Monday, September 30, 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

Week 6, Day 1
Objective: grade level vocabulary, and listening for understanding; revising and editing; evaluate how different literary elements (e.g., figurative language, point of view) shape the author's portrayal of the plot and setting in works of fiction; addresses the writing skills for an analytical essay, including references to and commentary on quotations from the text; analyzes the aesthetic effects of an author's use of stylistic devices.  

  1. Bell Work: clear off your desk and get ready for your SAT Week #5
  2. SAT Quiz #5
  3. Work on Week 6 DRE
  4. Work on your Literary Terms from Wednesday, September 25 (see blog)
    1. Due on Wednesday
    2. We will NOT work on it in class after today.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

Week 5, Day 5
Objective: SWBAT write in a voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose, use technology for aspects of writing, vocabulary development, establish and adjust purpose for reading such as to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems, read silently with comprehension, read to be entertained, to appreciate a writer's craft, to be informed, to take action, and to discover models to use in his/her own writing

  1. Grade Week 5 DRE
  2. Bell Work: Free Write...Write about anything that you want to write about.  (At least 50 words, underlining every 10th word, and include at least 2 of the current week's SAT words.)
  3. Perfect School Project
    1. Work in your group
    2. Due date: Wednesday, November 6th!  
  4. Remember...SAT Quiz on Monday!!!!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Week 5, Day 4
Objective: Graduation Plans. Literary Elements and Techniques of Fiction.

  1. No Bell Work
  2. Mrs. Monk (counselor) will be here to talk to you about your graduation plan and your transcripts.  
  3. You will work on your "Perfect School" project tomorrow.  
  4. DRE is due tomorrow!!!!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Week 5, Day 3
Objective: Students use comprehension skills to analyze how texts work together in various forms to impact meaning. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in increasingly more complex texts.  Evaluate how messages presented in media reflect social and cultural views in ways different from traditional texts.  Evaluate the objectivity of coverage of the same event in various types of media.  Discuss influences that cause some books to be banned. Literary Elements and Techniques of Fiction.

  1. Bell Work:  What is your opinion of censorship (for books, TV, radio, etc.)? Why do you feel the way that you do?  Then...list at least five of the books you WOULD LIKE TO read that have been banned or challenged and at least five of the books you HAVE read that have been banned or challenged.
    1. (You will do this bell work on your own paper and transfer it into your spiral when you get it back.)
  2. "The Yellow Wallpaper" Discussion Questions
  3. Literary Devices (Elements and Techniques) of Fiction
    1. Add these to your spreadsheet "Literary Terms"
    2. Literary Elements (5)
      1. Setting
      2. Mood
      3. Plot
      4. Flashback
      5. Foreshadowing
    3. Literary Techniques (11)
      1. Sensory Details
      2. Allusion
      3. Simile (Figurative Language)
      4. Metaphor (Figurative Language)
      5. Imagery (Figurative Language)
      6. Alliteration (Figurative Language)
      7. Personification (Figurative Language)
      8. Onomatopoeia (Figurative Language)
      9. Hyperbole (Figurative Language)
      10. Idiom (Figurative Language)
      11. Dialogue
    4. Other (17)
      1. Characterization
      2. Internal Character Development
      3. External Character Development
      4. Narrator
      5. Reliable Narrator
      6. Unreliable Narrator
      7. Point of View
      8. Omniscient/Third-Person Omniscient
      9. Omniscient/Third-Person Limited
      10. Objective
      11. First Person/Subjective
      12. Limited
      13. Theme
      14. Implicit Theme
      15. Explicit Theme
      16. Universal Theme
      17. Human Condition
    5. Plans for tomorrow

