Wed Sept 29th

Today we talked about audience (who am I writing for?) and purpose (why am I writing?) and how that impacts the way that writers put together material.  All classes spent time working on their portfolio assignments.  Remember you need at least 3 quotes, and a collage of images that represent yourself.  If you didn't find what you need in class today bring in what you need for Friday.

Homework: 
1.  Read - reminder Reader's Workshop #1 on Tuesday Oct 5...must have independent novel to read.  If you're almost done your novel, time to get another one ready to go.
2.  Quotes/image collection - bring in all necessary quotes/images for class on Friday.  Portfolio to be finished in class on Friday.
OVERDUE:  Privacy paragraph - rough draft and pink edit sheet attached.

Mon Sept 27th

Today we went over our privacy paragraphs.  Students checked over their own paragraphs for topic sentence, RENNS, and concluding sentence and had two other students verify their findings.

Homework: 
1.  Read
2.  Good copy privacy paragraph due:  Wed Sept 29th  (typed, double spaced, name/date/block top left corner)
3.  Clip out and bring in an article

Wed Sept 22nd

Today was all about the paragraph.  We looked through an example of an essay that had: Reasons, Examples, Names, Numbers, and Sensory details.  (RENNS)  Paragraphs are like mini-essays because they need a topic sentence, a unifying idea, and a concluding sentence. 

Homework:

1.  Read
2.  Finish your 'privacy' paragraph...draft due Monday...no good copies yet
3.  Bring in an article from a magazine/newspaper

Mon Sept 20th

Today all students set a personal reading goal for Term 1.  Goals had to be SMART: specific, measurable, appropriate, realistic, and time sensitive.  All classes spent time in the library and signed out an independent novel. 

Homework:  1.  Read 30 minutes each day

Overdue:  -good copy "I am _______, the writer.  Make sure that you attach your first draft.
                -any and all start up sheet/forms

Thursday Sept. 16th

Today we spent time looking at various sentence types and practicing how to combine sentences.  Key point today is that good writers vary their sentences. 

Homework: 

DUE MON SEP 20th -  1.  Good copy of "I am _______, the writer." 
                                             -  word processed
                                             -  double spaced
                                             - 12 pt font, Times New Roman
                                             -  rough copy attached

                                         2.  Complete sentence variety sheet
                                             -  all sentences, and short paragraph at bottom

LAST CALL - all remaining slips/contact forms, Getting to Know You etc.
                      
ALWAYS -  read at least 30 minutes/day


 

Tues Sept 14, 2010

Today we worked through three key writing terms:  Voice, Pictures, and Flow. 

Everybody submitted a writing sample about themselves as a writer.  Looking forward to reading them over...some great ideas out there today.  I think some people surprised how well they actually were able to write today.  A great start!


Homework:  - parent slips
                     - 'Getting to Know You' forms are due next class
                     - binders were checked today, if you weren't ready it is now your responsibility to come and
                     see me

Friday Sept 9th

English 10/11

Today we spent time considering the brain and how we can set ourselves up for success this year.  We learned that in order to get better at something (like reading/writing) you need to practice and that the brain is like a muscle.  All classes wrote a paragraph about how to apply what we learned today to life as a student.  The video clip and article we read has lots of good news for students...everyone is capable of improvement!

Homework:

• parent forms handed in asap
• Silent Reading book...get one, Tuesday we read together for 15 minutes at the beginning of last period
• set up your binders...an easy 5 marks.  Follow the steps on the sheet you received
• finish your 'Brain' paragraph, it should be the first piece of paper in your writing section

***Block B English 11 only- finish your 'Getting to Know You' sheet

Have a great weekend, see you Tuesday.

Wed Sept 8, 2010

English 10/11
Welcome!  Course Overview and expectations. 

Homework:  return parent slip, Silent Reading starts next week find a novel to read.