12/16-19/08 All Classes

• 12/16/08 is exam review day for all 1,3,5 classes
• 12/17/08 is semester exam for all 1,3,5 classes
• 12/18/08 is exam review day for all 2,4,6 classes
• 12/19/08 is semester exam for all 2,4,6 classes
• All projects, AR, make-up work must be complete and turned in by close of school day on 12/19/08. No work will be accepted late after the holidays.
  

12/15/08 Drama

• Complete all presentations and presentation observation journals
• Go over list of assignments, solicit make up work, take up all finished work
• Give time to work on chapter notes and remind that the next chapter will be on the semester exam (chapters 6 and 21 for respective levels)
  
• Play with hat characters
  

12/12, 15/08 English 2

• Make up tests and other work
• Grammar review
• Gift: the Hannah is on my website for students to download and print. Students really only need to print pages 2-14 because the rest of the Hannah information is covered in other handouts they already have.
• Last day for Author papers -- take up
• All current projects must be completed by Friday, December 19 at the end of the school day for credit. This includes all AR, tests and reading logs, and the compare/contrast essay redo assignment.
  

12/11/08 Drama

• Take up all make up and completion work.
• Final teams complete their chapter project presentations
• Students turn in hat character questions and get in to hat character for interviews and interaction activities
• Students are to continue to work on their next assigned chapters for test next class and/or the semester exam
• Students are assigned an observation journal for the hat character presentations.
  

12/10,11/08 English 2

• Prepare, review, and give vocabulary lesson 8 test
• Take up vocabulary 8 homework
• Notebook test from overhead
• Compare and Contrast questions and answers: students have until last day of class to complete the project upgrade/redo
• Hannah notes and explanations: The Hannah has been posted on the website until Christmas. It is copyrighted so only FWHS students have permission to download and use. This is review and preparation for the semester exam. Students are required to know all the basics of grammar, subject/verb agreement, pronoun case and agreement, punctuation, capitalization and all the rest we have covered this semester. Students will be allowed to use their notebook and their copy of the Hannah on the test.
• Take up Author assignment. Final deadline is 12/12/08 by the end of the day
• A.R. questions and answers. We are at the end and all is due. Many students haven't even listed their second book with me. Any book not listed won't count.
  

12/9/08 Drama

• Presentations for chapter projects. This will have to continue next period due to absences.
• List make up work on the board so students can complete and turn in.
• Students are required to write an observation journal based on current class presentations.
• Next chapter was assigned and will be tested next Monday and/or on the semester exam.
• Next class students will be expected to get in hat character and interviewed. Time was given to prepare. Suggested that each student create 3 to 5 questions they could answer the best in character. Reminded that questions are best when they are open ended.
  

12/8,9/08 English 2

• Fine Art overhead #3 compare/contrast and show process
• CYA 17 with all the related notes and mini-lessons
• Reminder vocabulary notebook tests on 12/10,11
• Go over comparison contrast essays in class using the document camera. Complete explanation/notes on topic/focus, main idea, example, and illustration/anecdote. Go over handout given last class.
  
• Assign in the Elements of Language for review and preparation for semester exam: pages 404-566, and 666-772. Each class will choose review techniques and assignments which will help them most in their preparation.
• Handout 5 stages of writing and prewrites
• Handout singular/plural examples
• Take up author essays (from day we had computers). Some students have forgotten and will be given until next class to turn them in.
  

12/5/08 Drama

• Play with some "Twas the Night" parodies
• Discussion "Finding the Artist in You"
• Last opportunity for presentation preparation
• Presentations begin
  

12/4,5/08 English 2

• Fine arts overhead #1: list, define, write about the artist's self portrait
• CYA 16 with the related notes and mini-lessons
• Give lesson 8 vocabulary words
• Copy notes related to writing handbook for increasingly specific detail from topic/focus statement to main point to example to anecdote/illustration
  

12/3/08 Drama

• Students were give time to prepare for their level appropriate test.
• Tests given
• Students given the rest of the period to finish chapter related projects. Students were encouraged to be aware of the critique values in their chapter for their presentation.
  
• Project presentations begin at the beginning of next class.
  

12/2,3/08 English 2

• Give students laptop computers immediately when they arrive to class
• The lesson 7 vocabulary test was scheduled for 11/21,24, but was delayed in an effort to give students opportunity to have an extra make up opportunity -- vocabulary should, however, been completed
• Students were told to do 2 assignments on the laptops.
• Assignment 1: If vocab homework wasn't completed -- use the internet to look up and complete the vocabulary homework. The work can be turned in on paper or digitally.
• Assignment 2: Student friendly research. Students are to go on the internet and their favorite or current author. They are to find three interesting facts about their author and write rough draft essays explaining why each of the facts is interesting to them. Anecdotes and personal illustrations are heavily encouraged. Work can be turned in digitally or on paper. If not completed during class, it may be turned in next class.
  
