English I College Prep
What's happening....
Thursday, March 12: In today's class students began watching a film to later make an argument about which character is the hero-on-a-journey. Homework: None.
Wednesday, March 11: Today, students read a legend about a character who may or may not have been a hero-on-a-journey. The class discussed how Kayvan was or wasn't a hero. Homework: None
Tuesday, March 10: Student continued to take notes on the qualities of a hero-on-a-journey. Homework: None.
Monday, March 9: After a grammar quiz, students took notes on the archetype of a Hero-on-a-journey. Homework: None.
Friday, March 6: After working with subject-verb agreement, students continued taking notes on Heroes-on-a-journey. Homework: Your myth is due tonight. Be sure to use your grammar sheets to study for Monday's quiz.
Thursday, March 5: Students focused on subject-object pronouns today as based on yesterday's work. Students then started discussing images that represented Heroes-on-a-journey. Homework: Your myth is due on Friday and there will be a grammar quiz on Monday.
Wednesday, March 4: In today's class students worked with grammar. Then, they had time to work on their myth. Homework: Your myth is due on Friday.
Tuesday, March 3: No School
Monday, March 2: Class began with a "check-in" about our names. Students then answered reflection questions for the unit thus far. After this, Mrs. Thibodeau explained the latest assignment in which students will be creating their own explanatory myth. Homework: None
Friday, February 28: After getting used to the new classroom set up, students worked to read another myth and discuss it in relation to the themes present. Students answered multiple choice questions about the myth and they also connected it to the list of motifs. Homework: None
Thursday, February 27: In today's class students worked first with an expert group to discuss their myth, then with their home group to share their myths. Students worked with themes and added to the list of motifs. Homework: None.
Wednesday, February 26: After Word Puzzles, students worked to review the story of "Theseus and the Minotaur" and compare it to "Pyramus and Thisbe." Students used this work for a writing activity, and then finally began reading a self-selected myth. Homework: Make sure your myth is read.
Tuesday, February 25: In today's class discussed Greek mythology in general and made sure the chart about the Greek Gods was complete. Finally, students listened to the story of "Theseus and the Minotaur." Homework: None.
Monday, February 24: Today students worked with their Cornell style notes from last week. Students then reviewed the myth that we read last week. Finally, students started to review the God chart. Homework: None.
Friday, February 14: Today in class, students took notes on "mythology." Students then listened to the myth of "Pyramus and Thisbe." Homework: None. Enjoy your break!
Thursday, February 13: In today's class students worked on competing chart that kept track of the Greek Gods. Homework: None
Wednesday, February 12: Today the class discussed the Scheduling Day after break, and then students had time to "Ketchup and Relish" the fact that they have all of their work done. Some students, after completing their work, chose to use this time to explore the Program of Studies for next year, and to complete their Justification Forms in order to switch levels for classes next year. Homework: None.
Tuesday, February 11: Students demonstrated their knowledge of poetry analysis and essay writing on the second part of the poetry test - the essay portion. This essay is due tonight. Homework: If you did not finish your essay, be sure to finish it at home.
Monday, February 10: In today's class students watched professional and semi-professional poets preform their poems as a way to get ready for sharing their own poetry. Homework: Charge your Chromebook and review your notes on essay writing for tomorrow's Poetry Test, Part II - the Essay.
Friday, February 7: Today, as planned, students took the multiple-choice portion of the Poetry Unit test. Students were reminded that their personal poem is due in class on Monday. However, if they want the poem printed in color, then they need to submit it by Sunday afternoon to Google Classroom. If they don't want it printed in color, they need to submit it by Monday. Also, students are reminded that the essay portion of the test will be on Tuesday of next week. Homework: See above...
Thursday, February 6: In today's class, Mrs. Thibodeau talked about the test. She discussed the set up, writing to analyze poetry, and reminded students about how to read poetry. Students then practiced multiple choice test taking skills with a poem called "Faith." Finally, the class participated in a Kahoot. Homework: Study for the test!
Wednesday, February 5: Due to the commonlit scores, Mrs. Thibodeau gave students the chance for a re-do. She also rearranged the schedule due to her absence. Homework: Work on your poem and study for Friday's test.
Tuesday, February 4: Mrs. Thibodeau was absent. Students should have worked on writing their poems and the commonlit reading. Homework: Be sure the commonlit reading is done.
Monday, February 3: In today's class students continued working at the poetry stations as a means to plan and have their own poetry ready for Friday. Homework: Finish the commonlit reading on Google Classroom for Wednesday's class.
Friday, January 31, 2020: In today's class we started working on poetry stations as a way to start writing our own poetry. Homework: None.
Thursday, January 30, 2020: Commonlit reading work. Homework: None.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020: Sites went live today! Homework: Share your site with someone at home. Homework:
Tuesday, January 28, 2020: In today's class students continued their work from yesterday. Homework:
Again, individual groups are responsible for their own homework tasks based on what still needs to be done.
Monday, January 27, 2020: In today's class students continued to work on their website and/or work on a reading on Commonlit.org. Both the website and the reading are due on Wednesday. Homework: As determined by your group so that your site can go live on Wednesday.
Friday, January 24, 2020: Today, students broke down a poetic analysis using the elements of an essay discussed many times in class (see the poster in the classroom for these items). The analysis is an example of what should be on their personal web page of their group's website. Homework: As determined by the group.
