Rough Notes--Planning for School Year 2017-2018

English 9
--share/assess together a sample "Letter to Mr. Martin" from 2016-2017
--as "hook" of summary lesson, present three summaries of, say, Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone

• Which is the strongest?
• Why? (pick out qualities to introduce components of a strong summary)

--for Grammar Hammer, make tasks align more with ACT--include a section on final exam that looks like the ACT and holds students accountable for English 9 errors
--prior to the final exam, ... 

• revisit theme via the questions from theme lesson (What is a theme? Theme statement? Etc.)
• revisit the "A Paragraph's a Paragraph's a Paragraph" template

English 10 Honors
--when beginning counterargument work, tap into Divergent argument writing as a starting point
--majority of AoW work should deal with counterargument--consider writing counterargument paragraphs for each type of counterargument (e.g., finding a fallacy, piling up additional related evidence, etc. [SEE "METHODS OF REFUTATION" DOCUMENT])
English 9 & English 10 Honors
--when engaging in self-reflection at the end of a marking period, use "Self-Assessment" document the first time.  Then, ALWAYS USE THE COMMENT BANK!!! (UPDATE BY MARRYING WITH "SELF-ASSESSMENT")
--preview the idea of slant and bias and the importance of awareness of from where information is coming--with each Article of the Week, provide a quick blurb about the source
--use a variety of argumentative pieces as choices for first Article of the Week after first making some claims about the end of summer, pop culture, and opinions:

• Pokemon Go--something about how "ridiculous" it is?
• http://www.wired.com/2016/08/ethics-ar-pokemon-go/
• Ryan Lochte--something about how he is a liar, entitled, immature, and giving the United States a bad name?
• http://www.forbes.com/sites/shannonsims/2016/08/18/the-case-for-ryan-lochte/#38e395132634
• Information about Forbes:
• TwentyOnePilots--something about how the band has "sold out"?
• http://underthegunreview.net/2015/05/14/review-twenty-one-pilots-blurryface/

--use Kelly Gallagher's "Nerd Alert: Reading is Good for Your Health" article as an Article of the Week prior to informing students about Free Reading Course Component (add to sheet created by GB and modified by me accordingly)
--check this out: http://argumentcenterededucation.com/

English 9--6/12/2017

Jump Off
--Pick up a copy the "End-of-Unit Essay--Feedback Analysis" document from the front table.

--If you brought a snack or a drink today, place it on the univent now.
*AS THIS IS OCCURRING, I WILL RETURN YOUR SCORED AND COMMENTED UPON THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET END-OF-UNIT ESSAYS.*

--Please SEE ME before leaving class today:

• Brooklyn K.
• Jasmine M.

Reminders

• The English 9 Final Examination will take place on Tuesday, 6/20 during the 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM time slot.  Continue preparing for a successful performance via the review sheet and information sheet, commentary provided on your group argument writing piece, your "PROS" and "GROWS" document for your impulsiveness essay, any other helpful materials in your binder (e.g., items from later in the block), etc.
• I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., Divergent) ASAP.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!

Writing Workshop -- Feedback Analysis/Moving Forward: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet End-of-Unit Essay

--quiet and independent formal feedback analysis

• During this time, students with specific questions can meet with me as per the order established on the front board.

--When your name is called, come over to the univent!

--whole-group share-out ("I wrote...in the...category.")/Q & A ("For the...category, I wasn't sure what you meant by...")--notes/"mini-lessons" added to the sample feedback analysis document on the front board--CONSIDER TAKING NOTES EITHER IN YOUR NOTEBOOK OR ON THE FRONT/BACK OF YOUR FEEDBACK ANALYSIS DOCUMENT

Transition
--writing pieces turned back in

Miscellaneous
--play a game OR review for the English 9 Final Examination via any or all of the following:

• the review sheet and information sheet
• sample ACT passage and questions
• "Reading Nonfiction Document" and a chapter of Thomas C. Foster's How to Read Literature Like a Professor
• my assistance (if desired ;))

ENJOY THE WEEKEND AND, AFTER EXAMS END, YOUR SUMMER VACATION--YOU ONLY GET SO MANY OF 'EM! :)

English 9--6/9/2017

Jump Off
--If you brought a snack or a drink today and have yet to give it to me, place it on the univent now.
*AS THIS IS OCCURRING, I WILL RETURN YOUR COMMENTED UPON ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING PIECES FROM A FEW CLASSES AGO.  PLEASE REFLECT UPON YOUR PERFORMANCE, NOTING "PROS" AND "GROWS" AS WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.*

• some notes shared about argumentative writing pieces (SEE FRONT BOARD)

--Please SEE ME before leaving class today:

• Lizzie P.

