AGENDA 11/28

Advisory: Whole class discussion and survey to gather feedback and plan for future lessons


HW: Finish reading Chapter 1 of Richard Wright's Black Boy
Book Check tomorrow! Be sure to bring Black Boy to class
First 14 vocabulary words due for Friday-- complete sheet with synonyms, antonyms, and memory devices

AGENDA 11/27

Quickwrite & response (write in folders): Nature or Nurture?
Handout #1: Black Boy Unit 1 Vocabulary
Handout #2: Vocabulary graphic organizer sheet

HW: Read the rest of Chapter 1 for Thursday
Complete 14 words on the vocabulary sheet for Friday

AGENDA 11/26

Welcome Back!

Go to textbook room to pick up copies of Black Boy
Discuss denotations and connotations of the title & the original title, American Hunger, with partners
Begin reading Chapter 1 aloud


HW: Read through page 17 of Chapter 1 of Black Boy, to where it says "...don't come back here." Images of Race in America visual analysis assignment due tomorrow.

AGENDA 11/21

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Finish discussing images from yesterday--"Drinking Fountain" and "Help Wanted."

Complete and discuss "Alienation" cluster web as a class--what are some synonyms for alienation? What are the causes of alienation? What are the positive and negative effects or results of alienation?

HW: Complete image analysis for Tuesday exploring a perspective on race in America.

AGENDA 11/20

Finish conclusion paragraph for "Dr. Pepper" photograph

Get into groups; analyze new photographs using OPTIC strategy:
"Drinking fountain"
"Help wanted"

HW: Finish conclusion paragraph and any other incomplete portions of OPTIC on the image you received in class today.

AGENDA 11/19

Introducing the historical context of Richard Wright's autobiography, Black Boy
Examine a set of Jim Crow laws from various Southern states--highlight the two or three that seem to be the most egregious or appalling. Generate five questions in the margins of the paper that these laws raise for you--these questions may be specific or general.

Introduce the OPTIC strategy as a way to analyze visual texts. Examine a photograph, complete the OPTIC handout, and discuss what it suggests about the Jim Crow Era and about American society during this time period.

HW: None--come back tomorrow with the laws, photograph and OPTIC handouts, with parts O-P-T-I filled out(we did this in class)--we'll work on the Conclusion paragraph together in class tomorrow.

AGENDA 11/16

CLUB DAY!!!

Finish watching film: Awakenings 1954-1966
Complete Viewing Guide, side 2: jot notes in the graphic organizer as you watch, then complete response at the end of the period (6-8 complete sentences). Share out responses and discuss. Turn in to the substitute at the end of the period.

HW: None--please submit any missing assignments (have you turned in your Advisory Transformation Altar? Independent reading essay? Evidence of progress toward goals?)

P.S. Wish Pust luck as the period begins this morning--she'll be presenting her workshop at the National Council of Teachers of English at 11:00am EST, which is 8am Samo time! : )

AGENDA 11/15

Finish watching film: Without Fear or Shame
Complete Viewing Guide, side 1: jot notes in the graphic organizer as you watch, then complete response at the end of the period (6-8 complete sentences). Share out responses and discuss.

Begin watching Awakenings 1954-1966 and complete Viewing Guide, side 2. Turn in to the substitute at the end of the period even if not finished.

HW: None--please submit any missing assignments (have you turned in your Advisory Transformation Altar? Independent reading essay? Evidence of progress toward goals?)

AGENDA 11/14

Film: Without Fear or Shame
Complete Viewing Guide, side 1: jot notes in the graphic organizer as you watch, then complete response at the end of the period (6-8 complete sentences). Turn in to the substitute at the end of the period--we'll finish the film tomorrow.

HW: None--please submit any missing assignments (have you turned in your Advisory Transformation Altar? Independent reading essay? Evidence of progress toward goals?)

AGENDA 11/13

The Catcher in the Rye Final Test: matching, multiple-choice, and short answer
Turn in independent reading essays (compare/contrast independent reading book with The Catcher in the Rye)

HW: None (unless you haven't turned in your independent reading essay)

REMINDER: Please be on best behavior for the substitute the next three days. Email me if you need help.

