Weekly Agenda: December 12-15

A Day

Monday, December 12
Finish film
Compare film to novel – Differences? Similarities? Improvements?
HW: None

Wednesday, December 14
Introduction to poetry unit
- lecture (slide notes available in binder)
- overview of unit assignments
- Poetry packet distributed
- Introduction to sound devices
- Read, discuss and locate sound devices in “Fable For When There’s No Way Out”
HW: Read “Fireworks” and label all instances of alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia that you find

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B Day

Tuesday, December 13
Introduction to poetry unit
- lecture (slide notes available in binder)
- overview of unit assignments
- Poetry packet distributed
- Introduction to sound devices
- Read, discuss and locate sound devices in “Fable For When There’s No Way Out”
HW: Read “Fireworks” and label all instances of alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia that you find

Thursday, December 15
Review sound devices
Read, discuss and identify sound devices in “The Writer” and “Listen to the Mustn’ts”
Journal #1: Why use sound devices? What. if anything, do they contribute?
Creative Activity #1: Write a “Where I’m From” Poem that incorporates each type of sound device we’ve studied at least once – and label the sound devices.
HW: Finish creative activity in your poetry journal

Have a safe and relaxing Winter Break!

Weekly Agenda: December 5-9

B Day

Monday, December 5
First Drafts DUE
Peer Review (40 mins)
Exam Review Game (40 mins)
HW: Complete final draft and review for exam

Wednesday, December 7
Final Drafts DUE
Of Mice and Men Unit Exam
Begin Of Mice and Men film
HW: None

Friday, December 9
Finish watching film
Discuss similarities and differences
Overview of poetry unit
HW: None

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A Day

Tuesday, December 6
First Drafts DUE
Peer Review (40 mins)
Exam Review Game (40 mins)
HW: Complete final draft and review for exam

Thursday, December 8
Final Drafts DUE
Of Mice and Men Unit Exam
Begin Of Mice and Men film
HW: None

November 28 - December 1

B Day

Monday, November 28
Grammar Lesson #2: Active & Passive Voice
- Lesson: p. 590
- Practice: Concept Check A (p.592) #1-10
Intro. to Writing a Literary Analysis
(lecture with slide notes → pick up if missed!)
- Writing Introductions
- Writing a Thesis Statement
- Writing Body Paragraphs
In-class outlining time
HW: Complete outline

Wednesday, November 30
Outline DUE
Peer Review – Teacher Check-In
In-class drafting time
HW: Complete first draft → due Monday; Review for Unit Exam

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A Day

Tuesday, November 29
Intro. to Writing a Literary Analysis
(lecture with slide notes → pick up if missed!)
- Writing Introductions
- Writing a Thesis Statement
- Writing Body Paragraphs
In-class outlining time
HW: Complete outline

Thursday, December 2
Outline DUE
Peer Review – Teacher Check-In
In-class drafting time
HW: Complete first draft → due Tuesday; Review for Unit Exam

Weekly Agenda: November 21-23

A Day

Monday, November 21
Vocabulary Quiz #2
Debrief novel → Turn in Chapter 6 Reading Guide
Complete Ch. 6 Journal → turn in all six journals, stapled in order
Last Theme, Motif and Symbol Update
Form partners and work on character analysis chart
HW: Complete character analysis chart

Wednesday, November 23
Turn in Of Mice and Men packets
Introduce Formal Essay #1: Literary Analysis
- discuss requirements and outline
- Review rules for quoting text → handout and practice activity
Grammar Lesson #2: Active & Passive Voice
- Lesson: p. 590
- Practice: Concept Check A (p.592) #1-10
HW: Begin reviewing for the OMAM unit exam. Come back from the break ready to write!

