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Davis School District

August 25-29, 2008

Monday, August 25: Welcome Back!

Tuesday, August 26

Wednesday, August 27: Assembly/Dance/Back-to-School Night

  • Disclosures: Signed Form Due!
  • 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 from yesterday to get you started.) Sign your signature legibly, using the name you want me to call you for the rest of the year.
  • Honors English, Anyone?
  • Write Something! (10 minutes' worth)
  • Writing Trait #1: Ideas and Content
  • Evaluate the ideas and content of what you wrote. Turn it in.

Thursday, August 28: Thompson's Computer Lab (202)

Friday, August 29

  • 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)
  • Writing Trait #1 (Ideas and Content): What Does Baby Mickey Find?
  • Have all required materials (including a reading book!) in class Tuesday!

September 1-5, 2008

Monday, September 1: Labor Day

  • Labor Day: No School

Tuesday, September 2: Materials and Reading Book in Class!

  • Choose your own seat.
  • Journal #2: "This is Your Brain on Cell Phones"
  • Review the correct answers to the Computer Lab Review
  • The Pigman: Narrative Voices
  • Chapter 1: Meet John!

Wednesday, September 3

  • Journal #3: 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)
  • 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
  • Chapter 2: Meet Lorraine!
    Narrative Voices: John and Lorraine -- First Impressions: Underneath the vocabulary list (in your Pigman Pages), write a sentence or two about your first impressions of each of the narrators.
  • Read Chapter 3 and some of Chapter 4: "...190 Howard Ave."

Thursday, September 4: Thompson's Computer Lab (202)

Friday, September 5: Independent Reading Contract due!

  • Humorous Devices in The Pigman
  • Finish Chapter 4
  • 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)

September 8-12, 2008

Monday, September 8

  • Journal #5: Read the article ("Distracted? Blame the Web!") and give me your take on it. Do you think the Internet has shortened our attention spans? Why or why not? Is the Internet somehow different than other technologies like TV and the printing press when they were still new? Discuss. (90+ words)
  • The Pigman Pages: Study Questions (#s 2-4) & Vocabulary List #2
  • The Pigman: Read Chapter 5

    • Tuesday, September 9: Honors English Meeting, 3:00 P.M.

    • Journal #6: 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)
    • Handout for The Pigman Pages: 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 Chapter 6

    Wednesday, September 10

    Thursday, September 11: Thompson's Lab (202)

    Friday, September 12

    • Journal #7: 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
    • The Pigman Pages: Vocabulary List #4
    • The Pigman: Read Chapter 9
    • Don't forget the Literary Concepts Worksheet

    September 15-19, 2008

    Monday, September 15

    Tuesday, September 16

    Wednesday, September 17: Thompson's Lab (202)

    • Meet Bubba: He knows his organization...but nothing about ideas and content. (Don't be a Bubba!)
    • Assignment: Revise/Organize the First Draft of Your Character Sketch
      Organize it this way!
      Include good transitions!
      (What's a transition? Try these links: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
      It should look about like this one on the page before you print it.
    • Submit Final Draft + First Draft (with revisions marked) + Prewite
    • Grading Based on Writing Traits 1 and 2: Ideas & Content and Organization

    Thursday, September 18

    • (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: You know you're an adult when....(90+)
    • The Pigman: Read Chapter 13 + half of 14 ("Then I fell asleep.")
    • The Pigman Pages: Vocabulary List #6
    • Work on Literary Concepts Worksheet

    Friday, September 19

    September 22-26, 2008

    Monday, September 22

    Tuesday, September 23

    • Journal #3: 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.
    • Final Discussion on The Pigman
    • Themes and Lessons in The Pigman (5 Questions + 1 about "trespassing")
    • Who's YOUR Pigman?

    Wednesday, September 24: Sub.

    Thursday, September 25: Explore Test/Reality Town (Midterm)

    • 1st, (2nd for Explore Test), 5th, 6th, 7th only: Reading Day -- Bring a book of your choice! (Or one will be assigned to you...and, believe me, you don't want that!)
    • Last day for Extra Credit on Independent Reading!

    Friday, September 26: Thompson's Lab (202)

    • The Pigman: Literacy Skills Test & AR Test
    • Write a book review of The Pigman.
      • Read some examples before you start: Positive, Neutral, Negative
      • E-mail me your review.
      • Extra Credit: Post your review to Amazon.com
        (Edit carefully, put your name on it, and let me know when it posts.)

    September 29 - October 3, 2008

    Monday, September 29

    • Journal #4: What does it mean if you describe someone as "interesting"? Describe an "interesting" person you know. (90+)
    • Return/Discuss Scored Pigman Character Sketches: Evaluation Criteria
    • Create/Decorate Writing Portfolios: Put scored writing in the porfolio.
    • Introduce 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 October 21! We'll share 'em in class!

    Tuesday, September 30

    • Journal #5: 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

    Wednesday, October 1

    Thursday, October 2

    Friday, October 3: Thompson's Computer Lab

    October 6-10, 2008

    Monday, October 6

    • Journal #8: 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): Comma Rule #1
    • Finish Word "Cells" #1 Dictionary Activity

    Tuesday, October 7: Thompson's Computer Lab

    Wednesday, October 8: Parent-Teacher Conferences

    • Turn in/Check Word "Cells" #1 Dictionary Activity
    • Journal #9: Today and tomorrow are parent-teacher conferences. Write the dialogue you think I would have with your parents. (90+ words)
    • Grammar Punk: Semicolon Rule #1
    • Review/Discuss Rough Drafts of Character Sketches
    • Revision Strategies

    Thursday, October 9: Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Friday, October 10

    • Word Cells List #1 Quiz
    • Journal #10: 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: Comma Rule #2
    • {B, O, 4, food/drink, adjective}
      • : Grammar Punk Hall of Fame

    October 13-17, 2008

    Monday, October 13

    Tuesday, October 14: Thompson's Computer Lab

    Wednesday, October 15: Thompson's Computer Lab

    Thursday, October 16: Fall Recess

    • No School

    Friday, October 17: Fall Recess

    • No School

    October 20-24, 2008: Red Ribbon Week

    Monday, October 20

    Tuesday, October 21: Thompson's Computer Lab

    • Final Draft of Character Sketch is due today!
    • Mythology PowerPoint Presentations:
      • Add sources you used to your Works Cited page.
        (Use Citation Machine!)
      • Presentations must have a proper Works Cited slide!
      • Capitalize and Spell Works Cited Entries Correctly!
      • Google is not a source; it's a search engine to find sources!

    Wednesday, October 22: Thompson's Computer Lab

    Thursday, October 23

    • Journal #2: 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: Colon Rules 1, 2, 5, 6: Who made it into the Hall of Fame
    • Finish/Score Word Cells #2 Dictionary Activity: Quiz Tomorrow!

    Friday, October 24

    October 27-31, 2008

    Monday, October 27: Thompson's Computer Lab

    Tuesday, October 28

    Wednesday, October 29: Independent Reading Points due Today!

    Thursday, October 30: Last Day of the First Term

    • Happy Halloween: What is a Sentence? (A Fiendly Review)
    • 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)
    • Finish Mythology Presentations
    • Final Term Conferences/Grades

    Friday, October 31: Quality Teaching Day

    "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.
    ©2008 Michael Thompson - All rights reserved.
    *<%^)