AGENDA 11/9

Review for The Catcher in the Rye test on Tuesday: Practice Test
Writing folders: prompts to prepare for Catcher test

HW: Study for The Catcher in the Rye test Tuesday
Finish independent reading essay - 500-800 words, typed and double-spaced, comparing your independent reading book with The Catcher in the Rye

See my sample independent reading compare/contrast essay

AGENDA 11/8

Symbolism Activity: "Nothing Gold Can Stay"
Analyze the poem with a partner using the handout

HW: Finish reading The Catcher in the Rye!

AGENDA 11/7

Discuss Ch. 21 of The Catcher in the Rye
Handout: Symbolism, significance of the title, and themes in Ch. 22
Work through handout as a whole class

HW: Read Ch. 23 of The Catcher in the Rye

AGENDA 11/6

Common Assessment

HW: Read Ch. 21 and 22 of The Catcher in the Rye for Wednesday

AGENDA 11/5

Bag 'o Destiny Discussion of chapters 19 and 20:Focus on Holden's Death Fantasies, Near Falls, and Allie's Grave - be prepared to share thoughts from your post-its!

Homework:Read chapters 21 and 22 for Wednesday--be prepared to discuss. Bring The Catcher in the Rye and your independent reading book to class tomorrow in case you finish the common assessment early. Read independent reading book! - final assignment due next Tuesday

AGENDA 11/2

Grammar Warm-up: Pronoun Ambiguity
Writing prompts--pass out folders and write to one of the prompts

HW: Read Chapter 19 and 20 of Catcher in the Rye. As you read Chapter 20, use post-it notes to track instances of death fantasies and almost-falling, as well as the reason Holden will not visit his brother's grave.

AGENDA 11/1

Group activity: Chart out and discuss symbolic names, objects, and actions in Catcher in the Rye

AGENDA 10/31

Check in regarding Advisory goals--bring evidence of progress toward one of your goals
Advisory: Transformation Altar--connections between Catcher in the Rye and remembering our loved ones--that which impedes our progress and propels us forward.

HW: Read Chapter 18 of Catcher in the Rye and finish your Transformation Altar by Friday.

AGENDA 10/30

Grammar Warm-up: Pronoun Consistency
Finish presenting dialogue scenes between Holden and Sally from Chapter 17 of Catcher in the Rye.

HW: Read Chapter 18 of Catcher in the Rye for Thursday.

AGENDA 10/17

Advisory: Talking to Teachers and Getting Involved on Campus
REMINDER: Submit SMART goals sheets to your advisor if you haven't already. On 10/31, bring proof that you are meeting at least ONE of your three SMART goals.

HW: Read Ch. 10 of Catcher and continue to mark symbols. Attend three club meetings (has to be the same club!) and complete the Getting Involved handout before 11/28.

AGENDA 10/16

Grammar warm-up: Misplaced Modifiers

Seminar: Discuss chapters 7-9 of Catcher using sem prep handout from yesterday

HW: Read chapter 10 for Thursday.

REMINDERS: Advisory tomorrow: have you turned in your goal-setting sheets? Also, binder checks on Thursday. Make sure you have your binder organized in 5 sections--Grammar, Vocabulary, Independent Reading, Writing, and Current Unit.

AGENDA 10/15

Reading Quiz: Catcher in the Rye, chapters 4-8
Seminar preparation: Chapters 7-9. Select quotation, create discussion question, and write response for each of the three chapters in preparation for tomorrow's seminar.

HW: Finish seminar prep if needed.

AGENDA 10/12

Happy Homecoming!

Grammar Quiz: Verbs Post-test

When finished, begin reading chapters 7 and 8 of The Catcher in the Rye.

HW: Read Chapters 7 and 8 of The Catcher in the Rye. Continue to note the symbols mentioned on the bookmark. READING QUIZ ON MONDAY over Chapters 4-8 of The Catcher in the Rye. Please be sure to bring your books on Monday.

AGENDA 10/11

Finish discussing "Everyday Symbols."
Guided Notes: Unlocking Symbols in Literature

Seminar: The Catcher in the Rye chapters 4 and 5--discuss symbols, characters, and main ideas.

Turn in final drafts and rough drafts of persuasive letters.

