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Davis School District

August 27-31, 2007

Monday, August 27: Teacher Prep. Day

  • No School for Students

Tuesday, August 28: Teacher Prep. Day

  • No School for Students

Wednesday, August 29: Welcome Back!

Thursday, August 30

  • Letters from Last Year: The Advice of Your Elders
  • Prewrite: List all the things (related to Language Arts) you hope we do in this class and all the things you hope we definitely don't do in this class.
  • Zachary Rosenstein for Pres!
  • The Usual Handouts:
    Hall Passes, Independent Reading Requirements, IRContracts (due September 6th!)
  • Writing Assignment #1: Sign My Yearbook! Pretend that it is now the last day of school and you just finished the best year of your life. Everything was great, especially this English class. Sign my yearbook and tell me all the fabulous things you enjoyed about the class. (Use the prewrite to get you started.) Sign your signature legibly, using the name you want me to call you for the rest of the year. Due tomorrow!
  • Honors English, Anyone?

Friday, August 31: School Pictures (during math classes)

  • Disclosures: Signed Form Due!
  • Turn in "Sign My Yearbook!"
  • Honors English, Anyone?
  • Write Something! (10 minutes' worth)
  • Writing Trait #1: Ideas and Content
  • Specific vs. General: Defining Our Terms
  • Non-example: What Does Baby Mickey Find?
  • Evaluate the ideas and content of what you wrote. Turn it in.
  • *Homework: Have class materials and a reading book in class on Tuesday!

September 3-7, 2007

Monday, September 3: Labor Day

  • Labor Day: No School

Tuesday, September 4: Materials and Reading Book in Class!

  • Morning Assembly: Shortened Classes
  • Choose Your Own Seat!
  • Journals: Pick one! Write your name on it...everywhere.
  • Copy this quotation inside the front cover of your journal:
    "You learn to write by writing. The only way to learn to write is to force yourself to produce a certain number of words on a regular basis."
    --William Zinsser
Journal Guidelines:
Copy these on the first blank page in the journal.
  • Date every entry and assignment.
  • Number all journal entries.
  • If other non-journal assignements are to be done in the journal, title and date them. Do not number them.
  • Skip only one or two lines between entries. Do not put each entry on a separate page!
  • Write on only one side of the paper.
  • Do not copy the topic. Just respond with complete sentences.
  • Never remove any pages from your journal, even after they have been scored
  • Journals are to remain in the classroom at all times!
  • Journal #1: How is 9th grade treating you so far? Give examples! Be specific! (80+ words)
  • The Pigman: Narrative Voices
  • Chapter 1 (Meet John!): Read the first couple pages.

Wednesday, September 5: Computer Lab 137

Back-to-School Night, 7:00 P.M.

Thursday, September 6: Independent Reading Contract due!

  • Journal #2: Who makes the best friends, those of the same sex or those of the opposite sex? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? (80+ words)
  • Review the answers to the Computer Lab Review Assignment
  • Create a spot in your English notebook called "The Pigman Pages." All of the assignments, vocabulary lists, and literary concepts related to our study of this novel will go in these pages, and they will be collected all together at the end of the unit.
  • Pigman Pages: Pigman Vocabulary List #1
  • Finish Reading Chapters 1 & 2 (Meet Lorraine!)
  • Narrative Voices: John and Lorraine

Friday, September 7: Honors English Applications due!

  • Journal #3: What is the best day of the week? Why? (80+ words)
  • Humorous Devices in The Pigman: Presentation/Notes
  • Pigman Pages:
    • Based on his narrative voice in Chapter 1, describe John.
    • Based on her narrative voice in Chapter 2, describe Lorraine.

