Class Notes–Week 14 (December 8)

We had a wonderful day in class today.  A lot of the hard work of the semester is over, so our "work" today was a little more fun.

Quick Write

We had the opportunity to write about a memorable gift you have given or received.

 

Writing

I handed back the rough drafts of their Comparison/Contrast Essays.  I really enjoyed reading these; they've chosen some fascinating topics, and they're becoming better writers.  The final drafts are due next week. 

 

Grammar

The class was assigned a Fall Grammar Test about parts of speech and verbal phrases posted on Google Classroom..  We had some time and played a Phrases Review Matching game to prepare.  They can use their notes to answer the questions at home.The best way of learning grammar is through lots of reading and writing. Direct instruction of grammar is important and helpful, and combined with literature and writing it can be pretty potent.  Next semester we'll be working on commas!

 

Literature

We had some more presentations today.  Each one of them showed not only that the students had a good grasp on the details of our book, My Antonia, but they also had a strong understanding of the themes and motifs of the book.  We saw a diorama, a travel brochure, a 20 Year Life Plan and some fantastic drawings inspired by the book. Phoebe made a Jeopardy style review game which we will play next week.

 

Also had some time to discuss the themes of “Pioneers!  Oh Pioneers” by Walt Whitman which had been assigned to read last week.  It was interesting to draw some parallels between that famous work and My Antonia.

 

Next Week

Our last week of the semester is next week, December 15.  All work should be handed in by that date.  They should not wait until then to do their work and hand it in.  Next week we will have our "Class-mas Party."  I will bring warm drinks, and students can bring goodies if they like. (Please label if there are allergens.)  We will have a contest, play a Review Game, and other games too. 

 

Assignments for Next Week:

Quick Write (12/9)

Discussion Question–Improved!

Comparison/Contrast Essay Final Draft

Presentation Self Evaluation

Fall Grammar Test

Class Notes–Week 13 (Dec. 1)

 We are really seeing wrapping up our Writing 2 class, and I hope the denouement has been satisfying.  (Did you like that sentence featuring a Word of the Day??!?)

Quick Write

Today’s prompt had to do with courage.  We read a quote by Rosa Parks and had a short discussion about courage and standing up for what’s right–even when it may be unpopular.

Words of the Day

We had no Words of the Day today.  Instead, students were given a few minutes to review the notecards they have accumulated in class–15 so far.  After that, they played a game of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” in four teams.  They found some of the clues challenging as they were asked not only about the definitions, but the etymology and correct usage.  This was a great review for the Words of the Day Quiz they were assigned on Google Classroom for this week..

Writing

The Comparison/Contrast Rough Draft and Pre-Writes were due today.  Make sure you get those in with time enough for me to review them.  You’ll want enough time to make your revisions before the end of the semester.  The Finals are due December 15–the last day of class.

Literature

Today we had a full day of My Antonia Book Presentations.  As last week, each had a few minutes to present them and explain how their projects tied in with the novel. These students showed great creativity and we had a wide-ranging collection of presentations.   There were ttwo “Books in Bags'' from Nick and Jaedyn, posters by Carmela, fashion design by Grace, a fun (and hard!) exam written by Keira.  Andrew shared a playlist, Megan presented a diorama of a winter scene, and Brooke shared a nostalgic glimpse at her own life 20 years from now.

Next week we’ll finish up and hear presentations from Rachel, Chase, Ike, Phoebe and Will.

The famous poem “Pioneers!  Oh Pioneers!” by Walt Whitman was assigned.  Students should enjoy the poem and then answer the discussion question.  We will discuss this poem in class next week, so be prepared!

Blessings on your week.

Mrs. G

Homework

Words of the Day Quiz (GC)

Comparison/Contrast Essay Prewrite

Comparison/Contrast  Rough Draft

Read “Pioneers!  Oh Pioneers!”

Discussion Question on “Pioneers!  Oh Pioneers!”

Links for this Week

QuickWrite (12/1)

“Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” Words of the Day Review