• Review and take lesson 7 vocabulary test
  

12/1/08 Drama

• Give students reprieve: chapter tests next class instead of today.
• Give level 2 students computers and sound effects CD's for their work on sound project
• Give level 1 students reminders and explanations about focus of movement project
• Give all levels a reminder of the critique which will be used to evaluate their projects.
• Give rest of period to work on completing projects.
• Project presentation will begin next class after chapter tests

12/1/08 English 2

• Students missed writing about the rural painting (overhead #6). They are to do 2 writings: a freewriting about the lifestyle represented in the painting, and a personal journal of their experience of the painting.
• Discussion related to main points, examples, and illustrations -- the path to great thinking and writing
• Use the document scanner to show student work on the projector and discuss for the rest of the period.
• Some chit chat about Thanksgiving in an effort to get students thinking details and support.

11/24/08 Drama

• Students were given a work day.
• Top priority: get with group/team and work on current chapter project
• Reminder: chapter tests next class
• Loosing points: The following items are late and loosing more points for every additional day they are late. 1. hat character personal section; 2. hat; 3. improvisation item; improvisation observational journal

11/24,25/08 English 2

• Finish all assignments related to Arthur
• Complete and turn in margin and end questions, 4 D's, and 1st draft
• For these two pre-Thanksgiving days only -- students may make up and turn in any make up work from all past assignments for partial credit. The make-up gift is for November 24 and 25 only. After the 25th, the only items that can be made up are vocabulary tests, notebook tests, and any AR work. Hopefully this gift will provide students with one more reason to be thankful

11/20/08 Drama

• Complete all scenario improvisations
• Take up: 1. hats, 2. hat character reports, 3. improvisation items, 4. improvisation observation journals. Issue severe warnings again that these items must be turned in. They will not be accepted after Thanksgiving, and will create a severe hole in their grade!
• Go over chapters and chapter project assignments. Chapter tests on Monday, November 24.
• Class essay: Who is your favorite character and why?
• Spend time working on chapters and related projects.
  

11/19,20/08 English 2

• Writing: periods 3 and 5 will use the Fine Arts overhead #6 as a writing prompt; periods 2 and 4 will use the expository prompt about a favorite character
• Students will be reviewed on how the 4 D's of writing applies to the current writing assignment.
• Students will be provided with the entire class period to work on the Arthur stories and the current writing project.
• Deadlines: 1. Students who turn in the 4 D's and first draft by the end of Friday, November 21st, will get extra credit; 2. The final deadline for all work, margin-end questions and 4D's-first/rough draft is before Thanksgiving. 3. After Thanksgiving none of the assignments discussed above will be accepted for credit.
• AR reminder: Each grading period requires reading, reading logs, and tests over two books, each with a minimum of 150 pages. I will accept a 300 plus page book for both books, but all reading logs must be done and the reading test will count twice. Reading logs have been given out and explained.
• The only two assignments which can be made up all the way to the end of the grading period are any missed test and all of AR work.

11/18/08 Drama

• Students were given time to work on their scenario cards.
• Took up scenario cards and worked on improvisations based on the cards.
• Interrupted presentations several times to discuss "terse vs expound," facing the blank wall issue, and cheat and brainstorm techniques.
• Students were heavily reminded that the following items must be turned in immediately!! 1. Hat character hat (way past due), 2. The hat character "personal" section report, (way past due), 3. Improvisation item for class use (way past due), and 4. Improvisation observation journal (explained in depth and now due)
• Student grades were posted on the wall by student number
  

11/14/08 Drama

• Have discussion/lecture related to overcoming shyness and expanding improvisational efforts, including the common causes of holding back and some of the cures.
• Take up improvisation items
• Take up improvisation item writing assignment
• Begin the magic machine improvisation
  

11/13,14,17,18/08 English 2

• This is the time set aside for the Kaplan standardized test. Due to the lack of student interest, the score for this test will be included in their 9 weeks grades. If the students show sufficient effort and sincerety on the test, the score will be curved.
• Any time remaining during the period or periods (should be most of the 17th and 18th periods), students are to complete their work on the Arthurian literature stories and the 4 D's of writing preparation for writing a comparison/contrast essay based on the two stories.
• Individual help, Q & A, and review of book notes will be provided as time and needs require
  

11/12/08 Drama

• Complete group improvisations
• Begin and, if possible, complete individual improvisations
• Take up hats and improvisation items
• Level 2 take Chapter 19 test
• Discuss and work on next chapters and their respective projects

11/10,12/08 English 2

• Books: Too many students are not using class time to complete literature assignments, despite ample time being given. It may become necessary for all the literature class books to be turned in to the library so the librarian can check out individual books to students. That way students could finish their work at home. This would be a punitive move.
• Students were told how many of them are not turning in work and told about the quality of the work being turned in compared to what is expected.
• Review and take vocabulary 6 test
• Take notebook 6 test
• Turn in lesson 6 vocabulary homework
• Turn in SNT's 13-15
• Give lesson 7 vocabulary words
• Assign lesson 7 vocabulary homework
• Spend rest of time in class on the Legends of Arthur work: 1. All margin and end questions must be done; 2. The chart as exampled in the handout must be completed; 3. The 4 D's must be completed based on the 2 stories (any other topic for the essay must be pre-approved with teacher signature)

11/7/08 Drama

• Severe warning given due to todays deadline and the lack of hats and improvisation items turned in. Zeros are now being posted for grades.
• Brought out materials from last year and created bags of improv. items.
• Students were broken into groups of 3. Each student was given a hat to represent a character, and each team was given a bag of 5 random items. Before lunch, the bags were clues for the detectives to solve the crime. After lunch the items were needed for the mad scientist to explain what, how, and ? of their invention.
• The rest of the class was spent in performances, which will continue through next class.
• Level 2 had their test delayed until next class.
• Students were reminded that the next chapter has been assigned in the book.