September 10-14, 2007

Monday, September 10

  • Journal #4: Are you a good liar? Why or why not? (Give an example of a time you either lied very well and got away with it or lied poorly and got caught.) Is there ever a time when it is right to lie? Explain. (90+ words)
  • The Pigman: Read Chapters 3 & 4
  • The Pigman Pages: Study Questions (Answer with complete sentences.)
  • Pigman Pages: Pigman Vocabulary List #2

    • Tuesday, September 11: Computer Lab 137

    Wednesday, September 12

    • Journal #5: Are you afraid to die? Why or why not? What is your attitude about death? Is it a natural part of the life process, or is it something to be avoided at all costs? Discuss. (80+ words)
    • Literary Concepts in The Pigman + Literary Concepts Worksheet
      (Complete the worksheet as we read the novel. Don't wait until the end!)
    • The Pigman: Read Chapters 5 & part of 6 (to page 45)

    Thursday, September 13: Honors English Meeting, 3:00 P.M.

    • Counselors: Prep for Explore Testing
    • The Pigman: Finish Chapter 6 (pp. 45-53)
    • Honors English Meeting: 3:00 P.M., Computer Labs 137 & 138

    Friday, September 14

    • (Quickly finish Chapter 6 if you didn't do so yesterday!)
    • The Pigman Pages: Vocabulary List #3
    • The Pigman: Read Chapter 7
    • Writing Assignment: Write a Character Sketch on one of the main characters in The Pigman.
    • Sample Character Sketch: Something like this is what you will be doing!
    • Handout: Prewrite for Character Sketch due next Wednesday (Sept. 19)

    September 17-21, 2007

    Monday, September 17

    • Journal #6: Do you like to shop? Why or why not? How do you prefer to shop: Online? In a mall? Department stores? Alone? In a group? Discuss your feelings on shopping. (80+ words)
    • The Pigman: Read Chapter 8
    • Vocabulary List #4
    • Read Chapter 9
    • Work on Literary Concepts Worksheet

    Tuesday, September 18

    Wednesday, September 19: Testing Schedule

    Thursday, September 20: Testing Schedule

    Friday, September 21: Sub.

    September 24-28, 2007

    Monday, September 24

    Tuesday, September 25

    • Journal #9: Copy these quotations into your journal.
      "It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do."
      --John Baptiste Moliére

      "Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will - his personal responsibility."
      --Albert Einstein

      "When we have begun to take charge of our lives, to own ourselves, there is no longer any need to ask permission of someone."
      --George O'Neil

      "A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make."
      --Denis Waitley
      Explain which quotation best applies to the last chapter of The Pigman and tell why.
    • Finish/Turn in The Pigman Pages
    • Organizing a Character Sketch

    Wednesday, September 26: Computer Lab 137

    Thursday, September 27: Computer Lab 137

    • Finish Character Sketch
      • Organize it this way.
      • What's a transition? Try these links: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
      • Use this rubric to evaluate your essay before you print it.
      • It should look about like this one on the page before you print it.
      • Staple your evaluation to your printed essay and turn it in.

    Friday, September 28

    • (Your journals have now been scored for the first time. After looking at your score, go back to the first page of the journal where you copied the Journal Guidelines. Read them and see if you are still following all of them. If not, start doing so now.)
    • Journal #1: What did you think of your ninth grade picture/ID card? Do you look as good as you'd hoped? Did your parents buy a picture packet, and if so what is going to happen to those photos? What is your philosophy of pictures? Explain. Discuss. Pontificate. Elaborate. (90+ words)
    • Writing Trait #2B: Organization Handout (Never Lose!)
    • Popsicle Sticks: Let's Color!

    October 1-5, 2007

    Monday, October 1: It's Banned Books Week!

    • Journal #2: What does it mean if you describe someone as "interesting"? Describe an "interesting" person you know. (90+)
    • Begin Term Writing Assignment: This is a long-term, multi-step process that will be completed over the next two weeks or so. You will be given the opportunity to complete much of the work in class, but if you choose to waste that in-class time, you are going to have a lot of homework! Failure to complete the term writing assignment almost guarantees a poor term grade. Do not ignore this assignment, and do not fall behind!