Thursday, January 23, 2020: In today's class, after reviewing the poetic riddle, students worked to create group goals based on suggestions from Mrs. Thibodeau and the rubric, then they worked to accomplish the goals with their group. Homework: Groups can assign homework as they see fit in order to get their web page published. In tomorrow's class, Mrs. Thibodeau will give an example of a good analysis and personal reaction. Students will then have the remainder of class to work on their page. Students are reminded that their site goes live in five (5) school days, that included today, and so they need to be mindful of what needs to be accomplished.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020: After reviewing today's poetic riddle, students went to the library to learn from the librarian how to create a website using the Google platform. Homework: Again, there is no homework from me, but groups should communicate about what needs to be done in order to complete their website on time.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020: In today's class students took notes on pointers about reading poetry as a means to improve their analysis work. The class then reexamined "I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud" creating a theme statement for the work. Finally, students listened to a biography about the poet of the poem and were able to explain how the content of the poem connects to his life. Homework: There is no homework from me, but groups should communicate about the expectations.
Friday, January 17, 2020: Today in class, students were able to share their poems and analysis as based on yesterday's work. Homework: Write a thesis statement for your poem. Have it for class on Tuesday. Enjoy your long weekend!
Thursday, January 16, 2020: Today students learned different techniques to analyze their poem which they then applied. Homework: There is no official homework from me, but groups may assign it as they see fit.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020: In today's class, after Mrs. Thibodeau showed a couple of sample websites from past students, groups were able to plan and begin researching. Homework: This is determined by the groups, but students need to have a copy of their selected poem for each member of the group for tomorrow's class.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020: After discussing the Warm up (song or poem?) the class began to get to know their new group by doing a name game activity and writing an Introduction Poem. Finally, the class reviewed the project sheet and the rubric for the task. Homework: None.
Monday, January 13, 2020: Students began the first steps of the next project, the Poetry Project, by conducting research and writing a letter to Mrs. Thibodeau. This letter will be used to set up new groups and to assign students a poet to study in depth. Homework: None.
Friday, January 10, 2020: Class began with a warm up that asked students to react personally to a poem after determining the meaning. Students then finished working with all of the poems we started with this week and then began to independently annotate a poem to demonstrate understanding and show Mrs. Thibodeau what they "know." Homework: None.
Thursday, January 9, 2020: After the daily warm up, the class continued to work with "The Bells" to identify and understand the concept of the author's purpose. (One class was then able to continue to work with the Dylan lyrics.) Homework: None
Wednesday, January 8, 2020: In today's class students worked to find lyrical devices in the poem "The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe. Students also read the lyrics to two Bob Dylan songs.
Homework: None
Tuesday, January 7, 2020: Class began with a Warm up about symbolism. Students then worked to find examples of poetic devices in a poem read yesterday. Homework: Watch the video posted on Google Classroom and respond to the questions there.
Monday, January 6, 2020: Class began with a quiz that was followed by work to prepare for the unit which included, cleaning out folders, looking at the Warm up and Exit sheets, as well as the syllabus. Finally, students responded to the Essential Questions of the unit. Homework: None.
Friday, January 3, 2020: After a Kahoot, the class reviewed the definitions of each item on yesterday's handout. Students then discussed poetry and finally, responded to two exit questions. Homework: None. Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, January 2, 2020: As a way to ease back into school work, students worked on completing a handout with literary terms associated with poetry. Students needed to craft definitions for each item, after researching, and then find examples of the item using modern song lyrics. Homework: Finish the handout as needed.
Friday, December 20: Today students reflected on their work habits during the completion of the research paper. The class then played Pictionary. Homework: None! Enjoy the break! (Again, this is presuming that your research paper has been handed in.)
Thursday, December 19: In today's class students had the opportunity to finish working on their paper. Homework: None, presuming your research paper is completed and submitted.
Wednesday, December 18: Today's class was a complete work day for students to craft and draft their research paper. There were no mini-lessons, just reminders about format for completing the paper. Mrs. Thibodeau answered students' specific questions during the seven minutes of talk time during our 7 and 7 work, like yesterday. Many found success with this. Homework: Papers are due at the end of class tomorrow so work tonight as you see fit. As a reminder, on Friday students will respond to a survey and answer some reflection questions. Students will need their Chromebooks charged and ready to go!
Tuesday, December 17: After a discussion about ways to write, techniques to use, students had time to review various parts of their research paper for editing. Mrs. Thibodeau also reviewed conclusion paragraphs, then giving time for students to craft and draft. The class worked in a 7 and 7 (seven minutes silent followed by seven minutes talking) as a way to focus their ideas. Homework: Like yesterday, while there is no official homework, students are encouraged to spend time working on their paper so it can be handed in on Thursday.
Monday, December 16: In today's class Mrs. Thibodeau did two brief mini-lessons for students to use while peer-editing their classmates' research paper. Students were then given time to edit and revise and/or continue working on their paper. Please be advised: tomorrow will be the same, Wednesday will be a full work day, and the paper will be due on Thursday. Homework: While there is no official homework where students must complete "X," students are encouraged to spend time (20 minutes or so) working on their paper.
Friday, December 13: Class began with a "tell me something good about your family or friends." Students then made observations about a research paper Mrs. Thibodeau started in class yesterday. After this review students set their goals and had time to work. Before class ended, as has been happening all week, students then wrote about their successes in class. Homework: Make sure you have at least an introduction paragraph and one body paragraph for Monday. Also consider having your other topic sentences. This should be easy to do as you already have the research.
Thursday, December 12: Today, after a review of a sample Works Cited page, students were able to make improvements and to then use the time as they saw fit. Many fixed their Works Cited page, then did research using the resources on their Works Cited page. Some students found that they needed to add resources to that page, or remove sources they were not going to use. Homework: Work on materials you may owe. If you'd like, you may continue your research or start your draft.
Wednesday, December 11: In today's class students made observations about Works Cited pages in order to improve theirs. Students also learned about creating goals for their daily goal sheet and students had time to work on tasks for their research paper. Homework: The outline for your paper, in any form (done or otherwise) is due tonight.
Tuesday, November 26: In today's class students brainstormed possible resources for their research paper, discussed different source types, and learned more about "credible" sources. Finally, students took a Kahoot. Homework: None. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe break.