11/6,7/08 English 2

• Vocabulary and notebook 6 tests are delayed until Monday and Wednesday of next week due to homecoming. Vocabulary homework, show-not-tells, will be due then
• Handout: vocabulary explanation and example on one side; start of the Arthurian Legends on the other.
• Both sides of the handout were completely explained with plenty of time to ask and answer questions.
• Entire class period was spent on the two Arthurian tales. All margin and end questions is and has been assigned. The completed compare contrast chart is and has been assigned.
• 5th period had no time to work on the project due to early dismissal day. Homecoming and laptop technology issues have caused major set backs to this assignment, so it will be continued until completed.
• Students have been assigned the 4 D's of writing preparation. Please refer to the blog for 11/4,5. Time was given to Q & A. A handout of the 4 D's was provided to student who lost their notes.

11/5/08 Drama

• Level 2 students are to complete their chapter project and be prepared for the chapter test next class
• Level 1 students were given much time to prepare for their Chapter 3 and 4 tests
• Level 1 students were allowed to use their notes on the test
• Level 3 student spent time working on research and individual project
• Take up hats (final deadline is this Friday and many have not turned them in!)
• Take up improvisation items (final deadline is this Friday and many have not turned them in!)
• Spend the rest of class working on projects.
  

11/4,5/08 English 2

• Computer days continue
  
• Continue to post SNT 15: The fishing trip sounded like a tall tale
• Complete CYA 15 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Continue Arthur legends (2 stories in literature book pages 28-50): 1. do all margin and end questions for both; 2. create, fill in, a detailed comparison contrast chart as modeled in class (major section of story one done on board for students to copy)
• Take up Your Turn 3 as assigned and shown on the calendar
• Assign 4 D's of prewriting (a copy of the notes for the 4 D's is on the website handouts page): I prefer that the students write their essay on the 2 Arthurian tales in the literature book; however, due to the many technical problems I may allow other topics -- but the other topics must have prior approval or they will not be accepted; any comparison/contrast paper without my signature of approval will receive a zero grade.
  

11/3/08 Drama

• Discussed final performance for Fairy Tales
• Discussed Sweetheart and Hearthrob for homecoming
• Discussed fund raiser for homecoming
• Covered book chapters that are assigned; spent a fair amount of time talking about lighting, Chapter 19
• Reminded all projects and gave time to work
• Interrupted by false fire alarm
• Tests Chapter 3 and 4 next class for level 1
• Test Chapter 19 in two classes for level 2
• Level 3 set up for internet research in class
• Final deadline for hats and improvisation items is the end of this week. These items are slow to come in despite numerous warnings. If these items are not in by this Friday, they will be a permanent zero in the gradebook.

10/31 - 11/3/08 English 2

• SNT 15: The fishing trip sounded like a tall tale.
• CYA 15: Most classes did not get this because of technology issues with the laptop computers. We will have the computers through November 5th.
• Computers: 1. Teach students how to create a chart in Microsoft Word and save to their folder. 2. Teach students how to create a chart in Microsoft Excel and save to their folder
• In Microsoft Excel: 1. Select all cells and set cell width to 220 pixels. 2. Select cell rows A, B, and C to beyond row 25, go to borders and select all borders to create a chart; 3. Select 1 A, B, and C to merge and center for heading; 4. Change heading to 18 point type, bold; 5. In cells 2 A, B, and C, label the three columns, 12 point, bold, centered for "Arthur 1," Arthur 2," and "Compare/Contrast."; 6. Save to folder
• Students are to take notes from the first Arthur story in column 1, related notes from Arthur 2 story in column 2, and differences or similarities in column 3
• Reminder: Students are to complete all margin and end questions in both stories to turn in

10/30/08 Drama

• Drama class went to the elementary school as a required assignment to watch the performance of the Fairy Tales ACT Too has been rehearsing.
• We returned to class at noon.
• The rest of class was spent completing project presentations and giving reminders for the next chapter and project
• Level 3 student was interviewed for an update assessment on his project
• Take up hats and improvisation items
• Chapter 4 and 19 tests will be next week. Make up Chapter 3 test will be next week as well.

