Friday, September 16, 2011
How to Coin Walk
This is related to the prompt I wrote on characterization...but it's also a brief preview of the type of project we will work on at the end of quarter 1 / beginning of quarter 2!
Vocab post-test today
Hello Folks!
Today in class is the vocabulary post-assessment that for the words that we have been studying these last two weeks. Based off of preliminary results from first period, things are looking pretty great!
As for Parent Night last night, it was awesome! A special thanks to all the parents who made it out! I did ask how many of them knew you were taking a quiz today, however, and only a few hands went up in each class...let's change that; let your parents help to quiz you as you are washing the dishes after dinner!
As for the writing response you did to yesterday's short story, All Summer In a Day, I'll be collecting that on Monday, so DON'T LOSE IT in your binder (I'm looking at you, Joe)!
Homework: None...have fun.
Looking ahead: More literary terms and short stories next week! Although we have ropes course, we will still be having classes. The next story we will read has a dog as the narrator...it's hilarious, and sad, and awesome!
Today in class is the vocabulary post-assessment that for the words that we have been studying these last two weeks. Based off of preliminary results from first period, things are looking pretty great!
As for Parent Night last night, it was awesome! A special thanks to all the parents who made it out! I did ask how many of them knew you were taking a quiz today, however, and only a few hands went up in each class...let's change that; let your parents help to quiz you as you are washing the dishes after dinner!
As for the writing response you did to yesterday's short story, All Summer In a Day, I'll be collecting that on Monday, so DON'T LOSE IT in your binder (I'm looking at you, Joe)!
Homework: None...have fun.
Looking ahead: More literary terms and short stories next week! Although we have ropes course, we will still be having classes. The next story we will read has a dog as the narrator...it's hilarious, and sad, and awesome!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Parent Night!
Tonight is "Parent Night" or "Open-House" here at C.M.S. Hopefully, I'll get to meet a lot of your parents! Below is a quick slide-show regarding some of the things I'd like to tell them, but mostly it will be a time for me to shake hands and say hello in my typically nerdy, over-excited way.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Our First Short Story..."All Summer In a Day"
WELCOME TO BLOCK-DAYS (Wednesday and Thursday)
Today, we'll start with a little vocab-baseball to get the ball rolling.
Second, we'll check and share your paragraphs on "what makes a character great."
Thirdly, we'll start our first short story, "All Summer In a Day," a cool little science-fiction that takes place on an alien planet where summer only lasts for one day out of several years. We are going to focus on the characterization in this story.
Homework: Write at least one paragraph (10 sentences minimum) making one of the flat antagonists more round. Rewrite part of the story from that antagonist's point of view, turning them into the protagonist. If you don't finish it in class, finish it at home! Due FRIDAY!
DON'T Forget that your first Vocab post-assessment is FRIDAY as well!
Today, we'll start with a little vocab-baseball to get the ball rolling.
Second, we'll check and share your paragraphs on "what makes a character great."
Thirdly, we'll start our first short story, "All Summer In a Day," a cool little science-fiction that takes place on an alien planet where summer only lasts for one day out of several years. We are going to focus on the characterization in this story.
Homework: Write at least one paragraph (10 sentences minimum) making one of the flat antagonists more round. Rewrite part of the story from that antagonist's point of view, turning them into the protagonist. If you don't finish it in class, finish it at home! Due FRIDAY!
DON'T Forget that your first Vocab post-assessment is FRIDAY as well!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Mr. Stowell's example of the homework!
I've been getting a few questions about the homework...so I did it myself and put up an example!
