Today's Activities

Today in class, we reviewed the homework.  Afterward, we saw examples of what a "level-4" response would be to the reading, and also saw other levels.  The important thing was that your paragraph response included a thesis statement, several examples of how the pounds were different, and then ended with a conclusion sentence.  Of course, your response had to fill the box.

For tonight, you have one more reading response concerning two poems.  We read the poems in class, and discussed the message of each poem.  Then we talked about what a thesis would look like for that response paragraph.  It was something along the lines of....

The titles of the poems "Progress" and "A New Age" really show their message of changing technology and its relationship to music.

Homework:  Finish the reading response if you didn't finish it in class.

Today's Activities

Okay, so today is a bit of a catch-up day. You will be getting your dialog quizzes back. If you wish to retake it, you need to meet with me and take it after school (or in flex) by next Wednesday. While we're at it, all narrative rewrites due tomorrow...I only had three people meet with me to rewrite.

Today in class:

• pass back quizzes.
• grade


• "A Storm is Coming" and "How to Eat a Poem"
• "Lightning" and "Letter to Mr. O'Malley"
• narrative reflections and top-10 lists


• While I'm grading and collecting assignments, you will do another NECAP test prep. exercise.  It's another dialog, based off of a visual prompt.  You will finish it in class.
• NECAP example responses - discussion
• Afterward, we will share parts of our narratives, top-10s, or dialogs.

Homework: NONE! (unless you didn't finish the in-class writing)

"How to Eat a Poem"

How to Eat a Poem

Don’t be polite.

Bite in.

Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that

            may run down your chin.

It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are.

You do not need a knife or fork or spoon

or plate or napkin or tablecloth.

For there is no core

or stem

or rind

or pit

or seed

or skin

to throw away.

                                              —Eve Merriam

Today's Activities - More NECAP writing

Hi Folks,

Over the weekend you responded to two writing prompts: 1)"Lightning" and 2) "Letter to the Principal."  In class today, we went over examples of real student work at all levels.  We saw what a "4" response is, and what makes it awesome, and what a terrible "1" looks like.  For another look at the examples, you can go to the state's website here.

Next, we talked about the two prompts that you have for tonight's homework.
1)"A Storm Is Coming" asks you to simply use your sharpened skills of sensory detail description to describe an approaching storm.  Make sure you mix up long and short sentences.  That's it - describe every one of the five senses for that storm!

2)"How to Eat a Poem" is a poem that compares the act of reading/experiencing a poem to the act of eating a juicy, delicious piece of fruit.  Whenever you here "compare" in the directions, like with this assignment, your response paragraph should look like the classic "C & C" paragraph.  See the screenshot in the previous posting.  This is the harder of the two writing responses.

Homework:  (see above)  due tomorrow

C & C Paragraphs

Sent on the run with my lovely iPhone!

Today's Activities - NECAP test taking strategies.

First off, we went over the homework that is due today.  You had to create a dialog between two people having an argument.  We went over how the NECAP scorers actually grade your response, and we saw examples of students responses for scores of 4 (perfect) - 1 (really terrible).  Essentially, the main criteria they looked for was...

• length...sad, but true
• use of dialog punctuation rules....don't forget to indent with each change of speaker!
• detail, and being "on-topic"  You can have fun, and please be creative...as long as you flow and stay on topic.

Secondly, I actually applied those scoring techniques to your homework...congratulations, most of you scored a 3 or a 4!

Next, we talked about today's homework, which is a sample part of the reading test.  We talked about certain strategies you want to apply:

• First thing you do, is read the questions.  If you can answer some of the questions using logic, without even reading the passage, go for it!
• Secondly, after every question, write a "to-do" list of things you will be looking for while reading.
• write in the margins, a two-three word summary of each paragraph.
• once you do that, you can look back at all the summaries, and figure out the "main idea" (a.k.a. "also known as" the thesis).
• Now, as you read, and summarize in the margins, you will also highlight....be choosy about what you highlight.   Only highlight...
• sentences with words you need to define.
• parts that directly answer questions.
• sentences you think are the thesis.  (Even though your teachers have always taught you that your thesis needs to be the last sentence of the intro paragraph, in these passages, it's not EXACTLY the case...but the thesis will always be SOMEWHERE in the first couple of paragraphs.

Today's Activities

Today we took the dialog quiz.  It will take me a few days to get it graded.  When you get it back, and find that you did not do well, you may make it up by the following Wednesday, only if you meet with me first (flex or after school).

Homework:  Finish the NECAP test-prep dialog you started in class after the quiz.