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Week 5, Day 2
Objective: Students use comprehension skills to analyze how texts work together in various forms to impact meaning. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in increasingly more complex texts.  Evaluate how messages presented in media reflect social and cultural views in ways different from traditional texts.  Evaluate the objectivity of coverage of the same event in various types of media.  Discuss influences that cause some books to be banned.
  1. Turn your bell work spiral in on the chrome book cart. Please make sure your name is visible on the front cover!
  2. Bell Work:  This week is Banned Books Week.  Why do you think some books are banned?  Explain your reasoning.  (You will do this bell work on your own paper and transfer it into your spiral when you get it back.)
  3. Banned Book Videos
    1. Lauren Myracle Interview
    2. 100 Banned Books
    3. BLEEP
    4. Banned Books
    5. "Religious Nuts in Texas..."
    6. Katie Couric on Banned Books
  4. On your own,
    1. Banned Book Information
    2. Using the lists on the website, make a list of 5 books you'd like to read and 5 you've already read.  If you come up with more...that is okay!
  5. "The Yellow Wallpaper" Discussion Questions
  6. If time allows, look for videos on YouTube that are about Banned Book Week.  

Monday, September 23, 2013

Monday, September 23, 2013

Week 5, Day 1
Objective: understand cultural background to literary texts, grade level vocabulary, and listening for understanding; revising and editing

  1. SAT Quiz #4
  2. "The Yellow Wallpaper" Quiz
  3. Work on Week 5 DRE
  4. Turn in Writing Assignment #1
  5. "The Yellow Wallpaper" discussion
  6. Banned Book Week!!!!!
  7. Writing Assignment #2
  8. Bell Work Spiral will be due tomorrow.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

Week 4, Day 5
Objective: SWBAT write in a voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose, use technology for aspects of writing, vocabulary development, establish and adjust purpose for reading such as to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems, read silently with comprehension, read to be entertained, to appreciate a writer's craft, to be informed, to take action, and to discover models to use in his/her own writing

  1. Grade Week 4 DRE
  2. Bell Work: Free Write...Write about anything that you want to write about.  (At least 50 words, underlining every 10th word, and include at least 2 of the current week's SAT words.)
  3. Perfect School Project
    1. Work with your group discussing, researching, planning, etc.
    2. Try to get some things down on paper (or google doc!)
  4. Reminders: 
    1. SAT Quiz on Monday!!!! (Week 1, 2, 3, AND 4 words will be on there!!!!)  STUDY!!!!! Study the words, learn the words, BE THE WORDS!  
  5. Have a GREAT weekend!!!!
    1. If you have a question, feel free to tweet me or Facebook message me. @AvalosEnglish

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Thursday, September 19, 2013



Week 4, Day 4
Objective: Students create a Literary Period Timeline in order to demonstrate familiarity with works by authors in American fiction from each major literary period.  

  1. I'm with the Dual Credit History kids today. Be good for the sub! I'll be back around 5th period. 
  2. Bell Work Part 1: Use the two links to take these two surveys! Please take them seriously and do not talk to anyone about your answers. Please and thank you!
  3. Survey #1
  4. Survey #2
  5. Research for your perfect school project. 
  6. Study for your SAT Quiz on Monday!  Learn the words! Be the words!
  7. Reminders:
    1. DRE Week 4 is due TOMORROW!
    2. SAT Quiz Week #4 on Monday.
    3. Bell Work spiral will be due next week.
    4. Tomorrow: I will not be here.  Be good for the sub! Check my blog!!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Week 4, Day 3
Objective: Students create a Literary Period Timeline in order to demonstrate familiarity with works by authors in American fiction from each major literary period.  

