Day 32!

Happy Monday!

Get excited for a fun-filled week of Transcendentalism!

If you are in 1st hour, you will have your reading day today! Woo hoo! Remember, your second question is posted on the Reading Workshop Blog and will be due on Wednesday! Each question is worth 15 points, so don't forget, don't forget, DON'T FORGET to answer it!

If you are a 4th or 6th hour student, today is your day to discuss Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance" during class. If we have time at the end of the discussion, you will have the opportunity to continue to read or answer the question on the blog!

We will do our Commonly Confused Words tomorrow so that everyone gets them on the same day!

Looking forward to seeing you--let's make it a great homecoming week!

Day 31!

Day 31!! Friday!!

Happy last day of the week!

You all are in for a real treat today!

If you are in first hour, we will be discussing the questions you answered based on "Self-Reliance". I'm so pumped to see what you all thought of it! I'm sure you loved it!

We will talk about the main idea of each paragraph and then discuss your answers to the questions. It's going to be so fun!

IF we get time after that, you will have the remaining time to read your free reading books. The new question is posted, and will be due on Wednesday of next week.

If you are in fourth or sixth hour, today will be your reading day. You will have the first part of the period to complete any work that you did not finish yesterday, and the rest of the hour is meant to be spent (that rhymes) on reading. Your question will be due on Wednesday as well.

Day 30!

Happy Thursday! Congratulations on making it this far!

Today we get to read our first work from Ralph Waldo Emerson! (Say "Yippee!" now, please!)

First we will start out by talking a little bit about Mr. Emerson, and then we will jump right in to reading! You will be reading an excerpt from "Self-Reliance" with a partner. As you read, please annotate the passage! Beside each paragraph (or under or next to), write the main message of that section. 

Other things you should be doing while you read (write these things down; that's annotating)
- Ask questions
- React to what you are reading (I'm not looking for "This is stupid")
- Give an opinion (still no "This is stupid, please)
- Locate important passages or quotes that you like. There are tons of them here!
- Make Connections
- Define new words
- Track any themes you see developing

You may need to read each section more than once; this is not an easy read. Take your time, focus on each sentence individually.

Once you have finished reading AND annotating (this will be graded)- answer the questions in the packet. #12 should be done individually .

IF you finish early, you may spend the remainder of class reading.

Day 29!

Oh my goodness, we are almost to Day 30! You're going to make it!

Today we will continue on with some background information about Transcendentalism and the impact it had on the American mind. In specific, you will be doing two short readings about our first author, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

First,  you will be reading pages 360-361 in the text book individually. This reading is about how Emerson really started the Transcendental way of thinking, and how he impacted America and eventually the world.  Answer the questions on page 361 and discuss your answers with a partner near you.

Then, please read page 362-363 about how Emerson's "Self-Reliance" had an impact on 16 year old Charles Johnson who eventually went on to become a celebrated American author. Answer the questions on page 363 and discuss with a partner.

Once you have completed these two readings, please reflect on the following questions and answer based on the pages you have read:

1. What  are some important things to note about Ralph Waldo Emerson?

2. What impact has Emerson had on the American way of thinking?

3. Based on what you know already, do you believe the topics that he writes about are still relevant today? Why or Why not?


If you have time left over at the end of the period, you may free read. No computers!

Day 28!

Happy Tuesday!

Just a friendly reminder--today is the last day to turn in your comment on the 1st question on the Reading Workshop blog! It is worth 75% today but will be worth nothing tomorrow, so make sure you get that in! I am missing about 16 answers!

Today we are going to begin our background information about Transcendentalism. We will focus on the 5 Ws (Who, What, Where,When Why) of this era including how it was born from Romanticism (don't worry, we'll talk about what that is too). We will also discuss the 5I's of Romanticism and Transcendentalism.

If you are absent today, you should read through this presentation Romanticism & Transcendentalism and take notes on the 5 Ws and the 5 Is.

This should take the entire period, but if by chance we finish early, you will have the extra time to free read.

See you in class!

Day 27!

Happy Monday and happy day 27...almost to 30! Which is almost to 180....almost.

Well, it's MONDAY. So, we'll get started with our Commonly Confused Words for the week! Woo hoo!

After we finish that, we will continue our group discussion about the "Rebelution" and then begin talking about Transcendentalism!

Here they are:

1. your, you're- this is a big one!

your (adj)- the possessive form of "you"; it belongs to you

Example: Please place all of your books on the floor before we begin the test.

you're- contraction of "you are"

Example: There is no question that you're going to do well in the debate.

(Your, You're) not always sure of (your, you're) own abilities, especially when every time you do something using (your, you're) own talent, (your, you're) immediately criticized for using (your, you're) creativity. As you get older and more experienced, however, (your, you're) confidence will be renewed and (your, you're) going to believe in (your, you're) approach to (your, you're) own original artwork. Trust me, (your, you're) going to be a successful artist in whatever medium you choose.

2. cite, sight, site

cite (vb)- to quote a passage, a book, an author, or another source, especially as an authority; to summon officially to appear in court; to commend

Example: You must cite several sources as you write your research paper.

sight (vb or n)- vb-to observe within one's field of vision; to take aim at; n- the power of seeing; a view; a field of vision


Example: Springfield sighted the tall ships.

site (n)- the exact location or position of something, the position or location of a town building, and so forth, especially in relation to its environment.