Reminders

• The English 9 Final Examination will take place on Tuesday, 6/20 during the 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM time slot.  Continue preparing for a successful performance via the review sheet and information sheet, commentary provided on your group argument writing piece, your "PROS" and "GROWS" document for your impulsiveness essay, any other helpful materials in your binder, etc.
• One-pagers are due/book-talks must be completed by 3:00 PM today (unless we have made alternative arrangements together).
• I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., Divergent) ASAP.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!

Film -- Neil Burger's Divergent

--view the film

Transition

--When your name is called, come over to the univent!

ENJOY THE WEEKEND AND, AFTER EXAMS END, YOUR SUMMER VACATION--YOU ONLY GET SO MANY OF 'EM! :)

English 10 Honors--6/9/2017

Jump Off
--Turn in your End-of-Course Assignment by placing it in the black basket on the front table.  I am, admittedly, quite excited to read these!
--Turn in everything else that belongs to the school or me by placing said materials on the front table.
--If you brought a snack or a drink today, please place it on the univent.

• M.F. -- rolls
• A.F. -- chicken wing dip
• S.H. -- tortilla chips

--Seat yourselves alphabetically by first name around the "conference table" in preparation for today's mini-presentations.

--When your name is called, come over to the univent!

Miscellaneous
--Reminders:

• One-pagers are due/book-talks must be completed by 3:00 PM today
• The NYS Regents Examination in English Language Arts (Common Core) will take place on Wednesday, 6/14 during the 7:40 AM - 10:40 AM time slot in Room 203.  Finish preparing for a successful performance--I believe in all of you!
• Regents celebration 

Mini-Presentations -- End-of-Course Assignment

• Wronka
• Blake
• States
• Bleier
• Peck
• Carr
• Dragone
• Evans
• Dutra
• Schulte
• Fasce
• Backus
• Waldruff
• Weber
• Hoppough

Before You Leave...

--Any final questions?!

English 9--6/8/2017

Reminders

--The English 9 Final Examination will take place on Tuesday, 6/20 during the 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM time slot.  Continue preparing for a successful performance via the review sheet and information sheet, materials in your binder, etc.

--Complete and turn in a one-pager or follow through on your book-talk arrangements by 3:00 PM tomorrow (Friday, 6/9) if you are deciding to earn credit for free reading the past two marking periods.

--If you signed up to bring something in on our final class day together (Monday, 6/12), make sure to follow through:

• Block 1
• Tatum S.--waffle maker
• Jasmyn S.--waffle batter, chocolate chips
• Alyssa P.-A.--Ready Whip, syrup, strawberry jelly, creamer
• Flynn--yogurt
• Mackenzie G.--rolls
• Cara M.--potatoes, catsup, hot sauce
• MaKenna W.--cookies, apron
• Mr. Martin--Brummel and Brown, butter, coffee, and coffee accoutrements
• Jesse N.--coffee maker and coffee?
• Storme S.--Hawaiian Punch
• Grace K.--Goya, popcorn maker
• Mady--plates
• Anthony M.--napkins
• Ollie O.--forks
• Block 2
• Nina M./Kimmy S.--pizza plans?
• Adam B.--popcorn, baggies
• Grace B.--cookies
• Mike H.--beverages
• Brooklyn K.--plates
• Mr. Martin--napkins
• Patrick S.--hand sanitizer
• Ben H.--cups

--I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., Divergent) ASAP.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!

Film -- Neil Burger's Divergent
--view the film

English 10 Honors--6/7/2017

Jump Off
--If you brought a snack or a drink today, please place it on the univent.

• K.F. -- cookies
• A.E. -- popsicles
• A.W. -- chocolate milk
• Z.W. -- Hawaiian Punch

--Pick up each of the following items from the front table:

• the "Sample Counterargument Paragraph" document
• the "Basic Counterargument Paragraph Template" document
• the "Methods of Refutation" document
• a half index card

--Seat yourselves alphabetically by first name around the "conference table" in preparation for today's mini-presentations.

--When your name is called, come over to the univent!

Miscellaneous
--HW

--address End-of-Course Assignment "loose ends":

• read the "Sample Counterargument Paragraph" document/point out the "Basic Counterargument Paragraph Template"
• "putting it together" via templates (The Classical Model of Argument)
• How do I conclude my essay?!
• Strongly consider a call to action
• http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/
• Reminders: The Works Cited page
• add new sources
• delete unused sources
• delete annotations
• check in with Mrs. Donohue about her feedback
• insert your final Works Cited page as the last page of your essay

--Regents incentive plan/rationale shared

• On your half index card, write your first and last name and...
• "yes" if you want to participate
• "no" if you do not want to participate.

