Students took a quiz on Chapter 6 of "Night".
They completed a worksheet on the Time magazine article from yesterday.
Students need to read Chapters 7 & 8 of "night" for class tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30
Mr. Graci was absent today.
Students took a quiz on Chapters 4 & 5 of "Night."
They read an article from Time magazine about "islamaphobia."
Students took a quiz on Chapters 4 & 5 of "Night."
They read an article from Time magazine about "islamaphobia."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, August 27
Students took a quiz on Section 3 of "Night."
Also, we returned the quizzes from yesterday. Most students did terrible on these. I don't know why, because we gave you the resources and the motivation to do the reading. This includes:
*background on the Holocaust, World War II, and Judaism
*20 of the most difficult vocabulary from the book
*an offer to give you .mp3's of the book's audio recording
*a website that gives you section summaries and help
*time IN CLASS to read
Students have all the tools they need for success. The teachers have done their part, and now students need to do the work.
Finally, we went to the computer lab to research about Holocaust survivors. Each student researched a Holocaust survivor and wrote poetry about the Holocaust survivor. If you are absent today, make sure to make up the work!!
Also, we returned the quizzes from yesterday. Most students did terrible on these. I don't know why, because we gave you the resources and the motivation to do the reading. This includes:
*background on the Holocaust, World War II, and Judaism
*20 of the most difficult vocabulary from the book
*an offer to give you .mp3's of the book's audio recording
*a website that gives you section summaries and help
*time IN CLASS to read
Students have all the tools they need for success. The teachers have done their part, and now students need to do the work.
Finally, we went to the computer lab to research about Holocaust survivors. Each student researched a Holocaust survivor and wrote poetry about the Holocaust survivor. If you are absent today, make sure to make up the work!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, August 26
Class started off with a short, 11 question quiz on chapters 1 & 2 of "Night."
Following this, students played several games to review their 20 vocabulary words.
We also read some poetry by Holocaust survivors. We discussed different elements of poetry that were present in the works.
Tomorrow, we will go to the computer lab. Students will research the lives of Holocaust survivors and write their own survivor poems.
For homework, students should finish Chapter 3 of "Night." There will be a quiz tomorrow.
Following this, students played several games to review their 20 vocabulary words.
We also read some poetry by Holocaust survivors. We discussed different elements of poetry that were present in the works.
Tomorrow, we will go to the computer lab. Students will research the lives of Holocaust survivors and write their own survivor poems.
For homework, students should finish Chapter 3 of "Night." There will be a quiz tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 25
Students finished up their notes on the Holocaust and Judaism. These notes are important, as next week's test will ask questions from the worksheet.
Classes went to the media center to get a copy of Elie Wiesel's "Night." After that, we began reading in class.
It is up to each student to get a copy of "Night." You can get a copy from the media center, borrow a friend's copy, or even borrow from the public library. I even have an audio version of the book that I would be happy to put on a CD or .mp3 player for you (of course, this will NOT be done during class, and I am NOT supplying a CD or .mp3 player).
We will have a quiz on Chapters 1 & 2 in class tomorrow. It's an easy quiz, provided that you read the book.
Classes went to the media center to get a copy of Elie Wiesel's "Night." After that, we began reading in class.
It is up to each student to get a copy of "Night." You can get a copy from the media center, borrow a friend's copy, or even borrow from the public library. I even have an audio version of the book that I would be happy to put on a CD or .mp3 player for you (of course, this will NOT be done during class, and I am NOT supplying a CD or .mp3 player).
We will have a quiz on Chapters 1 & 2 in class tomorrow. It's an easy quiz, provided that you read the book.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, August 24
We went over diagnostic reading tests with the students. Students charted their progress on the tests and completed worksheets describing their goals.
We also defined twenty vocabulary words that will come up during the reading of Elie Wiesel's Night.
Finally, I gave the students some notes on the Holocaust and about the background of Judaism.
We'll start reading Night tomorrow! It's gonna be great!
We also defined twenty vocabulary words that will come up during the reading of Elie Wiesel's Night.
Finally, I gave the students some notes on the Holocaust and about the background of Judaism.
We'll start reading Night tomorrow! It's gonna be great!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 23
Busy day!
We did our normal opening bell work. After that, some classes did a reading diagnostic test, using story cards.
