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Davis School District

August 23-27, 2010: Welcome Back!

Monday, August 23: A Day
Tuesday, August 24: B Day

  • Why are we here?
  • To learn this: The Core Curriculum!
  • How do we do that?
  • Simple: Read and Write a lot!
  • What resources will we use?
  • You're looking at the best resource there is: this web page!
    (The first five people from each class to e-mail me -- name, period, e-mail address -- get extra credit! Hurry!)
  • There will also be a Writing Notebook, a textbook (sometimes), various articles, videos, web sites, and other materials. Maybe an introduction of sorts is in order, eh?
  • What do you expect of us?
  • First Day Presentation/Discussion: Great Expectations
  • What can we expect from this class and from you?
  • (Reading) Letters from Last Year: The Advice of Your Elders
  • What's due next time?
  • Disclosures: Parent signature due next time!
  • And don't lose the hall pass I gave you!
  • Is it always this hot in here?
  • Zachary Rosenstein for Pres!


Wednesday, August 25: A Day (Computer Lab)
Thursday, August 26: B Day (Computer Lab)


Friday, August 27: A Day

  • Indpendent Reading Practice Agreement (due Sept. 2/3)
  • Join "Thompson's Classes 2010-2011" on Shelfari (due Sept. 6/7)
  • Reading Book in Class ALWAYS starting next week!
  • Writing Notebook: The Finer Details
    Copy this quotation on the first page of your WN:
    "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
Writing Notebook Guidelines:
Copy these under the quote on the first page.
  • Date every entry and assignment.
  • Skip only one or two lines between entries. Do not put each entry on a separate page!
  • Never remove any pages from your writing notebook, even after they have been scored.
  • Writing Notebooks are to remain in the classroom at all times!
  • Genre: Ever heard of it?
  • Intro: Who would have thought there was so many ways to write about one guy?
  • 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. (Use the expectations you developed based on my first day speech, the letters from former students, and your own first impressions.) Sign your signature legibly, using the name you want me to call you for the rest of the year.


August 30 - September 3, 2010

Monday, August 30: B Day

  • Indpendent Reading Practice Agreement (due Sept. 2/3)
  • Join "Thompson's Classes 2010-2011" on Shelfari (due Sept. 6/7)
  • Reading Book in Class ALWAYS starting next week!
  • Writing Notebook: The Finer Details
    Copy this quotation on the first page of your WN:
    "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
Writing Notebook Guidelines:
Copy these under the quote on the first page.
  • Date every entry and assignment.
  • Skip only one or two lines between entries. Do not put each entry on a separate page!
  • Never remove any pages from your writing notebook, even after they have been scored.
  • Writing Notebooks are to remain in the classroom at all times!
  • Genre: Ever heard of it?
  • Intro: Who would have thought there was so many ways to write about one guy?
  • 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. (Use the expectations you developed based on my first day speech, the letters from former students, and your own first impressions.) Sign your signature legibly, using the name you want me to call you for the rest of the year.


Tuesday, August 31: A Day
Wednesday, September 1: B Day

  • Turn in Genre Questions & "Sign My Yearbook!"
  • Have a reading book in class!
  • Did you forget one of these assignments for today? Maybe this would help!
  • Check out the massive and growing Genre List! Make sure yours (in your Writing Notebook) is complete!
  • Journal #1: How is 9th grade treating you so far? Give examples! Be specific! (80+ words)
  • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
  • NBTT Vocabulary List: gallant, animosity, spangled, facilitate, banner, rampart, peril, raucous, misconstrue, patriotism
    (This is not homework. You will have some time in class later to complete it.)
  • Read pp. 1 - 25: Note the various genres. Which characters do you think will be involved in the main conflict? Is there anyone so far who is not telling "the whole truth and nothing but the truth"?
  • Letter to Mr. T: Our class time is very valuable, especially on a block schedule. You know you are going to have to do a lot of many different kinds of writing in this class, but sometimes when students (in big classes like this one) are asked to spend class time writing, they don't or can't focus on the writing task because they are too distracted by all the people around them. They say, "I'll just do it at home," and then they waste the class time. In your letter, please answer these questions: How do you want to spend class time? Do you want time in class to work on the writing, or do you write better in your own room at home? Do you want time in class to share your writing with classmates, or would you rather have it posted somewhere to be read when you aren't there? What genres do you prefer to write in? And what about reading? Do you prefer to read in your own room at home, or are you capable of reading "silently" in a room full of people? Do you want "reading time" or is it just a waste of time in class? What are your suggestions to me about the way we should spend our class time?
  • Turn the letter in now.
  • Independent Reading Agreement (w/ signatures) due next time!



Thursday, September 2: A Day
Friday, September 3: B Day

  • Turn in Independent Reading Agreement (w/ signatures)
  • Journal #2: "The Star-Spangled Banner" (Show your work!)
  • Genre: Informational Reading -- "O Say Can You See...."
    (Read aloud, one paragraph each)
  • List (as part of Journal #2) five facts about "The Star-Spangled Banner" then write a paragraph explaining the purpose of such an anthem. Is it a suitable song to represent current American values? Do you have your own personal anthem?
  • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
  • Read pp. 26 - 54
  • What genres of writing have appeared in the novel so far? Which one is obviously missing?
  • NBTT Vocabulary List: gallant, animosity, spangled, facilitate, banner, rampart, peril, raucous, misconstrue, patriotism
  • Make sure you have set up your Shelfari account and joined the class group!



