3/30:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 223-247
*Through Gates of Splendor reading guide

Returned:
*Lit SQs, pp. 223-247
*Fern test
*Scrooge Diary

In Class:
*Bellringer: “Cast Out”–reflection and class discussion
*Literature:  Excerpt from Through Gates of Splendor.  Students watched a Torchlighter’s video version of the Jim Elliot story.  Completed discussion questions and personal opinion/reflections
*Novel:  Background and context; Interactive PowerPoint presentation on a brief history of feudalism and social class structure
*Novel:  Guided reading worksheet for intro to Crispin

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*Agenda Addition:  Using handout provided, answer some basic questions on religion and the role of priests in the 15th century. Due 4/6
*Students will NOT be doing the “Rank Chart” research as noted on agenda.  Please delete that assignment. 

3/23:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 206-222
*Name Acrostic

Returned:
*Lit SQs, pp 181-205 & 206-222
*Prayer of Thanks
*Author Letter

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Study for novel test
*Literature:  Interactive lecture and notes about Isaac Watts and his hymnody; “Name That Tune” hymn version; Students created and illustrated their own name acrostic, following the pattern of Watts’ own work
*Novel: “Fern” Test

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*No “Rank Chart” research as noted on agenda

3/9:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 181-205
*Letter to Author

Returned:
*Lit SQs, pp. 181-205
*Interview

In Class:
*BellRinger:  “Fern” crossword review
*Novel:  Detailed discussion and review of “Fern”, using the crossword puzzle as a catalyst.  This helped with reviewing for the novel test (3/21).
*Novel (cont’d):  Mrs. Amy provided an overview of the test including format, content, and essay prompt information.  In addition, plot diagram and character review, using handout.

Weekly Work:
*Study for “Fern” test early in your week, so that you can…
*Enjoy your Spring Break!

3/2:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 158-180
*Writing: Prayer of Thanks
*Writing/Literature: Scrooge’s Diary entry

Returned:
*No items were returned today as Mrs. Tracie was teaching today while Mrs. Amy and the LA9-11 students participated in the Union University Creative Writing Workshop.

In Class:
*BellRinger:  “Another World”–worksheet and class discussion
*Literature:  It was “Christmas in March”, with our discussion of a Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.  Students provided a verbal summary of Scrooge’s interactions with each of the Ghosts.  Students then composed an original diary entry in the character of Scrooge, using a guided handout.  Using a worksheet on characterization, we also discussed Dickens’ creation of the timeless Scrooge–and what other fictional literary character might be remembered nearly 200 years after their literary debut!
*Novel: Mrs. Tracie provided a detailed handout on the next writing assignment–a letter to the Fern author.  (due 3/9).
*Novel:  Class discussion of chapters 13-18, using “Understanding the Story” and Character Maps handouts

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

2/23:
Collected:
*Lit SQs (pp. 144-157)
*Group work–Nativity character perspective

Returned:
*Lit SQs (pp. 144-157)

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Would you risk your life for an animal?   Agree or disagree with Billy’s decision in “Fern”?
*Novel:  Discussion of bellringer and chapter review; Mrs. Amy went over the criteria and directions for next week’s writing assignment (more info may be found on p.39 of the Progeny Press guide for “Fern”)
*Literature:  Discussion of “The Barn” (p.157).  Using “The Star” (a Christmas movie clip) as a basis for conversation, the Nativity stories and characters were compared.  Students were then broken up into groups, to compose a short paragraph on the Nativity story, from the perspective of the characters involved, human or animal!
*Literature:  Introductory notes over conflict as a plot element

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

2/16:
Collected:
*Lit SQs (pp. 115-143)
*Interview

Returned:
*”Fern” Quiz, ch 1-9
*Lit SQs, (pp. 115-143)
*Friendship Letter
*WBP Test

In Class:
*BellRinger: “Work for It” discussion worksheet; For what would you save and how long would it take?
*Novel:  Introductory notes over “Where the Red Fern Grows” (Fern); Pop Quiz, chapters 1-9; discussion of Billy and his relationships to his grandfather, father, and mother, using a 4-square diagram.

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

2/9:

Collected:
*Literature SQs (pp 93-114)
*WBP Word Search/Review Sheet

Returned:
*Literature SQs (pp 93-114)
*WBP Word Search/Review Sheet
*Movie Poster presentation rubric

In Class:
*Novel:  Review for WBP test
*Novel:  Students gave their WBP Movie poster presentations–and did a wonderful job.  Thanks for your creativity and insight!
*Novel:  WBP Novel test

Weekly Work:
*Complete interview assignment using handout provided by Mrs. Amy

2/2:

No classes for the Tutorial today. For next week:

-Be prepared to take novel test (so keep studying and practicing your essay, bring essay notecard) and give movie poster presentations on 2/9 now.