We watched a movie about the Holocaust. The movie, "Night and Fog", was a French movie made in 1955 and it showed much of the atrocities that took place in the concentration camps.
We went over notes on the Holocaust, just some quick background information before we get to "Night", the novel we'll start reading on Wednesday. Students received a handout with some blank spaces on it, and they were instructed to fill in the blanks as I gave the background information about the Holocaust.
We did our normal opening bell work. After that, some classes did a reading diagnostic test, using story cards.
We watched a movie about the Holocaust. The movie, "Night and Fog", was a French movie made in 1955 and it showed much of the atrocities that took place in the concentration camps.
We went over notes on the Holocaust, just some quick background information before we get to "Night", the novel we'll start reading on Wednesday. Students received a handout with some blank spaces on it, and they were instructed to fill in the blanks as I gave the background information about the Holocaust.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday, August 20
I presented a PowerPoint to the class today about variation in the English language. The English language has variations depending on the geographical area and time period of the speaker. We talked about some of these variations and about the usage of Standard American English.
Also, we went to the computer lab for about an hour. Students did research on the different versions of English.
It was a great day. Tonight is the "Big Time Movie" starring Big Time Rush. Nickelodeon at 8:00. It's gonna be great!
Also, we went to the computer lab for about an hour. Students did research on the different versions of English.
It was a great day. Tonight is the "Big Time Movie" starring Big Time Rush. Nickelodeon at 8:00. It's gonna be great!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Friday, August 19
Students were assigned new seats today. We considered the unique needs of each student and tried to come up with the best possible arrangement.
Students formed groups of 1-3 students and answered questions about the short story "Battle Royal." There were 18 questions. These questions were due at the end of the class.
By the way, the Ralph Ellison's novel "Invisible Man" is available at our media center. MOST of it is also available online. See yesterday's blog for details.
Students formed groups of 1-3 students and answered questions about the short story "Battle Royal." There were 18 questions. These questions were due at the end of the class.
By the way, the Ralph Ellison's novel "Invisible Man" is available at our media center. MOST of it is also available online. See yesterday's blog for details.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, August 18
We read Ralph Ellison's "Battle Royal" (Chapter One of his novel "Invisible Man").
You can find the text online at:
Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.
If you missed today, please read it for tomorrow! It's an awesome story! Only Chapter One is required reading for class, but feel free to read the whole thing. It's in the media center.
Some classes had quizzes on the story.
You can find the text online at:
Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.
If you missed today, please read it for tomorrow! It's an awesome story! Only Chapter One is required reading for class, but feel free to read the whole thing. It's in the media center.
Some classes had quizzes on the story.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 17
We focused on Malcom X today.
We watched a short biography of Malcolm X, from biography.com.
I issued textbooks to the students. Then, we then read an excerpt of Malcolm X's autobiography, about how he taught himself to read while in prison.
We watched a video clip of Malcolm X delivering a speech.
We discussed the difference between autobiography and biography, and we also discussed the differences between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.
Students took a quiz on the things we discussed and read today.
We watched a short biography of Malcolm X, from biography.com.
I issued textbooks to the students. Then, we then read an excerpt of Malcolm X's autobiography, about how he taught himself to read while in prison.
We watched a video clip of Malcolm X delivering a speech.
We discussed the difference between autobiography and biography, and we also discussed the differences between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.
Students took a quiz on the things we discussed and read today.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 16
Today, we watched the film "The Color of Fear." It's a documentary from the 90's about a group of men of different ethnicities. They get together for a weekend to discuss their experiences with racism and prejudice.
Students had a worksheet to complete, full of thought provoking questions based upon the discussions in the film.
Students had a worksheet to complete, full of thought provoking questions based upon the discussions in the film.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 13
Today, we did our English Daily Log. Students handed these in for a grade.
After that, students had to imagine a scenario. Students imagined that they were heart surgeons. There was a list of 7 people who needed a donated heart, but there was only one donated heart. The candidates represent all different ages, ethnicities, religions, and lifestyles. By thinking about and choosing a candidate, students are forced to evaluate their value systems and their own prejudices.
Students wrote a paragraph explaining their individual decisions. Then, students formed groups and tried to come to a group consensus. The group decision may have been different from the individual decision. Students wrote another paragraph describing their group's decisions.