10/29-30/08 English 2

• SNT 14: The legendary hero was truly great.
• CYA 14 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Take up Your Turn 2 EOL page 62
• Assign Your Turn 3, due 11/4,5
• Literature book assignment: 1. Read all pages 28-50; 2. Do all margin and end questions; 3. Create a comparison/contrast chart for the two versions of Arthurian tales for an additional assignment that will be given later
• Spend the class time working.
• Periods 2 and 6 will be give SNT 13 and CYA 13 as make up work during this class

10/28/08 Drama

• Take up work on Hat Character
• Severe reminder that the Hat Character hat is past due
• Discuss performance location, attendance, and sign up sheet.
• Discuss Thursday SSA to elementary school performances
• Q & A about new chapters and related projects
• Continue project presentations.
• Some presentations not ready -- students given stern reminder that despite all awkwardness created by class presentation assignments - they must be done. Students can't affort to take zeros
• The Chapter 3 Test will rewritten and given next week.

10/27,28/08 English 2

• Vocabulary homework changes: Students now have 3 choices for the derivations section of their homework. 1. They can still do 3 derivations; 2. They can draw one pictograph showing the meaning of the word; 3. Give the etymology for the word. Students may use any combination of the three choices for the derivation section and do not have to stick with just one choice throughout.
• SNT 13: The ballad was very sad. (Ballad was explained in class)
• CYA 13 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Elements of Language (EOL) pages 54-62: Q & A and reminder of next deadline
• Lit Book "Popol Vuh" was missed for lack of time
• Reminder: all AR books must be on Mr. Joiner's list to count.
• AR logs put on overhead to copy. Two compare/contrast logs due for the first book by midterm deadline. Two Reporter's Notes logs due on the second book by end of grading period deadline. Reading logs explained in detail.
• For Periods 2 and 6, students were required to take new versions of the last vocabulary and notebook tests due to mishaps last class while the teacher was gone.
• Periods 2 and 6 will have to make up SNT and CYA 13.

10/24/08 Drama

• Give students time to review for test and work on finalizing projects
• Give respective tests: Level 1 gets Chapter 3 test; Level 2 gets Chapter 18 test
• Assign next chapters to the respective levels: 1. Level 1: Chapter 4, Improvisation; do the project as assigned on page 32 plus bring in an item to donate to the class that could be used as the spur to an improvisation. 2. Level 2: Chapter 19; do the project as described on page 232; be prepared to show some element of the plan using flashlights during their 10 minute talk
• Level 3 is working on Part 2, The Middle Ages to 1800, pages 416 to 429. He needs to research, work on writing his presentation, work on preparing his dramatic performance. His final presentation and performance needs to be as close to professional quality as he can make it. The entire performance must be memorized.
  

10/23,24/08 English 2

• Give students a few moments to work on homework that is due
• Review for vocabulary test
• Give vocabulary and notebook 5 tests
• Give vocabulary lesson 6 words and assign homework: homework changes so that students can substitute a pictograph for the three derivations any time they want
• Take up lesson 5 vocabulary homework
• Take up Show-Not-Tells 9 - 12
• Take up EOL homework pages 54-60 (Your Turn 1 and story questions)
• Take up/last call for 1. Dutchman's Flat homework and 2. Literature class work pages 4 - 11, margin and end questions
• Assign EOL pages 60-62. Take notes to keep in notebook. Do Your Turn 2 to turn in.
• Assign (if time) literature book pages 14-18 do all margin and end questions to turn in
  

10/22/08 Drama

• Finish/work on projects
• Remind that the chapter tests are next class
• Begin presentations of pantomimes and set construction
• Presentations will be completed next Tuesday
  

10/21, 22/08 English 2

• SNT 12: The climax of the movie was awesome.
• CYA 12 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Pass out all graded papers and check for grade errors
• Remind what is due next class: 1. vocabulary and notebook tests 5; 2. Vocabulary 5 homework; 3. SNT's 9-12; 4. EOL work Your Turn 1 and Questions, pages 54-60
• Put AR books on the list for the current grading period
• Take up "Dutchman's Flat" work
• Take up Literature book work pages 4-11
• Give most of class to work on all assignments
  

10/17/08 Drama

• I was out of class for a special training related to the new laptop carts.
• Students were given time to work on/complete their chapter projects.
• Students were shown DVD of Red Skeleton and write an observational journal/evaluation of about two pages.
• In the essay, students are to consider including thoughts/observations/evaluation related to any/all of the following or more: staging, stage movements, mannerisms, non-verbal movement/communication, costumes, how emotions conveyed, compare comedy to drama, anything else you can think off.

10/16,17/08 English 2

• SNT 11: The illustration showed us a lot.
• CYA 11 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Finish Dutchman's Flat in class: Go over prediction essay and format; go over character analysis essay and format; Q & A; due next class
• The 2nd 9 weeks calendar is on the wall and on the website. Students are to copy the dates into their folder. Dates have been given for the Elements of Language (EOL) work. The EOL work is due on those dates, even if the assignments are not mentioned again until they are taken up.
• Literature book, in-class, assignment: Pages 4-11; read for understanding; answer all margin questions; answer all end questions and turn it in.

