This is what we are doing for the first week of January. Note Friday's quiz and the in-class essay on Thursday.
Mr. Jacobs
English 3
Agenda for the week of January 5 - 9, 2009
SHORT STORIES- JANUARY 2009
WEEK ONE- "Man with a Problem" by Doanld Honig and "Letter to the Editor" by Morris Hershman
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MONDAY, January 5th
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Aim: Who is the "Man with a Problem"?
Do Now: What do you do when you have a personal problem that you can’t solve?
CLASSWORK
READ: "Man with a Problem"
ANSWER: Page 9 to page 11, questions 1 through 20. Write the correct answers in your notebooks. Do not write the questions.
HOMEWORK Short Story 1
Answer page 12, vocabulary, all questions, and Critical Thinking, 1 through 5
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TUESDAY, January 6th
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Aim: What is the narrator’s dilemma in "Letter to the Editor"?
Do Now: Copy the definitions of FORESHADOWING and SYMBOLISM from the board
CLASSWORK
READ: "Letter to the Editor"
ANSWER: Page 19 to page 21- all Recall, Infer, and Vocabulary Review questions.
HOMEWORK Short Story 2
Answer page 21 to page 22, all Critical Thinking questions
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WEDNESDAY, January 7th
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Aim: What are the literary elements in "Letter to the Editor"?
Do Now: What are the clues that tell you that New Year’s Eve is coming?
CLASSWORK:
In your notebook, list all the clues that told you that Beanpole is a murderer.
Looking back, why do think that the narrator should have known that he was going to be killed?
On page 17, circle something that symbolizes death. Why is that a symbol of death?
List 5 symbols that you see everyday.
HOMEWORK Short Story 3
1- If you received that letter, what would you have done?
2- Why do you or don’t you think that Beanpole will be caught?
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THURSDAY, January 8th
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Aim: What do "Man with a Problem" and "Letter to the Editor" have in common?
Do Now: Read the table of contents. Which story sounds the most interesting to you? Why?
CLASSWORK
READ: The introduction.
ANSWER in your notebook:
1- What are the similarities in "Man with a Problem" and "Letter to the Editor"?
2- What do all the stories in the book seem to have in common?
3- Why do people like these kinds of stories?
WRITE:
Write a one page essay based on the topic on the board. This will be collected.
HOMEWORK Short Story 4
1-What was the last scary movie or tv show you saw?
2- What made it scary?
3- What examples of foreshadowing or symbolism did you see in that movie or show?
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FRIDAY, January 9th
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Aim: What can we learn about the writer of "The Tell-Tale Heart"?
Do Now: QUIZ about this week’s stories.
CLASSWORK
READ: Poe biography
ANSWER in your notebook:
What makes a successful writer?
If Edgar Allan Poe were alive today, explain why he would or would not be a successful writer.
HOMEWORK Short Story 5
READ: "The Tell-Tale Heart"
ANSWER: Page 66 to Page 68, 1 through 20
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
December Update
Everyone has had the chance to make up any of the homework handouts for this marking period. Still haven't handed some in? Get them in as soon as possible.
Looking for extra credit? You'll get a chance when we return in January. The English department has come up with an extra credit assignment based on some short stories you'll find online.
Speaking of January and short stories, what will we be doing in January?
Short stories.
Two or more stories each week, writing, homework, and quizzes on each pair of stories.
Starting in January, look here for each week's complete agenda.
Enjoy your vacation!
Looking for extra credit? You'll get a chance when we return in January. The English department has come up with an extra credit assignment based on some short stories you'll find online.
Speaking of January and short stories, what will we be doing in January?
Short stories.
Two or more stories each week, writing, homework, and quizzes on each pair of stories.
Starting in January, look here for each week's complete agenda.
Enjoy your vacation!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Into the Third Marking Period!
Hi.
So far, we've had three homeworks for this new marking period.
HW #1 was a Venn Diagram comparing Alice and Fay.
HW #2 and HW #3 were handouts.
On Monday, 12/8, there will be a short quiz at the beginning of the period about the handout I gave you to read over the weekend.
In about one week and a half there will be a grammar exam.
Good Luck! This is the most important part of the semester.
So far, we've had three homeworks for this new marking period.
HW #1 was a Venn Diagram comparing Alice and Fay.
HW #2 and HW #3 were handouts.
On Monday, 12/8, there will be a short quiz at the beginning of the period about the handout I gave you to read over the weekend.
In about one week and a half there will be a grammar exam.
Good Luck! This is the most important part of the semester.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Mid-Terms (Yes, that's plural.)
Hi everyone. English 3 mid-terms will be given on Monday November 24th and Tuesday November 25th.
If you miss one, make-ups will be given ONLY with a note. No exceptions.
MONDAY, PART ONE
A Regent's-style essay from an actual Regent's exam.
TUESDAY, PART TWO
An essay based on a section of Flowers for Algernon. You will be given the reading the day before.
