Hey Students!

This week I modeled examples of paragraph writing with the 4-Square framework. We wrote a summary of “The Most Dangerous Game” to answer the 1st square’s question: What does it say? Next we wrote a paragraph for the 2nd square’s question: How does it say it? For this we had to analyze the author’s choices of literary devices and techniques. Then we discussed the 3rd square’s question: What does it mean? For this, we explored possible themes of the story, claims the author seems to make through the events of the story, and what is his message about human nature. We wrote the 3rd paragraph to explain and support the claim.

Next week, you will be shown some examples and take notes on the 4th square’s question: What does it mean to me? Then you will take a writing test to answer this big question. Since this is the most personal question, you are on your own for this. Each student can have a DIFFERENT CORRECT answer! The important thing is to make 3 kinds of personal connections between:

1. the story and another story or movie you have seen,

2. the story and YOUR own life experience, and

3. the story and some current or historical event in the real world

Later in the week, we will deconstruct the 6+1 Trait of Organization. You will work on some group activities to help develop this trait.

Remember:  No school for students on Tuesday, 11/8! Read a lot! 🙂

Hey Students!

It was wonderful to meet your parents/guardians and other family members at Parent Conferences! Their support is an indicator of your success! We had a great turnout, and I appreciate everyone who was able to join us!

This week we continued our study of Short Story Narratives and their unique text structure. We also introduced the 4-Square Framework, which you are taking notes on as we read and analyze “The Most Dangerous Game.” Next week, you will write a 4-paragraph essay (writing test) on this short story, using the 4-Square notes.

We also studied various forms of narratives (First Person, Third Person Limited, and Third Person Omniscient Point of Views). Can you identify from which Point of View “The Most Dangerous Game” is written? Hint: Who is the main character? Is the narrator one of the characters IN the story? We will discuss this more next week! Remember to take good notes, as you will be allowed to use them on the essay exam! 🙂

Keep up the great work!

Hey Students!

I hope you had a great weekend! This week we’re beginning a new card marking, so let’s work hard and learn a lot! We’ll continue in our short story narratives and develop the 6+1 Writing Trait of Ideas. * Monday – last chance for retake tests!

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Technology Department

Hi Students,

This is the last week of the 1st card marking! We are off to a great start but still have much to learn!

In literature, we are studying the Short Story and 1st Person Narrative with the use of 1st person pronouns (I, me, my, us, we, etc.). “Cask of Amontillado” Test Tuesday, 10/11. Study guide is also due Tues. Focus on literary terms:  Mood, Foreshadow, Irony, and Imagery. 

In writing, we are developing the 6+1 trait of Ideas.

Remember to keep reading for fun at least 30 minutes per night!

Hey Students!

This week, you saw an overview of the 8 Thinking Maps, and we focused on the Circle Map to define what someone or something is.

We are also practicing our writing with the 6+1 Trait of Ideas. We are learning how to use fresh ideas with a clear topic sentence and detailed supporting sentences. We will further develop these into longer 3-5 paragraph essays.

We will continue to build vocabulary by using Context Clues (direct and indirect) and will apply those skills, along with others, as we begin reading the short story, “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allen Poe. There will be a quiz on “Cask” and your study guide is due on Mon. 10/10.

Please continue with SSR and read at least 30 minutes a day just for fun! Have a great weekend!

Hi Students!

Your Bio-Poems and self portraits were so creative and inspiring! This project really helped us learn about each other! Hopefully, you are feeling more comfortable and confident in our class, which will serve you well in our future lessons and projects. 🙂

Your English Goals are off to a good start. Make sure you write specific goals for improving reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Also, tell three actions steps you can take to achieve those goals. I’m sure you will work hard and be successful in reaching them!

Hey Students!

It was wonderful to see all your smiling faces this past week! I hope you had a wonderful summer and a Happy Eid! We will spend the first couple of weeks getting to know each other’s personalities, learning styles, and strengths and weaknesses. We will also become familiar with school and classroom procedures.

Please make sure to have your contract signed by your parents and turn it in to me this week if you have not already done so. Also, your notebook should be set up by now. I will be checking them this week. Please let me know if you need more time to do this or help with anything! I look forward to fantastic year of learning for all of us!

Hi students!

This week we begin the final card marking! Continue to focus on your responsibilities as all of our studies culminate at the end of the year! I’m very proud of the progress you’ve made, and YOU should be, TOO!

Here are a few important reminders:

• Meet in the library EACH DAY THIS WEEK and BRING ID!
• Continue to read and take notes on your research topics.
• Work on your short essay for your subtopic.
• Contribute to your group’s success by collaborating with your partners on the art project or on the Power Point presentation.
• Presentations are due Wed.-Fri., May 11-13. SENIORS FIRST!

Great job on the PSAT and SAT!!! Keep reading 30+ minutes per night. There are 9 weeks of school left, and we have much to learn in that time! Your language skills will continue to develop, so keep working hard! We will begin a new short story next week, so bring your books!