The Good Rough Draft is Due Tomorrow!

Homework:
Pictionaries Unit 4
Good Rough Draft of the narrative essay

Today:
We reviewed the terms for the nouns unit.
We took and reviewed the nouns quiz.
We listened to the unit 4 vocabulary words.


What is a "Good Rough Draft"?  
I explain it to the students like this: hand in a piece tomorrow that you will feel comfortable getting graded on.  In other words, this draft is the best you can do.  It can be a little rough if it is hand written, but if it is typed, it should be perfect.  Now, what improvements need to be made for Friday?

This week
Over the next few days, we will be looking at introductions.  I will be asking the students to add a better introduction to their paper.

We will discuss dialogue and how to punctuate it.  We will discuss dialogue in more depth later in the year, but I will teach the basic idea.

I will also discuss how the beginning leads to the end. 

Finally, I want to give the students practice reading their pieces because I will be recording them on Friday and over the next week.  The oral reading should add to the piece, not take away from it. 

Here is the rubric for the narrative essay:



I will post the rubric for the oral reading in a day or two.  However, the reading grade is broken down like this:
D- the student just got up and read it, and the reading was lame
C- the student just got up and read it, and the reading was OK
B- it was clear that the student practiced and tried to use his voice to create interest
A- Well practiced with a loud, clear voice.  The reading was a joy to listen to.

Like I said, I will make a clear rubric soon.

October 19, 2011

Homework:
Good-Rough Draft Due Tuesday
Quick Noun Quiz Monday

Today:
Quiz Unit 3 (The scores are on HAC.)
I reviewed how to craft a narrative using five senses, dialogue, and thoughts.

In the honors classes, I read an edited version of a narrative by David Sedaris called "The Waiting Room."  He writes in an advanced style of narrative where he weaves many little anecdotes into a larger story.  He is great at using details like dialogue so you get a feel for the people he is discussing.  Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which comes across in his thoughts and asides.  I do not expect students to understand exactly how to write like him, but I wanted to expose them to how writing is crafted.

Vocab 3 quiz tomorrow.

Homework:
Sections 3, 6, and HB should make flashcards for unit 3.
All classes have a quiz on unit 3 Wednesday, tomorrow.

Today:
We reviewed the answers for the rest of the unit in the book.
I discussed the chart below.
I gave the students some time to do their own chart.
In some classes, we started the flashcards.

Explanation of the chart
A good narrative is not a long list of everything that happened.  It is not, "... and then... and then ... and then."  A good narrative moves the story forward in stages, but spends time on the details. What were people saying around you?  Can you describe the scene so we can experience it?  What thoughts did you have while the moment was happening? 

I had the students pick out the seven or so basic events in their narrative.  Then they were to add lots of details.  This is the example we did in class.  From it, I made up a story off the top of my head.  I take each row and read across before I go down.  This way, the story is not a collection of and then's.

Skeleton	5 senses (see, hear, feel, smell, taste)	Dialogue	Thoughts
The door to the bus opened.	People pushing See bus driver Shouting windows Tired	“I can’t wait to get home.” “Good morning.”	“This is one crazy bus!”
I walked up the steps, turned, and began to walk down the isle.	Students in rows Pushing through knees Smell feet Children screaming nervous	“I wonder what my teacher will be like.” “Turn the radio on!”	“Who am I going to sit with.”
I spotted a seat.	Writing on it Holes	“Please don’t sit next to me!”	“Why me?”
I sat down	Could not sit still Cold	“I am going to flame on you.”	“What the heck is he talking about?”

October 17, 2011

Homework:
Finish Completing the Sentence Unit 3
Flashcards due Wednesday
Quiz 3 Wednesday

Today:
I reviewed some of the Completing the Sentence
Then I discussed another model essay.  I told the students that they need an outline of their event for tomorrow.  I will be showing them how to add dialogue, thoughts, and the five senses to their essays.  They should be working on these at home as well.

The "good rough" draft is due next Tuesday.

Students whoul have an idea for their narratives for next week

Today:
I discussed the idea of crafting a narrative.  The crafting can only take place after a skeleton is created, like an outline.  It is the first, second, third, etc..  To that skeleton, we will be adding dialogue, thoughts, and the five senses.  We will also craft the intro so it leads to the conclusion.  So if a student does not have the basics to embellish, they will not be able to apply the lessons right away. 

I also explained that I am having trouble with my piece.  I have hit a roadblock.  The technique I taught them to deal with that is to put the piece down for a day or two.  My brain will work on the piece in the background.  Eventually, the solution will hit me.  If not, I will struggle with it later.  I have time.  Waiting until the last minute is not the best solution!  :)



Have a nice weekend.
-MrBoZ

October 13, 2011

Homework:
I taught lessons on choosing a topic for the narrative in many of my classes today.  Students must be thinking about their essays.  I cannot give them enough time to write their pieces in class.

October 12, 2011

Homework:
Choosing the Right Word Unit 3
I would also spend some time brainstorming for the narrative.

Today:
We reviewed the synonyms.
I taught a noun lesson, and we completed an exercise.
I explained how to get started on the narrative.
I reminder them that a narrative is more about the lesson than it is about the events. 

Here is one way to get started on the first day of seventh grade topic:

First day of seventh grade (or any other first day)

What you learned:

I thought it would be ____________________

It ended up being ______________

What was the lesson learned?

(List all the details of the day, or, if you can, focus on how the details met your expectations or did not meet your expectation.)

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Fifth

I am making a small change to gradebook.

Homework:
Synonyms Unit 3

Today:
We reviewed the unit 3 words.
I discussed a model piece for the narrative.
I gave the students the requirements for the narrative piece.


FYI-
I will be redistributing a few grades in the coming days.  It should not really affect things too much. I will move the words assignments into the classwork grade and change the percentages:

• Classwork: 60%
• Homework: 15%
• Quizzes: 15%
• Participation: 10%

Explanation:
This year, I have been trying very hard to structure my writing class differently.  I told myself that there must be a better way to teach writing.  Maybe there is, but I cannot get it to work in a 50 minute class.  The ideal class would have lots of writing time and look like a workshop.  What happens, though, is we must have a warm-up.  Then I review vocab.  Then I teach a small lesson.  Before I know it, the class is almost over. 