Good Luck!
P.S. You MUST write only in blue or black ink. We are striving for professionalism.
If you miss one, make-ups will be given ONLY with a note. No exceptions.
MONDAY, PART ONE
A Regent's-style essay from an actual Regent's exam.
TUESDAY, PART TWO
An essay based on a section of Flowers for Algernon. You will be given the reading the day before.
Good Luck!
P.S. You MUST write only in blue or black ink. We are striving for professionalism.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Second Marking Period Is Here!
The second marking period is a great opportunity. If you did well on the first report card, this is the time to improve and solidify your grade. If you didn't do so well, now is the time to bring up your grade before the final marking period. This isn't the time to coast.
We're moving into Regent's exam-style work. Day One of the exam asks you to listen to a passage that you never see or read and write an essay. The second part of Day One is where you'll read an informational article and related charts and graphs. That will be our next focus.
This week I gave the first homework of the marking period.
HW #1 (MP2)
1- Describe a time when you felt that you were betrayed by a friend or family member.
2- How did you feel, and how did you resolve the situation?
3- Could you or should you trust that person again?
We're moving into Regent's exam-style work. Day One of the exam asks you to listen to a passage that you never see or read and write an essay. The second part of Day One is where you'll read an informational article and related charts and graphs. That will be our next focus.
This week I gave the first homework of the marking period.
HW #1 (MP2)
1- Describe a time when you felt that you were betrayed by a friend or family member.
2- How did you feel, and how did you resolve the situation?
3- Could you or should you trust that person again?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Homework #10
This homework is based on the classwork from Flowers for Algernon, pages 35 to 39.
1- Put these events in the correct order:
A- Charlie loves someone at P.S. 13
B- Charlie gets beat up.
C- Charlie's friend betrays him.
2- In a Venn Diagram, compare the incident with Harriet and the note to anything the people at the bakery did to him.
3- Do you believe that mainstream public school was right for Charlie? Why?
Remember: Homework is always posted in class first! That is where you get it on time.
1- Put these events in the correct order:
A- Charlie loves someone at P.S. 13
B- Charlie gets beat up.
C- Charlie's friend betrays him.
2- In a Venn Diagram, compare the incident with Harriet and the note to anything the people at the bakery did to him.
3- Do you believe that mainstream public school was right for Charlie? Why?
Remember: Homework is always posted in class first! That is where you get it on time.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports will be given out on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th.
This is also the day we will have a full period test.
HOMEWORK #9 is to sign the report, have a parent sign the report, and return it.
HOMEWORK #8 was a handout. If you don't have it, see me.
This is also the day we will have a full period test.
HOMEWORK #9 is to sign the report, have a parent sign the report, and return it.
HOMEWORK #8 was a handout. If you don't have it, see me.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
TEST NEXT WEEK!
On Friday, 9/26, all classes will have a full-period Flowers For Algernon exam. This will include the vocabulary words. It will be a mix of multiple choice and short answers. BE READY!
Thoughts on the past week, and progress reports.
As I've said, I'm very happy with the attendance. However, it also confuses me. If you are in class everyday, why not do the work? You can't pass just by being there. Would you rather take English in summer school? It would be a better summer if you stay out of school. When you constantly talk, you slow yourself down and your work suffers or doesn't get done at all. When everyone talks, that slows down the entire class and everyone suffers.
Progress reports will be given out early next week. Many of you will see comments like "doesn't pay attention," "constant disruption," and "needs to do classwork." These will drastically lower your grade. There are still about three weeks left in the marking period. It is not too late to turn around your grade.
Many of you will see great comments, like "great participation" and "an asset in class." I already can see who has the potential to earn a 90, 95, or above.
For all of you who participate, who do the work, and make the class better, Thank You.
Progress reports will be given out early next week. Many of you will see comments like "doesn't pay attention," "constant disruption," and "needs to do classwork." These will drastically lower your grade. There are still about three weeks left in the marking period. It is not too late to turn around your grade.
Many of you will see great comments, like "great participation" and "an asset in class." I already can see who has the potential to earn a 90, 95, or above.
For all of you who participate, who do the work, and make the class better, Thank You.
Flowers For Algernon
We've gotten to the part where Charlie has his operation and we are beginning to make predictions about the outcome. We're also talking about some of the important people in his life.
HOMEWORK #6 was to define each of these vocabulary words and use them in a sentence:
PSYCHOLOGY
SUPERSTITION
SCIENCE
NEUROLOGY
HOMEWORK #7 was a handout. See me if you missed it.
HOMEWORK #6 was to define each of these vocabulary words and use them in a sentence:
PSYCHOLOGY
SUPERSTITION
SCIENCE
NEUROLOGY
HOMEWORK #7 was a handout. See me if you missed it.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Recent Homework and NEWS
HOMEWORK #4 was to pretend that your life is a story.