Today's Activities

In class, we corrected the last dialog worksheet, which focused on rules 8 and 9, from yesterday's notes.  Afterward, I passed back the personal narratives, and awarded the "hookiest hook."  Students reviewed teacher comments on their essays, then answered the following two questions, adding them to their narrative reflections:
1)  Did I get the grade I thought I was going to get?
2) What's one thing I want to pay more attention to on the next essay?

Students are asked to keep their narratives in the English section of their binder for one week. 

For homework:  Study for the dialog quiz!

• prewrite the dialog, if you are taking the extreme version of the quiz
• copy down examples from your corrected exercises, (don't forget that I gave you the answers on this blog.
• make sure your notes are clear, readable, organized, and in you English section.
• make flashcards for the seven rules!

Mr. Stowell's Editing Marks

Sent on the run with my lovely iPhone!

More on rule #8: "Change-Indent"

check out this link

Dialog Rules

Today in class, we will...

• learn the important dialog rules
• learn the MOST important dialogue rules (number 8 and then 3) (see screen-shots in below post)
• if you have time, either start the homework, or check out a book from the library for Wednesday's independent reading.
• tomorrow we will go over our personal narrative reflections, you will get your narratives passed back, and we will go over the top 10 lists.

For homework, you will....

• complete the new grammar exercises (the brown sheet).  Due tomorrow.
• Dialog quiz is on Wednesday - open "hand-written" notes.
• Bring in an independent reading book for Wednesday flex-time.

Screen-shots of the Dialog Punctuation Rules

So, if you want to bulk up your notes, you can do two things:  1) copy over the below examples; 2) copy examples from the two worksheets.

Publish Post

Last Night's Parent Night!

Hey kids,  We had a great time meeting with your parents last night!  I told them all to bake me cookies - feel free to keep nagging them!  Below is the presentation that I showed them, in-case you're curious.

Today's Activities - Presentation from Guidance

Hi kids,  Happy Friday!  Today guidance is giving you a presentation to start you off for the year.  The next time we meet as a class is on Monday. 

Homework:  If you haven't passed them in already, you need to have printed off two things for Monday:
1)  Your narrative reflection.  See the questions in the post below.
2)  Your "Top 10" List...again see below if you're stuck for categories.

Today's Class Activities

First, we will type a writing reflection on your personal narrative essay.  Be sure to address the following questions with a complete sentence each:

1. How proud are you of this personal narrative?
2. What do you specifically like about it?
3. What do you wish you could have done better?
4. How hard was this writing assignment?
5. How long did it take you?
6. Did you split up the assignment into chunks, or write it all at once?
7. How well did you stick to the main idea in your essay?
8. How do you think you did with respect to including sensory details?
9. Do you think your anecdote has a clear point to it?
10. How have you changed as a writer as a result of this essay?
11. What did you learn about writing from the personal narrative assignment?

Secondly, we will begin brainstorming in pairs or alone, a top-ten list.  Possible categories are:

Cool websites, sports stars, energy drinks, sci-fi bad-guys, pizza toppings, action movies, scary movies, American Idols, "metal" bands, Greenday songs, songs to learn on guitar, things you need to survive the zombie apocalypse, things you would want on a deserted island.

Homework:  finish brainstorming your top-ten list.  Due tomorrow.

Answers to exercises 4 and 5

Exercise 4 (p. 238)

    “Good evening. Welcome to the Jay O’Casey Show. Our guest this evening is Mr. Noah Life who has spent the last several years reading the complete fifty-volume set of the Oxford English Dictionary. Welcome, Mr. Life.”

    “Thank you, Mr. OKC.”

    “Call me Jay. Now tell me, what motivated you to read the entire dictionary?”

    “Well, Mr. OKC, I mean J, because it was there.”

    “I see.” 

    “J, those happen to be two of my favorite letters.”

    “Okay.”

    “Those, too, J.” 

    “Let’s move on. Let me ask you this. In addition to I, C, and O, K, what are some of your other favorite letters of the dictionary?” 

    “Well, I’d have to say P because it has plot, but the A section was pretty good too because it has action.” “I see. Do you like T?” 

    “No, I prefer coffee, thank you, J.” 

    “You know, Mr. Life, some people say that you’re quite a shallow person. How do you respond to these critics?” 

    “I enjoy deep sea diving, J.” 

    “I see. Well, unfortunately we’re out of time. Thank you for joining me.” 

    “Uh, J, before I go, I’d just like to say hello to my kids, Dee, Bea, and Kay.” 

    “Join me tomorrow night when our guest will be the great-great grandson of the inventor of the paper clip.  Good night for now, America.”

Exercise 5 (p. 239)

“Over

“I 

“The

“I 

life.”

How to upload files to Google Docs

click this link

Helpful slideshow in how to do MLA

After collecting some of you essays, I noticed some of you still didn't quite get this down.  Most of you forgot to either double space your name, teacher name, etc.....or some of you even centered all of your text, instead of just your title.......Check it OUT!!!