I will be going back to what I know works.  Sorry for any confusion.  I wanted to try something new, but why stress over something that is just not going to work?  Maybe I will try again if we ever go to block scheduling.

We have started narratives.

Homework:

• Pictionaries for Unit 3 vocabulary.
• (Section 6 parents, I sent home the vocab book purchase form.  Please return soon.)
• I did not see sections 4 and HB due to testing today.
• The rough draft of the narrative is due around October 25.

Today:

• We listened to the unit 3 vocab words.
• Then we read a sample narrative piece and discussed the first narrative writing tip: A narrative piece should be reflective and contain a lesson that you wish to share with the reader.  

Here is one suggested topic: 
Based on the essay we ready about the man who was not ready to be known for his speed eating ability, think about a time in your life when you realized there was something you did NOT want to be or become.  Likewise, you can discuss a time when you realized what you DID want to become.  Either is fine.

Please see the assignment page on my website for more details.

October 6, 2011

Homework:
None

Today:
We took the unit 2 vocab test.  Sections 4 and 5 took it as an open book test.    Sections 3, 6 and HB had some help. (I had my reasons.) I am going to enter the scores right after I publish this.

We continued to work on nouns.

Have a nice weekend.

It was nice to see the parents Tuesday night.

Homework:
All classes have vocab unit 2 quiz Thursday.
Sections 3 and 6 should have made flashcards for a homework grade. I checked the HB class's cards today.

Today:
We are halfway through the first marking period.  In all my classes, I discussed where we are going for the rest of the marking period.  In some classes the amount of writing needs to be adjusted.  In all classes, we will be studying grammar more often.  I am still working out the details.  Basically, I want to meet the needs of the students.  I want to do what will help each class the best.  I know it is vague.  Sorry.

I will make you aware of the requirements each week.  Stay tuned.  :)

Interims are being entered this week.

Homework:
Finish the Completing the Sentence Unit 2
Sections 3, 6, and HB can revise their 200 word pieces to increase their score.
Unit 2 quiz on Thursday, not Wednesday.

Today:
We have ended our first two writing pieces: a creative piece and a graded piece.  I would like to take a break this week and just do vocab and grammar, as well as share some of the work they have done.  We will start writing our words again next week when we study narratives.

Don't forget: Back to School Night Tuesday

Today:
I handed out grade slips in sections 3, 4, 5, and HB.  I put up an anonymous sample grade to discuss what the students need to focus on to improve their grades.  School can be confusing for seventh graders.  There are a lot of assignments to keep track of.  I hope the grade slips help students make up whatever they have missed.

I entered a few more grades in the HAC.

We are sharing some work now.

Have a nice weekend!

Just a reminder! The creative pieces are due Friday!

Parents, please remind your child that the creative piece will be shared and collected tomorrow. 

Also, we will review the Choosing the Right Word for unit 2 in class.

If you have not checked HAC lately, I graded the 200 word piece for sections 3, 4, 5, and HB.  I am getting to 6 soon.

Please have your child sumbit his/her essay to the writing contest.

Parents,
I forgot to tell the kids to submit the 200 word pieces to the writing contest!  That was the whole reason we were writing these 200 word pieces in the first place!  Here is the address: http://www.arthurjturnerjrscholarship.org/writingcontest/

I told the kids weeks ago that I wanted a winner from H.B.  After grading sections 4 and 5's  essays, I think we have some really good pieces.  Please check the HAC.  If the grade is above 90, please encourage your child to submit.

Homework:
I will be out Wednesday.  I expect the students to work in class.  They will have some things due.  They should have the Choosing the Right Word for Unit 2 completed.  Most importantly, they should have a good draft of their creative piece.  They should be ready to read to the class.

Goal for this week: Creative piece due Friday

Homework:

• All classes have pictionaries for unit 2 vocabulary due Tuesday.
• All classes have a creative piece due Friday. (So do I for that matter!)

Today:

• We started the next unit in vocabulary. That took some time.
• I reviewed the grammar lessons we have been studying.  I will wrap these lessons up tomorrow with a brief assessment. (I plan to teach grammar a little tighter next unit.)
• I checked off sections 4 and 5 for their 700 words from last week. (I will get to the other three Tuesday.)

Requirements for Friday: A Celebration of Our Work!

• Have a neatly typed or written piece to hand in on Friday.
• Be ready to read it to the class, or part of it if it is too long.
• Students MUST read the piece to the class.
• If the piece is a poem, I think it should be about 100 words.
• Narratives and essays should be 500 -700 words or so.  (More is fine. It is their piece!)
• (Most students should get an A for this assignment!)

Creative piece due next Friday!

I entered a temporary grade on the HAC to show if the 200 word piece was handed in on-time.  Since that category is 40% of the grade, if the piece is missing, the effect on the grade is big.  

Today:
I showed the students the spotlights that I have in my room.  Next Friday, they will get their two minutes in the spotlight as they present their piece to the class.  It should be a good time... for those who like that kind of thing.  For others, it will be painful.  But I intend to make the process a class-building activity where we come together for each other in support!  Well, that's what I hope.  Heck, I have to write something myself. 

I hope to grade the 200 word pieces within a week. 

Grades are starting to accumulate

Have you checked HAC lately?

I added the quiz scores from today. 
The 200 word good draft is due Thursday.  I should have them graded in a week.  At that point, the grades should be accurate.  (Right now there is a whole category not represented: Classwork.)

40% of the grade is Classwork (Essays and projects)
20 % of the grade is the 700 words/week (for this marking period at least)
10 % of the grade is homework
20% of the grade is vocab quizzes
10% of the grade is participation (being prepared, behaving, but mostly volunteering)

Since a computer figures all this out, it can be messy.  I like to be able to give parents a good view of where their child might be struggling.  There is a good part of my grade that is just doing work.  However, performance matters, too.  Quizzes, projects, and essays will show performance. 

I did not blog yesterday because my son broke his arm.  Ugh.

September 19, 2011

Grades have been updated on the HAC.

Homework:
Section 6- second page of vocabulary

Sections 3, 4, 5, HB- Finish the vocab unit 1
Sections 3, 4, 5, HB have a quiz on Wednesday

All have the good draft of the 200 word piece due Thursday.

Sections 3, HB, 6 have 500 words due Friday.
Sections 4 and 5 have 700 words due Friday.