Monday, November 25: Class began with new seats for success and a review of the class rules for the new trimester. Students then reviewed the project sheet for the research paper. Homework: Have someone at home sign the project sheet.
Friday, November 22: Today students were able to fix their thesis statements with their groups. Homework: None.
Thursday, November 21: After a review of thesis statements, the class looked at research paper thesis and found they were similar to literary analysis thesis. Students then went through the process of turning their research question into a working thesis statement for their research. (E block had a little more work due to yesterday's shortened class.) Homework: None.
Wednesday, November 20: In today's class we discussed objective and subjective statements as a means to discuss how to pick resources for the upcoming research project. Homework: Continue to think about your research question.
Tuesday, November 19: After a review of good research questions, students critiqued others questions as a means to learn about questioning and improve their own. Homework: None. (Or one-pager if you are selecting to do this.)
Monday, November 18: In today's class, students began to learn about questioning for a research paper. Homework: Finish your one-pager and write three research questions.
Friday, November 15: Mrs. Thibodeau was out today so students worked on a One-Pager assignment. The instructions were in the classroom and they are on Google Classroom. Homework: Finish the one-pager for Tuesday.
Thursday, November 14: Today was test day!
Wednesday, November 13: As a means to prepare for tomorrow's test, students worked to brainstorm elements of essays, and students read their past reflections to help improve their writing. Homework: Study your notes for tomorrow's test and get any late work in by Friday.
Tuesday, November 12: In today's class, students looked over their notes and added to them. The students then used the notes to participate in a Kahoot as a means to prepare for Thursday's test. Homework: Study your notes and get any late work in by Friday.
Monday, November 11: No School ~ Veterans' Day
Friday, November 8: In today's class students took notes on theme and practiced with the concept. Homework: All late work is due by Friday.
Thursday, November 7: The class continued yesterday's work by using what they learned and rewriting their "Lather and Nothing Else" response. Homework: All work is due by Friday.
Wednesday, November 6: During today's Writing Wednesday, students spent time with their groups discussing essay writing using a past quiz to guide them. They then analyzed essays independently and discussed them with their group. Finally, students reflected on essay writing for their future essays. Homework: None.
Tuesday, November 5: No School. Election Day.
Monday, November 4: Students read the short story "Lather and Nothing Else" with their able, discussing and answering both the comprehension questions and the assessment questions. Students then discussed the purpose of the point of view in the story. Homework: Finish the paragraph you started on Friday.
Friday, November 1: Today was spent primarily working on the assigned analysis essay on Google Classroom. Homework: Finish your work for Monday.
Thursday, October 31: In today's class we continued to review student essays as a means to improve our own writing. Students then wrote reflections about their learning. (D Block was a able to take a learning quiz and to read the instructions for the next task. E Block was not.) Homework: None, enjoy your evening.
Wednesday, October 30: After reviewing the qualities of a good essay, students worked to analyze essays for their quality. Homework: None
Tuesday. October 29: Students reviewed the notes on symbol and then they worked to identify symbols in the short stories that we read. Homework: None.
Monday, October 28: In today's class, students took notes on "symbol" for understanding of it as a literary element. Homework: None unless you owe me something.
Friday, October 25: Class began with notes on the purpose of literary elements. Students then worked to explain the purpose of elements that were identified yesterday. Homework: None, unless you owe me something.
Thursday, October 24: After a class discussion of the short story "Ruthless" students worked to identify elements of literature in the work. Homework: None, unless you owe me something.
Wednesday, October 23: In today's class students had the opportunity to "Ketchup and Relish." This time was designed for students to catch up on any work or to improve work to relish their accomplishments! Homework: None, unless you owe me something still.
Please remember, Mrs. Thibodeau will be out on Monday and Tuesday. All work is on Google Classroom.
Friday, October 18: After reviewing sample essays, students had the opportunity to rewrite their "Ruthless" essay on Google Classroom. Remember that you need to score your essay and explain why. Homework: Assuming your essay is done, there is no homework.
Thursday, October 17: In class students worked to understand the writing standards from the state of MA and then worked to evaluate sample student essays. Homework: None (However, if you didn't finish your essays you should work on that.)
Wednesday, October 16: Students worked on Analyzing the body paragraphs of their essay and then submitting it on Goggle Classroom. Homework: Work on essay as needed.
Tuesday, October 15: In today's class students discussed the concept of "academic discussion" and then worked to participate in one for "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "Ruthless." This work was followed by a reflection. Homework: Your essay is due tomorrow. Please also make sure to have all your commonlit.org work done.
Friday, October 11: Today in class, students were given time to finish reading "Lamb to the Slaughter" and to connect it to the short story "Ruthless." Homework: Edit your essay to hand in for Wednesday.
Thursday, October 10: Students took notes on how to write an introduction paragraph and body paragraphs for an analytical essay. Mrs. Thibodeau also reviewed how to use Google Calendar was a way to help students become independent and responsible for their own classwork. Homework: Now that you have some details on essay writing, edit your essay for a final draft for next Wednesday.
Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9: Mrs. Thibodeau was out these two days. During her absence students were to work on reading a short story and an article on commonlit.org. All instructions for the work that went with the story are on Google Classroom. If students completed this work, they were to work on their essay which is due on Thursday. Homework: As deemed by students.
Monday, October 7: The class reviewed the short story and continued reading it. Homework: Draft an essay for Thursday. Remember, do whatever you would have done last year. We will take notes on how to "fix" it for high school.
Friday, October 4: Class began with notes on irony and then the class began reading the short story "Lamb to the Slaughter." Homework: Draft an essay for Thursday.
Thursday, October 3: After a riddle and a review of essays, students set out to draft their first English High School Essay and Grading Conferences continued. Homework: Draft an essay for Thursday.