*HAND IN YOUR HALF INDEX CARDS BY PASSING THEM AROUND THE CIRCLE.*

Mini-Presentations -- End-of-Course Assignment

• Raqueno
• Hoh
• Sauter
• Cole
• Flanagan
• Reynolds
• Fletcher
• Smith
• Wronka
• Blake
• States
• Bleier

HW (Class Preparation)/Writing

--Finish your End-of-Course Assignment, which is due at the beginning of our last day of class (Friday, 6/9--NEXT TIME!).
--Prepare and practice your End-of-Course Assignment mini-presentation if you have yet to deliver it.  Mini-presentations wrap up on Friday, 6/9 as per the following order:

• Any students scheduled for 6/7 that we did not get to
• Peck
• Carr
• Dragone
• Evans
• Dutra
• Schulte
• Fasce
• Backus
• Waldruff
• Weber
• Hoppough

Miscellaneous
--Finish and turn in your one-pager or follow through on your book-talk arrangements by 3:00 PM on Friday, 6/9 if you are deciding to earn credit for free reading the past two marking periods.

--I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., An Ordinary Man) during our last class block together.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!
--The NYS Regents Examination in English Language Arts (Common Core) will take place on Wednesday, 6/14 during the 7:40 AM - 10:40 AM time slot in Room 203.  Continue preparing for a successful performance--I believe in all of you!

English 9--6/7/2017

Jump Off

--Pick up a copy of each of the following from the front table: 

• the "Divergent Unit--CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN - CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE--Did You Read? Quiz"
• the "End-of-Unit Essay--Feedback Analysis" document

Get started on completing the quiz quietly and independently with the awareness that I will interrupt you in a few minutes to give you further directions.  Good luck!

--Please SEE ME before leaving class today:

• Jasmine M.
• Lizzie P.

*AS YOU WORK, I WILL RETURN YOUR SCORED AND COMMENTED UPON THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET END-OF-UNIT ESSAYS

Assessment -- Divergent Unit--CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN - CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE--Did You Read? Quiz

--complete the quiz

--When you finish, place the assessment on the floor next to your desk.  Then, begin taking a look at your essay.

S. the C.
--trade and grade--scored assessments returned to test-takers for self-reflection purposes--scored assessments collected

--Reminder: It is important for you to stay caught up with regard to all of your coursework.  It is in your best interest to check the blog and SchoolTool often.  Additionally, if you have an "INC" for a Marking Period, following up with me ASAP would be wise!
--Reminder: "Loose ends" to tie up

Writing Workshop -- Feedback Analysis/Moving Forward: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet End-of-Unit Essay
--quiet and independent formal feedback analysis

• During this time, students with specific questions can meet with me as per the order established on the front board.

--whole-group share-out ("I wrote...in the...category.")/Q & A ("For the...category, I wasn't sure what you meant by...")--notes/"mini-lessons" added to the sample feedback analysis document on the front board--CONSIDER TAKING NOTES EITHER IN YOUR NOTEBOOK OR ON THE FRONT/BACK OF YOUR FEEDBACK ANALYSIS DOCUMENT

Transition/Brain Break
--turn your essays back in
--sign-ups for refreshments on our last class day

Review -- Divergent Themes (time permitting)

--determining emergent themes and creating theme statements process reviewed via notes from earlier in the course

--create a list of theme words on the front board

--quietly and independently, create a meaningful and complex theme statement including one or more of the theme words from our list

--in pairs, share theme statements

--pick a theme statement with which to work in your partnership in order to answer the following questions:

• What are the three best pieces of evidence from the story in support of the theme statement?
• How does each piece of evidence support the theme statement?

Review -- English 9 Final Examination (time permitting)

--quietly and independently, work with your review sheets (e.g., define terms, brainstorm characteristics and details for important characters from Divergent, etc.)

--back in pairs, discuss review sheets

--whole-class Q & A

Loose Ends

--The English 9 Final Examination will take place on Tuesday, 6/20 during the 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM time slot.  Continue preparing for a successful performance via the review sheet and information sheet, materials in your binder, etc.

--Complete and turn in a one-pager or follow through on your book-talk arrangements by 3:00 PM on Friday, 6/9 if you are deciding to earn credit for free reading the past two marking periods.