Here are the notes we discussed in class today:

September 19, 2011
Writer’s purpose: I believe the purpose of all writing is to transfer some idea from the writer to the reader.  Whether it is through entertainment, persuasion, or informing, the writer wants us to gain some insight he/she has found.

“The way of a fool seems wise to him,
 but a wise man listens to advice.”  
                                                      Proverb

Narrative- a story about a moment in your life where you learned a lesson.
Poem- Observation about Nature or life, like a photograph.  You show the reader something that contained a lesson for you. (Stopping by Woods...)
Creative Story- You create characters who, through events in the story, learn a lesson you want to share.

Have a nice weekend!

Homework:
None

Today:
I collected the 200 word piece.  We will spend two days looking at them next week.  Wednesday we might get some lab time. The good draft will be due Thursday.

I checked the 400 weekly words.  I showed the students how they are doing so far. 

Grades will be updated on the HAC by Tuesday. 

I changed the due date for the creative piece to September 30.  I want to spend a little more time getting the students ready.

Work due Friday!

All classes have the good/rough draft of the 200 word piece on family outings due Friday. (We went to the lab today to type it up.  There is no excuse for not having this Friday.)

All classes have 400 words due.
     I have been using the class writing time to focus on the 200 word piece.  We will get back to the creative writing next.  However, I have explained that students need to be writing.  These weekly words should be a little challenging.  It's like I am asking them to do push-ups.  Writing these words will strengthen them!

Sections 3, 6, and HB may use the 200 word piece towards their 400 words.
Sections 4 and 5 must have the 200 word piece AND the 400 words.

September 14, 2011

** Note **
I updated two grades on the HAC

Homework:
Choosing the Right Word Unit 1 (Sections 3, 4, 5, HB)
Vocab Quiz (Section 6)
Good/Rough Draft of 200 Word Piece due Friday
400 words due Friday

Today:
Reviewed Class Participation grade expectations
Reviewed the synonyms in vocab
Started the Choosing the Right Word (finish for homework)
Discussed the grading of the 200 word piece
I also introduced the students to the responders that we will be use from time to time.


I discussed how the 200 word piece needs to focus on three main ideas: we, enjoy, and specifically.  The topic sentence give the direction for the piece.  Those three ideas need to be developed in the paper.  I actually rewrote my version.  It needs some work, but it is better than the first one, which was all over the place:



We enjoy the family outings, especially the memories we create.  My family is growing up.  When my wife and I had our first child, we thought those endless nights would last forever.  Yet, as the years went on, and we had another, we began to realize that each year brings, not only new challenges, but relief from the old as we grow as parents and our children mature.  When my children were young, older parents would tell us to enjoy our children when they are young because they are only your for a while.  My daughter is now 14, and my son is 10.  Facebook and friends are taking my daughter from me.  Xbox and soccer occupy my son.  Family outings now have greater importance.  While they used be used to entertain the children, we now see that we must schedule time to spend together.  We must remove ourselves from the routines of our lives.  We must not just go on vacation as if we need a rest. Just the opposite.  We must go on vacation to create the memories that we will look back on as we all get older.  We enjoy our family outings now because we understand why they are so important. 205

* The red words need some work.

September 13, 2011

Homework: (I am trying to teach kids to work on multiple things at once.)

• Section 6: Finish the vocab packet.  
• Sections 3, 4, 5, HB: Synonyms in vocab and finish the synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms sheet.
• All: The 200 word piece is due Friday.  Students owe 400 words on Friday.

Today:

• We did some grammar.
• I reviewed the vocab words and introduced the students to the synonyms in the book.
• I discussed how to brainstorm for the 200 word piece. Many students "barf draft" and think they have written something.  No.  That is brainstorming.  Students think that everything they write is precious.  Here are two  outlines I came up for my piece:

We enjoy the family outings, especially the … trip to Hilton Head Island
- It is far from home.
    It is very different from how we live here!

The island is very beautiful!

- We are forced to spend time together!
- We get to eat out at restaurants a lot!
- We take pictures and create lifetime memories.
    We always forget the bad times and focus on the good.
    Her parents created a legacy which we will pass on to our kids.


We enjoy the family outings, especially the … what you specifically enjoy.
    Trip 1 Disney
    Trip 2 Hilton Head
    Trip 3 Day trips to where ever

September 12, 2011

Homework:

• Section 6 has to complete pages 82 and 83 of the vocab sheet I gave them.
• The other sections must make pictionaries for unit 1 in the vocab book.
• Sections 3 and HB MUST buy the vocab book or return a SIGNED slip saying they will borrow the book.

Today:

• I introduced students to the vocab unit 1. We reviewed the words and how to do the pictionaries.
• I gave them time to work on the pictionaries. Some classes had time to start the 200 word writing prompt for this week:

“We enjoy the family outings, especially the... ”Entries must be complete stories with a beginning, middle and end. Stories without a clear resolution will not be eligible.

*** This prompt is hard because they you have to say something meaningful in only 200 words! ***


Remember: www.mrboz.com is the classroom website!

September 9, 2011

Homework:
Sections 3 and HB must bring in vocab book money on Monday.  The cost is $10.  Students may borrow a book, but the book must return in perfect condition.  I recommend buying the book.

All other classes have no homework for the weekend.

Today:
I checked to see if students wrote the required 700 words.  Next week, we will try to work some of those words into a creative piece.  I will assign a smaller number of words next week.  I am developing the 700 words requirement, so I will be modifying the assignment as needed.

Sections 4 and 5 reviewed the grammar pretest.  Some classes took a vocab unit 1 pretest. 

Have a nice weekend!

September 8, 2011

Homework:

• All students are to have 700 words written tomorrow.  We will check them in class.  700 words will earn a 100%.  Less will earn less.
•  Parents should enter their data on my website.

Today:
I had students enter some dates in their agenda:

• September 16- Rough draft of 200 word piece
• September 21- Good draft of the 200 word piece
• September 23- Good draft of a creative piece from workshop

The 200 word piece is from this writing contest that I would like my students to enter.  Click here for details.

I gave students at least 25 minutes to write in class today.  The 700 words will provide topics for writing about.  I want students to get better at pulling words from their heads.  Too many students only want to write the bare minimum.  I believe many of the great things I have written are not found until I am immersed in the process of writing.  After a while, what you want to say comes out. 