Doc Holiday from the movie, Tombstone, is one of the greatest characters ever! Although he is not exactly the protagonist (that role belongs to Wyatt Earp) he is given so much indirect characterization, that he almost steals the show. Throughout the movie, Doc Holiday loves to poke fun at the bad-guys, always provoking them into a fight, which he always wins. He is obviously the best gunslinger in Arizona. Although he is suffering from tuberculosis, which he knows will eventually kill him, he doesn't let that stop him from having too much fun and causing too much trouble. His character also has some really great direct characterization in the way he looks in the movie. He is deathly skinny and pale (from his sickness) but always impeccably dressed and playing with a lucky coin that he's constantly rolling between his knuckles (when he's not shooting people). If he were to be categorized as a dynamic/round, or static/flat character, he'd actually be a combination of the terms. He's definitely static, because his personality never really changes; he's the loyal-to-the-end friend of Earp, and a selfish jerk to everyone else from the beginning to the end of the movie. However, he's not exactly flat, because there is so much description of him...although we never fully know what makes him tick. Because of these qualities, he is a very memorable and awesome character!
Okay, so I'm an over-achiever...I did 11 sentences, and included 5 terms, but there you have it!
Doc Holiday from the movie, Tombstone, is one of the greatest characters ever! Although he is not exactly the protagonist (that role belongs to Wyatt Earp) he is given so much indirect characterization, that he almost steals the show. Throughout the movie, Doc Holiday loves to poke fun at the bad-guys, always provoking them into a fight, which he always wins. He is obviously the best gunslinger in Arizona. Although he is suffering from tuberculosis, which he knows will eventually kill him, he doesn't let that stop him from having too much fun and causing too much trouble. His character also has some really great direct characterization in the way he looks in the movie. He is deathly skinny and pale (from his sickness) but always impeccably dressed and playing with a lucky coin that he's constantly rolling between his knuckles (when he's not shooting people). If he were to be categorized as a dynamic/round, or static/flat character, he'd actually be a combination of the terms. He's definitely static, because his personality never really changes; he's the loyal-to-the-end friend of Earp, and a selfish jerk to everyone else from the beginning to the end of the movie. However, he's not exactly flat, because there is so much description of him...although we never fully know what makes him tick. Because of these qualities, he is a very memorable and awesome character!
Okay, so I'm an over-achiever...I did 11 sentences, and included 5 terms, but there you have it!
Tech Setup.
Hi Folks,
First things first: we got to get our computer accounts set up! Ms. Maciolek and Mr. Descoteaux will be there to help us - do whatever they tell you to do!
So, technically, there is no English class today. I'll be in the room, but the class will only be on setting up your computer accounts.
Homework: Same as last night...I'll be checking homework tomorrow!
First things first: we got to get our computer accounts set up! Ms. Maciolek and Mr. Descoteaux will be there to help us - do whatever they tell you to do!
So, technically, there is no English class today. I'll be in the room, but the class will only be on setting up your computer accounts.
Homework: Same as last night...I'll be checking homework tomorrow!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Vocab baseball and Characterization Terms
Hello folks, happy Monday!
So, to get things started, I thought we'd have a little vocab baseball. Two teams, two innings. The pitch will be the pictures. Single if you can correctly guess the word, double if you also guess the correct part of speech, triple if you can correctly use the word in a sentence, home run if you can do all that AND correctly spell the word. This is my first time trying the game, so cross your fingers.
The second half of the class will be concerned with a discussion of characterization. We will talk about what makes a good character great and memorable.
You will also learn some new literary terms:
Homework: Study your vocab - it won't learn itself! Finish the in-class writing.
What's coming up: We will read a cool short story and apply what we know about characterization tomorrow!
So, to get things started, I thought we'd have a little vocab baseball. Two teams, two innings. The pitch will be the pictures. Single if you can correctly guess the word, double if you also guess the correct part of speech, triple if you can correctly use the word in a sentence, home run if you can do all that AND correctly spell the word. This is my first time trying the game, so cross your fingers.
The second half of the class will be concerned with a discussion of characterization. We will talk about what makes a good character great and memorable.
You will also learn some new literary terms:
- Direct characterization - When the author states a character's traits, mostly physical
- Indirect characterization - When a character's personality is shown by their words and actions
- Flat/Static character - a character that who's "soul" is somewhat a mystery and remains largely unchanged.
