Today (with Mr. Cranor and Ms. Christian) students read an article on the Flying Dutchman and discussed and answered questions and then another on Lighthouses and also answered questions about it.
HW: If you did not finish answering all the questions for each article in class, you need to do so before tomorrow.
Today we did step # 2 of the DOG and spent a little time talking about indirect objects. Then I explained the “2nd chance to make a 1st impression” assignment. Students received back the written responses they submitted for each of the stories “Rikki-tikki-tavi” and “Song of the Trees.” (They have recieved a quiz/writing process grade for each already.) Students also received a rubric for each. Students were to re-read and grade (as objectively and honestly as they could) each of their own essays. After analyzing each essay’s strengths and weaknesses, students were to choose one to “polish” and type and re-submit for a Test grade. This typed, “polished” copy of the essay is due Thursday. If you cannot print it at home, you may email it as an attachment to scotts2@fultonschools.org . Please use standard style fonts (no frilly, bold or cursive fonts) and use 12-14 pt size font. Remember to take advantage of this final opportunity to improve and proof your response before it gets a test grade. Please attach this typed copy to the previous 3 items you completed (graphic organizer, 1st draft and 2nd draft). *You are not creating a new essay! You are simply choosing one of the two to polish and perfect and type up for a test grade.
HW: Finish applying the rubric to each eassy if you did not in class and then complete the above assignment by Thursday. You will NOT be working on it tomorrow in class. Ms. Christian will be your sub tomorrow, as I will be facilitating Ropes Course.
Today we read some more of “Three Skeleton Key.” The suspense in the story is growing! (We stopped halfway through pg 73.) Tomorrow we are going to learn a bit more about the Flying Dutchman and lighthouses to help us get more out of the story. Ms. Christian will be Ms. Scott’s sub.
HW: None.
(sorry for the delay – the school server was down)
Today we did Step #1 of our new DOG. Then we revisited the Character Chart wksht for “The Dinner Party” and discussed the SWBS section of the “Eyes” Dinner Party wksht.
HW: If not already completed, both wksheets need to be 100% complete and ready to turn in tomorrow.
Today students used the non-fiction booklet “The Black Death” to finish answering the quiz. Then they used it to halp them complete a vocab worksheet. Then we started reading “Three Skeleton Key.”
HW: None
Today we spent some time reviewing Step #2 on the DOG and completing Step#5. We also revisited the short story “The Dinner Party” and worked on completing a character chart. Students were to use class time to complete at least 2/3 or the worksheet (i.e. the first 3 columns). ~ 8th period: Received a worksheet (”eyes” wksht) with activities to do in conjunction with reading “The Dinner Party.” Since 8th period did not do any work on Wednesday, they had to ‘double-up’ and complete the “eyes” wksht and 1st 2 columns of the charcter chart worksheet. Anything not done in class became HW.
HW: None, but you have your “eyes” wksht and at least the first two columns od character chart done before Monday (so 8th period does have HW, as well as anyone else who did not use the class time.)
Today we finished reading our non-fiction booklet about the Black Death in Europe. Students began an open book quiz about it that we will finish on Monday.
HW: None, but bring the quiz to class on Monday to finish!
Today was Wildcat Day!!! I’m so happy to be healthy enough to come back to school. thank you for your patience in bearing with me as I start sifting through a week’s worth of emails, assignments, etc.
A big CONGRATULATIONS to the ORANGE team who rocked it today! I hope to add some pictures and maybe a video to this post tomorrow afternoon, so be sure to come back and check that out!
Begining of the Orange Dance encore
Today we had a shortened class period due to Learning Matters Day. We continued the work we began yesterday (see 10/13/09) .
HW: Finish stickies and worksheet (front) and thesis. Bring all that tom. Final will be due 10/20.
P.S. I am out sick and won’t be able to come in tomorrow. 
I will miss you, but you are in good hands. PLEASE be on your best behavior and work very hard and make me proud! Thank you.
Today we continued watching the movie, The Outsiders and students continued to add to their charts and they compared and contrasted the book and movie.
HW: None – but dress like a Soc or Greaser tomorrow!!! 
Today we spent a significant amount of time on DOG step #2. Students who could get it right the first time (WITH the sheets) were given a prize… Next week I hope to give more prizes! Then we discussed the response to “Song of the Trees.” Students were to identify at least 1 trait (and pg # where found)for each character on the graphic organizer on the worksheet and then make a corresponding sticky on the book page explaining how that trait was shown/exemplified. Students were to begin thinking about a message they think M. taylor was sending about the South during that era and how she uses her characters to do that (formulating thesis statment in response to prompt – see it in 10/12/09).
HW: Continue working on stickies and ideas for thesis statment. Both need to be complete before Thursday.
Today we had our Outsiders Vocab Quiz and then watched just a little more of the movie. Then we went to a special assembly – CONGRATS to Mr. Ott!!! He was awarded the Milken Award (and $25,000!) for his teaching excellence!! The only one given in GA this year!!! Yay! Mr. Ott!!!
HW: None, but be thinking about your Soc or Greaser outfit for Thursday!
Today we did step #1 on this week’s DOG (the side about “Rusty”). Then Thursday’s homework (on prepositions) was collected. Then we discussed the Emmet Till article – students’ observations, questions, and connections. We looked at how the cultural stereotypes present in Till’s time were also present in the setting of Milred Taylor’s “Song of the Trees.” Students were intoduced to the writing prompt for “Song of the Trees” : How does Mildred Taylor use her characters to send a message about life in the South during the Great Depression?~ Students received a worksheet with a chart of the characters where they will be listing traits of each.
HW: Review/re-read “Song” and bring book, worksheet, and STICKY Notes!
Today we watched the first segment of the movie The Outsiders. Students began a Venn iagram type chart to compare and contrast the movie and the book.
HW: STUDY for VOCAB Quiz tomorrow!!
Today students began work on a DOG all about Prepositions. We did parts of it together and had some explanation and examples of adverb prepositional phrases and adj prep ph. I also demonstrated how to diagram these. Then we spent a good amount of time going back over each aspect of the DOG Quiz. Student were told about eligiblity for recovery.
HW: Finish the Preposition DOG – both sides.
