Day 140: April 6, 2015
1. Today students finally moved beyond the research project and started our final novel.
2. Students took some time to answer some peer questions about murder and justice.
3. Many great debates were had...we'll continue the conversation tomorrow.
2. Students took some time to answer some peer questions about murder and justice.
3. Many great debates were had...we'll continue the conversation tomorrow.
Day 126-139: March 16-April 2, 2015
1. Students spend the first few days this week piecing together outlines for their final papers.
2. On Wednesday, we advanced to the drafting stage as students started assembling the final product.
3. Just another week or two to go on research before the final novel and the final speech.
2. On Wednesday, we advanced to the drafting stage as students started assembling the final product.
3. Just another week or two to go on research before the final novel and the final speech.
Day 117-125: March 2-13, 2015
1. Today we started finding sources in the library, complete with citations and annotations
2. Students used Easybib as well as EBSCOhost in order to track down only reliable sites.
3. By Wednesday, students should have their solid list of six sources (maybe more!)
2. Students used Easybib as well as EBSCOhost in order to track down only reliable sites.
3. By Wednesday, students should have their solid list of six sources (maybe more!)
Day 112-116: February 23-27, 2015
1. On Monday and Tuesday, we previewed the research project and selected topics.
2. On Wednesday, we'll be venturing to the library for our first overview of the project.
3. Remember to select several back-ups, don't be left with a choice you don't like!
2. On Wednesday, we'll be venturing to the library for our first overview of the project.
3. Remember to select several back-ups, don't be left with a choice you don't like!
Day 105-111: February 9-18, 2015
1. Students spent Monday-Wednesday watching the Macbeth movie.
2. How does the film compare to the version we read? Which version did you like more?
3. We reviewed for the final exam on Tuesday, with an exam Wednesday.
2. How does the film compare to the version we read? Which version did you like more?
3. We reviewed for the final exam on Tuesday, with an exam Wednesday.
Day 101-104: February 3-6, 2015
1. Students took the day to finalize Act III and begin partnerwork
2. Throughout the rest of the week, we'll zip through Act 4 and spend Thursday and Friday on Act V
3. Prepare for the Macbeth movie and final exam next week.
2. Throughout the rest of the week, we'll zip through Act 4 and spend Thursday and Friday on Act V
3. Prepare for the Macbeth movie and final exam next week.
Day 98-100: January 29- February 2, 2015
1. Today we had a special guest, meaning our Macbeth endeavors were put (slightly) on hold.
2. Tomorrow we'll wrap up Act II and complete some group work on it.
3. Plan next week to zip through Act 3 and 4. We'll wrap up the play quickly!
2. Tomorrow we'll wrap up Act II and complete some group work on it.
3. Plan next week to zip through Act 3 and 4. We'll wrap up the play quickly!
Day 95-97: January 26-28, 2015
1. I was out Monday and Tuesday, and we had delays, so we simply started Act 2.
2. With any time available, students finished as much Act 2 as possible.
3. Due to all the delays, we took Wednesday to caught up on everything so far and regroup for Act 3.
2. With any time available, students finished as much Act 2 as possible.
3. Due to all the delays, we took Wednesday to caught up on everything so far and regroup for Act 3.
Day 92-94: January 21-23, 2015
1. Today we jumped into the Macbeth unit!
2. Over the rest of the week, we'll be reading through Act 1 with a partner discussion on Friday.
3. We'll try to get through around an Act per week, finishing the play late February.
2. Over the rest of the week, we'll be reading through Act 1 with a partner discussion on Friday.
3. We'll try to get through around an Act per week, finishing the play late February.
Day 89-91: January 14-16, 2015
1. Today we moved on from our goals essays and jumped into the Shakespearean unit.