Wednesday, October 2: Today, students worked to analyze thesis statements as a means to improve their own. Grading Conferences began today. Homework: None.
Tuesday, October 1: In today's class, students took notes on "mood" and "tone" along with some examples as a means to remember them. Homework: None.
Monday, September 29: After asking "Stupid Questions" the class reviewed setting for each of the short stories. Homework: None.
Friday, September 27: Students continued to work with setting by identifying examples of the setting in each short story. Homework: D Block: Read "Desiree's Baby" for a quiz on Monday. E Block: None. Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, September 26: In today's class students finished their work with thesis statements by writing a thesis for a short story of their choice about character. Then, students worked to find incidents of setting in both short stories. Homework: None. Enjoy the nice day.
Wednesday, September 25: During today's Writing Wednesday class, students took notes on thesis statements and analyzed good thesis statements as a means to learn how to write their own.
Homework: Make sure you've submitted your character's "Instagram Account," and have your other short story read and annotated for setting. (Purpose: to practice analysis independently.)
Tuesday, September 24: After a review of the Instagram Project rubric, students practiced highlighting/annotating skills using an article about the element of literature, setting. Students then had time to work on one of the two homework tasks. (Instagram or reading) Homework: Complete your character's "Instagram Account" for Wednesday. Remember, you are not retelling the story. Instead, your character's account should reflect the adjectives you used to describe them. AND, for Thursday, have the short story read and annotated for setting. If you have misplaced your story, go to the drop down menu under English IH and click on Literature. Both stories are listed there. (Purpose: to practice analysis independently and to be prepared for Wednesday's class.)
Monday, September 23: Today's class began with a warm up that had students characterize their selected character with adjectives. Students were then directed to the posted Google Classroom assignment under Classwork. Homework: Complete your character's "Instagram Account" for Wednesday. Remember, you are not retelling the story. Instead, your character's account should reflect the adjectives you used to describe them. (Purpose: to practice analysis independently and to be prepared for Wednesday's class.)
Friday, September 20: The class started with a quick review of the stories and was followed by students working to complete a STEAL chart (analysis of a character). Homework: Finish the STEAL chart for Monday. (Purpose: to practice character analysis and be ready for next week.)
Thursday, September 19: After finishing with the notes from Writing Wednesday, students practiced identifying sentence structures. Students then had time to discuss their short story, to make sure that they understood it, so we can start working with it tomorrow. Homework: None
Wednesday, September 18: Today was our first Writing Wednesday. After working with quotes from around the world and a discussion protocol, students took notes on clauses and the structures of a sentence. Homework: Read your selected short story, "The Sniper" or "Desiree's Baby," and annotate for characterization of a selected character. (Purpose: to practice identifying characterization independently and to be prepared for Thursday's class.)
Tuesday, September 17: In today's class, students took notes on characterization and practiced characterizing someone based on the elements of indirect characterization. Homework: Read your selected short story, "The Sniper" or "Desiree's Baby," and annotate for characterization of a selected character. This is due on Thursday as tomorrow is our first Writing Wednesday. (Purpose: to practice identifying characterization independently and to be prepared for Thursday's class.)
Monday, September 16: Mrs. Thibodeau talked about the class contents for the week ahead, then the class discussed the purpose of discussions. The class then practiced having a discussion using the social media article from last week. Finally, students reflected on their involvement in the conversation and their goals for the week ahead. Homework: None.
Friday, September 13: Today's class began with a "Tell Me Something Good" check-in and it continued with the ELA pretest. Homework: There is no homework for this weekend. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 12: After logging into various websites today for future use, including tomorrow, we didn't have enough time for our discussion. So... If you didn't do the homework last night, you have extra time! Remember, we will start class with the pretest tomorrow. Homework: None, if you finished reading the article. If you didn't, please remember to read it for the Four "A"s: 1. the Assumptions the author makes, 2. the things you Agree with, 3. the things you want to Argue with (disagree), and 4. the things, as based on the article, you want to Act upon (you aspire to).
Wednesday, September 11: In today's class, students discussed various aspects of reading and discussing literature, including levels of reading, inferences, and questioning. Students practiced reading for a discussion with an article on social media. Homework: None, if you finished reading the article. If you didn't, please remember to read it for the Four "A"s: 1. the Assumptions the author makes, 2. the things you Agree with, 3. the things you want to Argue with (disagree), and 4. the things, as based on the article, you want to Act upon (you aspire to).
Tuesday, September 10: Today's class was spent "unpacking" the grade 9-10 ELA standards so that students can use them and consider them while they are learning. Homework: None.
Monday, September 9: After wrapping up our mindset work, students worked on goals and inspiration, setting up their binder, and looking at the standards, which we will continue with tomorrow. Homework: Finish whatever wasn't finished in class today as a means to be prepared for tomorrow's class. (E block did not get the standards yet, so their focus should be on their inspiration and binder.)
Friday, September 6: In today's class, students reviewed the Code of Conduct, discussed consequences, and then signed the code. The class then discussed the various types of mindset and how they can impact a person. Homework: None. Have an awesome weekend!
Thursday, September 5: After discussing how we each can contribute to society and reviewing the behaviors that were created yesterday, students worked to further create our Code of Conduct through class discussion. Homework: None. HOWEVER, if your video is not done or your letter is not signed, please get those things done. Thank you!!
Wednesday, September 4: In today's class students began to consider the importance of rules and began to craft a classroom Code of Conduct. Homework: None. HOWEVER, if your video is not done or your letter is not signed, please get those things done. Thank you!!
Tuesday, September 3: Today in class we worked with communication. Homework: Finish your FlipGrid video as needed as a means for Mrs. Thibodeau to learn more about you and the web page for future classroom use.
