5/18:
Collected:
*GE Study Guide

Returned:
*Final/Study Guide

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Study!
*Novel: Final
*After-Final After-Party:  Students enjoyed yummy treats while playing games and having well-deserved fun!

Announcements:
*Progress Reports should go out by the end of the week (5/21)
*Have a GREAT summer!

 

5/11:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, 432-448
*Inferno Projects

Returned:
*Lit SQs, 432-448

In Class:
BellRinger: GE Crossword Puzzle (great for exam review!)
Literature:  Students presented their self-themed “9 Circles of Hell” Inferno projects.  From storyboards to scrapbooks, HTML-coding projects and stop-motion animation, we were wowed and proud by our students’ creativity and thoughtful insights.  Well done!
Novel:  Distributed GE review guide (and the final page via FAITH e-mail).  This review should be completed for 10 points towards your final exam. If not completed and turned in on test day, students will begin their test with a 90 (missing those 10 points).

Weekly Work:
*Complete Review Guide and study for exam
*We will have an end-of-semester party on 5/18–students signed up to bring items.  We will send a copy of that list, as a reminder, from the FAITH e-mail account.

5/4:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 407-433

Returned:
*GE Quotes project
*Lit SQs
*Motivation posters

In Class:
*Bellringer: Character Puzzle
*Novel:  GE Character review–detailed and extensive
*Honors Presentation: see 4/27 entry

Weekly Work:
*Mrs. Amy will provide a Study Guide and info on test format
*Party sign-up sheet

4/27:
Collected:
*Unit 15, SQs

Returned:
*Fable
*Unit 15 SQs
*”Troy” Postcard

In Class:
BellRinger:  Luther word search
Literature:  Readings on Luther, reading through group poem; comprehension questions on Luther’s bio; paraphrasing Luther’s 95 Theses into modern-day tweets.
Honors Presentations:  As their final novel project, LA9 Honors students presented their own original Murder Mystery Dinner Theater party–complete with costumes, characters, theme, setting, plot, and resolution.  Well done!

Weekly Work:
*Upcoming discussion of GE novel test, format, review, etc–coming soon!
*Work on Inferno project

 

4/20:
Collected:
*GE Quote Project
*Lit SQs, Unit 14

Returned:
*Unit 13 and Unit 14–Lit SQs
*Diamond Poem

In Class:
BellRinger: Dante worksheet and bio
Novel:  Active Reading worksheet and discussion of chapters 32-45
Literature & Project: Dante’s Inferno excerpt, specifically focusing on the 9 Circles of Hell.  Watched narrative video and paused for brief discussion throughout video.  Students received their 9 Circles project assignment.  Detailed handout and discussion provided by Mrs. Amy.  Project and in-class presentation due 5/11.

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

 

 

4/13:
Collected:
*Diamond Poetry
*Lit SQs, Unit 13

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Setting and Atmosphere Details from Chapters 20-31 GE (worksheet)
*Literature:  Watched video of The Trojan Horse myth, summarized plot, and created a postcard as a survivor of the attack of Troy

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*Quotes Project due next week!

4/6:
Collected:
*Fable
*Lit SQs, pp.  320-360

Returned:
*Lit SQs, pp. 320-360
*Allusion
*GE pop quiz

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Study for pop quiz
*Novel:  GE pop quiz over chapters 27-33
*Novel/Writing:  Diamond poetry assignment, handout provided
*Literature:  Interactive PowerPoint notes and discussion of Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”
*Novel:  Discussion of chapters 27-33; in-class GE Character poster assignment (create “name” poster using symbols to represent character name–framed by the character’s motivations).  Such creativity!

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*Diamond Poetry assignment (see handout, due 4/13)
*See announcements above

3/30:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, pp. 299-319 (Unit 12a)

Returned:
*Lit SQs, Units 10-12a

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Quick Write:  journal entry on “A Different Life”; discussion and sharing
*Novel:  Discussion of novel serializations, specifically GE; Students broke into pairs, with assigned portions of GE serializations, and identified literary devices and themes in each section.
*Literature:  Discussion of elements of fables (length, morals/lessons, usually involve animals, etc.); Students then identified the moral/lesson in fables, going “station-to-station” reading short fables.

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*Students will compose an original fable, using the criteria/elements discussed.  Fables should also have a title and be no more than 2 paragraphs in length.  Due 4/6.