2. Students started with a video on the Bard himself, and will continue to acquire background notes.
3. On Thursday and Friday, we'll review some Macbeth details and start the play next week.
2. Students started with a video on the Bard himself, and will continue to acquire background notes.
3. On Thursday and Friday, we'll review some Macbeth details and start the play next week.
Day 82-88: January 5-13, 2015
1. With the arrival of the new year, it's time for the final stretch before graduation. What's next?
2. Over the next few days, we spent time thinking about our future goals, and brainstorming for a coming paper.
3. Over the rest of the week, we spent time outlining and drafting our papers.
2. Over the next few days, we spent time thinking about our future goals, and brainstorming for a coming paper.
3. Over the rest of the week, we spent time outlining and drafting our papers.
Day 80-81: December 22-23, 2014
1. We spent Monday and Tuesday crafting our own original "Stream of Consciousness" stories
2. These are due before you leave for Christmas break. Use this as a chance to show your skills.
3. Have a great break! Macbeth awaits when you return...
2. These are due before you leave for Christmas break. Use this as a chance to show your skills.
3. Have a great break! Macbeth awaits when you return...
Day 73-79: December 11-19, 2014
1. Today we took a quiz on Ch. 14-17 and continued with the reading.
2. Friday we read Ch. 19-20. We'll wrap the book up early next week.
3. Look for a final exam on the novel next Wednesday or Thursday.
2. Friday we read Ch. 19-20. We'll wrap the book up early next week.
3. Look for a final exam on the novel next Wednesday or Thursday.
Day 70-72: December 8-10, 2014
1. Today we started off with a quiz on Ch. 9-13 of Catcher in the Rye
2. Following, we read Ch. 14-15 in which Holden has a run in with Maurice following his "bad date"
3. Tuesday we learned about the best way to lie, and Wednesday we read Ch. 16-17.
2. Following, we read Ch. 14-15 in which Holden has a run in with Maurice following his "bad date"
3. Tuesday we learned about the best way to lie, and Wednesday we read Ch. 16-17.
Day 68-69: December 4-5, 2014
1. Today students took a quiz on Ch. 5-8, reviewing Holden's final moments at Pencey
2. The instructor read Ch. 11 briefly, and students finished the period reading Ch. 12.
3. Tomorrow, we'll continue the novel with Ch. 13.
2. The instructor read Ch. 11 briefly, and students finished the period reading Ch. 12.
3. Tomorrow, we'll continue the novel with Ch. 13.
Day 66-67: December 2-3, 2014
1. Today we took some time to look at the role of "perspective" in these stories.
2. Students were asked to write about a certain object from a new perspective.
3. On Wednesday, we read Ch. 8-10 of Catcher in the Rye together
2. Students were asked to write about a certain object from a new perspective.
3. On Wednesday, we read Ch. 8-10 of Catcher in the Rye together
Day 63-65: November 24-26, 2014
1. Today we spend some time on the second two chapters of Catcher in the Rye
2. I read Ch 3 while the students read Ch. 4 on their own.
3. Tomorrow, we'll take a quiz on Ch. 1-4 and read Ch. 5-7
2. I read Ch 3 while the students read Ch. 4 on their own.
3. Tomorrow, we'll take a quiz on Ch. 1-4 and read Ch. 5-7
Day 60-62: November 19-21, 2014
1. Today students completed their presentations on the 1950's in small groups.
2. Topics covered included politics, entertainment, fashion, and technology.
3. Thursday, we started to take a look at the book Catcher in the Rye Chapter 1-2
2. Topics covered included politics, entertainment, fashion, and technology.
3. Thursday, we started to take a look at the book Catcher in the Rye Chapter 1-2
Day 57-59: November 14-18, 2014
1. Today we started our exploration of the 1950's culture in small groups.
2. Students were given a topic and asked to explore the basic elements of 50's culture.
3. "Research" continues Monday and presentations will occur Tuesday.
2. Students were given a topic and asked to explore the basic elements of 50's culture.
3. "Research" continues Monday and presentations will occur Tuesday.