September 7, 2011

Homework:

• All students are to give the internet preferences sheet to their parents.  The parents are to go to my web page, find the link for the form, and submit their information.  I want to be in contact with parents as much as possible.  To do that, I need some information. 
• 700 words are due on Friday.  

Today:

• We read the poem "Ode to La Tortillas" by Gary Soto.  We discussed metaphor and simile a little.  I am having students read poems for inspiration for narrative topics.  I would also like them to see how images are created in the reader's head using imagery.  
• I gave the students time to finish the grammar diagnostic.  Some classes had a little extra time to write.

September 6, 2011

Homework:
Sections 4 and 5 should have turned in vocab money by now.  Not all have.
All sections have to have written 700 words by Friday.  This should not be a stress-inducing assignment.  The goal is to get students to put words onto paper.  Too many times, students think that the words they write are somehow special and they do not want to change and edit them.  Writing 700 words allows students the chance to just get some ideas down on paper.  If they start something and don't finish it, that is OK.  It counts.

Today:
We studied the Gary Soto poem on snow cones a little more.
Students began taking the diagnostic grammar test.
I gave some time for writing in most classes.

(These blog entries are written to give you and idea of what we did in class.  They are not my lesson plans.  Many times I generalize.  For example, one class had writing time because their class was longer, but another class did not.  We ran out of time.) 

September 1, 2011

Homework:
Sections 4 and 5 need to bring their vocab money in next week.
The other sections have no homework. Enjoy the weekend.

Today:
We wrote down our goals for ourselves for this year on a 3x5 card.  I plan to review them and check in on the progress throughout the year.  We took notes on how to approach a poem or a piece of writing.  (Please see the daily notes link on MrBoZ.com.  We read the poem "Ode to Los Raspados" by Gary Soto.  I planned on having some writing time, but we did not get to it.

On Tuesday, I will be giving a grammar diagnostic test. 

If you are interested, here are my goals for my classroom:
1. Write at least 700 words a week.
2. Teach the students that they have a story worth telling.
3. I want to improve their vocabulary and grammar.
4. I want to help the students to become more positive and supportive.  I will not tolerate negative energy in the room.  We are here on earth to build each other up, not tear each other down.

August 31, 2011

Homework:
Sections 4 and 5 are to purchase vocabulary books.  I sent home a letter.  The book is $10.
The other classes will not be using the vocabulary book as of now.  I might reconsider at a later date.

Today:
We started the class off with some journal time.  We answered a question and began accumulating the required 700 written words a week.  In one class, the kids counted their words.  Most wrote only around 70 words in 8 minutes.  I will explain this weekly assignment more as the marking period progresses.

Next we copied the Barney rules that I have posted in my room.  Then we watched an episode of Barney.  I want my students to be as close to a Barney classroom as possible.  The class will not be perfect, but we can try.  Here are the rules:

Be caring.
Be fair.
Be honest.
Be responsible.
Respect the rules.
Cooperate with others.
Share with others.
Respect people’s differences.
Be helpful.
Respect the feelings of others.
Do what Barney would think is best.

August 30, 2011 (The first day of school!)

Homework:
None

Today I gave the classes a basic idea of what we will be doing this year.  In short, we will be writing.  To increase their skills in writing, I will be teaching them vocabulary and grammar.  As of today, only sections 4 and 5 need to worry about buying a vocabulary book.  I will send the letter home soon.

Students need to be prepared for class each day.  As of now, that simply means having paper and a pencil.  Over the next few weeks, we will be working on our first piece, and I will be introducing them to various tasks they will be doing throughout the first marking period. The first task will be to write 700 words a week.  More details will follow.

Over the next few days, students will be taking various diagnostics.  We will also be studying Barney the Dinosaur. 

The last blog post of the 2010-2011 school year

Parents,
I wanted to write one last post for this school year.  Even though we ended the school year last week, we know that learning is life long.  I look forward to a summer of opportunities to learn- about life and myself- so that when I come back in the fall, I am reenergized for a new school year.

During that last week of school, we were studying super heros.  I told the students I would make a gallery of the pieces they made.  That gallery can be found here.

I hope you found these communications useful.  If you have any comments or suggestions for next year, I would love to hear them.  You can send them to bozmd@comcast.net.

Students, have a good summer.  Stop by and say hi sometime next year.

-MrBoZ

A Super Hero is due Thursday

We have been doing a brief study of the super hero genre.  For tomorrow, the students were to have created a super hero and defined him/her.  They were given a worksheet.  They were also supposed to have created a visual of the hero.  Finally, they were to answer the question "Why do we need super heros?"

Even though the grades are done, I still expect the students to complete this.  I might make it a grade if I get little or no participation.  Life is not all about grades.  Sometimes we do things to keep our minds active and to explore.

Section 6 has not been working on this project.  Again, that class was not quite on the same schedule as the other classes.

Students took the vocab final today. Grades are pretty much done.

The grades are updated for sections 3, 4, 5, and HB.  What is on HAC is pretty much the 4th MP grade.  Next week we will be doing some little exercises, but I am not sure how much they will impact the grades if at all.

So, grade wise, that is about it!

Have a nice weekend.
-MrBoZ

(Section 6 is wrapping up a few loose ends.)

The vocab final is Friday

We have spent the last week doing activities that will have helped students prepare.  However, students still need to review on their own.  The final will count for about 8% of the 4th MP grade.

Have you checked HAC lately?  I have been updating grades.

-MrBoZ

The countdown begins!

The plan for next week is to get ready for the vocab final.  I do not anticipate homework.  Students should be studying for the vocab final on Friday.  We will practice in class.  The test will be worth approximately 8% of the 4th MP grade.

Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend!
-MrBoZ

Yearbooks are distributed on Tuesday.  There are some extras.  They are $35 and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Notebooks due in sections 3, 4, and HB

Section 3 took the Unit 15 quiz and the Subject/Verb Agreement Test today.  The grades are updated on HAC.

The vocab final will be Friday, June 3.

We will spend time preparing for the final next week.  The notebook check and the final are the last major grades of the marking period.  The students will be doing some little worksheets in class.  Some will count as a very small grade.

Grades are updated on HAC

The classes are still all over the place.