-I will collect your novel word search for grading on 2/9.

-Follow your agenda for weekly work: pages 93-114 for literature (these study questions will be collected for grading), and read Chapters 1-6 and complete PP Study guide for the new novel, Where the Red Fern Grows before class on 2/9.

1/26:

Collected:
*Literature SQs, pp. 58-69
*Friendship Letter

Returned:
*First Impressions essay
*Symbol Art
*Literature SQs, pp. 58-69
*Group “House” poem

In Class:
BellRinger: “Priorities” worksheet–and class discussion
Novel:  Review of novel test format and structure; Novel test will have an essay–Mrs. Amy provided the essay topic, students may use the front and back of a 3×5 index card to make notes/outline for their in-class, novel test essay.  (Students took notes over all of this information).  Mrs. Amy also provided a review sheet in the form of a word search.
Literature:  Discussion of “Song of the Sojourner” poetry excerpt.  Students reviewed the elements of poetry, using this poem as an example.  

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*Students should complete WBP word search review sheet at home and bring to class to be collected for a grade on 2/2.
*Remember to study for your novel test, prepare movie poster, and practice your in-class poster presentation (2/2)

1/19:
Collected:
*Literature SQs, pp. 39-59
*First Impressions essay
*”Who I Am” symbol art

Returned:
*Literature SQs, pp. 39-59

In Class:
*BellRinger:  WBP Chapter Summary and discussion
*Literature:  Interactive PowerPoint notes over elements of poetry, and applying that knowledge to a discussion of “Columbus” (p. 39).  
*Novel:  Discussion of literary symbolism, both literal and figurative.  Students did an in-class reflective “symbol art “project.  Students received a detailed handout on their upcoming assignment, due 1/26–The Friendship Letter.  In addition, students were given detailed instructions regarding their Movie Poster project for WBP, due 2/2.
*We will complete WBP on 2/2, students should have “Where the Red Fern Grows” book and Progeny Press study guide ready for use in class, beginning in February.  

Weekly Work–Agenda Changes:
*Friendship Letter–due 1/26
*WBP Movie Poster and Novel Test–due 2/2
*No Essay due 2/2

1/12:
Collected:
*Literature: Unit 1 SQs
*Original Poem, group-sourced, “House and Home”

Returned:
**Literature: Unit 1 SQs

In Class:
*BellRinger:  WBP assessment
*Novel–Wrtg:  “First Impressions” essay (format: 12 pt font, Times New Roman (or other professional font), Double-spaced)
*Literature:  Interactive discussion of Hugo poem, “House and Home” (Literature book, p.32); students were broken into groups and drafted an original poem, mirroring Hugo’s piece.  
*Novel:  Discussion and notes over chapters 1-9

Weekly Work–Agenda Changes
*”First Impressions” essay due 1/19–please reference Mrs. Amy’s detailed notes regarding this assignment
*Friendship Letter assignment is NOT due next week.

1/5:

*No items were collected or returned today

In Class:
*BellRinger: “Holiday Highlights”

*Course Procedures: Mrs. Amy handed out the SPR 2023 agenda, and went over how to format Literature study questions (SQs). When submitting a SQ assignment, students should:
1. Label with name/date/class
2. Provide page numbers for each set of questions (For example: pp. 23-29, #1-4)
3. Write legibly or type assignment

*Literature: Discussion of selected poem in Unit 1  (“Families and Friends”). Students wrote an in-class journal reflection about a time when 1)They served/helped someone OR 2) When someone served/helped them

*Novel: Mrs. Amy provided a list of general statements to which each student could agree or disagree, and then defend their answer. These issues will be addressed in our novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond (WBP).

Agenda Changes–See Below
*Complete Author bio worksheet, due 1/12

*No essay due next week

*Before our class on January 5: 

1.Read chapters 1-3 of The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2. Read Of People literature book, pages 2-25

***No study guide or literature questions need to be completed over break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

12/13:
Collected:
*Mid-Term Review Guide

Returned:
*Mid-Term

In Class:
*Mid-Term
*Class Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

12/8:
Collected:
*Vocabulary Sentences, #15-16
*Grammar Exercise, p. 390

Returned:
*Vocabulary Sentences, #15-16
*Grammar Exercise, p. 390
*Grammar Test: SV/Pronoun Agreement
*TOW Writing Portfolio

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Christmas puzzles
*Vocabulary:  VQ, #15-16
*Mid-Term guide: Mrs. Amy handed out and went over in great detail the Mid-Term study guide. She provided format and test question information. The completed guide is worth 15 points. Students must bring the completed guide on 12/15–it is worth 15 points of the mid-term. Otherwise, you start the midterm with a grade of 85. Use the guide wisely!

Weekly Work:
*Complete the mid-term study guide and bring it to class on 12/15.