--I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., Divergent) ASAP.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!

English 9--6/6/2017

Jump Off

--Pick up a copy of the "Divergent Unit--CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN - CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE--Did You Read? Quiz" from the front table.  Complete the quiz quietly and independently.  Good luck!

--Please SEE ME before leaving class today:

• Noah F.
• Elizabeth F.
• Marcus L.
• Jasmine M.
• Lizzie P.

*AS YOU WORK, I WILL RETURN YOUR COMMENTED UPON ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING PIECES FROM LAST CLASS BLOCK.  PLEASE REFLECT UPON YOUR PERFORMANCE, NOTING "PROS" AND "GROWS" AS WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.*

S. the C.

--Reminder: It is important for you to stay caught up with regard to all of your coursework.  It is in your best interest to check the blog and SchoolTool often.  Additionally, if you have an "INC" for a Marking Period, following up with me ASAP would be wise!

--FYI: I am more than halfway through reading your writing pieces.  Please continue being patient! :)

--some notes shared about argumentative writing pieces (SEE FRONT BOARD)

--sign-ups for refreshments on our last class day

--agenda/HW

Assessment -- Divergent Unit--CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN - CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE--Did You Read? Quiz

--complete the quiz

--When you finish, place the assessment on the floor next to your desk.  Then, begin reading the next section of Divergent.

Transition

--trade and grade--scored assessments returned to test-takers for self-reflection purposes--scored assessments collected

Review -- Divergent Themes

--determining emergent themes and creating theme statements process reviewed via notes from earlier in the course

--create a list of theme words on the front board

--quietly and independently, create a meaningful and complex theme statement including one or more of the theme words from our list

--in pairs, share theme statements

--pick a theme statement with which to work in your partnership in order to answer the following questions:

• What are the three best pieces of evidence from the story in support of the theme statement?
• How does each piece of evidence support the theme statement?

Review -- English 9 Final Examination

--quietly and independently, work with your review sheets (e.g., define terms, brainstorm characteristics and details for important characters from Divergent, etc.)

--back in pairs, discuss review sheets

--whole-class Q & A

Loose Ends

--The English 9 Final Examination will take place on Tuesday, 6/20 during the 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM time slot.  Continue preparing for a successful performance via the review sheet and information sheet, materials in your binder, etc.

--Complete and turn in a one-pager or follow through on your book-talk arrangements by 3:00 PM on Friday, 6/9 if you are deciding to earn credit for free reading the past two marking periods.

--I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., Divergent) ASAP.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!

BLOCKS 3 & 4--ESSAYS RETURNED/REFLECTED UPON

English 10 Honors--6/5/2017

Jump Off
--Seat yourselves alphabetically around the "conference table".  Then, take out your UB Discussion Cards for An Ordinary Man.  What do you plan on contributing to today's discussion when your card is drawn (or when you "jump in")?

S. the C.
--Reminder: The mini-presentation schedule is below:

Wednesday, 6/7

• Raqueno
• Hoh
• Sauter
• Cole
• Flanagan
• Reynolds
• Fletcher
• Smith
• Wronka
• Blake
• States
• Bleier

Friday, 6/9

• Peck
• Carr
• Dragone
• Evans
• Dutra
• Schulte
• Fasce
• Backus
• Waldruff
• Weber
• Hoppough

--agenda/HW

Circle Discussion -- Paul Rusesabagina's An Ordinary Man
--rationale behind the "conference table" and its application moving forward
--sign-ups for refreshments on mini-presentation days
--NYS ELA Regents Exam "incentive plan" ideas shared
--engage in discussion via a drawing of cards

• No one can contribute a third time to today's discussion until everyone has contributed once.

Transition -- re-column the desks

"Study Hall"
--select from the "menu" of options below:

• work on your End-of-Course Assignment (paper and/or presentation)
• complete a one-pager or prepare a book-talk (optional)
• engage in Regents multiple choice practice, checking your work against the answer keys

*DURING THIS TIME, I WILL BE WORKING, TOO, ON THE FOLLOWING: 

• TURNING KIKI'S NOTES INTO AN "OFFICIAL" COUNTERARGUMENT OUTLINING TEMPLATE FOR YOUR USE
• FINISHING THE SAMPLE COUNTERARGUMENT PARAGRAPH THAT WE STARTED TOGETHER LAST CLASS BLOCK  
• I MIGHT CALL A FEW OF YOUR OVER FOR HELP, SO BE READY! :)*

Before You Leave...
--pick up a copy or copies of the counterargument outlining template for use on your End-of-Course Assignment/when preparing for the Regents
--sample counterargument paragraph shared