10/15/08 Drama

• Watch video of pantomime, Red Skeleton: Around the Ring at the Prize Fights
• Watch video of pantomime, Red Skeleton: Freddie the Freeloader and the Baby
• Discuss pantomime and the examples they viewed
• Take up Hat Character hats for a grade
• Level 3 student gave teaching on the types of drama in early history that he has been studying.
• Level 3 student gave performance from Julius Caesar: Brutus on why he killed Caesar
• Pantomimes begin next class
• Level 2 students given cardboard to create their chapter project

10/14-15/08 English 2

• SNT 10: The theme of the book was important.
• CYA 10 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Board notes: Classroom procedures
• Read aloud "Dutchman's Flat" by Louis L'Amour: Students are to look for and take notes on 1. Foreshadowing: what hints lead to what expectations of possible happenings in the story; 2. Analyze the hunted man, give an explanation of his qualities/character based on what he does and what the posse say about him. Essays due one day after the completion of the story reading in class.

10/13/08 Drama

• Complete and turn in all work that has been assigned.
• Hat for hat character must be turned in by Wednesday
• Wednesday Level 3 will explain his research into early drama and perform an excerpt from one
• Discussed relevant chapters and projects
• Level 1 must have an outline of a pantomime and be ready to perform a 1 to 3 minute pantomime on Friday, 10/17/08
• Level 2 must create a stage and related materials out of cardboard and be ready to present by middle of next week, based on an act in Merchant of Venice.

10/10-13/08 English 2

• 10/10/08 last work day because all AR with tests and reading logs are due; 4 D's of prewriting is due; first/rough draft is due -- all by the end of the day.
• Passed out computers for log on check
• Computer assignment: write an essay convincing Mr. Joiner to give extra credit this six weeks and save to personal and student docs folders.
• Print essay to check printer set up
• For the rest of the period, work on any of the following assignments on the computer: 1. Do a brief report on one of their authors (can copy information from internet and highlight important facts in MS Word); 2. Lesson 5 vocabulary homework; 3. Novel and short story terms definitions

10/9/08 Drama

• Level 1: 1. Discussed pantomime and improvisation; 2. Assigned Chapter 2: Pantomime; 3. Applied pantomime and improvisation to preparing characters for the A.C.T. performance
• Level 2: 1. Told to skip over Chapter 17 and go to Chapter 18: Set Design and Construction 2. Begin study for test and working the project on the current A.C.T. performance
• Level 3: Interviewed over all work and set date for performance for 10/15/08; Student will do a review over the early history of drama and perform a soliloquy representing early Roman drama
• Class discussion: making a character three dimensional instead of cartoonish
  
• All students were given time to complete current projects for related chapters. Work is due on or before 10/10/08 for complete points

10/8,9/08 English 2

• SNT 9: The foreshadowing was eerie.
• CYA 9 with related notes and mini-lesson
• Complete all AR: both AR books with the two AR logs per book and tests are due on or before Friday 10/10/08 or they will not be counted.
• Complete the 4 D's of writing preparation and the 1st rough draft due on or before Friday 10/10/08 or they will not be counted.
• "Novel and Short Story Terms" need to be completely defined and in the notebook for the next notebook test
• Lesson 5 vocabulary homework has been assigned and will be due on the next vocabulary test date

10/7/08 Drama

• Discussion of Chapter related projects that are all due on or before Friday, October 10. Late will cause severe loss of points.
• Students students study as individuals or in groups for test today
• Students given chapter tests.
• Any available time was committed to projects and the next chapter.

10/6,7/08 English 2

• Every spare moment in class must be used to complete: 1. vocabulary homework; 2. SNT's 7 & 8; 3. 4 D's for reflection essay; 4. 1st draft for reflection essay; 5. All AR work, including tests and reading logs (due on or before Oct. 10 - final cut off date); 6. Definitions for all "Novel and Short Story Terms"
• Review and take Lesson 4 vocabulary test
• Take Notebook Test 4
• Give Lesson 5 words and definitions
• Assign Lesson 5 vocabulary homework
• Take up: 1. SNT's 7 & 8; 2. Vocabulary lesson 4 homework
• 4 D's and 1st draft are due on October 8, 9. Loss of half credit for a day late - all credit for 2 days late.

10/3/08 Drama

• Assign level 2's and 3 a dramatic reading from the end of the "Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe where the criminal confesses
• Discuss Poe and his work. Writing is a dramatic performance on paper.
• Each level 2 and 3 performs the reading before class
• Students involved in the A.C.T. drama productions and rehearsals came to the front of the room to explain the lessons they are learning during this event. Students not involved in the experience were assigned to take careful notes and write an essay explaining what they learned through their fellow students. The students easily spent an hour explaining what students will have confirmed through later chapters in their book. It was impressive to see how much information is being mastered through the experience.
• Students were reminded that their next chapter test will be next class. Their chapter projects will be due at that time.
• Students observed how non-verbal cues can be used to control, limit or extend, a conversation or interaction with another, in this case, a salesman. Students were impressive in what they observed during the interchange.