Day 54-56: November 11-13, 2014
1. With the final exam complete, we spent the next few days watching the "Merlin" film and comparing
2. Students kept notes on the major changes between the film edition and the text.
3. Thursday, we'll dive into Catcher in the Rye.
2. Students kept notes on the major changes between the film edition and the text.
3. Thursday, we'll dive into Catcher in the Rye.
Day 49-53: November 3-10, 2014
1. Today we dove into the wonderful world of mind mapping to review for the King Arthur Unit
2. Today and Wednesday, students put together a chart connecting all the different King Arthur stories.
3. Thursday, we will take the final exam.
2. Today and Wednesday, students put together a chart connecting all the different King Arthur stories.
3. Thursday, we will take the final exam.
Day 46-48: October 29-31, 2014
1. Today was the beginning of the end in the King Arthur stories as we began the "Plots of Mordred"
2. Tomorrow we'll finish the story and read "The Last Battle"
3. The unit will conclude next week with the project and the final exam.
2. Tomorrow we'll finish the story and read "The Last Battle"
3. The unit will conclude next week with the project and the final exam.
Day 40-45: October 21-28, 2014
1. Today we started reading "The Quest for the Holy Grail" and "The End of the Quest"
2. Students completed reading in class and continued reading on their own throughout the week.
3. These stories will be due by Monday, along with Lancelot and Guinevere.
4. Next week we will wrap up stories and take the final exam.
2. Students completed reading in class and continued reading on their own throughout the week.
3. These stories will be due by Monday, along with Lancelot and Guinevere.
4. Next week we will wrap up stories and take the final exam.
Day 37-39: October 16-17/20, 2014
1. Today we finalized our Gawain discussion and started watching the Indiana Jones Quest
2. The key to this assignment was to identify the main elements of the "hero's quest"
3. This assignment carried over into Friday and wrapped up next week.
2. The key to this assignment was to identify the main elements of the "hero's quest"
3. This assignment carried over into Friday and wrapped up next week.
Day 34-36: October 10/14-15, 2014
1. Today and Tuesday we spent some time discussing the need to rise to challenges.
2. Students spent the rest of the period reading and completing the corresponding questions.
3. The wrap up quiz will occur on Wednesday along with Partner Questions.
2. Students spent the rest of the period reading and completing the corresponding questions.
3. The wrap up quiz will occur on Wednesday along with Partner Questions.
Day 31-33: October 7-9, 2014
1. Today we dove into the King Arthur unit with a discussion on the role of knights and courtly love
2. Students took notes on the basic elements of knighthood, and debated courtly love attributes
3. Wednesday, we began reading "The Two Swords" and Thursday we finished it!
2. Students took notes on the basic elements of knighthood, and debated courtly love attributes
3. Wednesday, we began reading "The Two Swords" and Thursday we finished it!
Day 30: October 6, 2014
1. Today we conducted a peer revision of the papers in small groups.
2. Following the peer revision, students cleaned up their papers and submitted them online.
3. Tomorrow begins the King Arthur unit.
2. Following the peer revision, students cleaned up their papers and submitted them online.
3. Tomorrow begins the King Arthur unit.
Day 28-29: October 2-3, 2014
1. Today students took notes on the introduction and conclusion paragraphs and drafted.
2. Students today will wrap up their rough drafts and prepare for group editing.
3. The paper will be completed by Monday.
2. Students today will wrap up their rough drafts and prepare for group editing.
3. The paper will be completed by Monday.
Day 26: September 30, 2014
1. Today the Bradford School visited to share their program and talk about the four major personality types.
2. Continue with the reading...The Hobbit will be finished tomorrow!
2. Continue with the reading...The Hobbit will be finished tomorrow!
Day 25/27: September 29/October 1, 2014
1. Today students reviewed just how to write a body paragraph paragraph and convert their outlines into a paper.
2. Students spent the period drafting body paragraph 1, and will continue with paragraph 2 on Wednesday.
3. Intros will be written Thursday and finalized on Friday.
2. Students spent the period drafting body paragraph 1, and will continue with paragraph 2 on Wednesday.
3. Intros will be written Thursday and finalized on Friday.
Day 23-24: September 25-26, 2014
1. Today we started on our Beowulf paper. Over the next few days, we'll be outlining and drafting.
2. Students worked on crafting thesis statements and outlining their papers.
3. Over the next few days, students will be drafting and the finalizing their brief Beowulf papers.
2. Students worked on crafting thesis statements and outlining their papers.
3. Over the next few days, students will be drafting and the finalizing their brief Beowulf papers.
Day 20-22: September 22-24, 2014
1. Today we worked on crafting new and original chapters to the Beowulf story in pairs.
2. Students wrote in the original Old English style incorporating the use of caesuras, alliteration, and kennings.
3. This will continue into tomorrow and into Wednesday.
2. Students wrote in the original Old English style incorporating the use of caesuras, alliteration, and kennings.
