrow.
Collage and short essay about yourself due Friday
Bring Vocab money if you have not done so already
Today:
We began the next writing piece by studying Sharpay's song "Fabulous" in High School Musical 2. Since Sharpay is central to the whole movie, this song establishes her character. Through the lyrics, the singing and dancing, and the colors used throughout the scene, we get a good picture of what she thinks of herself and what she values. I wanted the students to think about how they would present themselves. Would you show who you are, or would you present yourself as how you want to be seen? Is Sharpay what she sings about, or is she showing us how she wants us to think about her?
The next writing topic is up on MrBoZ.com. I will discuss the requirements with the students tomorrow.
Friday, September 07, 2007
September 7, 2007
Homework:
Bring in vocab book money. $8.50
Today:
DOL
Lesson on introductions
Some students read their essays to the class.
Today I taught the first lesson on introductions. I think of the intro as trying to get someone to jump off of a high dive into the pool. From that high up, the jump is scary. It's the same way I feel when I look at a four-page essay! I am not so sure what to expect! However, a nice "handshake" will ease me out the board, and a clear thesis will tell me what to expect. If the intro makes me interested, I am ready to read the paper. If the intro is bad, I am reluctant to read the paper. There will be many more lessons on introductions.
On Monday, we will be starting our next piece. I will begin reading the summer essays next week.
Bring in vocab book money. $8.50
Today:
DOL
Lesson on introductions
Some students read their essays to the class.
Today I taught the first lesson on introductions. I think of the intro as trying to get someone to jump off of a high dive into the pool. From that high up, the jump is scary. It's the same way I feel when I look at a four-page essay! I am not so sure what to expect! However, a nice "handshake" will ease me out the board, and a clear thesis will tell me what to expect. If the intro makes me interested, I am ready to read the paper. If the intro is bad, I am reluctant to read the paper. There will be many more lessons on introductions.
On Monday, we will be starting our next piece. I will begin reading the summer essays next week.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
September 6, 2007
Homework:
Bring in $8.50 for a vocabulary book.
Today:
Daily Oral Language (DOL)
Students read someone else's essay and made two positive comments.
We discussed the purpose of writing- to communicate ideas clearly.
I had students read some introductions from the essays, and we discussed what a good introduction should do.
I look forward to reading these essays. I will read them just to get an idea of students' strengths and weaknesses. I want to see what I should be focusing on in the coming year. All students received an A for handing the essay in on time. That means all my students have an A in my class so far! (Well, almost all handed it in on time.)
Bring in $8.50 for a vocabulary book.
Today:
Daily Oral Language (DOL)
Students read someone else's essay and made two positive comments.
We discussed the purpose of writing- to communicate ideas clearly.
I had students read some introductions from the essays, and we discussed what a good introduction should do.
I look forward to reading these essays. I will read them just to get an idea of students' strengths and weaknesses. I want to see what I should be focusing on in the coming year. All students received an A for handing the essay in on time. That means all my students have an A in my class so far! (Well, almost all handed it in on time.)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
September 5, 2007
Homework:
Summer essay is due tomorrow, Thursday.
Today:
1. Daily Oral Language (DOL)
2. I discuss how my essay was going. I read different revisions of my essay to different classes demostrating how reading aloud helps in the revision process. In some classes I discussed how I revised my essay. Sometimes I condensed two paragraphs into one. Other times I had to just rewrite whole sections because it was easier than editing what was there.
3. I gave the students time to work in class.
Important: I told the students that if they do not have the essay tomorrow, the late grade is two grades lower. I will give them a grade for just having an essay to hand in.
Summer essay is due tomorrow, Thursday.
Today:
1. Daily Oral Language (DOL)
2. I discuss how my essay was going. I read different revisions of my essay to different classes demostrating how reading aloud helps in the revision process. In some classes I discussed how I revised my essay. Sometimes I condensed two paragraphs into one. Other times I had to just rewrite whole sections because it was easier than editing what was there.
3. I gave the students time to work in class.
Important: I told the students that if they do not have the essay tomorrow, the late grade is two grades lower. I will give them a grade for just having an essay to hand in.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
September 4, 2007
Homework:
The summer essay is due Thursday.
Today:
We started Daily Oral Language today. In the beginning of class, we do a warm-up activity. I plan to alternate between the Daily Buzzword and DOL. This week we will practice DOL. Basically, if you look at the daily drills sheet from MrBoZ.com, there are two sentences that require corrections. The errors provide a way to review/teach grammar rules.
I sent out a test e-mail to see which ones were incorrect. If you did not receive one, please e-mail me so I have your information.
Also, sorry about not being consistent with blogging last week.
The summer essay is due Thursday.
Today:
We started Daily Oral Language today. In the beginning of class, we do a warm-up activity. I plan to alternate between the Daily Buzzword and DOL. This week we will practice DOL. Basically, if you look at the daily drills sheet from MrBoZ.com, there are two sentences that require corrections. The errors provide a way to review/teach grammar rules.
I sent out a test e-mail to see which ones were incorrect. If you did not receive one, please e-mail me so I have your information.
Also, sorry about not being consistent with blogging last week.
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