MLA screenshot

Sent on the run with my lovely iPhone!

M.L.A. Format

Today in class we will...

• log into the computers and bring up our essay drafts, if possible.
• Go over M.L.A. format (see board screen shot in the post above)
• apply the format to our essays.
• put finishing touches on our essays.
• dialog homework is checked, and corrections will happen Wednesday (or you can see the post below).
• begin exercises 4 and 5.

Homework:

• finish exercises 4,5
• check last night's homework corrections
• bring in your corrected final draft for class tomorrow, in MLA format.

Answers to the Dialog Homework

Exercise 1 (pp. 235-240)

. . “I collect jellyfish on the beach,” said Ralph, “because they make excellent erasers.” 2. “ How did pioneer women fix their hair?” asked Dody. “I don’t think they had blow dryers.” 3. “My favorite song is ‘Tomorrow,’” said Opie. “I wish I could play it on the xylophone.” 4. “I prefer to play jumbo golf,” said Durwin, “not miniature.” 5. “I got a part in the school play!” exclaimed Bula. “I’m going to be a pitted olive!” 6. Horace exclaimed, “I can’t believe those mutant gnats actually attacked a rhino!”
7. “I think the reason Maude is a starving artist,” remarked Dodson, “is because she only paints pictures of cephalopods.” 8. “As a member of the Ferret Preservation Society,” remarked Waldo, “I’ve learned to appreciate rodents.” 9. “Doctor,” said Donald to his psychiatrist, “sometimes I think I’m a turnip.” 0. “A pushy officer pulled me over,” blurted Prissy, “and I was only going ninety-five in a school zone!” . “I’ve noticed,” observed Egbert, “that clocks always run clockwise.” 2. “I just heard a cow bark,” remarked Opal. “It sounded like a Chihuahua!” 3. Wilamena excitedly told her mother, “For Halloween, I’m going to be a grilled cheese sandwich!”
4. “I bought a new mouse for my computer,” muttered Mortimer Duncely, “but it crawls all over my monitor.” 5. C

Exercise 2 (pp. 236-237)

. “ Large roaches,” Hubert noted, “sometimes feed on cattle.” 2. Timmy cried, “I want a pony for my birthday!” However, his parents gave him a pack of gum instead. 3. “I have insomnia,” yawned Ronald, “but it doesn’t keep me up at night.” 4. “Ostriches with fleas,” remarked Louise, “are often ostracized by their peers.” 5. “I have a pet turtle,” announced Roland, “and he looks just like my grandfather.” 6. “ I wish Christmas would come in July,” whined Lizzy, “so the shops wouldn’t be so busy.” 7. “The reason my bulldog’s face is flat,” admitted Barker, “is because he chases parked cars.” 8. “Sometimes I wish I were the windshield, not the bug,” moaned Dudley. 9. “Instead of wearing a hat with my outfit,” said Rhoda, “sometimes I prefer to wear a matching toad.” 0. C . “I was shocked,” said Holly, “when the principal shouted, ‘We’re having a meteorite storm! Take cover!’” 2. “For my poetry presentation,” said Scuzzy, “I would like to read a selection entitled ‘Dustmites.’” 3. Vinnie inquired, “Why is it impossible to tickle yourself?” 4. “I was so excited when Arnold looked into my eyes!” Zoey exclaimed. “I was crushed, though, when he told me that I had a piece of spinach between my teeth.” 5. The guide shouted, “Watch out for the killer chiggers!”

Exercise 3 (p. 237)
At the County Fair, Senator Sham was campaigning furiously for his shaky reelection bid. “Senator,” asked one reporter, “will you raise taxes if you’re reelected?” “That’s a good question,” the senator replied, trying to look thoughtful. “So let me give you a straight answer. I
don’t intend to raise taxes unless, of course, in case of a serious situation like war or rain or something. However, even then I won’t, unless I do.”
The reporter looked puzzled but continued. “Will you support education?”
“Of course, I think that every young person should be illiterate enough to read and write.” “Also, Senator, how do you intend to handle the budget?” “Simple. Let me give you some concrete ways. I’ll make a detailed budget that’s within budget. First, I’ll clean
out the attic and sweep out the dust. Then I’ll budget for the budget with funds from various funds.
“And one last question, Senator. How do you explain your recent criminal conviction?” The senator’s tanned face turned slightly pale. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t hear that last question,” he finally
stammered, and in a flash he was off to kiss a nearby baby and hug a retired person.

How to get points for your essay....