Thursday, August 29: Today in class scholars received the Welcome Letter to learn more about the class and the expectations. Homework: Have the Welcome Letter signed.
Wednesday, March 11: Today, students read a legend about a character who may or may not have been a hero-on-a-journey. The class discussed how Kayvan was or wasn't a hero. Homework: None
Tuesday, March 10: Student continued to take notes on the qualities of a hero-on-a-journey. Homework: None.
Monday, March 9: After a grammar quiz, students took notes on the archetype of a Hero-on-a-journey. Homework: None.
Friday, March 6: After working with subject-verb agreement, students continued taking notes on Heroes-on-a-journey. Homework: Your myth is due tonight. Be sure to use your grammar sheets to study for Monday's quiz.
Thursday, March 5: Students focused on subject-object pronouns today as based on yesterday's work. Students then started discussing images that represented Heroes-on-a-journey. Homework: Your myth is due on Friday and there will be a grammar quiz on Monday.
Wednesday, March 4: In today's class students worked with grammar. Then, they had time to work on their myth. Homework: Your myth is due on Friday.
Tuesday, March 3: No School
Monday, March 2: Class began with a "check-in" about our names. Students then answered reflection questions for the unit thus far. After this, Mrs. Thibodeau explained the latest assignment in which students will be creating their own explanatory myth. Homework: None
Friday, February 28: After getting used to the new classroom set up, students worked to read another myth and discuss it in relation to the themes present. Students answered multiple choice questions about the myth and they also connected it to the list of motifs. Homework: None
Thursday, February 27: In today's class students worked first with an expert group to discuss their myth, then with their home group to share their myths. Students worked with themes and added to the list of motifs. Homework: None.
Wednesday, February 26: After Word Puzzles, students worked to review the story of "Theseus and the Minotaur" and compare it to "Pyramus and Thisbe." Students used this work for a writing activity, and then finally began reading a self-selected myth. Homework: Make sure your myth is read.
Tuesday, February 25: In today's class discussed Greek mythology in general and made sure the chart about the Greek Gods was complete. Finally, students listened to the story of "Theseus and the Minotaur." Homework: None.
Monday, February 24: Today students worked with their Cornell style notes from last week. Students then reviewed the myth that we read last week. Finally, students started to review the God chart. Homework: None.
Friday, February 14: Today in class, students took notes on "mythology." Students then listened to the myth of "Pyramus and Thisbe." Homework: None. Enjoy your break!
Thursday, February 13: In today's class students worked on competing chart that kept track of the Greek Gods. Homework: None
Wednesday, February 12: Today the class discussed the Scheduling Day after break, and then students had time to "Ketchup and Relish" the fact that they have all of their work done. Some students, after completing their work, chose to use this time to explore the Program of Studies for next year, and to complete their Justification Forms in order to switch levels for classes next year. Homework: None.
Tuesday, February 11: Students demonstrated their knowledge of poetry analysis and essay writing on the second part of the poetry test - the essay portion. This essay is due tonight. Homework: If you did not finish your essay, be sure to finish it at home.
Monday, February 10: In today's class students watched professional and semi-professional poets preform their poems as a way to get ready for sharing their own poetry. Homework: Charge your Chromebook and review your notes on essay writing for tomorrow's Poetry Test, Part II - the Essay.
Friday, February 7: Today, as planned, students took the multiple-choice portion of the Poetry Unit test. Students were reminded that their personal poem is due in class on Monday. However, if they want the poem printed in color, then they need to submit it by Sunday afternoon to Google Classroom. If they don't want it printed in color, they need to submit it by Monday. Also, students are reminded that the essay portion of the test will be on Tuesday of next week. Homework: See above...
Thursday, February 6: In today's class, Mrs. Thibodeau talked about the test. She discussed the set up, writing to analyze poetry, and reminded students about how to read poetry. Students then practiced multiple choice test taking skills with a poem called "Faith." Finally, the class participated in a Kahoot. Homework: Study for the test!
Wednesday, February 5: Due to the commonlit scores, Mrs. Thibodeau gave students the chance for a re-do. She also rearranged the schedule due to her absence. Homework: Work on your poem and study for Friday's test.
Tuesday, February 4: Mrs. Thibodeau was absent. Students should have worked on writing their poems and the commonlit reading. Homework: Be sure the commonlit reading is done.
Monday, February 3: In today's class students continued working at the poetry stations as a means to plan and have their own poetry ready for Friday. Homework: Finish the commonlit reading on Google Classroom for Wednesday's class.
Friday, January 31, 2020: In today's class we started working on poetry stations as a way to start writing our own poetry. Homework: None.
Thursday, January 30, 2020: Commonlit reading work. Homework: None.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020: Sites went live today! Homework: Share your site with someone at home. Homework:
Tuesday, January 28, 2020: In today's class students continued their work from yesterday. Homework:
Again, individual groups are responsible for their own homework tasks based on what still needs to be done.
Monday, January 27, 2020: In today's class students continued to work on their website and/or work on a reading on Commonlit.org. Both the website and the reading are due on Wednesday. Homework: As determined by your group so that your site can go live on Wednesday.
Friday, January 24, 2020: Today, students broke down a poetic analysis using the elements of an essay discussed many times in class (see the poster in the classroom for these items). The analysis is an example of what should be on their personal web page of their group's website. Homework: As determined by the group.
Thursday, January 23, 2020: In today's class, after reviewing the poetic riddle, students worked to create group goals based on suggestions from Mrs. Thibodeau and the rubric, then they worked to accomplish the goals with their group. Homework: Groups can assign homework as they see fit in order to get their web page published. In tomorrow's class, Mrs. Thibodeau will give an example of a good analysis and personal reaction. Students will then have the remainder of class to work on their page. Students are reminded that their site goes live in five (5) school days, that included today, and so they need to be mindful of what needs to be accomplished.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020: After reviewing today's poetic riddle, students went to the library to learn from the librarian how to create a website using the Google platform. Homework: Again, there is no homework from me, but groups should communicate about what needs to be done in order to complete their website on time.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020: In today's class students took notes on pointers about reading poetry as a means to improve their analysis work. The class then reexamined "I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud" creating a theme statement for the work. Finally, students listened to a biography about the poet of the poem and were able to explain how the content of the poem connects to his life. Homework: There is no homework from me, but groups should communicate about the expectations.