HW: Read chapter 6 of The Catcher in the Rye and study for tomorrow's grammar quiz on verbs!

AGENDA 10/10

Quickwrite: Have you ever lost someone close to you? What impact might it have on a young person to lose someone dear to him or her? If a person reacts to grief or loss with physical violence (for example, punching a wall or throwing a chair), what might this reaction say about the person or the person's emotions?

Discuss symbolism activity from yesterday (wedding band, bald eagle, and Holden's hat)
Review business letter format

HW: Persuasive letters due tomorrow--please print two copies and bring rough draft(s).

AGENDA 10/9

Grammar Practice: Verbs
QUIZ ON VERBS FRIDAY! Study subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and verb tense errors

Discuss Ch. 4 of Catcher in the Rye: compare Stradlater and Ackley

Unlocking Symbols in Literature Activity, part I: Everyday Symbols

HW: Study for Grammar Quiz on Friday
Read Ch. 5 of Catcher in the Rye and note any symbols that appear, using bookmark to guide you

AGENDA 10/8

Quickwrite: Find and copy down a brief quotation from Ch. 2 that reveals Holden's personality. What does this suggest or convey about Holden or Holden's attitudes?

Pass out Catcher in the Rye bookmarks: use to track symbols on post-it notes throughout the novel

Read chapter 3 and track symbols

HW: Read chapter 4 and track symbols. Continue polishing persuasive letters.

REMINDER: Persuasive letters due THURSDAY!
Turn in 2 copies, typed, and in letter format, with correct address and your signature
Make sure to include 2 vocabulary words and 3 stylistic devices. Turn in rough draft(s) as well.

AGENDA 10/5

Grammar Warm-up: Verbs quiz next Tuesday
Vocabulary quiz: Persuasive Unit Vocabulary


Homework:
Final Draft of Persuasive Letter Due by Wednesday
- bring 2 copies
- include two vocab words
- include three style revisions from sheet
Due Monday--Independent Reading book--be at pg. 50 or beyond
Turn in Advisory Goal-setting sheets

AGENDA 10/4

Vocabulary Warm-up: Persuasion Unit
VOCAB QUIZ TOMORROW!

Notes on the Anti-Hero
Begin reading Ch. 1 and 2 of The Catcher in the Rye

HW: Finish reading Ch. 2 of Catcher; study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz!

AGENDA 10/3

Advisory: Goal Setting
Discuss SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely
Complete SMART goals sheets: 1 personal/wellness goal, 1 educational goal, and 1 occupational goal (career, college, or job-related) for short-term goals
Complete Intermediate Goal sheet for an overview of all three goals for the semester

HW: Goals sheets due MONDAY. Turn in to Pust, who will give them to your advisor.

AGENDA 10/2

Grammar Warm-up: Verbs, verbs, verbs again!
Visit from Mrs. Jago
Work on revising persuasive letters: add 2 vocabulary words and 3 stylistic devices (choose 3 from among: telegraphic sentence, sentence w/ colon, anaphora, catalogue, or interrupted sentence)
Bring letter drafts to class tomorrow

AGENDA 9/28

Grammar Warm-up: Verbs, verbs, verbs!
(subject-verb agreement errors, verb tense errors, parallelism errors)

Debrief yesterday's class with the substitute & reminder to keep floors free of trash

Introductory Activity: The Outcast, continued
Viewing Guide for film clip from The Breakfast Club

Continue working on persuasive letters

HW: Draft of complete persuasive letter due MONDAY, 10/1
Continue to study vocabulary words
Bring independent reading book to class on Monday
Bring ID card or schedule to class on Monday--we'll be going to the textbook room to pick up Catcher in the Rye

ANNOUNCEMENT: Pust will be at the Santa Monica Public Library, main branch (6th & Santa Monica Blvd.) on SUNDAY, 9/30 from 1pm-5pm in the cafe patio area if you would like help with your persuasive letter or other assignments.