Example: The dump site reeked of rotting garbage.

Exercise: Write six sentences, use each word in two sentences.

3. lay, lie

lay (vb)- to put; to place something

Example: The baby laid his head down and immediately went to sleep.

Lay, laid, and laid (past participles)

lie (vb)- to recline or remain in a reclining postition

Example: Linda has lain down for an afternoon nap every day of her  life.

Lie, lay, lain

hint: "lay" takes a object (the head in the first example) and "lie" does not

Exercise: Write four sentences. Use each word twice.

Day 26!

TGI Day 26
#howcoolamI

I hope you're impressed with my hash tagging...it will never happen again.

We are going to have a big discussion day today. Lots of talking today!

First we will revert to our Essential Questions and talk about how they relate to the Puritan Literature we read.

Then, we will form new groups and begin discussing what it means to be an individual for our next unit...Transcendentalism!!

Day 25!

It's Thursday!

Today we will start by evaluating the peer editing process. You will have the opportunity to assign yourself a grade based on how well you feel you did at editing. Then, you will grade each of your group mates based on how well you feel your essay was edited.

THEN, you will have time to read!!! As I have mentioned in the past, along with reading comes a reading question! See the Reading Workshop blog for this week's question! Make sure you check out the response rubric as well to make sure that you are meeting the requirements for your answers!

Let's make today the best day we've had yet!

Day 24!

Happy hump day- and a short hump day at that!

Today, we will go through the process of turning in your essays! Follow the steps below to complete this process correctly:

1. Finish Works Cited page (see useful documents tab for a guide)
2. Complete any final revisions
3. Print final draft
4. SHARE rough draft. Title it "The Crucible & McCarthyism" when sharing or sending it.
5. Staple final draft, organizers (outline paper & movie notes), and rubric together. Please turn it in to your class' tray.

If you finish early, you should be reading. No computers will be allowed once you turn your paper in.

Tomorrow, we will begin by evaluating how the peer editing process went. Then, we will spend the rest of the period reading, so please BRING YOUR BOOK TO CLASS with you every day from now on.

Day 23!

It's a dreary and wet 23rd day of school. Great for concentration!

Today, we will spend the first half of class finishing our peer editing. If you have questions about the steps to follow, please see yesterday's post.

Then, we will get to talk about some REALLY EXCITING STUFF! We will talk about how to correctly set up your essay in MLA format. We will take a look at some samples, and there are a few guides posted on the Useful Documents tab of this blog to help you on the way.

If we get any time at the end of class, you may use it to begin your revisions. These should be meaningful changes to make your essay more clear and insightful! Remember, your final drafts are due TOMORROW!

See you soon!

Day 22!

Happy Monday!

Today we will start with the much anticipated quiz over our commonly confused words!

After that, we will begin the peer editing process for our essays over The Crucible and McCarthyism. You will be placed in groups of three or four to work on this editing. Since we have not done this is my class yet, we will take a brief moment to talk about the process I like to use when we are peer editing.

Step 1: Make a copy of your partner's essay (do NOT edit on their original copy)
Step 2: Read for spelling, grammar, and mechanical mistakes. Highlight any mistakes you see.
Step 3: Write 2 compliments and 2 suggestions for revision for each paragraph. You may place these comments in the margins of the document using the "comment" function.
Step 4: Assign a score based on the essay rubric.

Repeat the process for each partner.

Remember to STAY POSITIVE! Think about how you word your suggestions. Instead of saying, "Your word choice is boring," try wording it like "If you used the word exceptional rather than good, this sentence would be much more interesting!"

Once your group has finished reading all of the essays, please discuss the comments you made in order to clarify what you mean.

Then, go back through and begin your revisions to your essay based on the feedback your partners gave you!

Day 20!

You will have the entire period to work on your rough drafts today!

REMEMBER: Your free reading book selections are due TOMORROW. This is a graded assignment, so don't forget to bring your book with you to class! Check out the reading list if you have not already done so!

See you in class.

Days 18 & 19!

Good morning!

In case you've missed the past few days, we have finished watching The Crucible!

Yesterday, we started on our project for this unit. If you're curious or forgot about what we are doing, we are writing an essay that explains how Miller (author of The Crucible) used the play as an allegory for McCarthyism.  Take a look at the essay assignment HERE. AND, if you're curious about the rubric, click HERE!

Today, you will  continue your background research and complete your graphic organizer (see page 2 of essay document). If you are a very efficient worker who is done with their research (way to go, by the way), you should begin writing your rough draft, which is due MONDAY!

See you soon!

Day 17!

Happy Monday!

Since it is the first day of the week, we will start with our commonly confused words for the week! If I were you, I would prepare myself to turn in all of the words we have done so far next week. If I were you, I would also prepare myself for a quiz over these words!