Sections 4 and HB took the Subject/Verb Agreement test today (100 points).
Sections 4, HB, and 6 took the Unit 15 Quiz today.

Section 3 will take the Subject/Verb Agreement test Thursday.

Sections HB, 4, and 3 should give me the notes they have taken on Subject/Verb Agreement on Friday.

I only see HB and 3 (double) Thursday.  We have DCAS Social Studies testing Thursday.

The Vocabulary Final will be June 2.

Updates

Section 5 took the vocab 15 quiz and the Subject/Verb Agreement quiz today.  The results are on the HAC.

Unit 15 quiz will be Wednesday for sections HB, 6, and 4.

The Subject/Verb agreement test will be given in sections HB and 4 Wednesday.

I have not seen section 3 this week.  We will try to catch up Wednesday.  However, I do see them for a block period on Thursday.  So we will be all caught up then.  I will see how we do tomorrow. I imagine the unit 15 quiz and the grammar quiz will be on Thursday.

Next week should be crazy.

Parents,
I updated some grades on HAC.  Please help your child to keep up with turning work in on time.

Next week we have testing on Monday and Thursday, and block scheduling on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  That should keep things interesting because I will not see all classes every day.

By the end of next week, we will have taken the Unit 15 vocab quiz, taken the test on subject/verb agreement (100 points), and I will have collected the notes for sections 3, HB, and 4.  (Sections 5 and 6 are on a different schedule.)

Looking ahead, we still have the vocab final (100 points).  I will spend some time preparing for that test in class.  However, students will need to study at home.  I will let you know the exact date when I figure it out.

I plan to enjoy my weekend. I hope the sun makes an appearance soon!

Have a nice weekend.
-MrBoZ

(The picture shows that we have been plugging away at the lessons. Finally, all classes are at about the same spot.)

More of the same and due dates

Homework:
Sections 3,4,5, and HB have pictionaries for unit 15

Today we just continued vocab and grammar.  By now, the students should have all the notes in their notebook.  If they do not have them, they can click on the notes link on my web site: www.mrboz.com .

• It looks like we will have the unit 15 quiz around next Wednesday.  
• We will have the subject/verb agreement test next week, probably around Thursday or Friday.
• The notes are due May 27.

(Section 6 is on a slightly different pace.)

Section 6 has Unit 14 Quiz Wednesday

That's it.  The rest have no homework.

Unit 14 Quiz Tuesday

(Accept for section 6.  We will review a little bit more tomorrow.  We got hung-up in the grammar notes and had to spend a little extra time.)

Today all classes did grammar lessons and reviewed vocabulary.

Sections HB and 3 had time to make flashcards.  The cards should be completed and used to get ready for the quiz Tuesday.

I entered a few grades in each class this morning.  Please check the HAC.

-MrBoZ

Television ad sample: The Stick

(Click here to view video.)

I finally decided I would post one example video from the TV ads we made before break.  Hopefully the video will load and play on your computer.  Give it some time to load.

This ad is the result of 20 minutes of crazy filming and some major editing.  The ad really gave this class a behind the scenes looks at what goes into making a commercial.  Before filming, we watched the reality show Pitchmen featuring Billy Mays.  (The bloopers at the end give you some idea of my amused frustration!)

Math DCAS testing Friday

Today was just more of the same.  The students worked well in class.  There is no need for homework.

Students should go to bed early and eat a good breakfast.  Even though it may seem like just another test, these DCAS tests certainly are NOT just a test.  The scores of the students matter very much to the teachers, the school, the district, and the State of Delaware.

Block scheduling day

Today I did not see section 6.  I will get that class up to speed Thursday when I have them for a block period.

The other classes are rolling along.  We did vocab and grammar.

Homework:  Choosing the Right Word Unit 14 will be checked Thursday. (I will not see section 4 Thursday.)

Math DCAS testing in Friday.  The students should come to school rested and ready to go!

Some grades have been added to the HAC

Sections 3, 4, 5, HB have pictionaries unit 14 for homework. (Section 6 did them in class.)

Today was just more of the same.  We did vocab and subject/verb agreement.

And so begins a new week

Sections 3, 4, and 5 have vocab quiz 13 Tuesday.

All classes will be starting unit 14 soon.  Look for this e-mail for the homework schedule.

I told the students I will not tolerate being unprepared for class; they should have a vocab book, notebook, and a pen.  The first time, the student will get 20/25 for that week's participation.  On the next time, 18/25 (D).  There were some days last week where I wasted so much time getting students ready to learn.  That is their job, not mine!  Grrrr.

There are three block scheduled days this week, so things will get weird again.

Wow! Kids love the block classes! (sarcasm!)

The crazy schedule is throwing us all off, but I am trying to keep us organized.  Here is where each class is.

Notes from class here.
(No class is farther than the prepositions.)

HB- The methods student collected their pieces today.  She should have them graded early next week.  The class took unit 13 quiz today. They will catch up to the other classes who have been doing subject-verb agreement over the course of next week.

3- This class is the farthest along in their work.  They have been taking notes on grammar and working on vocab.  They will have their unit 13 quiz on Tuesday.

4- Just a little behind 3.  Quiz Tuesday.

5- Same as 4. Quiz Tuesday.

6- Has done a lot with vocabulary this week!  We will do one last review on Monday and take the quiz on Monday.  The class is a little behind in the notes.  HOWEVER, students need to bring a notebook every day!  There is a notebook check at the end of May on these notes. (We are only up to lesson 2.)

The schedule gets crazier!

Section HB students will have their unit 13 quiz Friday.  They also have a 350 word piece due by the end of class Friday that they have been working on with my methods student from the University of Delaware.  They are allowed to type the piece tonight.

Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 are now all on different schedules for vocab and the grammar unit.  The notes can still me found on my webpage.  These classes will have the unit 13 quiz on Tuesday... as far as I know.  I don't like to give homework over the weekend, so we will review on Monday and test Tuesday.  

DCAS testing for today was postponed due to state-wide computer problems.  My homeroom got a chance to watch Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler.  That is such a good movie!  One of these years I want to have students write a bedtime story like those in the movie.  We all need a hero in our lives... or at least a happy ending to some challenging situations we face.  The main character realizes that life has challenges, and he needs to write the ending to those challenges where he is the hero.  Maybe we have the solutions to our own problems if we just dream a little.