September 6-10, 2010

Monday, September 6: Labor Day

  • No School
  • Tuesday, September 7: A Day
    Wednesday, September 8: B Day

    • Turn in completed Vocabulary Activity
      Here are the words: gallant, animosity, spangled, facilitate, banner, rampart, peril, raucous, misconstrue, patriotism
    • Journal #3: From your massive list of genres, choose one that begins with M and fill a page in your notebook writing in that genre. Here are some possibilities: myth, menu, metaphor, memoir, mystery, movie review, manual, Mother's Day card, monologue
    • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
      Read pp. 55 - 90
    • Writing Notebook: What's really going on at this point in the story? No one has mentioned track or grades for quite a while, and clearly some of the characters have plans that they haven't fully explained. Write for a few minutes about what you think is really going on beneath the surface and between the lines.
    • Grammar Punk Intro (Don't lose the handout!)


    Thursday, September 9: A Day (Computer Lab)
    Friday, September 10: B Day (Computer Lab)



    September 13-17, 2010

    Monday, September 13: A Day
    Tuesday, September 14: B Day

    • Grammar Punk: "Roll the Bones!"
    • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
    • Discuss "What's Really Going On?" (from last week) in WN & Wiki
    • 1st & 2nd Period: Join Wiki following these instructions
    • Read pp. 100 - ???
    • Bias: What is it, and how does it apply to this story?
    • Facts vs. Opinions: Do you know the difference?
    • Journal #4: Rewrite the newspaper article (p. 113 or p. 120 of NBtT) so that it is objective and non-biased like this one. (BTW, Does this story sound anything like Phillip's?) Conventions of the genre of news writing include the following: third-person, objective facts only, no personal opinions of writer or biases, allow readers to draw their own conclusions. (Editorials and opinion pieces are different; they include opinions and persuasive arguments.)
    • Book Check: You should be carrying and reading one of the books on your Shelfari shelf, and if you haven't yet joined the group called "Thompson's Classes 2010-2011", you need to do so immediately!


    Wednesday, September 15: A Day (Sub)
    Thursday, September 16: B Day

    • Journal #5: "Honesty is the best policy." Is this always true? Are there times when lying serves a greater good? What is your personal philosophy on lying? Relate an example from your own experience that illustrates this philosophy. (85+ words)
    • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
    • Read pp. 128-156
    • Character Values Chart: Start (It isn't homework, so you don't have to finish it yet!)


    Friday, September 17: A Day

    • Writing Notebooks have been scored for the first time! So, go to the next blank page to do the...
    • ...Writing Notebook Activity: Patriotism (10 questions + paragraph)
    • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
    • Finish it!
    • Character Values Chart and Your Verdict -- Finish & Submit



    September 20-24, 2010

    Monday, September 20: B Day

    • Writing Notebooks have been scored for the first time! So, go to the next blank page to do the...
    • ...Writing Notebook Activity: Patriotism (10 questions + paragraph)
    • Nothing But the Truth: Multigenre Novel
    • Finish it!
    • Character Values Chart and Your Verdict -- Finish & Submit


    Tuesday, September 21: A Day
    Wednesday, September 22: B Day

    • Homeroom Wednesday: Counselors in the House!
    • First Half: Computer Lab (1st & 2nd: Join Wiki)
    • After you create an account, go here to join the class!
    • Mini-Lesson on Wiki: How to write a book review
    • Write one for Nothing But the Truth and post it to Shelfari!
    • Second Half: Back in the Classroom
    • Journal #1: From your massive list of genres, choose one that begins with A and write for 10-15 minutes in that genre. Here are some possibilities: autobiography, article (newspaper/magazine), advertisement, acrostic poem, action/adventure story, animal story, anecdote, apology
    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rule #1 (again)
      Use a comma between two independent clauses (complete thoughts) that are joined by a conjunction.


    Thursday, September 23: A Day (Midterm)
    Friday, September 24: B Day (Midterm)

    • (Thursday: Homeroom "Interventions" Begin)
    • Writing Notebook: Journal Topics -- Look over this list and copy 10 of these topics that you think you could write about. Number them from 1 to 10. Someday you will write about each of them, starting now...
    • ...Journal #2: Write for 10-15 minutes about Topic #2 on your list.
    • Word Cells: What are they?
    • Word Cells List #1 Dictionary Activity
    • Quiz on List #1 will be September 29/30!
    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rule #2
      Use a comma to separate adjectives that modify the same word.
    • Don't forget to post your book review of Nothing But the Truth to Shelfari before Sunday night!




