3/28:
Collected:
*Nuttel letter
*Lit SQs, 203-233

Returned:
*Lit SQs, 203-233
*Fern Test

In Class:
*Bellringer:  Cast Out (pre-reading worksheet)
*Novel:  Background and context; Interactive PowerPoint presentation on a brief history of feudalism and social class structure
*Literature: The Case of the Missing Will (Agatha Christie): Readers’ Theatre, followed by in-class writing on two prompts: 1) How would Uncle Andrew have responded to Violet’s actions; and 2) Do you agree with Violet’s choice to involve Poirot?
*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 1600s. Due 4/4

3/21:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 181-202

Returned:
*Prayer of Thanks
*Letter to Author
*Lit SQs, pp. 181-202

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Vocabulary exercise, using dictionary, based on “The Open Window”, one of the stories the students read for this week’s Literature assignment.
*Literature:  Discussion of vocabulary exercises, dictionary use, using context clues from literature, etc.; Students also discussed Mr. Nuttel, the main character, in “The Open Window”.  Further discussion of Mr Nuttel, using guided readings and handouts.
Novel:  Test on “Fern”
New Novel:   Begin reading “Crispin”

Weekly Work–Agenda Change::
*No “Rank Chart” research as noted on agenda
*Students will compose an original letter, in the voice of Mr. Nuttel, to his sister (see handouts provided by Mrs. Amy)

3/7:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 161-180
*Letter to Author

Returned:
*Lit SQs, pp. 161-180
*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 (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.
*Literature:  Discussion of “Just Fore Christmas”, focusing on tone and satire.

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

2/28:
Collected:
*Lit SQs (pp. 140-160)
*Wrtg:  Prayer of Thanks

Returned:
*Lit SQs (pp 119-139 & 140-160)

In Class:
*BellRinger:  “Another World” worksheet
*Literature:  The class discussed excerpt from John Paton’s story.
*Writing/Novel:  Students will compose an original letter to the author of “Fern”.  Mrs. Amy provided a handout and went over the criteria in detail
*Novel:  Understanding the Story handout and brief discussion; students completed a Character Map and reviewed Chapters 13-18.

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda
*Bring scissors and glue stick to class on 3/7

2/21:
Collected:
*Lit SQs (pp. 119-139)

In Class:
*BellRinger: Journal Prompt about risking your own life to save an animal’s life
*Literature:  Discussion on “Mrs. Ching”; watched the Torchlights episode about Gladys Alyward, completed a group character web
*Novel:  Fern worksheet – literary elements of conflict (showed PPT with the 4 types), cause/effect

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda. Gave extensive notes on the writing assignment this week (pg. 39 – Prayer of Thanks). Students need to complete the 2 steps of #14.

2/14:
Collected:
*Lit SQs (pp. 100-118)
*Interview

Returned:
*”Fern” Quiz, ch 1-9
*Lit SQs, (pp. 100-118)
*Friendship Letter
*WBP Test

In Class:
*BellRinger: “Work for It” discussion worksheet; For what would you save and how long would it take?
*Literature:  Discussion on “The Countess”; journal entries on two topics–1) Compare and contrast Billy (our main character in “Fern”) and the boy in the “Countess” story; 2) What lessons are learned by Bill, the Countess boy, and what lesson(s) have you learned?
*Novel:  “Where the Red Fern Grows” (Fern); Pop Quiz, chapters 1-9; Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast Old Dan and Little Ann.

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

2/7:
Collected:
*Literature SQs (pp 82-99)
*WBP Word Search/Review Sheet

Returned:
*Literature SQs (pp 82-99)
*WBP Word Search/Review Sheet
*WBP Symbol Art
*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
*Novel:  Introduction to “Where The Red Fern Grows” (Fern)–notes

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

1/31:

No classes for the Tutorial. For next week:

-Be prepared to take novel test (so keep studying and practicing your essay) and give movie poster presentations on 2/7 now.

-I will collect your novel wordsearch for grading on 2/7.

-Follow your agenda for weekly work: pages 82-99 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 2/7

1/24:
Collected:
*Literature SQs, pp. 47-61
*Friendship Letter

Returned:
*First Impressions essay
*”Life is like a…” poem
*Literature SQs, pp. 47-61

In Class:
BellRinger: “Priorities” worksheet–and class discussion
Novel:  Review of novel test format; Discussion of “husking” event–then students were broken into groups where they were each asked to take a basic chore, and find a way to make it fun (re-branding, if you will!).  Notes over elements of plot structure.  Mrs. Amy also provided a review sheet in the form of a word search.

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 1/31.
*Remember to study for your novel test, prepare movie poster, and practice your in-class poster presentation

1/17:
Collected:
*Literature SQs, pp. 32-46
*First Impressions essay
*”Who I Am” symbol art

Returned:
*Literature SQs, pp. 32-46

In Class:
*BellRinger:  WBP Chapter Summary and discussion
*Literature:  Discussion of “Pine Tree Shillings”
*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 1/24–The Friendship Letter.  In addition, students were given detailed instructions regarding their Movie Poster project for WBP, due 1/31.
*We will complete WBP on 1/31, students should have “Where the Red Fern Grows” book and Progeny Press study guide ready for use in class, beginning in February.  

Weekly Work:
*Friendship Letter–due 1/24
*WBP Movie Poster and Novel Test–due 1/31

1/10:

Collected:
*Writing: “Life is like a…” poem
*Literature: Unit 2 SQs

Returned:
*Literature: Unit 2 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:  Discussion of “Travel”, a poem excerpted in our Literature book. Using that poem as an example, we discussed rhythm and rhyme.  Then, students did a “quick write” in their journal, the topic being a place that they would like to travel to someday–describe it and tell why they’d like to visit.
*Novel:  Discussion and notes over chapters 1-9

Weekly Work–Agenda Change (see below)

Agenda Change:
*: “First Impressions” essay due 1/17

1/3:
*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 Sarah Tisdale’s poem, “Places”. Students wrote an in-class journal reflection about a place that is important to them; Also discussed comparison poetry, as in “Life is like a {box of chocolates}”.
*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
*Students will write an original poem “Life is like a…” It could be a sport, object, book–whatever.  Due 1/10

*No novel essay due
*Complete Author bio worksheet, due 1/10

*Before class resumes on January 3: 

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

2. Read Of Places literature book, pages 2-18

***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:
*No items to return

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

12/6:
Collected:
*Vocabulary Sentences, Lesson 15
*Grammar Exercise, p. 456

Returned:
*Vocabulary Sentences, Lesson 15
*Grammar Exercise, p. 456
*Comma worksheet
*VQ, Lessons 15-16

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Christmas Word Search
*Vocabulary:  VQ, Lessons 15-16
*Grammar:  Mid-Term review guide was handed out, Mrs. Amy went over it in class, and students began completing the guide.  Remember, your completed Mid-Term Review Guide is worth 15 points toward your exam.  You MUST have it with you on the day of the exam in order to earn the 15 points!

Weekly Work:
*Complete Review guide and study for Mid-Term
*Students signed up to bring items for our Christmas party