Let the scheduling nightmare begin!

Parents of students in sections 3, 4, 5, and 6,  (HB see below)
I will do my best to keep you up to date on what is due, but honestly, the next two weeks will be a little strange.  If you look at my calendar, you will see Block and No.  Because of DCAS testing, I will see some students for two periods (Block) while some days I will not see them at all (No).

To make things go smoothly this month, I have decided we will do grammar and vocabulary.  Students will be kept up to date on their class's progress on a chart in the room.  If I don't see them one day, we will just pick up where we left off.  This goes for vocabulary too!  Not every class will have their test on the same date!

By the end of May, we need to cover three units of vocab and take the final.   We will have also studied a subject/verb agreement unit and other small grammar ideas, taken notes for a notebook check, and taken a cumulative test.

Parents of students in the HB period,
I have a methods student from the University of Delaware.  This week she is responsible for teaching a series of connected lessons.  In other words, I have turned my class over to her for a week.  While I am still in the room, she is responsible for the lessons and running the class.  The HB class is organizing a comparison piece comparing the Barney classroom idea posed in the beginning of the year to what the classroom has looked like since.

If you have read this far, you can see that things are pretty hectic around here!  But I will do my best to keep the students organized.
-MrBoZ

These are the magazine ads students made.
(click to view larger)

Grades are updated on HAC

Parents,
I got caught up on my grading.  I entered grades for the print ad and the 200 word piece that went with it.  For section 6, I also entered the vocabulary we did the week before the break. If you have any questions, please e-mail me.

As I look over the grades in sections 3, 6, and HB, I see that the grades are slipping.  Some students never made up the work from the chorus or band trip.  Other students are just not turning in work.

I will accept work for late credit, but I had reminded students many times about their missing work.  Interims are coming up soon.

On Monday, we will be continuing vocabulary.  We have three units and a final to get done in May.  I hope the students can keep up!  We will also be starting a piece of writing.  More details will follow.

-MrBoZ

Have a nice spring break!

We wrapped up the commercials.  Over the past two days, I have spent about 6 hours editing and producing the videos we filmed in class.   Today I showed the results to the students.  We had some really good laughs.  As much as I would like to post these for parents to see, I am wary of putting videos on the Internet.

I did tell the students that they can get a copy of their video if they bring in a memory stick. I would give them a copy, but they would have to assure me that their groups members are ok with it.  I never want a child to be humiliated on the Internet by something they did inside my class.

I hope the students come back rested!  We still have some writing to do before the end of the year!  We will be revisiting the Barney classroom idea we started the year with.  (Yep!  He's baaaaaack!)  We will be finishing up units 13, 14, and 15 in the vocab book.  We have a vocab final.  We have DCAS testing.  And I am sure we will be doing a little bit more grammar.  See?  We have plenty to do!

Rest up!  I know I will!
(But I do plan to update grades and get caught up.)

We are filming ads in class. Grades are updated on HAC.

Section 6:
Students should be done the Choosing the Right Word for Unit 12.
They can also write a script to perform an ad on Thursday.

All Classes
I added many grades to HAC today.  Please take the time to look them over.

Today:
We are filming ads in class.  It is going well enough.  Some groups have better scripts than others.  I will be thinking about the best way to publish the ads so students can keep a copy for themselves.

Section 6 schedule and The filming of the ads has begun!

In sections 3, 4, 5, and HB, we are starting to film the commercials.  I showed the students what I expect to see before they go up to film.  They should have a script and storyboard that looks like this.  There is a Word document of this on MrBoZ.com in the middle of the page.

Section 6 schedule for this week.
Monday:
   Pre-test on unit 12
   Listen to the words
   Make pictionaries in class.  Homework if not finished.
   Homework: Students can make a script for their ad to present on Thursday for extra credit.

Tuesday:
   Review the words
   Do the synonyms
   Do the Choosing and enter for a grade
   Homework: Students can make a script for their ad to present on Thursday for extra credit.
   I also suggest making flashcards.

Wednesday:
   Review the words
   Work on the completing the sentence and the rest of the unit
   Study for the quiz using online resources
   Homework:  Students can make a script for their ad to present on Thursday for extra credit.

Thursday:
   Quiz Unit 12
   Students can present their ad
     or
   Watch TV show called The Pitchmen

Sections 3, 4, 5, and HB ads for next week

Sections 4 and 5 have formed their own groups.  They are working on their scripts.  They can use the outline below.

Sections 3 and HB were supposed to be ready to present their products today.  The ad and the paragraph were due, but too many students did not have them.  Because I cannot count on them to be ready, I do not feel it would be fair to make groups for the ad presentations next week. These two classes will be writing their OWN ad scripts.  

Here are the requirements:

So, you have to do the ad for your product alone now. Here is what you need to be ready for your taped ad next week.

• The ad will be a minimum of 1 minute long.
• You should have practiced so it is reasonably smooth.
• You may have two camera shots (if you need them).
• You must have a printed script.

Show us your product and explain what it does. (maybe 2 sentences)
Convince us that we NEED your product. (maybe 2 sentences)

Now play on our emotions to convince us to buy the product. Use the ad techniques.
(Try to use as many as possible! They will give you things to say!)
1. Technique (1 sentence)
2. Technique (1 sentence)
3. Technique (1 sentence)
4. Technique (1 sentence)
5. Technique (1 sentence)
6. Technique (1 sentence)
7. Technique (1 sentence)
8. Technique (1 sentence)
9. Technique (1 sentence)
10. Technique (1 sentence)

Wrap up your ad with a direct pitch telling us to act.
(You are not telling us all this stuff for your health!)

Section 6 paragraph requirements

Section 6
The students designed the ad Wednesday, we made the ads in class today, and they will explain the ads on Friday.

This is the paragraph that the students will be typing in class tomorrow.  If they want to write the piece at home, then they can use the time for other things.

Requirements for the 200 word Print Ad Explanation
Goal: Explain your strategy for the ad.
1. Explain what the product is and why people would want it.
2. Explain the audience of your ad/product. Why sell it to that specific audience?
3. What magazine has an audience that you think would buy your product? Why?
4. Explain each technique you used to sell your product.
     a. Name the technique
     b. Explain the technique
     c. Explain why the technique will work with the audience
5. What type of person did you draw in your ad? Why?
6. Make sure you have explained why you think your ad is the best way to sell your product.