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B Day

Tuesday, November 22
Vocabulary Quiz #2
Last Theme and Motif check-in
Form partners and share your character analysis charts → provide feedback
7th period: Complete symbolism discussion
Turn in Of Mice and Men packets
Introduce Formal Essay #1: Literary Analysis
- discuss requirements and outline
HW: Begin reviewing for the OMAM unit exam. Come back from the break ready to write!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekly Agenda: November 14-18

B Day

Monday, November 14
Grammar Review: Comma Splices and Run-Ons
Discuss HW Reading (Ch. 3 & 4)
- focus on: Crooks, theme development
In-class: Ch. 4 Journaling
- share and discuss
Vocabulary Activity #2
HW: Complete Vocabulary Activity; Read pp. pp.84-91; answer Ch. 5 questions #1-4

Wednesday, November 16
Vocabulary Activity #2 DUE
Finish Ch. 5 – complete and turn in Ch. 5 Reading Guide
In-class writing: Ch. 5 Journal
Begin Quote Hunt Activity – Character Analysis pages (packet)
Introduce symbolism in the novel (packet)
HW: None, unless you need to catch up on reading

Friday, November 18
Vocabulary Activity #2 returned
Finish reading Of Mice and Men
Complete Ch. 6 RG Questions
Finish discussing symbolism in the novel (packet)
HW: Review for Vocabulary Quiz #2
Complete Character Analysis pages (in packet

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A Day

Tuesday, November 15
Vocabulary Activity #2 DUE
Grammar Review: Comma Splices and Run-Ons
Discuss HW Reading (Ch. 4)
- focus on: Crooks, theme development in Ch. 3 and 4
Group Quote Hunt Activity #1
In-class: Ch. 4 Journaling
- share and discuss
HW: Read pp. pp.84-91; answer Ch. 5 questions #1-4

Thursday, November 17
Vocabulary Activity #2 returned
Finish Ch. 5 – complete and turn in Ch. 5 Reading Guide
In-class writing: Ch. 5 Journal
Begin Quote Hunt Activity – Character Analysis pages (packet)
Introduce symbolism in the novel (packet)
HW: Review for Vocabulary Quiz #2
Finish reading Of Mice and Men
Complete Ch. 6 RG Questions

Weekly Agenda: November 7-9

A Day

Monday, November 7
Discuss HW reading
Grammar Lesson: Run-Ons and Comma Splices
Lesson: p. 528
Practice: p. 529, Concept Check A #1-10
Introduction to Motifs in Of Mice and Men
In-class reading time
HW: Finish Ch. 3 (to p. 65) and complete the Ch. 3 Reading Guide

Wednesday, November 9
EARLY RELEASE
Vocabulary Activity #2
In-class writing: Ch. 3 Journal
HW: Read Ch. 4 (pp. 66-83) and complete its Reading Guide

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B Day

Tuesday, November 8
Discuss HW reading
Grammar Lesson: Run-Ons and Comma Splices
Lesson: p. 528
Practice: p. 529, Concept Check A #1-10
Introduction to Motifs
In-class reading time
HW: Finish Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 and complete their Reading Guides

Weekly Agenda: October 31- November 4

B Day

Monday, October 31
Return vocabulary
Finish watching “Riding the Rails”
Ch. 1 Quiz
Discuss RG and Ch. 1
Discuss expectations/guidelines for unit journal entries
In-class journal #1: Friendship
HW: Finish reading through p. 26; complete Ch. 2 RG #1-4

Wednesday, November 2
Go over RG responses
Discuss theme:
-What is a theme?
-How do you find a theme?
-Major themes in Of Mice and Men
Introduction to citing and integrating quotes
- Quote citation and integration practice
HW: Finish reading through p.37; Answer Ch. 2 RG Questions #5-8
Review for Vocabulary Quiz

Friday, November 4
Vocabulary Quiz #1
Discuss Ch. 2 Reading Guide – Turn in
In-class writing: Ch. 2 Journal – volunteers share
Revisit novel’s major themes: Evidence and examples?
Begin reading Ch. 3: pp. 38-49; answer RG questions #1-3
HW: Complete assigned reading and questions, if necessary

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A Day

Tuesday, November 1
Go over RG responses
Discuss theme:
-What is a theme?
-How do you find a theme?
-Major themes in Of Mice and Men
Introduction to citing and integrating quotes
- Quote citation and integration practice
- Journal #1
HW: Finish reading through p.37; Answer Ch. 2 RG Questions #5-8

Thursday, November 3
Vocabulary Quiz #1
Discuss Ch. 2 Reading Guide – Turn in
In-class writing: Ch. 2 Journal – volunteers share
Revisit novel’s major themes: Evidence and examples?
Begin reading Ch. 3: pp. 38-49; answer RG questions #1-3
HW: Complete assigned reading and questions, if necessary