After that, we will have a brief chat about your independent reading! It is time to get started. For first quarter, your genre is American Literature. You should pick your book from this Reading List. You may choose any book that is listed as American Literature. You may NOT choose a book that you have previously read. If you come to me asking if you can read To Kill a Mockingbird  or another book that you may have read with Mrs. J, I will send you down to talk to here to get permission!  You need to have your book selected by Friday! 

We will also finish watching The Crucible today!

Here are your commonly confused words for the week:

1. than, then

than (conj)- used for comparisons; used to introduce the second element or clause of a comparison of inequality

example: You are far more intelligent than you think.
example: He is much more fun than Bert.

then (adv)- at that time in the past; next in time, order, or space; at another time in the future; in that case; in addition; besides; yet; on the other hand

example: Let's go to the movies and then go out to eat.
example: He was much more fun, then.

hint: "than" is used as a comparison word, and "then" tells when. 

1. That building seems taller (than, then) this one.
2. I don't see how you can say one thing and (than, then) change your mind so easily.
3. There is no question that lead is heaver (than, then) silver.
4. Buildings made of steel are much stronger (than, then) those made of wood.
5. I like to get Chinese food every now and (than, then).

2. their, there, they're

their (pronoun)- the possessive case of the pronoun they, indicating ownership (they own it; it is their thing)

example: Grant and Hunter gave their best performance on the second night of the play.

there (adv)-  of or at a place; to into, or toward a place

example: There are several reasons why I don't want to dance.
example: Over there is the door the president will walk through.

they're- contraction of they are

example: They're supposed to save their money instead of spending it on silly things.

Write six sentences. Use each word in two sentences.  Exchange your sentences with a classmate. Read your partner's sentences to make sure the words are used correctly.

3. all ready, already

all ready (adj)-  prepared; completely ready

example: The volunteers at the homeless shelter were all ready to serve dinner to those waiting in the long line.

already (adv)- before some specified time; previously

example: By the time Sylvia arrived at school, classes had already begun.

1. Clarence had his math homework (all ready, already) to pass in.
2. The math test was for one hour, but Scott had  (all ready, already) finished in a half-hour.
3. (All ready, Already) for the prom, Denise discovered a tear in her dress.
4. Kyong had  (all ready, already) selected a topic for her research paper.


Words provided by: 
Gentile, William W., Sr. Daily Warm Ups Commonly Confused Words. Portland, ME: Walch, 2003. Print.

Day 15

We will continue to watch The Crucible today. Please be sure to bring your notes sheet with you to class. 

See you soon! 

Day 14!

Welcome back from your long weekend! I hope it was enjoyable for you. I'm sure you are all so excited to get back to work!

Today we will start with our Commonly Confused Words for the week.

After that, we will begin (or continue) viewing The Crucible. Remember, you are looking for examples of when the people are acting as good Puritans and when they are being intolerant of others. You will need to fill this in on your chart!

Here are your commonly confused words for the week:

1. to, too, two 

to (prep)- movement toward; in a direction toward; toward or reaching the state of

example: Daren went through the hall, into the room, and up to the front.
example: Please take this letter to the post office and mail it.

too (adv)- in addition; also; more than sufficient; excessively
example: Marich and Meghan wanted to go to the circus, too.
example: Rheatha used too much butter in the cake recipe.

two (n., adj, pronoun)- the number 2; equal to one plus one; having two parts
example: I have told you two times that a negative times a negative equals a positive! Duh.

Often there are (to, too, two) many people (to, too, two) tell a secret. Any more than (to, too, two) poses a serious threat that the secret will be revealed. (To, Too, Two) often we make the mistake of trusting (to, too, two) many people, and we hear the secret coming back to us from (to, too, two) different sources. It is like walking into a stone wall, because the shock is almost (to, too, two) much to bear. The (to, too, two) lessons (to, too, two) be learned are that more than (to, too, two) people can't keep a secret, so tell it only (to, too, two) the one person you trust most.

2. which, witch

which (adj, pronoun)-  the particular one or ones
example: Brian had difficulty deciding which fishing rod to buy.
example: His decisionwas based upon which of the rods came with a reel.
witch (n)- a woman who practices sorcery; an ugly, old, vicious woman
example: In Salem, Massachusetts, there is an active coven of witches.


1. I always had difficulty deciding (which, witch) dessert I like best.
2. You have given me several reasons, none of (which, witch) is acceptable.
3. The children were afraid of the old woman because they thought she was a (which, witch).
4. (Which, Witch) of these suits do you like better?
5. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the (whiches, witches) tell Macbeth several prophecies.
6. Write two original sentences. Use which in one and witch in the other.

3. woman, women

woman (n)-  an adult female human

example: Madeleine Albright was the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of State

women (n)- the plural form of woman
example: Two of the women in the band played guitar.

1. Gwyneth Paltrow is one of the (woman, women) in show business who has succeeded both on stage and in movies.
2. Four (woman, women) in the United States Senate are from California and Maine.
3. (Woman, Women) have fought for years to receive equal pay for equal work.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt was one (woman, women) highly admired by the American public.
5. Write two sentences of your own. Use woman in one and women  in the other.

Words provided by: 
Gentile, William W., Sr. Daily Warm Ups Commonly Confused Words. Portland, ME: Walch, 2003. Print.