10/2,3/08 English 2

• SNT 8: The story was about a terrible conflict
• CYA 8 with related notes and mini-lessons
• The Wave and related reading logs is overdue to be finished, including the test
• The second AR book with reading logs and test must be complete by next Friday, October 10th.
• Did a complete model of the 4 D's of writing preparation in class. Students must have this turned in with their rough draft -- due October 7 or 8 depending on the class
• The rough draft is Your Turn 5, page 38 in EOL. There are two models of the essay on pages 39-41 so the students will understand what the essay looks like.
• Each student must bring their AR book to me so I can add it to my list. Any test on any book not on my list will not count for a grade.
• Students must have completed finding definitions for the terms on the "Novel/Short Story Terms" handout by next class. Questions on the notebook test will come from the list.
• Students were given half the class or more to work on assignments with teacher assistance as needed.

10/1/08 Drama

• Warm ups in the jungle.
• Performers stand up and give their observations related to auditions and practice, answering questions and giving examples.
• Students not a part of the rehearsals will write a journal based on what they learn from the other students experiences.
• A date will be set for the next chapter test. Students will spend class time working on their chapters and chapter projects
• Each student will stand before the class and explain their Hat Character History and their observation which was required for their observation journal.
• Comments and encouragements will be given to assist students in completing their Histories and observations.

9/30, 10/1/08 English

• CYA 7 with all related notes and minilessons
• Do reading log 2 on board for The Wave as example and explanation (students can copy)
• Go over, in detail all expectations and requirements (again) for AR tests and logs. We are in the last two weeks of class and all must be done almost immediately.
• Go over in detail (again) the 4 D's of writing preparation and perform a model on the overhead. This is the last EOL assignment that is still possible to turn in before we go to the draft of the reflection essay, but it must be complete by next class.
• Students reminded that the short story/novel terms list given to them several weeks ago with the assignment to look up all the terms is now on the list of "can be covered on any test from now on."
• Students can take the AR test any time either one of the white class computers is available. The AR tests need to be completed as soon as possible.
• Students were give a large block of work time during class.

9/29/08 Drama

• Pass out Merchant of Venice to level 2 plus students with their assignment to prep for blocking, assigning cast, selecting scenes, etc.
• Tarzan warmups: 1. Tarzan war cry yodel; 2. Act like an animal; 3. Discussion, impersonators and the ability to create identifying information and character through movement whether identifying a human or animal -- examples of Rich Little, the impersonator and the uniqueness of each person
• Begin having student present Hat Character histories and observations orally to class.
• Teacher add help students find areas needed to complete histories or make histories make complete sense.
  

9/26,29/08 English

• Before, during, and after, students are to use every spare moment to complete reading and testing over The Wave, and their other AR book with reading logs
• Go over instructions to today's class assignment on the computer: 1. Logon on to the computer; 2. Open the teacher's instruction document; 3. Open and copy assigned parts of CYA 6 from assigned file; 4. Do SNT 7 in Microsoft Word and save to personal folder and teacher student docs folder; 5. Do Microsoft Word exercise assignment and save to personal and teacher student docs folders
• Turn in any make up assignments
  

9/25/08 Drama

• Level 2 students take class through the warm-up games and explanations practiced in auditions: 1. Breathing/counting; 2. The human machine; 3. Stop/go, freeze and unfreeze
• Break students into 3 teams each led by a level 2.
• Each team will take a turn with the Stone Soup script: 1st team will do intitial read through; 2nd team will add props to the read through; 3rd team will add gestures to the read and props.
• Each team will take a turn with the Red Riding Hood script in the manner described above. Teams will be randomly selected for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
• Students reminded to continue in their chapters and chapter related projects.

9/24,25/08 English

• Give work time before and after tests: 1. The Wave; 2. Vocabulary homework due today only; 3. Show Not Tells 4,5, & 6 due today only; 4. Any other work; 5. Study
• Review and take lesson 3 vocabulary test
• Take Notebook 3 test
• Turn in: 1. Vocabulary 3 homework; 2. SNT'S 4-6; 3. Signed Internet Use Policy; 4. Any other completed or made up work
• Give vocabulary lesson 4 words and assign lesson 4 homework

9/23/08 Drama

• Go over newspaper article about auditions at FWHS
• Went over issues related to no call/no show. Many students signed up, but only 3 showed up.
• Students who were no call/no show were required to write an apology note/letter to those who are sacrificing for their opportunity.
• Give students time to work on the note.
• ACT brought a stage model with various parts for level 2 students to use for their blocking project
• Students were reminded to get back in their respective chapters and complete their work and study for test: Level 1, Chapter 2; Level 2, Chapter 16; Level 3, Unit 7.
• Went over and reminded students of their chapter related assignments
• ACT volunteered to do a second audition, 9/24/08 from 3:30 to 6:30
• The rehearsal schedule will be as follows: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:30; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9.