- Round/Dynamic character - a character who's soul and personality is well-described, and who goes through some kind of change throughout the story.
- Protagonist - the main character, sometimes the "hero" who must overcome the main obstacles and resolve the primary conflict.
- Antagonist - a character or force in conflict with a main character or protagonist
Homework: Study your vocab - it won't learn itself! Finish the in-class writing.
What's coming up: We will read a cool short story and apply what we know about characterization tomorrow!
Friday, September 9, 2011
What makes a good character (cont.)
Today we will continue the "Who the Heck Is That?" game, in guessing our classmates' favorite characters, based off of their detailed descriptions. Afterwards, we will have a class discussion on what really makes a great (not just good, but GREAT) character.
For Monday in-class writing: One fat paragraph (10 sentences minimum) answering the question "what makes a good character?" Be sure to include what you learned from today's discussion. This may be typed or neatly in ink. Be prepared to share.
Homework: Study your vocab flashcards (look below for the earlier post). Post-test is on next Friday.
For the kids who tested out: Your vocab list of ten words is due (the whole sheet needs to be completed) by Tuesday.
For Monday in-class writing: One fat paragraph (10 sentences minimum) answering the question "what makes a good character?" Be sure to include what you learned from today's discussion. This may be typed or neatly in ink. Be prepared to share.
Homework: Study your vocab flashcards (look below for the earlier post). Post-test is on next Friday.
For the kids who tested out: Your vocab list of ten words is due (the whole sheet needs to be completed) by Tuesday.
It's Friday
Firstly, let me welcome you to Friday! Secondly, I want to definitively tell you that the horrible song with terrible lyrics, "Friday" by Rebecca Black, was not written by Boby Dylan, despite the fact that there is a Dylan impersonator singing a cover of it on Youtube. Sorry, Nick - I did the research. Read here, watch here.
Please see what we did in class in the next post.
Please see what we did in class in the next post.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
What makes a good character?
Today we will start by checking and sharing your vocab stories that you wrote in class yesterday. Then we will briefly do some vocabulary review while the "T.O.'s" (kids who tested out) will begin setting up their vocabulary lists.
Midway through class, we will reconvene to do the "Who the Heck Is That?" character game, based off of your last night's homework. Prizes will be given to those with the best character description, and to those who guessed the most characters correctly. Afterwards will follow a brainstorm on what makes a good character.
Homework: Check out the flash cards. Begin studying vocabulary.
Midway through class, we will reconvene to do the "Who the Heck Is That?" character game, based off of your last night's homework. Prizes will be given to those with the best character description, and to those who guessed the most characters correctly. Afterwards will follow a brainstorm on what makes a good character.
Homework: Check out the flash cards. Begin studying vocabulary.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Pretest
Good Day fellow students!
Today is the pretest. If you pass with an 90% or better (this time) you have "tested-out" of the list and will do self-guided vocab, based off of a novel of your choosing. If so, you need to keep a book at school during the first week of the unit to create your list of 14 words. If you do not have a book, you will be promptly sent to the library to acquire one, and will lose time to generate your list, or you may lose your "tested-out" status.
We will correct the pretests in class, and you will know your status today in class.
After the pretest, you will have an in-class writing assignment:
Today is the pretest. If you pass with an 90% or better (this time) you have "tested-out" of the list and will do self-guided vocab, based off of a novel of your choosing. If so, you need to keep a book at school during the first week of the unit to create your list of 14 words. If you do not have a book, you will be promptly sent to the library to acquire one, and will lose time to generate your list, or you may lose your "tested-out" status.
We will correct the pretests in class, and you will know your status today in class.
- Challenge Level: The post-test will consist of half of the words are multiple-choice, half fill-in the blank for sentences.
- Super-Challenge Level: This post-test will look very similar to the pretest without the word bank, and will consist of 14 words.