Times New Roman size 12 font
Single spaced
Introduction sentence and conclusion sentence needed.
Grammar counts, so take time to edit and make perfect.

Magazine ad and 200 word piece due tomorrow

There is also a quiz on unit 12.
(Section 6 will take the quiz next week. We are working on our ads in class.)

Today we looked at the ShamWow! ad (I think this is the link.).  The main focus of the lesson was to show that it is basically a towel; however, how can the ad run for two minutes and get us to buy a towel?  The answer is artificial means of persuasion.  We call them the ad techniques.  In most classes, we found all 19 techniques that I have posted on my board.  That means that, even though it is just a towel, if you can play on the emotions of the audience and avoid talking about how ordinary it is, you can wow people just long enough for them to pick up those phones and dial.

Ask your child about the ad.  I bet he/she remembers some of the silly arguments Vince uses to sell his towel.

Here is the script of the ad if you are interested.

ShamWow Ad

[Vince, the salesman, is standing behind a table with the towel in his hand and a bowl of water. He is talking to us through the camera.]
Vince: Hi, it’s Vince with ShamWow.

Vince: You’ll be saying “Wow” every time you use this towel. It’s like a shammy, it’s like a towel, it’s like a sponge. A regular towel doesn’t work wet; this works wet or dry. This is for the house, the car, the boat, the RV. ShamWow holds twenty times it’s weight in liquid. Look at it! It just does the work! Why do you want to work twice as hard?

Vince: Doesn’t drip, doesn’t make a mess… wring it out. You wash it in the washing machine. Made in Germany - you know the German’s always make good stuff.

Vince: You can cut it in half - use one as a bath mat, drain dishes with the other one, use one as a towel.

Vince: Olympic divers use it as a towel. Look at that - completely dry [wipes arm].

Vince: Put a wet sweater [on it], roll it up - it dries your sweaters. Here’s some cola. Wine, coffee, cola, pet stains…

Vince: Not only is the damage going to be on top - there’s your mildew - that is going to smell.

Vince: See that? Now we’re going to do this in real time. Look at this - put it on the spill, turn it over - without even putting any pressure, fifty percent of the cola - right there. You following me camera guy?

Vince: The other fifty percent - the color - starts to come up. No other towel is going to do that. It acts like a vacuum, and - look at this - virtually dry on the bottom. See what I’m telling ya? ShamWow - you’ll be saying “wow” every time.


[People talking about their ShamWows at a fair]
Person: “I can’t live without it! I just love it!”
Person: “Oh my gosh. I don’t even buy paper towels anymore.”

Person: “If you’re going to wash your car or any type of vehicle, you’d be out of your mind not to own one of these.”
Person: “All I can say is - Sham-WOW.”

[Back to Vince]
Vince:You’re going to spend twenty dollars a month on paper towels anyway.

Vince: You’re throwing money away.

Vince: The mini ShamWows are for everything - everyday use.

Vince: This lasts ten years, this lasts a week [holds up sponge]. I dunno - it sells itself.


(Some more here. I ran out of time to get this ready.)
[Ordering information]

Ad techniques in the ad:

Sections 3, 4, 5, and HB this week

Homework:
Here is the current assignment we are working on until spring break.
Quiz on Unit 12 on Thursday

Grades coming up this week and next:
(Quiz Unit 12 on Thursday)
(25 points) Created a print ad that is not a piece of junk.
(50 points) The 200 word piece on your print ad explains how you have designed the ad to work with your audience. Typed, size 12 Times New Roman, good grammar.
* Possible assignment (50 Points) The 200 word piece on your proposed script for your TV ad explains how you have designed the ad to work for a TV audience.
(25 points) Group grade for the TV commercial: Everyone must appear in the ad, the ad MUST be 1 minute long, you should be ready for filming, your effort will be scored by each person in the group.

Section 6 entry

Section 6 is not doing vocabulary this week.  We will begin the unit when we have finished the ad assignment.

Please check the grades on HAC.  

Section 6
We are making an ad in-class.  I have asked the students to pretend that they have invented a product that fills a need.  I have given them an item that they need to sell.  They are not selling what the product is for real.  They are selling the product that they invented.

1. Decide on what your device is.
    Here are pictures of the objects I have given the students.
    Make a list of what your device does or is used for.
2. Define your intended audience.
    Who would buy your device?
     Age Range:
     Male/Female
     Interests/Hobbies:
     Family situation: (Married, single, with kids?)
3. Sketch an ad that include the following:
    The ad must have a person in the ad.
    There should be at least three clearly identifiable ad techniques (found in this packet).
    The ad should be eye-catching and colorful.
    Will your ad include people who are Powerful or Powerless?

On Wednesday, I will be asking the students to present their devices to the class. If they have thought about the above questions, they should sound convincing, like they would want me to buy the product as well.

By Friday, we will be making an ad and then explaining in 200 words why this ad is the best way to sell the product to the audience.

Media Literacy Paragraph is due Friday

Homework:
The media literacy paragraph is due Friday.  We were in the writing lab today.  Many students were able to finish the piece, print it, and hand it in.  The problem for some students is they did not bring in a rough draft as I instructed.

(Section 6 is just beginning this piece in class.  We will be in the lab Friday.  We will start unit 12 in the vocab book next week.)

We also read two sample paragraphs.  Each one had something not quite right.  The purpose of the paragraph is to explain how they have personally observed the lessons in their own lives.  The first one is very personal, but it needs more explanation.  The second one is well written, but it is not very personal.  I told the students to think of this like a test.  Prove to me that you have learned the lessons I have taught.  Don't just repeat back what I have listed on the assignment sheet.

Sample 1
Sample 2

Rough draft of the 350 word paragraph due Thursday

Homework:
Choosing the Right Word Unit 12
Rough draft of the media paragraph

We are going to be in the writing lab Thursday.  I would like students to use the computers to type up their pieces, edit them using Word, and get an accurate word count.  I think 350 words is just enough to prove they have learned some of the ideas I have taught.  I am looking for depth.  I would like to see that they understand one idea fully rather than skim over many.