Weekly Agenda: October 25-28

B Day

Tuesday, October 25
UNIT EXAM Part II
Introduction to Of Mice and Men
-Background reading with questions
-Vocabulary Activity #1
HW: Complete vocabulary activity, if necessary

Thursday, October 27
Distribute Of Mice and Men texts
Read pp. 1-7 aloud
Begin watching “Riding the Rails” and complete viewing guide → discuss
Freshmen Library Orientation (45 mins)
HW: Read Chapter 1, pp. 8-16; complete Ch. 1 Reading Guide questions

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A Day

Wednesday, October 26
Watch “Riding the Rails” and complete viewing guide → discuss
Distribute Of Mice and Men texts
Read pp. 1-7 aloud
HW: Read Chapter 1, pp. 8-16; complete Ch. 1 Reading Guide questions

Friday, October 28
Return vocabulary activity
Ch. 1 Quiz
In-class journal #1: Friendship
Discuss RG and Ch. 1
Freshmen Library Orientation (45 mins)
HW: Finish reading through p. 26, if necessary; complete Ch. 2 RG; review for vocabulary quiz

Weekly Agenda: October 17-20

B Day

Monday, October 17
Grammar Warm-Up
Journals DUE
Introduction to Irony (take notes)
Discuss “Full Circle” and its journal response
Grammar Lesson #5: Subject Verb Agreement
- Lesson: p.700
- Practice: Exercise B, #1-10 (p.701-702)
HW: Complete Grammar HW slip
Study for the Unit Exam

Wednesday, October 19
UNIT EXAM Part I
HW: Finish reading and annotating essay selection

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A Day

Tuesday, October 18
UNIT EXAM Part I
HW: Finish reading and annotating essay selection

Thursday, October 20
UNIT EXAM Part II
Introduction to Of Mice and Men
-Background reading with questions
-Vocabulary Activity #1
HW: Complete vocabulary activity, if necessary

Weekly Agenda: October 4-7

A Day

Tuesday, October 4
Discuss “Osage Orange Tree”
- share journals
- Review plot, characterization
Introduction to Imagery and Sensory Description
- Setting annotation and activity – partner work
- Setting Activity: Soundtrack-inspired Settings
HW: Read “American History” and complete its journal

Thursday, October 6
Grammar Lesson #3
Discuss “American History” and the journal assignment
Review conflict and setting (apply to “American History”)
Introduction to Theme and Symbolism
- in general
- in “American History”
Seminar Prep → Seminar
HW: Grammar Homework; Read “The Possibility of Evil”

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B Day

Wednesday, October 5
Discuss “Osage Orange Tree”
- share journals
- Review plot, characterization
Introduction to Imagery and Sensory Description
- Setting annotation and activity – partner work
- Setting Activity: Soundtrack-inspired Settings
HW: Read “American History” and complete its journal

Friday, October 7
Grammar Lesson #3
Discuss “American History” and the journal assignment
Review conflict and setting (apply to “American History”)
Introduction to Theme and Symbolism
- in general
- in “American History”
Seminar Prep → Seminar
HW: Grammar Homework; Read “The Possibility of Evil”

Weekly Agenda: September 26-29

A Day

Monday, September 26
Vocabulary Quiz
Debrief “Necklace” and review/clarify characterization
Marginalia lesson
In-class reading: “Marigolds”
HW: Complete “Marigolds” Journal

Wednesday, September 28
LATE START
Volunteers share journal
Discuss “Marigolds” – characterization, plot, and conflict
In-class: Seminar
-prepare
-discuss
HW: Read “Osage Orange Tree” and complete its journal prompt

Friday, September 30
NO SCHOOL

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B Day

Tuesday, September 27
Vocabulary Quiz
Debrief “Necklace” and review/clarify characterization
Marginalia lesson
In-class reading: “Marigolds”
HW: Complete “Marigolds” Journal

Thursday, September 29
Volunteers share journal
Discuss “Marigolds” – characterization, plot, and conflict
In-class: Seminar
-prepare
-discuss
HW: Read “Osage Orange Tree” and complete its journal prompt

Weekly Agenda: September 19-23

B Day

Monday, September 19
Distribute New Vocabulary Exercise -- dictionaries
Journal Discussion#1:
-Present an argument
-Draw upon character traits
Grammar Lesson #1: What is a Noun? What types of nouns are there?
- Lesson
- Practice
HW: Finish Grammar and New Vocabulary Exercises