• 5 points for each dialog quote....if it's correctly punctuated.
• 3 points for each smell sensory detail...only if it is DETAILED!
• 3 points for each touch sensory detail...only if it is DETAILED!
• 2 points for other sound, sight, or taste sensory details...only if they are DETAILED!
• 1 point for each transitional word or phrase.
• 10 points for the most interesting title in class
• -10 points for no title or something lame like "My English Essay"
• 15 points for having your guardian or parent write "I have read and discussed this draft with (your name) and think it is ready to turn in." ON YOUR RUBRIC!  

Did you lose your rubric?  Get another one here.

Dialog, Tranisitions, and Revising our complete drafts

In today's class we will....

• complete the dreaded seating chart - get out your name tags!
• go over some of the rules for dialog
• go over transitions
• "since that time..."
• "what I learned from that was..."
• "the next thing that happened...."
• "from all of that I know that..."
• "the first thing that happened..."
• "next....," "then...," "afterward....,"
• check our drafts for transitions, thesis, and sensory details - in-class competition for bonus points!!

For Homework:

• finish dialog exercises 1, 2, 3 - due Monday if you couldn't do it in class.
• revise draft, check your rubric - get it signed by a parent/guardian for points.
• Final draft due at the end of class on MONDAY!

Working on Introduction and the Conclusion

Today's class activities -

• Review the introduction paragraph and share within your groups
• does it properly set up your anecdote?
• Example of my introduction paragraph
• revise your intro
• What goes into your conclusion paragraph?
• Example of my conclusion paragraph 
• Write your conclusions

Homework:  Okay, it's time to put it all together!  You need to bring in a typed rough draft of all three pieces: the intro, the body (the "anecdote" or the "exploded moment"), and the conclusion.  Yes, you need to bring in a typed draft.  Yes....typed.  Tomorrow.  If you know you wont be able to do this, let me know in class today.  Or, if a problem arises tonight, email me at dstowell@sau16.org

 ....Hey, want to see my entire essay?  Click here!

The conclusion paragraph

Sent on the run with my lovely iPhone!

The body

Sent on the run with my lovely iPhone!

Intro paragraph

Sent on the run with my lovely iPhone!

Revising your anecdote and writing an introduction

Today we'll do two things - revise our anecdote and talk about writing your introduction paragraph.

Check out how I revised my appendix operation anecdote here:

•  Go over my rough draft and revision example (the link is above)
• In partners, share anecdotes, and find two more types of sensory details to add, and one vivid verb.
• please copy down the outline diagram that I put on the board (the next three blog postings have the pictures of it) - this will show you how to set up the three parts of your essay: introduction, body (anecdote), and conclusion.

Homework:  Revise your anecdote to include more dialog, sensory details, and vivid verbs.  Write a rough draft of your introduction.

Stations - working on your narrative

Today we are working on the "anecdote" of our narrative.  There are three stations in class today.

• Station A:  Analyzing an example essay.  Use your rubric (that's on the back of your narrative handout) to figure out why the example essay received the grade that is on the example essay.
• Station B:  Filling out a graphic organizer.  There are three types of graphic organizers to choose from.  
• Sensory details - invent the sensory details that may have occurred during the anecdote
• What is the point? - use the surrounding questions to help you find out what the "thesis" or the main point of your anecdote.
• Outline - only do this one if you have a good idea what to do for your anecdote, and also your intro and conclusion paragraphs - this is an advanced graphic organizer - make sure you read your handout THOROUGHLY.
• Station C:  Jumping right to the rough draft of your anecdote - write at LEAST ONE paragraph concerning your anecdote.  The anecdote concerns the 5-10 most important moments of the event you choose to write about.  It must be chock-full of sensory details - especially the sensory detail of sound...for sound....you MUST include dialog.

Homework: both items are due tomorrow.
1) You must either have completed the paragraph for Station A, or the graphic organizer for Station B.
2) You need to "explode the moment" for the 5-10 most important minutes of your event.  This most important part of your event is called the anecdote.  You explode it by adding as many SPECIFIC sensory details as possible.  You MUST also include some DIALOG (speaking).  Invent those details if you don't remember them!  Your anecdote must be AT LEAST one paragraph of 7-9 sentences...but do more if you want to!

Do you have an iPod Touch with a microphone?

Dragon Dictation is an awesome little "app" that can help with your writing!  You can talk to it and it writes down what what you say!  Then you can email the text to yourself...cool, huh?

Thursday, September 2nd

Congrats on your first week of school - it was a great one!

Today's activities:

• One more paragraph!
• Groups of three - vote on the best paragraph - that option will most likely be your best story.
• Discuss the narrative handout - any questions?
• Narrative essay - what's ahead for Tuesday.
• (if time) Last year's examples
• (if time) Name game

Homework:  none.  Enjoy you last summerish, long weekend.  Think about your narrative, and try to come up with sensory details - if you're itching to start - go right ahead; don't wait for us!