3. This will continue into tomorrow and into Wednesday.
Day 17-19: September 17-19, 2014
1. Today we began reading in groups the final battle between Beowulf and the dragon.
2. Students will complete the story of Beowulf tomorrow and compare the film version on Friday.
3. Next week we'll complete an individual writing project, and start work
2. Students will complete the story of Beowulf tomorrow and compare the film version on Friday.
3. Next week we'll complete an individual writing project, and start work
Day 15-16: September 15-16, 2014
1. Today we opened up our discussion of Beowulf by examining riddles from the Anglo-Saxon world.
2. Students spent the rest of the period reading Beowulf v. Grendel's mother in small groups
3. Tuesday we'll watch the film version and ask why the differences
2. Students spent the rest of the period reading Beowulf v. Grendel's mother in small groups
3. Tuesday we'll watch the film version and ask why the differences
Day 13-14: September 11-12, 2014
1. Today we continued our journey into the world of Beowulf reading about his battle with Grendel.
2. Tomorrow, Beowulf will fight his second foe (Grendel's Mother).
3. As we read, we'll be watching the movie version, which differs greatly from the original text.
2. Tomorrow, Beowulf will fight his second foe (Grendel's Mother).
3. As we read, we'll be watching the movie version, which differs greatly from the original text.
Day 11-12: September 9-10, 2014
1. Today we delved into the world of Anglo-Saxon literature as we prepared for Beowulf
2. Students watched this video, and then completed a WSQ in order to show understanding.
3. On Wednesday, we reviewed answers and started reading the story of Beowulf itself.
2. Students watched this video, and then completed a WSQ in order to show understanding.
3. On Wednesday, we reviewed answers and started reading the story of Beowulf itself.
Day 9-10: September 5/8, 2014
1. Today we completed individual journal activities about a historical event.
2. Students wrapped up "Be True to Your School" and completed study guides.
3. Journals will be wrapped up Monday.
2. Students wrapped up "Be True to Your School" and completed study guides.
3. Journals will be wrapped up Monday.
Day 8: September 4, 2014
1. Today we reflected critically on our own lives...what will we find silly about them in 50 years?
2. We finished and completed reading "Be True To Your School" individually.
3. Students finished the study guide and will submit it on Friday.
2. We finished and completed reading "Be True To Your School" individually.
3. Students finished the study guide and will submit it on Friday.
Day 6-7: September 2-3, 2014
1. Today we watched a shortened version of Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" and talked about what it means to live your best life.
2. Students began reading Be True to Your School in small groups and answering questions.
3. Reading continued into Wednesday as worked our way through the different entries.
2. Students began reading Be True to Your School in small groups and answering questions.
3. Reading continued into Wednesday as worked our way through the different entries.
Day 5: August 29, 2014
1. Today we spent the period drafting, finalizing, and printing AutoBio Poems.
2. Final projects should be similar in style to the Bio songs we heard yesterday
3. If absent, click here for the link and submit by Tuesday.
2. Final projects should be similar in style to the Bio songs we heard yesterday
3. If absent, click here for the link and submit by Tuesday.
Day 4: August 28, 2014
1. Today we talked more about Ken Robinson and his views on the current education system...positive and negative.
2. Afterwards, we started talking about personal reflection. To do so, we listened to two "ballads" (here and here) which told a personal story through lyrics and poetry.
3. To conclude, students began brainstorming for their own biography poem.
2. Afterwards, we started talking about personal reflection. To do so, we listened to two "ballads" (here and here) which told a personal story through lyrics and poetry.
3. To conclude, students began brainstorming for their own biography poem.
Day 3: August 27, 2014
1. Today we started talking about Ken Robinson and the nature of education
2. Tomorrow we'll start our first mini-writing unit...the biography poem
3. Remember to keep bringing those headphones daily; only two days left this week!
2. Tomorrow we'll start our first mini-writing unit...the biography poem
3. Remember to keep bringing those headphones daily; only two days left this week!
Day 2: August 26, 2014
1. Today we learned the in's and out's of Google Drive as we prepared for a year of paperless-English.
2. Students completed a survey and toured the course website.
3. Class ended as students read a quick article on what it means to be a Highlander. We'll discuss tomorrow.
2. Students completed a survey and toured the course website.
3. Class ended as students read a quick article on what it means to be a Highlander. We'll discuss tomorrow.
Day 1: August 25, 2014
1. Today we experimented with Angry Birds in order to understand how Games are a great model for learning.
2. Students received planners, student handbooks, and discussed the new BYOD policy.
3. Signed BYOD forms are due Wednesday. Prepare for tomorrow as we train with the new technology.
2. Students received planners, student handbooks, and discussed the new BYOD policy.
3. Signed BYOD forms are due Wednesday. Prepare for tomorrow as we train with the new technology.