Friday, January 17, 2020: Today in class, students were able to share their poems and analysis as based on yesterday's work. Homework: Write a thesis statement for your poem. Have it for class on Tuesday. Enjoy your long weekend!
Thursday, January 16, 2020: Today students learned different techniques to analyze their poem which they then applied. Homework: There is no official homework from me, but groups may assign it as they see fit.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020: In today's class, after Mrs. Thibodeau showed a couple of sample websites from past students, groups were able to plan and begin researching. Homework: This is determined by the groups, but students need to have a copy of their selected poem for each member of the group for tomorrow's class.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020: After discussing the Warm up (song or poem?) the class began to get to know their new group by doing a name game activity and writing an Introduction Poem. Finally, the class reviewed the project sheet and the rubric for the task. Homework: None.
Monday, January 13, 2020: Students began the first steps of the next project, the Poetry Project, by conducting research and writing a letter to Mrs. Thibodeau. This letter will be used to set up new groups and to assign students a poet to study in depth. Homework: None.
Friday, January 10, 2020: Class began with a warm up that asked students to react personally to a poem after determining the meaning. Students then finished working with all of the poems we started with this week and then began to independently annotate a poem to demonstrate understanding and show Mrs. Thibodeau what they "know." Homework: None.
Thursday, January 9, 2020: After the daily warm up, the class continued to work with "The Bells" to identify and understand the concept of the author's purpose. (One class was then able to continue to work with the Dylan lyrics.) Homework: None
Wednesday, January 8, 2020: In today's class students worked to find lyrical devices in the poem "The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe. Students also read the lyrics to two Bob Dylan songs.
Homework: None
Tuesday, January 7, 2020: Class began with a Warm up about symbolism. Students then worked to find examples of poetic devices in a poem read yesterday. Homework: Watch the video posted on Google Classroom and respond to the questions there.
Monday, January 6, 2020: Class began with a quiz that was followed by work to prepare for the unit which included, cleaning out folders, looking at the Warm up and Exit sheets, as well as the syllabus. Finally, students responded to the Essential Questions of the unit. Homework: None.
Friday, January 3, 2020: After a Kahoot, the class reviewed the definitions of each item on yesterday's handout. Students then discussed poetry and finally, responded to two exit questions. Homework: None. Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, January 2, 2020: As a way to ease back into school work, students worked on completing a handout with literary terms associated with poetry. Students needed to craft definitions for each item, after researching, and then find examples of the item using modern song lyrics. Homework: Finish the handout as needed.
Friday, December 20: Today students reflected on their work habits during the completion of the research paper. The class then played Pictionary. Homework: None! Enjoy the break! (Again, this is presuming that your research paper has been handed in.)
Thursday, December 19: In today's class students had the opportunity to finish working on their paper. Homework: None, presuming your research paper is completed and submitted.
Wednesday, December 18: Today's class was a complete work day for students to craft and draft their research paper. There were no mini-lessons, just reminders about format for completing the paper. Mrs. Thibodeau answered students' specific questions during the seven minutes of talk time during our 7 and 7 work, like yesterday. Many found success with this. Homework: Papers are due at the end of class tomorrow so work tonight as you see fit. As a reminder, on Friday students will respond to a survey and answer some reflection questions. Students will need their Chromebooks charged and ready to go!
Tuesday, December 17: After a discussion about ways to write, techniques to use, students had time to review various parts of their research paper for editing. Mrs. Thibodeau also reviewed conclusion paragraphs, then giving time for students to craft and draft. The class worked in a 7 and 7 (seven minutes silent followed by seven minutes talking) as a way to focus their ideas. Homework: Like yesterday, while there is no official homework, students are encouraged to spend time working on their paper so it can be handed in on Thursday.
Monday, December 16: In today's class Mrs. Thibodeau did two brief mini-lessons for students to use while peer-editing their classmates' research paper. Students were then given time to edit and revise and/or continue working on their paper. Please be advised: tomorrow will be the same, Wednesday will be a full work day, and the paper will be due on Thursday. Homework: While there is no official homework where students must complete "X," students are encouraged to spend time (20 minutes or so) working on their paper.
Friday, December 13: Class began with a "tell me something good about your family or friends." Students then made observations about a research paper Mrs. Thibodeau started in class yesterday. After this review students set their goals and had time to work. Before class ended, as has been happening all week, students then wrote about their successes in class. Homework: Make sure you have at least an introduction paragraph and one body paragraph for Monday. Also consider having your other topic sentences. This should be easy to do as you already have the research.
Thursday, December 12: Today, after a review of a sample Works Cited page, students were able to make improvements and to then use the time as they saw fit. Many fixed their Works Cited page, then did research using the resources on their Works Cited page. Some students found that they needed to add resources to that page, or remove sources they were not going to use. Homework: Work on materials you may owe. If you'd like, you may continue your research or start your draft.
Wednesday, December 11: In today's class students made observations about Works Cited pages in order to improve theirs. Students also learned about creating goals for their daily goal sheet and students had time to work on tasks for their research paper. Homework: The outline for your paper, in any form (done or otherwise) is due tonight.
Tuesday, November 26: In today's class students brainstormed possible resources for their research paper, discussed different source types, and learned more about "credible" sources. Finally, students took a Kahoot. Homework: None. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe break.