AGENDA 9/27

Vocabulary Warm-up: Persuasion Unit
REMINDER: Vocabulary quiz NEXT Friday, 10/5, over
all 35 vocabulary words (from current unit and previous unit)

Introductory activity: Talking about "Outcasts"
Student responses to outcast cluster map

Continue working on persuasive letters

HW: Draft of complete persuasive letter due MONDAY, 10/1
Continue to study vocabulary words
Bring independent reading book to class on Monday
Bring ID card or schedule to class on Monday--we'll be going to the textbook room

AGENDA 9/26

Review components of the persuasive letter: handout
Begin drafting persuasive letters--one paragraph due tomorrow.

HW: Draft one paragraph of your persuasive letter. Finish the brainstorming sheet if you haven't already.

REMINDER: Independent reading books needed by Monday; 5 points extra credit if you bring your book in by Friday. Please choose a book from the independent reading book list; all of these books are available in the school and/or public library.

AGENDA 9/25

REMINDER: Back-to-School Night Tonight!

Grammar Warm-up: Subject-Verb Agreement Review
Introduce persuasive letter project by reading sample
Tomorrow: Begin prewriting or drafting persuasive letters--class will meet in the computer lab, T110.

HW: Complete persuasive topic sheet distributed in class yesterday if you haven't already
Continue to study vocabulary

AGENDA 9/24

Vocabulary Warm-up: Persuasion Vocab
Develop one persuasive issue: generate reasons and/or counterarguments
Introduce independent reading book list

HW: Select an independent reading book from the list and bring it to class by next Monday, 10/1. If you bring your book to class before Monday, you will receive 5 extra credit points. Continue to study vocabulary words. Complete persuasive issue handout given in class today if you did not finish.

AGENDA 9/21

Grammar Warm-Up: Subject-Verb Agreement
Finish reading article
Group activity: generate reasons or questions on the
poster paper for each of the persuasive essay topics

HW: Create vocabulary flashcards for any 5 of the new
vocabulary words (index cards were provided)
On a separate piece of paper, select two persuasive topics--
these can be topics we examined in class or other issues
that you believe need to be addressed or changed. Then,
for each topic, list either 5 questions related to the topic that
you want to know more about, or 5 reasons that you think the
way you do about the topic (or any combination of reasons
and/or questions). You should have a total of 10 reasons/questions
listed, over the two topics. Contact me if you have questions.

AGENDA 9/20

Warm-up: Brainstorming the pros and cons of abolishing
compulsory school attendance laws
Share and discuss responses
Introduce new vocabulary words for persuasion unit
Answer key: definitions for new vocabulary words
Begin reading "So That Nobody Has to Go to School if They Don't Want to" by Roger Sipher

HW: Begin studying vocabulary. Remember that vocabulary is
cumulative, so review the previous words in addition to
studying the new words.

AGENDA 9/19

FIRST ADVISORY MEETING

Break into advisory groups
Overview: What is Advisory?
Advisory Letter for Parents: Spanish
Advisory Letter for Parents: English
Complete and return Advisory Information Forms to your group leader
Team Building Activities: Commonalities or Who Are You? Questions

No homework tonight! :)

AGENDA 9/18

Baseline Essays: Fast Food Nation and Chew On This

REMINDER: Make up vocabulary quizzes at lunch or after
school on Wednesday. If you were absent last Friday and do
not make up the vocabulary quiz by 4pm on Wednesday,
it will be entered as a "Z" in Pinnacle.

ANNOUNCEMENT: First Advisory meeting tomorrow!

AGENDA 9/17

Preparation for Baseline Essays - Fast Food Nation and Chew On This
Bring books tomorrow!

Submit summer free choice book essays.

REMINDER: If you missed the vocabulary quiz or supplies check
last Friday, due to absences or picture makeups, please see me to
get caught up. You may take your quiz Tuesday at lunch, or
Wednesday at lunch or after school, in room B207. On Wednesday
at 4pm, all missing quizzes will turn to Z's in Pinnacle.

If you are unhappy with your vocabulary quiz score, you must:
1) create a set of flashcards (word on one side, definition on the other)
2) see Pust at lunch or after school to make test corrections using
your flashcards.
Completing steps 1 and 2 successfully will raise your vocabulary
quiz score to a B.


HW: Prepare for baseline essay tomorrow. Bring notes you
took in class today and your FFN or Chew On This book.