Here is a sample paragraph with some comments for improvement:

Sample of 2011 Media Literacy End of Magazine Unit 350 Word Paragraph
(This could use some improvement, but it is a good start.)

     To start off, I’m going to be completely honest. I forgot my paper in my locker, so I will go off what I remember from what you were saying in class. In class, you had taught us about the different types of advertising. To start off, my favorite would have to be card stacking, and the example was pretty funny. Some of the things that remind me of that is when I watch TV and see the commercial when the sharks are saying how much they like how the one who has just had the Sinkers. I bet you know what I’m talking about. [um.. no I don’t] I also see some other things you have been taking about, for a long time, droning on and on (ha ha). I have been noticing fear of the enemy in one of my least favorite commercials. It makes me cry when the doggy… awwww. I have definitely seen hype and symbol in many commercials if you must know. One is the Tech Deck commercial and all of the female bathroom products, if you must know what I am saying. I have also seen some name calling and many testimonial. But, personally, just because a famous person is using the product doesn’t make me want to go out and buy. I mean seriously. Get a life! On the other hand, I have seen and heard many bandwagon ads for gyms. Some are group dynamics, but not many. Personally, I think that every commercial has nostalgia in it, but that’s just me. But like you said, you don’t want us to give your lesson, so I think that this is where I say goodbye. Bye.

Comments
1. The paper is too conversational and informal.
2. The paper needs a better introduction sentence.
3. There are some good observations here, but the piece is 278 words. I would like 350. Those extra words would have given me more examples to read.
4. The last sentence does not sum up the main lesson of the paragraph.

Early 4th MP grades on HAC

Homework:
Synonyms unit 12
Paragraph due Friday (Chorus trip students: Wednesday night)

**Section 6 has not started the vocab unit yet.  We also have some presentations to do.  They are listed as "excused" on the HAC.**


Today:
We finished the magazine presentations.  I gave them a questionnaire to help them process some of the data the students collected.  Somewhere during the presentations, the students should have found out something interesting. Maybe that moment could be worked into the paragraph that is due Friday.

Here is the paragraph assignment that is due Friday!

Tonight's Homework:
Sections 3, 4, 5, and HB: Pictionaries unit 12
Section 6: Be ready for the magazine presentation.  You saw what is needed today in class!

Paragraph due Friday:
I know some students are going on a trip at the end of this week.  I see no reason that this paragraph can't be completed by then, especially since I said I would be posting this online today.  ** If necessary, e-mail the paragraph to me Wednesday night. **

I have taught you lessons, you have watched the presentations of your classmates, and you have completed the research chart from their data. How do you feel about advertisements now? Write a paragraph of less than 350 words explaining how you have observed some of the following lessons in your own life and/or in your magazine. (I would like this neatly written or typed.)

Ads have a purpose.
    Show new products
    Persuade you to buy
    Change your thoughts to affect your behavior

Why do magazines and TV sell ads?
    To pay for the production of the content.

Why make good content like shows and interesting magazines?
    The more eyeballs you bring, the more money you can charge for ads.

Can you recognize an ad?
    They are still obvious most of the time.
    Product placement in movies and TV shows.
    Some magazine ads look just like the magazine.
    Are you even aware of when you are being sold to?

Where do we get our values from?
    Parents, community, society, church, school, friends?
    Do you get your values from the media: TV, movies, ads?

What is the intention of the magazine?
    To attract eyeballs and make money.
    If they make a product that people want, they can sell the ads space.
    Who is making the decisions for the content of the magazine? Editors.

What is the intention of the advertiser?
    To sell their product.
    Who is making the decisions for the ad content? Someone who knows it will sell product.

Every ad uses identifiable techniques of persuasion.
    The ads usually do not sell the product based on logical reasons.
    The ad techniques are artificial means of persuasion that play on the emotions.

Core Concepts
    1. All media messages are constructed.
    2. Creative techniques are used to attract my attention.
    3. Different people experience the same message differently.
    4. What lifestyles, values, and points of view does the ad show?

Be sure to start your paragraph of with a focusing statement.
Be sure to include transitions.
End the paragraph with a conclusion sentence.
Be sure to have NO GRAMMAR ERRORS!

The magazine presentations are going well

Sections 3, 4, 5, and HB
We did not get through as many presentations as I would have liked, but the ones I heard today were pretty good.  I guess those who did not present get a little extra time to prepare.  That's ok.  Now they know exactly what I am looking for, so I will have high expectations for Monday.

Section 6:
On Monday, I expect them to be done the packet we have been working on in class.  They are to take the questions on the last page of the yellow packet and write down the information.  They should also include lots of pictures to explain what they are trying to say.  Once I see that they have prepared the information, they will present their information to the class to tell us what they found.  (I have explained this assignment thoroughly for the last three days.  Some students are just dragging their feet.)

The magazine project is due tomorrow.

Sections 3, 4, 5, and HB
I told the students to think about the presentation like it is a test.  I have spent 2 1/2 weeks teaching them about advertising using their magazines and TV ads.  Now it is time to show me what you have learned.  The magazine was supposed to be one that they found interesting.  This way, as they learn about the lessons I taught, they can see how advertisers target them in their magazines.  However, too many just brought in any old magazine.  I do not think they got as much out of this as possible.  I do hope their eyes have been opened to a few things that advertisers do to manipulate them.

The magazine presentation should be detailed and organized.  The students should deliver the answers to the questions on this page in order.  I also recommend a poster board so they do not have to flip lots of sheets around.

Section 6
We will work on the projects in class for one more day.  Then they must be done over the weekend.

Media Kits

Homework:
Quiz Unit 11 Thursday
Magazine Presentation due Friday

Today:
We are continuing to study the audience of the magazine.  Unlike the other day where I was asking them to figure out the audience of their magazines, today we went to the computer lab to find out the exact audience of the magazine.  Here is an example from US Weekly.  If you look around, you will see the information the magazine gives to potential advertisers.  The media kit shows the advertisers why their magazine is the best choice for their product. The media kits can go into great detail about the audience.

I expect to hear some of the information from the media kits in the presentations on Friday.

I guess the shortest goal I could say for this part of the media unit is that I want the students to understand that they are an audience and the advertisers craft messages specifically for them.  Those messages appeal to the emotions, not logic.

The application of this knowledge will take place in the next two weeks when they design their own ad campaign, both print and video!