Monday, November 25: Class began with new seats for success and a review of the class rules for the new trimester. Students then reviewed the project sheet for the research paper. Homework: Have someone at home sign the project sheet.
Friday, November 22: Today students were able to fix their thesis statements with their groups. Homework: None.
Thursday, November 21: After a review of thesis statements, the class looked at research paper thesis and found they were similar to literary analysis thesis. Students then went through the process of turning their research question into a working thesis statement for their research. (E block had a little more work due to yesterday's shortened class.) Homework: None.
Wednesday, November 20: In today's class we discussed objective and subjective statements as a means to discuss how to pick resources for the upcoming research project. Homework: Continue to think about your research question.
Tuesday, November 19: After a review of good research questions, students critiqued others questions as a means to learn about questioning and improve their own. Homework: None. (Or one-pager if you are selecting to do this.)
Monday, November 18: In today's class, students began to learn about questioning for a research paper. Homework: Finish your one-pager and write three research questions.
Friday, November 15: Mrs. Thibodeau was out today so students worked on a One-Pager assignment. The instructions were in the classroom and they are on Google Classroom. Homework: Finish the one-pager for Tuesday.
Thursday, November 14: Today was test day!
Wednesday, November 13: As a means to prepare for tomorrow's test, students worked to brainstorm elements of essays, and students read their past reflections to help improve their writing. Homework: Study your notes for tomorrow's test and get any late work in by Friday.
Tuesday, November 12: In today's class, students looked over their notes and added to them. The students then used the notes to participate in a Kahoot as a means to prepare for Thursday's test. Homework: Study your notes and get any late work in by Friday.
Monday, November 11: No School ~ Veterans' Day
Friday, November 8: In today's class students took notes on theme and practiced with the concept. Homework: All late work is due by Friday.
Thursday, November 7: The class continued yesterday's work by using what they learned and rewriting their "Lather and Nothing Else" response. Homework: All work is due by Friday.
Wednesday, November 6: During today's Writing Wednesday, students spent time with their groups discussing essay writing using a past quiz to guide them. They then analyzed essays independently and discussed them with their group. Finally, students reflected on essay writing for their future essays. Homework: None.
Tuesday, November 5: No School. Election Day.
Monday, November 4: Students read the short story "Lather and Nothing Else" with their able, discussing and answering both the comprehension questions and the assessment questions. Students then discussed the purpose of the point of view in the story. Homework: Finish the paragraph you started on Friday.
Friday, November 1: Today was spent primarily working on the assigned analysis essay on Google Classroom. Homework: Finish your work for Monday.
Thursday, October 31: In today's class we continued to review student essays as a means to improve our own writing. Students then wrote reflections about their learning. (D Block was a able to take a learning quiz and to read the instructions for the next task. E Block was not.) Homework: None, enjoy your evening.
Wednesday, October 30: After reviewing the qualities of a good essay, students worked to analyze essays for their quality. Homework: None
Tuesday. October 29: Students reviewed the notes on symbol and then they worked to identify symbols in the short stories that we read. Homework: None.
Monday, October 28: In today's class, students took notes on "symbol" for understanding of it as a literary element. Homework: None unless you owe me something.
Friday, October 25: Class began with notes on the purpose of literary elements. Students then worked to explain the purpose of elements that were identified yesterday. Homework: None, unless you owe me something.
Thursday, October 24: After a class discussion of the short story "Ruthless" students worked to identify elements of literature in the work. Homework: None, unless you owe me something.
Wednesday, October 23: In today's class students had the opportunity to "Ketchup and Relish." This time was designed for students to catch up on any work or to improve work to relish their accomplishments! Homework: None, unless you owe me something still.
Please remember, Mrs. Thibodeau will be out on Monday and Tuesday. All work is on Google Classroom.
Friday, October 18: After reviewing sample essays, students had the opportunity to rewrite their "Ruthless" essay on Google Classroom. Remember that you need to score your essay and explain why. Homework: Assuming your essay is done, there is no homework.
Thursday, October 17: In class students worked to understand the writing standards from the state of MA and then worked to evaluate sample student essays. Homework: None (However, if you didn't finish your essays you should work on that.)
Wednesday, October 16: Students worked on Analyzing the body paragraphs of their essay and then submitting it on Goggle Classroom. Homework: Work on essay as needed.
Tuesday, October 15: In today's class students discussed the concept of "academic discussion" and then worked to participate in one for "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "Ruthless." This work was followed by a reflection. Homework: Your essay is due tomorrow. Please also make sure to have all your commonlit.org work done.
Friday, October 11: Today in class, students were given time to finish reading "Lamb to the Slaughter" and to connect it to the short story "Ruthless." Homework: Edit your essay to hand in for Wednesday.
Thursday, October 10: Students took notes on how to write an introduction paragraph and body paragraphs for an analytical essay. Mrs. Thibodeau also reviewed how to use Google Calendar was a way to help students become independent and responsible for their own classwork. Homework: Now that you have some details on essay writing, edit your essay for a final draft for next Wednesday.
Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9: Mrs. Thibodeau was out these two days. During her absence students were to work on reading a short story and an article on commonlit.org. All instructions for the work that went with the story are on Google Classroom. If students completed this work, they were to work on their essay which is due on Thursday. Homework: As deemed by students.
Monday, October 7: The class reviewed the short story and continued reading it. Homework: Draft an essay for Thursday. Remember, do whatever you would have done last year. We will take notes on how to "fix" it for high school.
Friday, October 4: Class began with notes on irony and then the class began reading the short story "Lamb to the Slaughter." Homework: Draft an essay for Thursday.
Thursday, October 3: After a riddle and a review of essays, students set out to draft their first English High School Essay and Grading Conferences continued. Homework: Draft an essay for Thursday.