AGENDA 9/14

Vocabulary Quiz!
If you finish the quiz early, work on your summer choice
book essay (~500 words, due Monday 9/17).

HW: Finish summer choice book essay and
bring either FFN or Chew on This to class on
Monday

AGENDA 9/12

Warm-Up: Vocabulary Review
View clip from Super Size Me on "Fast Food Advertising";
record two interesting facts from the clip
Discuss debate format: class debate Friday on whether Congress
should limit the advertising of junk/fast food to children

HW: Study for vocabulary quiz! (Friday, 9/14)
Complete Vocabulary Crossword to help study for quiz

REMINDER: Supplies check Friday 9/14!!!

AGENDA 9/11

Warm-up: Grammar--Subject-Verb Agreement
Quick Review of Levels of Questions
Read, discuss, and create questions for LA Times article "Limits proposed on fast-food restaurants"

HW: Study for vocabulary quiz, Friday 9/14
Work on summer book choice assignment, due Monday 9/17

REMINDERS: Supplies check Friday! Make sure you have your book, binder,
dividers, pens, paper, pencils, and handouts/assignments

AGENDA 9/10

Warm-up: Vocabulary Review (quiz Friday 9/14)
Introduction to summer free choice book assignment (~500 words, due Monday 9/17)
Summer free choice book assignment samples: Pust and Kennedy
Levels of Questions PowerPoint & Guided Notes

HW: Study vocabulary for quiz, Friday 9/14;
begin working on summer free choice book assignment,
due Monday, 9/17; complete three of each Question Level
for a total of 9 questions regarding the assigned FFN/Chew
reading you did over the weekend.

REMINDER!

Supplies check tomorrow & Tuesday: make sure you have your copy of FFN or Chew On This, your English binder with 5 divider tabs (Grammar, Vocabulary, Writing, Independent Reading, and Current Unit) and pens, pencils, and paper. I'll be checking to make sure everyone has these supplies ready on Monday and Tuesday. Thanks, and I look forward to another great week!

AGENDA 9/7

Collect homework (response to an image in FFN or Chew On This)
Introduce and discuss vocabulary words (groups)

HW: Begin studying vocabulary words (quiz Friday, 9/14)
Reread pp. 42-57 in Fast Food Nation or pp. 43-63 in Chew On This.

AGENDA 9/6

Review Classroom Rules and Procedures
View image from pg. 30 of Fast Food Nation and discuss
HW: Select another image from Fast Food Nation or Chew On This to analyze and complete Visual Analysis Handout

AGENDA 9/5

Happy First Day of School! I enjoyed meeting you today, and know that we will have a great year together. Check back often for the daily agendas and handouts.

Introductory Powerpoint & Quickwrite
First Day Student Information Form
HW: Read the Course Syllabus and write down two questions about the syllabus on a separate sheet. Bring your copy of Fast Food Nation or Chew On This tomorrow, and every day for the next two weeks. Finish your First Day Student Information Form.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

Vocabulary Lists and Review:
Vocabulary Sheet

VOCABULARY: FAST FOOD NATION
Warm-up: FFN Vocabulary
Warm-up: FFN Vocabulary #2
VOCABULARY: PERSUASION UNIT HANDOUT
VOCABULARY: PERSUASION UNIT DEFINITIONS

Persuasive Writing Unit:
"So That Nobody Has to Go to School if They Don't Want to" by Roger Sipher
Warm-up: Brainstorming pros and cons of abolishing compulsory school attendance
laws
Brainstorming handout: Generating reasons and counterarguments for one issue
Sample persuasive letter

Fast Food Nation and Chew On This Unit:
FFN Image Analysis Handout
Levels of Questions PowerPoint and Guided Notes

General Course Information:
COURSE SYLLABUS
FIRST DAY STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES


Grammar Practice and Instruction:
Subject/Verb Agreement Warm-up #1
Subject/Verb Agreement Warm-up #2
Subject/Verb Agreement Warm-up #3

Independent Reading:
Summer Free Choice Book assignment
Summer Free Choice Book assignment samples: Pust and Kennedy

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome back!

As we begin school, please remember to:

• Clear any obligations with the textbook room
• Register at Turnitin.com