Wednesday, September 21
LATE START
Grammar & Vocabulary HW due
Grammar Warm-Up (overhead)
Grammar Lesson #2: Possessive Nouns
- Lesson: pp.541-542
- Practice: Concept Check A #1-10 (p.543-544)
Begin reading “The Necklace” (packet)
HW: Checkpoint (handout) #1-10; Finish reading “The Necklace”


Friday, September 23
Vocabulary returned
Grammar Warm-Up: Plurals & Possessives (overhead)
Discuss marginalia and annotation
Review characterization
Annotate characterization in “The Necklace”
Complete characterization chart for Mme. Loiselle
HW: Study for vocabulary quiz; Complete Journal #2 for “The Necklace” (1/2 to full page)

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A Day

Tuesday, September 20
Grammar & Vocabulary HW due
Grammar Warm-Up (Overhead)
Grammar Lesson #2: Possessive Nouns
- Lesson: pp.541-542
- Practice: Concept Check A #1-10 (p.543-544)
Review characterization
Begin reading “The Necklace” (packet)
HW: Checkpoint (handout) #1-10; Finish reading “The Necklace”


Thursday, September 22
Vocabulary returned
Grammar Warm-Up: Plurals & Possessives (overhead)
Discuss marginalia and annotation
Annotate characterization in “The Necklace”
Complete characterization chart for Mme. Loiselle
HW: Study for vocabulary quiz; Complete Journal #2 for “The Necklace” (1/2 to full page)

Get Ready, Set, Go!

Hello, and welcome to all of my English 9 students and their parents! I am Mrs. Case, and I am very excited about this year together, and I hope that over the following months this blog proves to be a useful tool for you to:
- access class resources
- keep updated on class assignments, vocabulary lists, and important deadlines
- link to school pages and up-to-date grades
- post comments to get in touch with me, share opinions, or ask questions

Though I know this is also discussed in the syllabus, I want to reiterate that I welcome comments or questions any time they arise. While my school email is best (I check it constantly), I also invite you to give me a call during the school day (ext. 4193) or schedule a time to drop by (Room #23) before or after school or during Personal Assistance Time (PAT, 3rd Period).

Freshman year can be a challenging one -- more classes, more buildings, a new daily schedule, less one-on-one time with teachers, so many new people to meet, and much more. I promise that I will do everything I can to help each of my students be successful -- however, the best way for me to know that you need additional help is for you to tell me as soon as the confusion arises. :)

Best wishes for a challenging, fun, and successful freshman year!

Weekly Agenda: Sept. 8-16

A Day Class

Thursday, September 8
Assigned seating
Welcome and introductions
Course & Unit Overview
Review syllabus and class expectations
Class “tour”
Student survey
HW: Sign syllabi form

Monday, September 12
Unit One Packet distributed
Organize binders, set up assignment sheet & Journal
Introduction to the elements of fiction (and note-taking)
- Today's focus: Plot Structure
Pre-Reading Activity: Survival Skills
Begin reading “The Most Dangerous Game” (p.38)
HP: Finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game"

Wednesday, September 14
Review plot structure
Introduction to Characterization
Assign and model responses to Journal Prompt
Complete and discuss Journal #1
Assign and model seminar prompt#1
HP: Complete seminar prompt

Friday, September 16
Distribute New Vocabulary Exercise --> dictionary time
Seminar Discussion#1: Character on trial (defense and prosecution for Rainsford)
-Present an argument
-Draw upon character traits
Grammar Leson #1: What is a Noun? What types of nouns are there?
HP: Grammar and New Vocabulary Exercises

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B Day Classes

Friday, September 9
Assigned seating
Welcome and introductions
Course & Unit Overview
Review syllabus and class expectations
Class “tour”
Student survey
HW: Sign syllabi form

Tuesday, September 13
Unit One Packet distributed
Organize binders, set up assignment sheet & Journal
Introduction to the elements of fiction (and note-taking)
- Today's focus: Plot Structure
Pre-Reading Activity: Survival Skills
Begin reading “The Most Dangerous Game” (p.38)
HP: Finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game"

Thursday, September 15
Review plot structure
Introduction to Characterization
Assign and model responses to Journal Prompt
Complete and discuss Journal #1
Assign and model seminar prompt#1
HP: Complete seminar prompt