  1. Bell Work: Use the two links to vote for class officers and prom theme.  When finished you may work on your American Literature Time Period Research
    1. Junior Class Officers
    2. 2014 Prom Theme
  2. American Literature Time Period Research (only about 5-8 minutes)
  3. Present your American Literary Time Period to the class
    1. Native American Literature
    2. Puritan/Colonial Literature
    3. American Revolution Literature
    4. American Romanticism Literature
    5. American Gothic Literature
    6. Transcendentalism Literature
    7. American Realism Literature
    8. American Naturalism Literature
    9. American Modernism Literature
    10. Harlem Renaissance Literature
    11. American Contemporary Literature
  4. As each group presents their information, record it in the appropriate section of your document from yesterday...but ONLY in the LEFT column.  We will use the right column later.  
  5. Study for your SAT Quiz on Monday
  6. Reminders:
    1. DRE Week 4 is due Friday.
    2. SAT Quiz Week #4 on Monday.
    3. Bell Work spiral will be due next week.
    4. Tomorrow: I will be gone the first half of the day because I am going on the Dual Credit U.S.  Be good for the sub!  Check my blog!
    5. Friday: I will not be here.  Be good for the sub! Check my blog!!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Week 4, Day 2
Objective: Students create a Literary Period Timeline in order to demonstrate familiarity with works by authors in American fiction from each major literary period.  

  1. Bell Work: What is the importance of understanding the historical context of what we read?
  2. Discuss bell work
  3. American Literature Word Sort (as a group)--wait for directions
  4. American Literature Time Period Research
    1. Research Time Periods
    2. Make a copy of American Literature Timeline
    3. It may be smart for one person in each group to make a copy and then share with your group.  
    4. Record your research there, but only in the LEFT column.  We will use the right column later.  
    5. We will come together tomorrow and present what you find
    6. Information that you may want to consider: dates of the time period, characteristics of the literature from that time period, noteworthy authors of the time period, major works of the time period, important historical events of the time period, etc.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Monday, September 16, 2013

Week 4, Day 1
Objective: understand cultural background to literary texts, grade level vocabulary, and listening for understanding; revising and editing

  1. Bell Work: clear off your desk and get ready for your SAT Week #3
  2. SAT Quiz #3
  3. Work on Week 4 DRE
  4. Writing Assignment #1

Friday, September 13, 2013

Friday, September 13, 2013

Week 3, Day 5
Objective: SWBAT write in a voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose, use technology for aspects of writing, vocabulary development, establish and adjust purpose for reading such as to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems, read silently with comprehension, read to be entertained, to appreciate a writer's craft, to be informed, to take action, and to discover models to use in his/her own writing

  1. Grade Week 3 DRE
  2. Bell Work: Free Write...Write about anything that you want to write about.  (At least 40 words, underlining every 10th word, and include at least 2 of the current week's SAT words.)
  3. Free Read--everyone MUST read for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  4. Please open up your Vocabulary for Stories document opened up.  I will come around to grade it and your Literary Terms.
  5. Then, you may continue free reading OR
    1. Free Rice (make sure you are signed in and in my group)
      1. If you can't get into my group (haven't received the confirmation email) it is okay, I'm still working to resolve the issue.
      2. Sorry!!!!
      3. You can still play to gain knowledge and help others!!!! 
    2. Free Write (maybe you like to write...you may do so, write a novel, a diary entry, song lyrics, a poem, whatever you are inspired to write.)
    3. Study for your SAT Week #3 Quiz on Monday (see the links at the top of this blog for Quizlet and Study Stack links)
  6. Reminders: 
    1. SAT Quiz on Monday!!!! (Week 1, 2, AND 3 words will be on there!!!!)  STUDY!!!!!
Please note: Fridays are not a time to work on things for another class.  You need to be productive for English class.  Please stay on task.  This is NOT a free day.  This a chance for you to do what you enjoy the most with regards to this class: reading, writing, or vocabulary development.