HW (Class Preparation)/Writing

--Continue drafting and refining your End-of-Course Assignment, which is due on our last day of class (Friday, 6/9).
*I AM AVAILABLE AFTER SCHOOL PRETTY MUCH DAILY FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS ONE-ON-ONE (ESPECIALLY THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THIS ASSIGNMENT--BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND TAKE INITIATIVE!).*
--Prepare and practice your End-of-Course Assignment mini-presentation.  Mini-presentations begin next class (Wednesday, 6/7) as per the presentation order determined last class block.  Mini-presentations continue on Friday, 6/9.
Miscellaneous

--Finish and turn in your one-pager or follow through on your book-talk arrangements by 3:00 PM on Friday, 6/9 if you are deciding to earn credit for free reading the past two marking periods.
--I need you to turn in school materials (e.g., An Ordinary Man) during our last two class blocks together.  Also, if you have any other books in your possession that belong to me, I need those back as well!
--The NYS Regents Examination in English Language Arts (Common Core) will take place on Wednesday, 6/14 during the 7:40 AM - 10:40 AM time slot in Room 203.  Continue preparing for a successful performance--I believe in all of you!

English 9--6/2/2017 & 6/5/2017

Jump Off
--Pick up a copy of the "English 9 Final Examination Information Sheet" from the front table.
--Pick up your copy of the "Divergent Unit--Literary Analysis: Arguing About Courage" document from the front table (or take it out of your binder if you kept it). 
--Please SEE ME before leaving class today:

• Jasmine M.
• Lizzie P.

S. the C.

--Reminder: It is important for you to stay caught up with regard to all of your coursework.  It is in your best interest to check the blog and SchoolTool often.  Additionally, if you have an "INC" for a Marking Period, following up with me ASAP would be wise!

--FYI: I am still working through English 9 writing pieces.  Please continue being patient! :)

--oral reading of "English 9 Final Examination Information Sheet"

• Q & A

--agenda/HW

Writing Workshop/Looking Ahead (cont.) -- Divergent Unit--Literary Analysis: Arguing About Courage

--What questions do you have that I might be able to answer before you continue moving forward?

• Q & A

--Transition--return to groups from last class and "anchor in" to the "Compact for Group Work" again before wrapping up your arguments

• Teamwork must be a priority for this experience to be both fair and beneficial.

--in groups, finish completing the writing assignment as practice for a component of the English 9 Final Examination

• at the end of the writing block, I will draw name cards and collect work accordingly
• when assessing the quality of writing pieces, I will assess each collected writing piece as if it was written individually by each group member
• IN TODAY'S CIRCLE, A SPOKESPERSON FROM EACH GROUP IS EXPECTED TO SHARE THE GIST OF HIS OR HER GROUP'S ARGUMENT.  MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE OUR "BASES COVERED".

--If you finish with time to spare, return to your desks and read either your free reading book or a copy of Upfront newsmagazine.

Transition

--Consider/respond to the following questions:

• As per Al's definition of courage, who is the most courageous person that you know?  Why?
• How courageous are you?

--Form an alphabetical-by-first-name-of-courageous-individuals desk circle

Closure -- Divergent Unit--Literary Analysis: Arguing About Courage

--check alphabetization/share courageous individuals and personal thoughts "for the good of the order" ("Right to Pass" can be exercised)

--argument "gists" shared group-by-group

• Q & A for the English 9 Final Examination

HW Time (time permitting) 

Ticket-Out-the-Door -- Submission of Writing Pieces
--draw cards to determine what writing pieces get collected
--writing pieces collected

HW (Class Preparation)
--Purposefully read up to the end (yippee! :) ) of Divergent by following the directions on the halfsheet titled "Divergent Unit--Purposeful Reading Tasks".  These reading tasks are aligned with the writing sections of the English 9 Final Examination!  You should also consider jotting down any notes that...

• help you get the "gist"
• build upon anything that has come up in discussion.

--Following each section of reading of Divergent, I still reserve the right to administer "Did You Read?" assessments similar to those that you have been taking.  If you have completed a successful reading of each section, said assessments should not be too terribly challenging! :)
--Aim to read at least 5-10 pages of your free reading book between now and next class if time permits you to do so.  ALWAYS BRING YOUR FREE READING BOOK TO CLASS!
--The English 9 Final Examination will take place on Tuesday, 6/20 during the 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM time slot.  Continue preparing for a successful performance via the review sheet and information sheet, materials in your binder, etc.