Students have homework for this weekend! We gave out a worksheet at the end of class, and students have to answer questions #1-5 on a separate sheet of paper.
After that, students had to imagine a scenario. Students imagined that they were heart surgeons. There was a list of 7 people who needed a donated heart, but there was only one donated heart. The candidates represent all different ages, ethnicities, religions, and lifestyles. By thinking about and choosing a candidate, students are forced to evaluate their value systems and their own prejudices.
Students wrote a paragraph explaining their individual decisions. Then, students formed groups and tried to come to a group consensus. The group decision may have been different from the individual decision. Students wrote another paragraph describing their group's decisions.
Students have homework for this weekend! We gave out a worksheet at the end of class, and students have to answer questions #1-5 on a separate sheet of paper.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday August 12
We accomplished three things in class today:
1) Students finished presenting their introductory PowerPoints. Each student had designed a PowerPoint to introduce themselves to the class, talking about their hobbies, family, culture, and future goals. We presented some of them yesterday, and the remainder presented today.
All students who have not presented have earned a 0.
2)We did our "English Daily Log" activity. This activity is a combination of grammar, vocabulary, and journal writing. Today's journal was on the topic of stereotypes.
3)We watched a short video clip about stereotypes and discussed how stereotyping affects modern life. I think this is an important issue, since we are living in a culturally diverse area and time period. Also, because this class is World Literature, we will be reading about all different cultures.
It was another great day!
1) Students finished presenting their introductory PowerPoints. Each student had designed a PowerPoint to introduce themselves to the class, talking about their hobbies, family, culture, and future goals. We presented some of them yesterday, and the remainder presented today.
All students who have not presented have earned a 0.
2)We did our "English Daily Log" activity. This activity is a combination of grammar, vocabulary, and journal writing. Today's journal was on the topic of stereotypes.
3)We watched a short video clip about stereotypes and discussed how stereotyping affects modern life. I think this is an important issue, since we are living in a culturally diverse area and time period. Also, because this class is World Literature, we will be reading about all different cultures.
It was another great day!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, August 11
Students presented their PowerPoints in class today. It was great to learn about you all and to see the different cultures and backgrounds we have in our class.
We didn't quite get to all of the students, so we'll have to spend some time tomorrow doing the rest of the PowerPoints. If you didn't get to go today, be prepared for tomorrow! Any unprepared student will earn a 0 on the assignment!
We didn't quite get to all of the students, so we'll have to spend some time tomorrow doing the rest of the PowerPoints. If you didn't get to go today, be prepared for tomorrow! Any unprepared student will earn a 0 on the assignment!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 10
Today, all classes went to the computer lab to work on PowerPoints. Students are designing PowerPoints to introduce themselves to the class.
Each PowerPoint should be a minimum of 5 slides: Intro, Family, Hobbies, Culture, and Goals. Students should use pictures whenever possible. Students should use some sort of animation for the text. Students should have some kind of background for their PowerPoint, instead of the boring plain white background.
We had a slight disruption 1st block, due to a school-wide fire drill. We had a slightly bigger disruption 2nd block, when the circuit breaker in the computer lab blew a fuse. In 2nd block, many students (about half the class, actually) had to go to the Media Center to continue working. Amazingly, though, all students managed to finish their PowerPoints!
Students will present these PowerPoints in class on Wednesday.
On a scale of 1-10 for classroom disruptions, today was a 7 (annoying but still productive).
Each PowerPoint should be a minimum of 5 slides: Intro, Family, Hobbies, Culture, and Goals. Students should use pictures whenever possible. Students should use some sort of animation for the text. Students should have some kind of background for their PowerPoint, instead of the boring plain white background.
We had a slight disruption 1st block, due to a school-wide fire drill. We had a slightly bigger disruption 2nd block, when the circuit breaker in the computer lab blew a fuse. In 2nd block, many students (about half the class, actually) had to go to the Media Center to continue working. Amazingly, though, all students managed to finish their PowerPoints!
Students will present these PowerPoints in class on Wednesday.
On a scale of 1-10 for classroom disruptions, today was a 7 (annoying but still productive).
Monday, August 9, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Another great day in World Literature class!
Today, we administered another diagnostic "benchmark" test to students. This was not for a grade, but just to see what students know, before we really get into teaching. This test took about 30 minutes. In the test, students read short passages and answered questions based upon their reading.