    Term Writing Assignment
    • Step #1: "Interesting" People Web
    • Step #2: Why are they interesting? Fill in details.
    • Step #3: Choose the person who will make the most "interesting" and engaging character sketch.
    • Step #4: Fill in a Focused Web on that person.
      (Here's a sample.)
    • Step #5: Create an Outline following the standard essay format.
    • Step #6: Turn your outline into a written draft.
      (A sample...and another one...and a third.)
    • Step #7: Share your draft (aloud) with read-around groups. Discuss revising strategies.
    • Step #8: Create a revised second draft.
    • Step #9: Check your second draft against the grading requirements, and have a parent or trusted advisor evaluate and discuss it with you using this rubric.
    • Step #8: Prepare and submit a final draft.
    • Final Draft due Oct. 23! We'll share 'em in class!

    Tuesday, October 2

    • Journal #3: Midterm grades went home yesterday. How were yours? How did the first half of the term go for you? What, if anything, are you going to do differently for the second half?
    • Continue working on Term Writing Assignment:
      • Examine samples of good character sketches...lots of 'em!
      • Choose the character from your web on which you want to focus.
      • Review the Four Methods of Characterization.
      • Fill in a focused web on the person of your choice. (It's due tomorrow!)

    Wednesday, October 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences

    • Journal #4: Today and tomorrow are parent-teacher conferences. Write the dialogue you think I would have with your parents. (80+ words)
    • Outline your character sketch following the standard essay format.
    • Review Thesis & Transitions: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
    • Turn in outline and prewrite webs.

    Thursday, October 4: Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Friday, October 5

    October 8-12, 2007

    Monday, October 8

    • Journal#6: Do you think the world will be a better place or a worse place 100 years from now? Why? Discuss your view of the future. (90+)
    • Grammar Punk: Packet (NEVER LOSE!) & Intro
    • Grammar Punk (GP) Sentences are to be written at the end of the journal entry. Here are today's dice rolls:
    • 2nd period: G E 3 ; adjective sports
    • 3rd period: J U 5 : adjective music/movies
    • 4th period: W E 2 ( ) interjection sports
    • 5th period: D E 3 " " interjection religion
    • 6th period: T I 3 ? interjection religion
    • 7th period: R A 3 " " conjunction music/movies
    • Finish Word "Cells" #1 Dictionary Activity

    Tuesday, October 9: Computer Lab 137

    • Term Writing Assignment: Type Draft #1
    • Before you print, do these things:
      • Put a proper heading in the upper-right corner.
      • Center an appropriate (non-Bubba) title at the top.
      • Compare to the Assignment Guidelines, make final changes.
      • Spell check, grammar check.
      • Ask yourself if this is an example of your best work, and be sure that you don't mind reading it aloud...because you will be doing that tomorrow!
      • Finish Word "Cells" #1 Dictionary Activity using an online dictionary.

    Wednesday, October 10

    • Journal #7: List all the "jobs" you have ever been assigned and/or paid to do. What is the hardest "work" you have ever done? What kind of tasks are the most difficult for you and why? Is there any work you would not do even for huge sums of money? Why or why not? (90+)
    • Grammar Punk Sentence o' the Day!
      • 2nd: K U 3 : conjunction sports
      • 3rd: P A 4 ( ) interjection religion
      • 4th: D E 3 " " preposition animals
      • 5th: B O 3 ( ) pronoun religion
      • 6th: C O 5 " " prepostition religion
      • 7th: C O 5 , conjunction sports
    • Read-Around-Groups: Share your first draft (aloud) in groups
    • Revision Strategies to Consider
    • Annotate your paper with revision suggestions.

    Thursday, October 11: Computer Lab 137

    Friday, October 12: Sad Day: We'll miss you, Scott!