Wednesday, October 2: Today, students worked to analyze thesis statements as a means to improve their own. Grading Conferences began today. Homework: None.
Tuesday, October 1: In today's class, students took notes on "mood" and "tone" along with some examples as a means to remember them. Homework: None.
Monday, September 29: After asking "Stupid Questions" the class reviewed setting for each of the short stories. Homework: None.
Friday, September 27: Students continued to work with setting by identifying examples of the setting in each short story. Homework: D Block: Read "Desiree's Baby" for a quiz on Monday. E Block: None. Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, September 26: In today's class students finished their work with thesis statements by writing a thesis for a short story of their choice about character. Then, students worked to find incidents of setting in both short stories. Homework: None. Enjoy the nice day.
Wednesday, September 25: During today's Writing Wednesday class, students took notes on thesis statements and analyzed good thesis statements as a means to learn how to write their own.
Homework: Make sure you've submitted your character's "Instagram Account," and have your other short story read and annotated for setting. (Purpose: to practice analysis independently.)
Tuesday, September 24: After a review of the Instagram Project rubric, students practiced highlighting/annotating skills using an article about the element of literature, setting. Students then had time to work on one of the two homework tasks. (Instagram or reading) Homework: Complete your character's "Instagram Account" for Wednesday. Remember, you are not retelling the story. Instead, your character's account should reflect the adjectives you used to describe them. AND, for Thursday, have the short story read and annotated for setting. If you have misplaced your story, go to the drop down menu under English IH and click on Literature. Both stories are listed there. (Purpose: to practice analysis independently and to be prepared for Wednesday's class.)
Monday, September 23: Today's class began with a warm up that had students characterize their selected character with adjectives. Students were then directed to the posted Google Classroom assignment under Classwork. Homework: Complete your character's "Instagram Account" for Wednesday. Remember, you are not retelling the story. Instead, your character's account should reflect the adjectives you used to describe them. (Purpose: to practice analysis independently and to be prepared for Wednesday's class.)
Friday, September 20: The class started with a quick review of the stories and was followed by students working to complete a STEAL chart (analysis of a character). Homework: Finish the STEAL chart for Monday. (Purpose: to practice character analysis and be ready for next week.)
Thursday, September 19: After finishing with the notes from Writing Wednesday, students practiced identifying sentence structures. Students then had time to discuss their short story, to make sure that they understood it, so we can start working with it tomorrow. Homework: None
Wednesday, September 18: Today was our first Writing Wednesday. After working with quotes from around the world and a discussion protocol, students took notes on clauses and the structures of a sentence. Homework: Read your selected short story, "The Sniper" or "Desiree's Baby," and annotate for characterization of a selected character. (Purpose: to practice identifying characterization independently and to be prepared for Thursday's class.)
Tuesday, September 17: In today's class, students took notes on characterization and practiced characterizing someone based on the elements of indirect characterization. Homework: Read your selected short story, "The Sniper" or "Desiree's Baby," and annotate for characterization of a selected character. This is due on Thursday as tomorrow is our first Writing Wednesday. (Purpose: to practice identifying characterization independently and to be prepared for Thursday's class.)
Monday, September 16: Mrs. Thibodeau talked about the class contents for the week ahead, then the class discussed the purpose of discussions. The class then practiced having a discussion using the social media article from last week. Finally, students reflected on their involvement in the conversation and their goals for the week ahead. Homework: None.
Friday, September 13: Today's class began with a "Tell Me Something Good" check-in and it continued with the ELA pretest. Homework: There is no homework for this weekend. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 12: After logging into various websites today for future use, including tomorrow, we didn't have enough time for our discussion. So... If you didn't do the homework last night, you have extra time! Remember, we will start class with the pretest tomorrow. Homework: None, if you finished reading the article. If you didn't, please remember to read it for the Four "A"s: 1. the Assumptions the author makes, 2. the things you Agree with, 3. the things you want to Argue with (disagree), and 4. the things, as based on the article, you want to Act upon (you aspire to).
Wednesday, September 11: In today's class, students discussed various aspects of reading and discussing literature, including levels of reading, inferences, and questioning. Students practiced reading for a discussion with an article on social media. Homework: None, if you finished reading the article. If you didn't, please remember to read it for the Four "A"s: 1. the Assumptions the author makes, 2. the things you Agree with, 3. the things you want to Argue with (disagree), and 4. the things, as based on the article, you want to Act upon (you aspire to).
Tuesday, September 10: Today's class was spent "unpacking" the grade 9-10 ELA standards so that students can use them and consider them while they are learning. Homework: None.
Monday, September 9: After wrapping up our mindset work, students worked on goals and inspiration, setting up their binder, and looking at the standards, which we will continue with tomorrow. Homework: Finish whatever wasn't finished in class today as a means to be prepared for tomorrow's class. (E block did not get the standards yet, so their focus should be on their inspiration and binder.)
Friday, September 6: In today's class, students reviewed the Code of Conduct, discussed consequences, and then signed the code. The class then discussed the various types of mindset and how they can impact a person. Homework: None. Have an awesome weekend!
Thursday, September 5: After discussing how we each can contribute to society and reviewing the behaviors that were created yesterday, students worked to further create our Code of Conduct through class discussion. Homework: None. HOWEVER, if your video is not done or your letter is not signed, please get those things done. Thank you!!
Wednesday, September 4: In today's class students began to consider the importance of rules and began to craft a classroom Code of Conduct. Homework: None. HOWEVER, if your video is not done or your letter is not signed, please get those things done. Thank you!!
Tuesday, September 3: Today in class we worked with communication. Homework: Finish your FlipGrid video as needed as a means for Mrs. Thibodeau to learn more about you and the web page for future classroom use.
Thursday, August 29: Today in class scholars received the Welcome Letter to learn more about the class and the expectations. Homework: Have the Welcome Letter signed.