9/22,23/08 English

• Go over Star Reading Test requirements
• Go over AR reading requirements -- in detail
• Go to the library and Star Test students.
• While in the library, allow students to find and check out their second AR book and add it to my list
• Upon return to class, go over laptop procedures and assignment: log on procedures and introduction to Inspiration
• Take up signed "Internet Use Policy." Students can not get on line without it.
• Check out a computer to each student and work through logon issues
• Students are to continue reading The Wave during every spare moment

9/19/08 Drama

• Do make up introduction assignment
• Go over assignments and deadlines
• Take up history for "Hat Character"
• Spend rest of period handing out, logging on, setting up, and working on the new laptop computers. The assignment was to create an audio document in "Audacity," name and save the document, and save the document to my teacher folder. The goal was/will be to use audacity to have students narrate their Hat Character's autobiography in vocal character and turn it in. This is preparation for voice overs, puppet scripts, and creation of vocal characterizations

9/18,19/08 English

• Work on The Wave, read and reading log
• Go over all homework and make up work in complete and thorough detail
• Review EOL book set up and processes
• Remind of class processes like make up work, daily agendas, deadlines, and the like. Many students act as though failure to get a book is an excuse for no homework, but it definitely is not. Every homework assignment that is not turned in is graded as a zero.
• Show-not-tell 6: "Her costume was amazing."
• Take up signed "Internet Use Policy" form
• Give class period to work with teacher individual assistance.

9/17/08 Drama

• Clearly went over list for all students related to all work currently turned in for midterm grade and gave time for students to finish, make up, present, and/or turn in
• Completed warm-up presentations for grade
• Handout for signature: Students were given the Internet Use Police from the Student Code of Conduct for their and their parents signature. The new technology will not be available to them until this is returned signed.
• Gave each student his/her ID and Password and explained how these were necessary and how the new materials would be used. Took time for Q & A related to this information
• Auditions for the A.C.T. related performance of Fairy Tale Life is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the FWHS cafeteria. Rehearsal schedules will be announced later.
• Current assignments that are due: 1. Observation journal on the warm-ups. 2. Signed syllabus. 3. Completed history section of the Hat Character Project, and 4. Observation journal on some characteristic of their own Hat Character. The student will pick some person or actor who displays some characteristic they have chosen for their Hat Character, observe them displaying that characteristic, and write a descriptive journal giving their observation.

9/16,17/08 English

• Students are again to grab "The Wave" and read hard and fast. Students should now be to page 75 or more
• SNT 5: "The Plot Was Confusing." The SNT's are intentionally general and vague. The purpose of the writing is for students to develop strong descriptive writing which would lead to the SNT conclusion. This is an FCAT writing skill.
• CYA 5 with related notes and mini lessons
• Q and A for homework: 1. Many students are not taking the homework assignments seriously and not turning them in. 2. I went over every assignment, the way the book is laid out, and my homework expectations. 3. I gave students the opportunity to turn in late work from EOL for full credit next class. 4. I clearly explained, again, the process for using the agendas to get and complete make up work. 5. I gave time to answer any and all questions related to the homework, homework process, and make-up work
• Handout for signature: Students were given the Internet Use Police from the Student Code of Conduct for their and their parents signature. The new technology will not be available to them until this is returned signed.
• Gave each student his/her ID and Password and explained how these were necessary and how the new materials would be used. Took time for Q & A related to this information
• Gave remaining time in class to work on make up and reading.

9/15/08 Drama

• Work individually and with partners on developing Hat Character. All of the history section for the Hat Character is due on or before Friday the 19th.
• Assign the next chapter for each level.
• Level 1: Chapter 2, observation; Project is to write a detailed observation journal based on some element of the Hat Character, due Friday the 19th
• Level 2: Chapter 16, blocking; Project is based on the Fairy Tale performance with A.C.T. and the Merchant of Venice for later this year. Must begin getting familiar with M. O. V. Some evidence of progress due by Friday the 19th.
• Level 3: Begin internet research on Greek theater; read a Greek play; take notes on research related to all elements of Greek theater and be prepared for an oral examination. Some evidence of progress due by Friday the 19th.

9/12,15/08 English 2

• Grab The Wave and read hard and fast! Everyone should be to page 50 at the very least.
• SNT 4: The character was funny. Remember 5 to 15 sentences and very descriptive
• CYA 4 with related notes and mini-lessons. Don't forget to define underlined words
• Take up Your Turn 1 and questions from EOL pages 17-21 for grades
• Give notes on the 4D's of writing preparation (this powerpoint is on the webpage)
• Model the 4 D's in class on new software: Inspiration
• Homework: assign: EOL pages 21-37; Your turns 2, 3, 4 (Your Turn 4 is the same as the 4 D's for their writing project). Take notes on the pages assigned. Keep the notes separate from the turn in work. Notes will remain in the student notebook, section 4. Your Turns 2-4 will be turned in for a grade.