- Extreme-Challenge Level: This post-test will provide you with a word bank, and you must write a story that correctly uses the words in context. In addition, you must provide the correct part of speech for each word as it is used.
After the pretest, you will have an in-class writing assignment:
- Choice 1: Write a paragraph that uses all ten vocabulary words correctly in a scenario that describe a time where you or a loved one had "a close call." Remember Mr. Stowell's appendectomy story?
- Choice 2: Write a paragraph that summarizes the Jon Krakauer story excerpt from Into Thin Air, which correctly uses all ten vocabulary words.
- (Due tomorrow) Finish your in-class writing. Be sure to use all 10 words.
- (Due tomorrow) Write one paragraph describing (in as much detail as possible) your favorite character from a book or a movie. DO NOT REVEAL THE NAME - we are going to try to guess it in class! (Pen or pencil - as long as it's legible)
- (For people who tested-out) Bring a book tomorrow that you can use for your vocabulary list. If you do not bring a book, you will default to Extreme Challenge.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Rev It Up!
Vocab List for Unit one:
- Ascend (v.) To move upward
- Deteriorate (v.) To have the condition of something get worse and worse
- Deplete (v.) To be completely used up
- Innocuous (adj.) Harmless
- Banal (adj.) Something or someone that is so common that it is boring
- Demure (adj.) Quiet and shy
- Formidable (adj.) Threatening because of size or strength
- Immaculate (adj.) Spotlessly clean
- Arduous (adj.) When something takes a lot of effort
- Err (v.) To make a mistake
- * subordinate * (adj.) To be lower or less than something else
- * pinnacle * (n.) a high peak or point
- * notorious * (adj.) well-known for having a bad reputation
- * benign * (adj.) not causing harm
Pretest - you may test out of each list! If you do, you must bring a book to English class every day during that unit!
Today students passed in their first assignment!! I must say, I was overwhelmingly positively impressed with the turnout...out of those present, only three students out of the entire pod were unable to pass in the assignment on time!
Also today we finished the Jon Krakauer excerpt from Into Thin Air which highlighted our upcoming vocabulary unit. Please refer to the flashcards in the previous post. Tomorrow there will be a pre-test on the words. If you "test-out" of the list (you smarty-pants, you) you will be able to skip the unit and build your own vocabulary list from a book that you are currently reading. More on this as we do it!
Homework: none, pretest tomorrow!
Also today we finished the Jon Krakauer excerpt from Into Thin Air which highlighted our upcoming vocabulary unit. Please refer to the flashcards in the previous post. Tomorrow there will be a pre-test on the words. If you "test-out" of the list (you smarty-pants, you) you will be able to skip the unit and build your own vocabulary list from a book that you are currently reading. More on this as we do it!
Homework: none, pretest tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Letters and Revving it up!
Today we're continuing to talk about the format for a business letter, as explained in the last post! You have a little in-class time to continue working on it. You will get an "A" grade if you wrote 15 sentences in rough draft.
The second half of class is story-time! There is an excellent selection in the Rev It Up text, which is an excerpt of one of my favorite books (which, coincidentally, is one of the literature group titles for later this year)! So, yes, that means we will be starting the first Rev It Up vocabulary list when you get back on Tuesday. However, if you have an iPod touch and want to download flashcards for the unit to get a jump on things, the link is right here!
Homework: Final draft of business letter to Mr. Stowell due Tuesday at the beginning of class.
The second half of class is story-time! There is an excellent selection in the Rev It Up text, which is an excerpt of one of my favorite books (which, coincidentally, is one of the literature group titles for later this year)! So, yes, that means we will be starting the first Rev It Up vocabulary list when you get back on Tuesday. However, if you have an iPod touch and want to download flashcards for the unit to get a jump on things, the link is right here!
Homework: Final draft of business letter to Mr. Stowell due Tuesday at the beginning of class.