 

3/23:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, Unit 11
*Allusion Examples

Returned:
*Limerick
*WH Test

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Thematic Warm-Up (GE) and lively discussion
*Literature:  “Gilgamesh” was the focus.  The class “performed” a modern reader’s theatre version which left us all laughing!  Follow-up review questions and discussion.
*Novel: Character Plot Map (handout)–Pip’s relationship to other main characters; Active Reading handouts focusing on Pip’s two different worlds.

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda
*Work on your WH Quotes project

 

3/9:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, Unit 10

Returned:
*Lit SQs, Unit 10

In Class:
*BellRinger:  “Before You Read” worksheet, chapters 1-10; reflect on positive/negative event or person in your life and how that affected you.
*Literature:  Limerick lesson review and students shared some of their original limericks–creative and funny stuff!; Discussion of allusions and interactive station review, using social media posts with allusions to literary, music, and movie characters.
*Novel (WH):  Final WH timeline presentation–again, your students are so creative!  Well done, class!
*Novel (GE):  Discussion of main characters, opening chapters, and “family dynamics”.
*Novel (GE):  Mrs. Amy provided detailed instructions on GE Quote Project.

Weekly Work:
*Manage your time well, in terms of schoolwork, so that you can…
*Enjoy Spring Break!

3/2:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, Unit 9

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:
Literature:  Using p. 201 in our Literature books, we discussed limerick form, content, and cadence.  Working through several handouts, students drafted an original limerick and “workshopped” it together, creating hilarious limericks and enjoying the process of doing so.  For weekly work, students will compose their own original limerick on the Shamrock handout provided (due 3/9).
Novel:  Introduction to Charles Dickens, using author notes worksheet.  Intro to “Great Expectations” (GE), chapters 1-7.

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

2/23:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, Unit 8
*WH Timeline presentation

Returned:
*Lit SQs, Unit 8
*WH Timeline presentation

In Class:
*WH Timeline presentations (What a creative group of students we have!  Well done!)
*Novel:  WH Test

Weekly Work:
*Follow agenda

2/16:
Collected:
*Lit SQs, Unit 7
*Vocabulary Check, ch. 29-34

Returned:
*Lit SQs, Unit 7
*Vocabulary Check, ch. 29-34
*Choices poem
*Catherine poem

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Active Reading worksheet, WH
*Announcements:  Spring Break (March 14 &16), Progress Reports e-mailed this week, purchase “Great Expectations” and the accompanying Progeny Press study guide by next week, if you haven’t already done so.
*Novel:  Mrs. Amy provided a WH review and study sheet.  She also gave the Novel essay prompts.  Students may create a 3×5 notecard (front and back) as an aid to be used during the Novel test on 2/23.  We reviewed format, potential questions, and more complex short answer questions.
*Literature:  Students read and discussed “Sympathy” by Laurence Dunbar.  Discussion was facilitated by Mrs. Amy, using various worksheet handouts as conversation prompts.

Weekly Work:
*Study for Novel test, prepare note card, and review Novel vocabulary list.

 

 

2/9:

Collected:
*Unit 6, Literature SQs
*Novel Vocab Check:  Ch. 18-28
*”Choices” poem

Returned:
*Unit 6, Literature SQs
*Novel Vocab Check:  Ch. 18-28

In Class:
*Bellringer:  Retrieved Reformation worksheet
*Literature:  Notes over irony as a literary device, and interactive discussion of O. Henry’s “A Retrieved Reformation”; group work
*Novel: Reviewed for Novel test on 2/23, and Mrs. Amy handed out information about the WH Timeline Project (also due 2/23).  See below for agenda changes.

Weekly Work–Agenda Changes:
*Due to inclement weather putting us behind schedule, students will not be required to do the Character Essay.
*Novel Test & WH Timeline Project/Presentation due 2/23

2/2:

No classes for the Tutorial today. For next week:

-Bring vocabulary packet, Chapters 18-28 will be graded during class. Bring your Choices Poem for collecting and grading as well on 2/9.

-Follow your agenda for the following items for weekly work: Unit 6 for literature (these study questions will be collected for grading), and read Chapters 23-28 and complete study questions. We will discuss both weeks material and combine information.

1/26:
Collected:
*Unit 4 SQs
*WH Love Poem
*Vocabulary Check, ch. 13-17

Returned:
*Heathcliff perspective essay
*Unit 4 SQs
*Vocabulary Check, ch. 13-17
*”Tell-Tale Heart” Scavenger Hunt quiz

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Journal prompt–“opposites attract?”
*Novel:  Discussion of Heathcliff’s return; Family Tree and Timeline handouts (discussed and completed in class); Prophecy and Foreshadowing handouts, discussed and completed in class.
*Literature:  Discussion of Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”; students completed questions about the poem in groups, and then discussed their responses.