9/11/08 Drama

• Review for chapter tests
• Take chapter tests
• Q & A regarding hat character assignment and other assignments
• Assign move on to next chapter and related project
• Set up and grade students present/teach warm-ups
  

9/10,11/08 English 2

• Q and A related to current events and assignments
• Review vocabulary slides before the test
• Take Vocabulary and Notebook 2 tests
• Take up: Vocabulary lesson 2 homework
• Take up: SNT 3 essay
• Check students signed syllabus for a grade
• Homework: Work on defining all the literature terms on the "Novel and Short Story Terms" handout
• Homework: Elements of Language (EOL) Chapter 1, pages 17 through 21 -- 1. read the pages, 2. take notes, especially on all bold print items, 3. do all exercises (Your Turn 1), 4. answer all questions. Due next class!
• Homework: begin lesson 3 vocabulary homework
  

9/9/08 Drama

• Work on chapters: Level 1, Chapter 1; Level 2, Chapter 15; Level 3, Unit 4.
• Review chapters as preview for test
• Plan, sign up for, and begin chapter projects
• Discuss plan for A.C.T. "Finally Friday" of October at Desoto Lake in Lake City
• Set up date for tryouts

9/8,9/08 English 2

• Show-not-tell 3: The setting was terrifying.
• CYA 3 with related notes and mini-lessons
• Go over vocabulary lesson 2 words
• Go over reading log and explain it
• Give literary notes on terms for reading log
• Give students handout of required novel and short story terms. Give time to work in literature book glossary
• Work on "The Wave"

9/5/08 Drama

• Visitors from Alligator Community Theater, Inc. to explain creating a character, involvement in the organization, upcoming Halloween production and tryouts.
• Question and answer time for the pros
• Handouts regarding A.C.T.: creating a character, fairy tale production choices, character parts, about A.C.T.

9/3/08 Drama

• Use class set of books to begin chapters: Level 1, Chapter 1 - Warm-ups; Level 2, Chapter 15 - Cast; Level 3, Unit 4- Early Drama History
• Assign, for each chapter: read, take notes, begin the project as assigned in the chapter
• ACT, Alligator Community Theater, is coming to school Friday
  • Prepare questions regarding A. The Profession of Theater; B. Their experience in theater; C. Their involvement in our class this year.
  • Prepare suggestions or ideas for ways they can be involved in our class this year
• Give handout of hat character composite that was developed during last class for their notebook -- keep and have in class every day
• Assign: write up basics of hat character -- name and basic physical description

9/3-5/08 English 2

• Kaplan language arts test administered in class
• When complete test -- work on "The Wave" assignments

9/2/08 English 2

• Substitute day
• Spend the day reading, discussing, and working on reading logs for the class book, The Wave
• Get books from the Library

8/29 Drama

• Complete class introductions and discuss quality of questions and answers
• Do class brainstorm and create a composite "Inspiration" chart regarding what to know to create hat character

8/28,29/08 English 2

• Vocabulary review, then give vocabulary and notebook 1 tests
• Take up Vocabulary 1 homework
• Give vocabulary 2 word definitions; need to complete next class
• Get books from the library

8/27/08 Drama

• Continue interview presentations
• Class discussion based on what we will and won't do in class and appropriate methods for giving suggestions
• Discussed class plan and primary obstacles to success
• Two groups remain to present introductions next class
• Brainstorm list of "What to know" was reassigned

8/25/08 Drama

• Discuss syllabus and answer questions from last class
• Assign work in pairs to develop interview questions and prepare to do interview introductions.
• Begin interview introductions
• Assign brainstorm a list of "What you need to know" to develop the hat character.

8/26,27/08 English 2

• SNT 2: The picture was pretty
  • Re-explain the goals and methods of SNT's
  • Take up SNT 1 and 2
• CYA 2 with related notes and mini lessons
• Give vocabulary 1 words and go over
• Go over vocabulary worksheet (posted on handouts page) and explain how to do it. Vocabulary homework due next class before the test
• The first notebook and vocabulary test will be on 8/28, 29. Students need to come ready to take the tests and have their notebooks with all the materials with them.
• Show the new webpage.
• Handouts
  • Capitalization summary sheet
  • Punctuation rules with examples
  • Word parts

8/21/08 Drama

Class did not meet due to the storm weather and early dismissal. Class will continue on August 25th.

8/21,25/08 English 2

• Note the missed days are due to school being out due to the storm.
• Introduce Caught'ya's (CYA'S) based on a parody of "Midsummer's Night Dream" the Shakespearean play the class will read later this year.
• Do CYA 1 with related mini lessons and notes
• Introduce Show-Not-Tells (SNT), a daily writing practice to push students to think, organize, and elaborate -- FCAT strategies.
• SNT 1: Summer was _______. This is due next class period if not completed in class.
• Introduce the first Accelerated Reader (AR) book, The Wave. Work on the pre-reading log in class alone or in small groups. Due by end of next class
• Grading period calendar is posted in the room and on this site. It includes test dates, basic project due dates, and additional information.
• Students had time to work in class.

8/19/08 Drama

• Hand out and go over syllabus thoroughly, answering all questions
• Introduce Ms. Wilks, coordinator of the Shakespeare festival and liaison between the class and the Alligator Community Theatre. (We want to constantly express our gratitude to A.C.T. for their ongoing support and interest in our students.)
• Launch into storytelling examples: Kite String Students

8/18/08 English 2

• Hand out syllabus and go over in detail
• Show video clips "Intentional Inattention" and "Improve your English"
• Handout and explain pre-reading and during reading logs for AR books
• Hand out vocabulary list and vocabulary graphic organizer. Explain tests and homework and due dates
• The 4 goals of class: employability, reading, writing, thinking