1- What was the plot of your story (your life) today?
2- What was the setting?
3- Who were the characters?
4- What were the conflicts?
QUIZ ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On Monday we will have a short Literary Terms quiz. It will be similar in format to today's Do Now. I will give you examples of literary terms and you will have to name them. If you come in late you will miss the quiz. It will only take 10 minutes.
HOMEWORK #5 was to correct the paragraph on the handout. That is the first page of our new novel, which we will begin on Monday.
1- What was the plot of your story (your life) today?
2- What was the setting?
3- Who were the characters?
4- What were the conflicts?
QUIZ ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On Monday we will have a short Literary Terms quiz. It will be similar in format to today's Do Now. I will give you examples of literary terms and you will have to name them. If you come in late you will miss the quiz. It will only take 10 minutes.
HOMEWORK #5 was to correct the paragraph on the handout. That is the first page of our new novel, which we will begin on Monday.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thanks!
Thank You to all of you who left comments. And for those of you who read Dave Pelzer's A Child Called "It," that was one of my favorite books too.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Reflections On My First Week At McKee
I’ve taught in NYC for the past nine years but this was my first week at McKee. I’d like to share some of my thoughts as well as catch you up on the recent doings in my English class.
I was happily surprised to see how high the attendance has been. As you know, you can’t pass if you don’t go to class. Let’s keep up the great showing.
An even nicer surprise was seeing how many of my students came prepared, on Day One, with notebooks, pens, and paper, ready to work. I’ve been very pleased with the students who walk into 419 and read the board, copy the homework, and begin the Do Now on their own. Thank you all. You’re already on the road to getting a high grade.
As much as I have enjoyed my classes, there are still some things that need work. At McKee, teaching goes from bell to bell. Opening notebooks, copying homework, starting the Do Now- those are all automatic. Some of you still need to be reminded to open your backpacks. And never pack up before the bell because I teach up to the bell.
Overall, I’ve seen that in my classes there are a lot of students who will do well. There are some smart young adults and good writers there. However, some students still need to remember that you are not in English class to talk to your friends. You are there to learn and when you ignore instruction and talk you are missing class time and are robbing yourself of the instruction and support to succeed, as well as the people you bother and distract. Period four, especially, needs to step up.
I’m going to use this blog to keep a record of past assignments and show how the homework ties in to the class work.
HOMEWORK #1 was a short explanation of five things you would do if you were elected President of the United States of America. This 3/4 page assignment was preparation for our first essay. It was the brainstorming stage before we began the first draft of an essay in class.
HOMEWORK #2 was a assignment to summarize any article that interested you from any newspaper. Completing this homework was critical to our next day’s class work as we used that as the beginning to a Read! Write ! Illustrate! exercise. If you skipped that homework you found yourself behind in class.
HOMEWORK #3 was simply to come to this website and leave a comment. This was to introduce you to my blog.
I will update this blog once or twice a week. It is my hope that this will become a good resource for my students, but also for their parents to keep track of the doings in my English class. Progress reports will be mailed soon and I hope to see you all next month on Open School Night.
I was happily surprised to see how high the attendance has been. As you know, you can’t pass if you don’t go to class. Let’s keep up the great showing.
An even nicer surprise was seeing how many of my students came prepared, on Day One, with notebooks, pens, and paper, ready to work. I’ve been very pleased with the students who walk into 419 and read the board, copy the homework, and begin the Do Now on their own. Thank you all. You’re already on the road to getting a high grade.
As much as I have enjoyed my classes, there are still some things that need work. At McKee, teaching goes from bell to bell. Opening notebooks, copying homework, starting the Do Now- those are all automatic. Some of you still need to be reminded to open your backpacks. And never pack up before the bell because I teach up to the bell.
Overall, I’ve seen that in my classes there are a lot of students who will do well. There are some smart young adults and good writers there. However, some students still need to remember that you are not in English class to talk to your friends. You are there to learn and when you ignore instruction and talk you are missing class time and are robbing yourself of the instruction and support to succeed, as well as the people you bother and distract. Period four, especially, needs to step up.
I’m going to use this blog to keep a record of past assignments and show how the homework ties in to the class work.
HOMEWORK #1 was a short explanation of five things you would do if you were elected President of the United States of America. This 3/4 page assignment was preparation for our first essay. It was the brainstorming stage before we began the first draft of an essay in class.
HOMEWORK #2 was a assignment to summarize any article that interested you from any newspaper. Completing this homework was critical to our next day’s class work as we used that as the beginning to a Read! Write ! Illustrate! exercise. If you skipped that homework you found yourself behind in class.
HOMEWORK #3 was simply to come to this website and leave a comment. This was to introduce you to my blog.
I will update this blog once or twice a week. It is my hope that this will become a good resource for my students, but also for their parents to keep track of the doings in my English class. Progress reports will be mailed soon and I hope to see you all next month on Open School Night.
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