Weekly Work–Agenda Changes:
*Character Essay will be due 2/9–more info on that in our next class meeting
*”Choices” poem due 2/2–Mrs. Amy provided and went over a detailed handout regarding this assignment.

1/19:
Collected:
*Unit 3 SQs
*Novel Vocab Check:  Chapters 1-12

Returned:
*Unit 3 SQs
*Novel Vocab Check:  Chapters 1-12

In Class:
*BellRinger:  “Tell-Tale Heart” vocabulary exercise
*Literature:  True/False Poe Bio “quiz”; discussion of Poe’s life as it relates to his writings.  Students listened to an audio version of “Tell-Tale Heart”, followed by a brief discussion of the story.
*Novel:  Detailed discussion of Chapter 9 and the courtship of Catherine.  Group discussion of who is the best suitor for Catherine–Heathcliff or Linton.

Weekly Work–Agenda Change:
*Students will write an original poem with the following criterion:  1.  Written in Catherine’s voice; 2.  Minimum of 3 stanzas; 3.  Theme of her love for Heathcliff but why she is choosing to marry Linton; 4.  It can be written to Heathcliff, or be her own personal reflection.  Due 1/26

1/12:
Collected:
*Literature:  Unit 2 SQs
*Writing: Heathcliff perspective

Returned:
*Literature:  Unit 2 SQs

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Author Bio & Re-read pp. 29-32 in Literature book
*Literature: Discussion of Frost’s “The Death of a Hired Man” with discussion facilitated by Literature prompt questions. Students then did several “quick writes” regarding home, , what it means, and various character’s perspectives of home.
*Novel:  Pop quiz on opening chapters (these were self-graded and discussed, much to the students’ delight).  Detailed notes and interactive discussion focusing on Lockwood’s nightmare, and Heathcliff’s response.  Family dynamics in WH were also discussed.
*Class Announcements:  Mrs. Amy met with UU Creative Writing Workshop participant after class today.  For Honors students, the spring 2023 agenda will be sent by Saturday.

Weekly Work:  Follow agenda

1/5:

*No items were collected or returned today

In Class:
BellRinger:  Highlights of the Holiday

Classroom Procedures:  Mrs. Amy handed out our SPR 2023 agenda and went over the format, etc.  She also explained format for completion and submission on Literature study questions (SQ). 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

In addition, a Wuthering Heights (WH) study guide (SG) and vocabulary list (VL) were handed out.  WH vocabulary should be completed and submitted on a weekly basis, as noted on the agenda.  Students should note definition and part of speech.  For extra credit, they may correctly use the word in an original sentence.

Literature:  Notes over elements of a story–plot, characterization, theme, and setting.  Then, students did a quick “refresh” read of “Good Morning, Ms. Dove”.  Dividing into groups, they provided details on story elements noted above.

Novel:  Students took a “Love Is” quiz which asked their opinions on facets of romantic love as it relates to WH.  Author Bio was provided and Mrs. Amy gave some brief notes over that handout.  In addition, she provided an introduction to the story, highlighting the locations central to the novel:  Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange (handout).

Agenda Changes–Weekly Work
*Students should complete WH Vocab for chapters 1-8.  Due 1/12
*Students should write an original piece, from Heathcliff’s perspective, reflecting on his arrival and initial impressions of Wuthering Heights.  Due 1/12

*Before our class returns on January 5: 

1.Read chapters 1-3 of Wuthering Heights

2. Read World Literature book, Unit 1

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

12/15:
Collected:
*Mid-Term Review Guide

Returned:
*No items to return

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

12/8:
Collected:
*Vocabulary Sentences, Lesson 16

Returned:
*Vocabulary Sentences, Lesson 16
*Precise & Concise Writing
*Writing: Tone
*VQ 15-16
*Grammar Test: Punctuation

In Class:
*BellRinger:  Christmas Puzzle
*Vocabulary:  VQ, Lessons 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.

12/1:
Collected:
*Vocabulary Sentences, Lesson 15
*Writing: Tone

Returned:
*Vocabulary Sentences, Lesson 15
*Grammar Test:  Clauses and Agreement

In Class:
*BellRinger:  WordSearch
*Grammar:  Notes over Punctuation through a station-to-station set of exercises–with example sentences
*Grammar:  Open note test (Punctuation)

Weekly Work:
*Follow Agenda