Tues. Feb. 28, 2017: Independent Novel: First Reading Check-In

Today, you were given your first reading check in. I have attached it below for those who were absent. Be sure to fill this in ASAP and as accurately as if you were in class.

First Reading Check In (ongoing)

Mon. Feb. 27, 2017: Independent Novel Reading Time

Today, you were given time to read your independent novel. Be sure to bring it to class tomorrow as well.

Fri. Feb. 17, 2017: Writing and Submission Class

Today, the students finished and submitted their essay on heroes. There are not extensions.

Be sure to bring your novel study to class with you on Monday after the break.

Thurs. Feb. 16, 2017: Writing Class/16 Common Errors

Today, you were given class time to write your essay, which is due tomorrow (the essay assignment is linked to yesterday's blog).

I also gave you a copy of the "16 Common Errors" Booklet to help you with punctuation and mechanics. I have linked it below.

16 Common Errors

Wed. Feb. 15, 2017: Essay on the Best Hero

Today, you were given your first essay assignment. It is linked below. It is also due on Friday. I have also placed this in your portfolio.

Hero Award Essay

Tues. Feb. 14, 2017: Robin Hood Discussion/What Men Live By Reading

Today, we discussed "Robin Hood and the Three Squires" focusing on what traits define him as a hero and what traits show him to be the opposite.
I then handed out the reading "What Men Live By" by Leo Tolstoy, which shows the Christian hero archetype. You are to have this read for tomorrow (you got thirty minutes in class). I have linked the reading below for those who are absent.

What Men Live By

Mon. Feb. 13, 2017: Sir Gawain Discussion/ Robin Hood Reading

Today, students wrote a journal question at the start of class regarding the reading  Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I then had them add his virtues to their virtues sheet. I then presented some notes on the "underdog' hero which I have linked below. They were then given the reading "Robin Hood and the Three Squires" which they must have read for tomorrow's class. I have linked it below.

Notes on the "Underdog" Hero

"Robin Hood and the Three Squires"

Fri. Feb. 10, 2017: Beowulf Discussion/Virtues List and Match-Up/Introduction to Chivalry

Today, I gave you a sheet on virtues. We examined it to determine what virtues Beowulf had that made him a hero.
I then presented a PowerPoint on the age of Chivalry (it can be found on the Web, but I have linked it here for those who were absent).
I then handed out the reading from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, translated by Y.R. Ponsor. This is to be read for Monday's class. I have also linked this below in case you were absent.

Age of Chivalry Powerpoint

Virtues List

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Thurs. Feb. 9, 2017: Beowulf Powerpoint and Reading

Today, I presented the Powerpoint on Beowulf and then we read an excerpt from the text. If you were not here today, you received this on Tuesday.  See me if you don't have it.

Wed. Feb. 8, 2017: INS Initial Activity

Today, you did an introduction activity on your independent novel. I am linking it below for those who were absent. It must be done when you return to class. One of the questions can only be answered if you have your reading speed. You can find this in the comments of your first assessment in your progress report.
I also provided the students who were here with a copy of the "MLA Citation" booklet to use as a resource.

INS Initial Activity

Tues. Feb. 7, 2017: Life and Literature / Text Critique Discussion

Today, we discussed the article "Life and Literature in Early Britain" which you were to have actively read. I gave you an exemplar of a text critique (linked below) which we analyzed to determine what needs to be on a text critique (or any review of literature!). I have also linked an overview of this down below as well. Be sure to have your novels here tomorrow.

I then handed out the reading "Beowulf Introduction." You are to have it actively read for tomorrow's class.

Exemplar Text Critique: Life and Literature

What to include in a text critique

"Beowulf Introduction"  Reading

Mon. Feb. 6, 2017: Follet Research Lesson

Today, we were in the library computer lab to learn how to use Follet (library search and research tools).
If you were not here, you will need to investigate this through the library.

Be sure to have "Life and Literature in Early Britain" actively read for tomorrow's class.

Fri. Feb. 3, 2017: Reading Plus

Today, we went to the computer lab to do an assessment activity. Reading Plus helps us to understand your reading speed and level of vocabulary and comprehension. Most of you did this assessment in September. We are now seeing if there has been improvement. I use these to determine average reading times for a class and then try to allow time to meet reading expectations. In other words, it's an important activity. If you were not here, you will need to get this completed. See me about this and I will try to arrange it in your schedule.

You were also given a reading to complete for Monday: "Life and Literature in Early Britain".

I have linked it below. It needs to be read actively.

Life and Literature in Early Britain

Thurs. Feb. 2, 2017: Introduction to Heroes/Ideals

Today, I introduced this unit of heroes and ideals. I have pasted my powerpoint below; however, I might not have it up here after the weekend.

Reminder: Bring your Headphones to class tomorrow.

Look for a novel for Wednesday. Let me know when you have one so I can approve it.

Heroes and Ideals: Powerpoint

Wed. Feb. 1, 2017: Novel Study Assignment Discussion

 Today, I instructed you to write down the following information and submit it:
     What mark are you attempting to get in this class?
      What are your post high school educational goals?

I then handed out your Independent Novel Study Assignment Options handout (linked below) and your Novel Study Choices handout (linked below).
The deadline for the novel study assignment is Wednesday, June 7, 2017. The deadline to have your novel choice in class is Wednesday, February 8.

I then instructed you to bring your headphones to class on Friday as you will be doing a timed reading activity (to set the novel reading goal/time needed).

Novel Study Assignment Options

Novel Study Book Choices