We also introduced students to our "Daily English Log." This is something that we will do most days of the week. This activity is a combination of grammar, vocabulary, and journal writing. All students will receive a grade for today's work on the Daily English Log.
Since we are moving onto our first unit (Multi-culturalism), we talked about personal identity. What is it that defines us, as people? Is it our color, our ethnicity, our language? Is it our school or our physical appearance? I talked a little about my cultural background--I'm Italian, Polish, Russian, and German. I introduced some of the foods and traditions I celebrate from this background.
Students should try to bring photos of themselves to school tomorrow. Tomorrow, all students will be going to the computer lab to create PowerPoints about themselves. They will create slides that define them as people. The slides will talk about family, hobbies, culture, and future goals.
Today, we administered another diagnostic "benchmark" test to students. This was not for a grade, but just to see what students know, before we really get into teaching. This test took about 30 minutes. In the test, students read short passages and answered questions based upon their reading.
We also introduced students to our "Daily English Log." This is something that we will do most days of the week. This activity is a combination of grammar, vocabulary, and journal writing. All students will receive a grade for today's work on the Daily English Log.
Since we are moving onto our first unit (Multi-culturalism), we talked about personal identity. What is it that defines us, as people? Is it our color, our ethnicity, our language? Is it our school or our physical appearance? I talked a little about my cultural background--I'm Italian, Polish, Russian, and German. I introduced some of the foods and traditions I celebrate from this background.
Students should try to bring photos of themselves to school tomorrow. Tomorrow, all students will be going to the computer lab to create PowerPoints about themselves. They will create slides that define them as people. The slides will talk about family, hobbies, culture, and future goals.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday, August 6
Today was the second day of class.
We made a new seating chart, with students seated alphabetically. This is so I can learn and remember student names easier. This seating chart will most likely change in the future.
Students wrote their names and contact information on folders. They also completed a learning styles inventory to determine their best method of learning. Finally, students returned the completed syllabi from yesterday's class (with parent signatures). Both of these papers went into the folder.
Hall passes were distributed, three per student. These will be for the first 9 weeks.
Student work from yesterday (the "Get to Know You" Bingo) was returned.
Students also took a reading diagnostic test. Students took a college career interest survey.
On a scale of 1-10 for overall efficiency, today's class got a 8.
We made a new seating chart, with students seated alphabetically. This is so I can learn and remember student names easier. This seating chart will most likely change in the future.
Students wrote their names and contact information on folders. They also completed a learning styles inventory to determine their best method of learning. Finally, students returned the completed syllabi from yesterday's class (with parent signatures). Both of these papers went into the folder.
Hall passes were distributed, three per student. These will be for the first 9 weeks.
Student work from yesterday (the "Get to Know You" Bingo) was returned.
Students also took a reading diagnostic test. Students took a college career interest survey.
On a scale of 1-10 for overall efficiency, today's class got a 8.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thursday, August 5
Today was the first day of class. It was great!!
Mr. Graci handed out the syllabus and went over it. At the bottom of the syllabus, there's a spot for "Student Information." This section is due in class tomorrow.
Mr. Graci then introduced himself with a PowerPoint. (In 1st and 4th block, co-teacher Mrs. Morris introduced herself, too.)
Then, the class played some ice-breaker games to get to know each other. Depending on how much time the class had, they played different games. All classes played at least "Get to Know You Bingo", where the students had to go around and meet different students to help them fill out a worksheet.
At the end of the block, all students handed in their "Get to Know You Bingo" worksheet.
On a scale of 1-10, today was a 10 in terms of awesome-ness. Tomorrow's going to be another fantastic day!
Mr. Graci handed out the syllabus and went over it. At the bottom of the syllabus, there's a spot for "Student Information." This section is due in class tomorrow.
Mr. Graci then introduced himself with a PowerPoint. (In 1st and 4th block, co-teacher Mrs. Morris introduced herself, too.)
Then, the class played some ice-breaker games to get to know each other. Depending on how much time the class had, they played different games. All classes played at least "Get to Know You Bingo", where the students had to go around and meet different students to help them fill out a worksheet.
At the end of the block, all students handed in their "Get to Know You Bingo" worksheet.
On a scale of 1-10, today was a 10 in terms of awesome-ness. Tomorrow's going to be another fantastic day!
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