We discussed variation in the English language. The English language changes, depending on the time and the place. For example, modern day American English sounds much different from British English spoken in the early 1900's (or even modern British English, actually).
We looked at some international versions of Harry Potter books and discussed why the publisher might feel they need to change the cover for different countries.
Finally, we went to the computer lab so that students could research British English and determine what different British words mean in American English. Some examples of British English words would be rubbish, peckish, or queue.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday, January 13
Today in class, the students finished introducing themselves to the class. We've been using PowerPoints presentations to do this. Each student made a PowerPoint where they spoke about their hobbies, goals, cultural background, and family.
After that, the students worked on writing. My 1st and 3rd block classes wrote on a topic: "Think about a career that you wouldn't consider choosing. Write to explain about a career that seems undesirable to you." Students had about 45 minutes to write on the prompt and then I took it up. I will look at this assignment as a way of diagnosing student writing abilities and seeing what they need to work on.
My 4th block class had already written on this topic, so we presented a short mini-lesson on writing prompts and how to answer writing prompts.
After that, the students worked on writing. My 1st and 3rd block classes wrote on a topic: "Think about a career that you wouldn't consider choosing. Write to explain about a career that seems undesirable to you." Students had about 45 minutes to write on the prompt and then I took it up. I will look at this assignment as a way of diagnosing student writing abilities and seeing what they need to work on.
My 4th block class had already written on this topic, so we presented a short mini-lesson on writing prompts and how to answer writing prompts.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday, January 12
We started class with a Daily English Log. This is a bell activity that students will do in order to develop a wide variety of skills. It contains activities on grammar, journal writing, and vocabulary.
Following this, students presented their PowerPoints to the class. They were graded according to the rubric I passed out yesterday.
Following this, students presented their PowerPoints to the class. They were graded according to the rubric I passed out yesterday.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday, January 11
Today, classes went to the computer lab to work on their PowerPoint presentations. Each student has to design a presentation to introduce themselves to the class.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
I started class out by introducing an upcoming project. This Monday, all students will visit the computer lab. At the computer lab, each student will design a PowerPoint presentation introducing themselves. We will present these presentations to the class on Tuesday.
I discussed my expectations for the assignment and showed the students a sample PowerPoint about me.
After that, students had a choice between two activities:
1) Reviewing the diagnostic exam from yesterday
2) A writing activity. This writing activity was meant to diagnose students' writing abilities.
It's been a great first week and I look forward to seeing all the presentations next week!
I discussed my expectations for the assignment and showed the students a sample PowerPoint about me.
After that, students had a choice between two activities:
1) Reviewing the diagnostic exam from yesterday
2) A writing activity. This writing activity was meant to diagnose students' writing abilities.
It's been a great first week and I look forward to seeing all the presentations next week!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday, January 6
Today in class, we learned about "learning styles." People learn in different ways, and, as a teacher, it is helpful for me to learn the learning styles of the students. For this reason, the students took a "learning styles inventory" today, where they could learn what type of learning they are (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, musical, etc.).
We also took a benchmark exam. By looking at this benchmark exam, I can see what students know from the very beginning of the year. That way, I can really focus on teaching the needed skills. If students showed strong abilities in one area or another, I wouldn't need to focus on those areas so much.
It was another great class day with my wonderful students!
We also took a benchmark exam. By looking at this benchmark exam, I can see what students know from the very beginning of the year. That way, I can really focus on teaching the needed skills. If students showed strong abilities in one area or another, I wouldn't need to focus on those areas so much.
It was another great class day with my wonderful students!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
January 5, 2010- First Day Back!
Today's the first day of school! It's exciting to be back. It's going to be a great semester.
In my 9th grade English classes, I handed out a copy of my class syllabus. Students will take this home, get it signed, and return it for a 100 tomorrow.
We played a round of "Get to Know You Bingo", where students introduced themselves to other students and learned about each other. This "Bingo" worksheet was turned in at the class's end for a grade.
Tomorrow, students will take a benchmark test in my class. This test is designed to see what skills students have. This way, I can modify my teaching to teach them the skills they need. I'll test them several times this way throughout the semester. It's nothing to be stressed about!
In my 9th grade English classes, I handed out a copy of my class syllabus. Students will take this home, get it signed, and return it for a 100 tomorrow.
We played a round of "Get to Know You Bingo", where students introduced themselves to other students and learned about each other. This "Bingo" worksheet was turned in at the class's end for a grade.
Tomorrow, students will take a benchmark test in my class. This test is designed to see what skills students have. This way, I can modify my teaching to teach them the skills they need. I'll test them several times this way throughout the semester. It's nothing to be stressed about!
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