Getting Down to Business: The Business Letter
Today in class we continued/reviewed the name-game in order to build our class community. Afterwards, we reviewed the business letter format for your first assignment: Write Mr. Stowell a letter about yourself!
A helpful link with the format of a business letter can be found here.
Look at the first example of a letter here.
The letter will be started in class and will be finished for homework. The minimum length is 15 complete sentences....there is no maximum. It may be printed at home, or neatly written in ink. This should be in final draft form, so yes, it should be edited and most of you will have to do a second draft. Remember, I'm like your boss, you are a new hire, and this is your first impression.
Here are some possible things you might want to include in a letter:
A helpful link with the format of a business letter can be found here.
Look at the first example of a letter here.
The letter will be started in class and will be finished for homework. The minimum length is 15 complete sentences....there is no maximum. It may be printed at home, or neatly written in ink. This should be in final draft form, so yes, it should be edited and most of you will have to do a second draft. Remember, I'm like your boss, you are a new hire, and this is your first impression.
Here are some possible things you might want to include in a letter:
- Who your favorite English teacher was, and what was it about their teaching style that you found worked really well with you.
- Do you love to read and write, or is it really laborious and tedious for you.
- What kind of books do you like to read, and what kind of writing do you like to do?
- What do you hope to get out of this year in English class?
- What does an English teacher need to know about you?
- What are your educational and/or life goals?
- How far do you want to go in your education?
- What are some of your good/bad student habits?
- Are there any personal factors that affect your life as a student (positively or negatively) that you think a teacher would find helpful to know about you?
- Do you like school? Why or why not?
- What are some of your questions or concerns about class or school that have been on your mind?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Day ONE: Done!
Today in class, Mr. Stowell told you a little about his nerdy self, and a little about the class expectations. If time permitted, we did the name-game. If not, we'll settle that tomorrow!
Class Information:
Grades/Homework assignments: Homework accounts for 10% of your grade and is considered practice. Small assignments will not be accepted late. The bulk of your grade is determined by quizzes and writing assignments. Quizzes can be retaken for the better grade after school on Mondays and Thursdays. For every day a writing assignment is late, it goes down a letter grade.
What to Bring:
Pen, paper, agenda book, binder, and any other relevant classroom materials/assignments.
suggested: thumb drive and a Google Gmail account (check with your parents first).
MOST IMPORTANT: a positive attitude!
Today's Homework: none
Class Information:
Grades/Homework assignments: Homework accounts for 10% of your grade and is considered practice. Small assignments will not be accepted late. The bulk of your grade is determined by quizzes and writing assignments. Quizzes can be retaken for the better grade after school on Mondays and Thursdays. For every day a writing assignment is late, it goes down a letter grade.
What to Bring:
Pen, paper, agenda book, binder, and any other relevant classroom materials/assignments.
suggested: thumb drive and a Google Gmail account (check with your parents first).
MOST IMPORTANT: a positive attitude!
Today's Homework: none
A New Year!
Welcome Class of 2016!
I'm very excited to meet you, and even more excited that you have found the blog! Do you have any questions or comments for the first couple of days? Comment below!
If you would like to see what happened in class last year, go ahead and scroll through it!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Final Grades Are In!
Please check your grades on Powerschool. If there are any questions, you have until 7:30 p.m. to contact me by email.
dstowell@sau16.org
Congratulations for making it through! I'm so proud of all of you!
dstowell@sau16.org
Congratulations for making it through! I'm so proud of all of you!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Dead Poets Society
Here are a few links to some of the poems we'll be discussing in class today.
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
Not Waving, But Drowning
Fishing on the Susquehanna in July
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
Not Waving, But Drowning
Fishing on the Susquehanna in July
DULCE ET DECORUM EST
Hope Is the Thing with Feathers
Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening
The Spider and the Fly
The Lake Isle of Innisfree
Sick
A Dream Within a Dream
Cool animated poetry
I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died
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