    • Word "Cells" List #1 Quiz
    • Journal #8: If you were the "god/goddess" of something, what would it be? Which aspect of the world or of human life would you like to control? Why? What would your symbol be? What would you wear? How would all of us mere mortals recognize your work? Explain. Discuss. Elaborate. Pontificate. (90 + words)
    • Grammar Punk (3) Sentences o' the Day: Colon Rules 3-5
    • The Mythology Grid
    • Begin Meet the Olympians Video

    October 15-19, 2007

    Monday, October 15

    Tuesday, October 16

    • Journal #9: What makes you furious? Why? Describe the last time you were so mad you couldn't think straight. What purpose does your anger serve? Discuss rage. (90+)
    • Grammar Punk Sentence o' the Day!
      • 2nd: L U 3 adv. ; religion
      • 3rd: E F 3 adj. " " food/drink
      • 4th: R O 2 pro. " " animals ("Organize gators," he said.)
      • 5th: E W 3 adj. ; movies/music
      • 6th: L O 3 adv. ? movies/music
      • 7th: O T 3 adj. " " sports
    • Why Mythology? (Identify thesis and main points of essay.)
    • Introduction to the Mythology Project: Topic Assignments

    Wednesday, October 17: Computer Lab 137

    Thursday, October 18: Computer Lab 137

    • Research for Mythology Project Presentation: Today collect source information for the most useful web sites.
    • Citation Machine: Works Cited Made Easy!
    • Create a folder on your "H: drive" in which to save all mythology info/graphics.
    • How to find/save/import graphics for PowerPoint shows
      (You must include source information from web sites where you get pictures!)
    • Time left? Study for the Word Cells #2 Quiz tomorrow!

    Friday, October 19: Farewell Sunshine!

    October 22-26, 2007

    Monday, October 22

    • Journal #1: In this time of changing seasons, as we move from first term into second, how do you see yourself changing? How are you different now than you were on the first day of school? How have you changed since entering junior high school? Do you change because you want to or are you changed by circumstances and the passage of time? Discuss change. (90 +)
    • Grammar Punk Sentences o' the Day! (Comma Rules #2 & #3)
    • Score Word Cells Quiz #2
    • Finish Mythology Research worksheet with Library Books & Hamilton's Mythology

    Tuesday, October 23: Computer Lab 138

    Wednesday, October 24: Computer Lab 137

    Thursday, October 25

    • Journal #2: As Halloween approaches, with all its creepy imagery and spooky decorations, it seems an appropriate time to ask this: What scares you? Is there a difference between genuine fear and the kind you experience while watching a horror movie? Discuss fears. (90+)
    • Grammar Punk Sentences o' the Day (Comma Rules 4 & 5)
    • Complete the Mythology Grid
    • Save PowerPoints to Common File

    Friday, October 26: Sub.

    • Book Walk: Welcome to the Massive Purple Text!

    October 29-November 2, 2007

    Monday, October 29: Fall Recess

    • No School

    Tuesday, October 30: Fall Recess

    • No School

    Wednesday, October 31: Independent Reading Points due Today!

    • Journal #3: What are you going to be for Halloween? Will you be Trick-or-Treating? Why or why not? Discuss your thoughts on being someone (or something) different for a day. (90+ words)
    • Flash Presentation: What is a Sentence?
    • A Little Halloween Fun: "The Ravine"
    • End-of-Term Poem for the Nervous Nellies

    Thursday, November 1

    Friday, November 2: Last Day of First Term!

    "Did I miss anything?" This is the most annoying question students who have been absent can ask. My usual sarcastic reply is something like this: "Oh, heck no! We knew you were gone, so we just sat around all day and looked at each other. You don't really think I'm going to assign work on a day you're not here, do you?" So, in order to keep everyone (students and their parents) apprised of what exactly is going on each day in class, I am going to put it here. Check back often!

    We have made every reasonable attempt to insure that our web pages are educationally sound and do not contain links to any questionable material or anything that can be deemed in violation of the DSD Acceptable Use Policy. We have also made every effort to insure that our web pages are free of personality, character, or any other small uniqueness that students might enjoy.
    This page is maintained according to the DSD Internet Publishing Guidelines by FFJH Webmasters.
    ©2007 Michael Thompson - All rights reserved.
    *<%^)