    September 27 - October 1, 2010

    Monday, September 27: A Day (Midterm Grades)
    Tuesday, September 28: B Day (Explore Test: 30-minute classes)

    • Independent Reading Evaluation
    • Review of Book Reviews: Did you follow instructions?
    • Journal #3: You are one of your parents who has just received your midterm grades. Write for 10 minutes about what you are thinking and feeling about your child's progress in school. (First-person: You pretend to be Mom or Dad and write in her/his voice.)
    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rule #3
      Use commas to separate non-essential interrupting elements in a sentence.
    • A-Day Only: "This is Your Brain on Cell Phones" (Read it. What's the genre? Purpose? Audience? Bias?)
    • Most Important Word: Select the word that you believe to be the most important one in the article we just read and write it on one side of the slip of paper I give you. On the other side, write the reasons you think it is the most important word in the article. Meet in discussion groups; each person explain the reasons for his/her choice of most important word. Discuss each person's reasons as well as the article itself. Decide on a group choice, if possible. Share responses and reasons with the class.
    • Don't forget to study for the quiz next time: Word Cells List #1


    Wednesday, September 29: A Day (PTC 3:45-7:15 P.M.)
    Thursday, September 30: B Day (PTC 3:45-7:15 P.M.)


    Friday, October 1: A Day

    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rules #4 & #5
      #4 Use commas to separate items in a series.
      #5 Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
    • Word Cells List #2: Dictionary Activity
    • Writing Notebook Assignment: What changes do you think need to be made to the Homeroom/Intervention period to make it more useful and efficient for all students?
      Genre: Five-paragraph Essay
      Audience: Administrators
      Purpose: Persuade
      Standards: "Color-coded" Academic Essay Format



    To see previous weeks, scroll all the way down!

    October 4-8, 2010

    Monday, October 4: B Day

    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rules #4 & #5
      #4 Use commas to separate items in a series.
      #5 Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
    • Word Cells List #2: Dictionary Activity
    • Writing Notebook Assignment: What changes do you think need to be made to the Homeroom/Intervention period to make it more useful and efficient for all students?
      Genre: Five-paragraph Essay
      Audience: Administrators
      Purpose: Persuade
      Standards: "Color-coded" Academic Essay Format



    Tuesday, October 5: A Day
    Wednesday, October 6: B Day

    • Word Cells List #2 Dictionary Activity due now!
    • Journal #5: 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.
    • Research Project is a-comin'! Here's a preview! Start thinkin' about a topic!
    • Last half of period: Media Center (Mrs. J. and all her CRAAP)


    Thursday, October 7: A Day
    Friday, October 8: B Day


    October 11-15, 2010

    Monday, October 11: A Day
    Tuesday, October 12: B Day

    Wednesday, October 13: A Day

    • Writing Notebook:
      • Close Reading Assignment: The War with the Titans
        Comprehension, Summarizing, and Evaluating
    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rule #6
      Use commas (and quotation marks) to set off a speaker’s exact words (direct quotation) from the rest of a sentence.
    • Return Word Cells List #2 Dictionary Activity: Quiz will be Oct. 21/22!


    Thursday, October 14: Fall Recess (No School)
    Friday, October 15: Fall Recess (No School)



    October 18-22, 2010: Red Ribbon Week

    Monday, October 18: B Day (Homeroom: Counselors)

    • Term Ends Next Week!
    • Have you been reading regularly?
      (If so, don't forget to post reviews on Shelfari!)
    • How's the Myth Wiki Page coming?
    • Need Extra Credit? Do this! (Entries due Friday in the office!)
    • Writing Notebook
      • Close Reading Assignment: "The War with the Titans"
        Comprehension, Summarizing, and Evaluating
    • Grammar Punk: Comma Rule #6
      Use commas (and quotation marks) to set off a speaker’s exact words (direct quotation) from the rest of a sentence.
    • Return Word Cells List #2 Dictionary Activity: Quiz will be Oct. 21/22!


    Tuesday, October 19: A Day (Media Center)
    Wednesday, October 20: B Day (Media Center)

    • Media Center: You have this one day for library research. Don't waste it!
    • Media Center Research Assignment
      (Worksheet is due at the end of the period!)
    • If you are absent, you need to complete the assignment on your own time!


    Thursday, October 21: A Day
    Friday, October 22: B Day (Sub: UCTE/LA)




    October 25-29, 2010

    Monday, October 25: A Day
    Tuesday, October 26: B Day

    • Writing Notebooks Scored for the Last Time This Term!
    • Computer Lab: Here we go again! Last chance! Don't waste the time!
    • Collaborative Mythology Wiki Project (Due date: ??? It's getting closer!)
    • Mythology Wiki: Read the home page to see what you should have done by now.

    Wednesday, October 27: A Day
    Thursday, October 28: B Day

    • Journal #1: The first term is over. How did it go? What are your plans and goals for the second term? Discuss. Explain. Elaborate. Pontificate.
    • Silent Reading
    • Final Reading Evaluation/Shelfari Check
    • Complete Myth Grid
    • Book Talks/Grade Conferences
    • Grammar Punk: Commar Rule #7
      Use a comma to set off a phrase at the end of a sentence that refers back to the beginning or middle of the sentence or that indicates a distinct pause or shift.


    Friday, October 29: Quality Teaching Day

    • No School for Students
    • See you next 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.

    ©2010 Michael Thompson - All rights reserved.
    *<%^)