The more you write the better writer you will become.
The more you read the better reader you will become.
You have to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Week 3, Day 4
Objective: understand cultural background to literary texts, grade level vocabulary, and listening for understanding

  1. Bell Work: fill out this form 
  2. PSAT Information
    1. Mrs. V will be here to talk about the PSAT that you will take on Wednesday, October 16
  3. Remind 101
    1. Text @cd80e to 210-714-1462 to receive Honors English Update and Reminder Texts
  4. Folders in Google Docs
  5. Short Answer Questions over "The Earth on Turtle's Back" (Onondaga), "When Grizzlies Walked Upright" (Modoc), from The Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)  (pg. 20-28)
    1. Make a copy of the document
    2. Open-Book
    3. Work with your group
    4. Due Friday
    5. Turn it in here  
  6. Finish working on Vocabulary and Literary Terms for these three stories (Due Friday!)
  7. Reminders: 
    1. Bring a book to read tomorrow.
    2. Week 3 DRE is due tomorrow.
    3. SAT Quiz on Monday.
    4. Junior Class Officer Forms are due to Ms. Chaplin TODAY.  If you still need Ms. Rollen's signature, go ahead and turn it in to Ms. Chaplin.  

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Week 3, Day 3
Objective: understand cultural background to literary texts, grade level vocabulary, and listening for understanding
  1. Bell Work: 12 years ago today, the worst terrorist attack on the United States took place. September 11th is now considered a National Day of Service.  What are some things that you can do today or plan to do today to show your patriotism, to exude service, and/or to honor/remember those who lost their lives 12 years ago?  If you can't think of anything, write about what September 11 means to you.  
    1. Write 50 words.
    2. Underline every 10th word.
    3. Please use 2 SAT words (from any of the 30.)  
  2. Create a copy of this document 
    1. Please put YOUR NAME in front of the title "Vocabulary/Literary Terms."  For example: Chelsea Avalos Vocabulary/Literary Terms
  3. Vocabulary for Stories (Due Friday)
    1. Look up the definition, part of speech, and sentence for each of the words.  They should be in the textbook between pages 20-28.
      1. Ancestors
      2. Depths
      3. Protruded
      4. Unconscious
  4. Literary Terms (Due Friday)
    1. On the second tab of the document, type the word, definition, and an example of the literary terms found on page 18.  
      1. Origin Myths
      2. Themes
      3. Archetypes
  5. If time permits, listen to  "The Earth on Turtle's Back" (Onondaga), "When Grizzlies Walked Upright" (Modoc), from The Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)  (pg. 20-28)

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Week 3, Day 2
Objective: Unit 1 Introduction: how culture effects literature, writing in a timed situation; emphasize the difference between formal and informal writing and language.
  1. Bell Work: Write down these three essential questions: 1) What is the relationship between literature and place?  2) How does literature shape or reflect society?  3) What makes American literature American?
    1. Within your group, answer these questions.  We will discuss as a class.
    2. Write 50 words.
    3. Underline every 10th word.
    4. Please use 2 SAT words.  
  2. Discuss 3 Essential Questions
  3. Timed Writing Assignment
    1. Writing Assignment (You'll need 3 separate sheets of notebook paper...use PEN!!!!)
      1. Scenario: You are invited to a party over the long weekend.  Your parents told you that you could not go because they knew there would be drinking at this party.  You choose to lie to them about spending the night with a friend and go to the party anyway.  Just as you are about to leave, the party gets busted and you go to jail.  (Wait for directions here...)
        1. 12 minutes--Letter to the judge
        2. 3 minutes--Text message to a friend explaining the situation
        3. 8 minutes--Letter to your parents

Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday, September 9, 2013

Week 3, Day 1
Objective: Assessment over SAT words for Week 3.  Research and collaborative learning.

  1. Bell Work: How did the summer reading change the way you think about motivation and "outliers?" Which quiz did you find to be more difficult? Why?
    1. Remember...50 words!
    2. At least 2 SAT words (from Week 2)
    3. Underline every 10th word.  Please and thank you!
  2. Week 2 SAT Quiz
  3. Week 3 DRE
  4. Create an account on Quizlet.com
    1. Join Avalos English III.
    2. I will approve you joining.
    3. Put your username/password on your document.
  5. Create an account on StudyStack.com
    1. Put your username/password on your document.
  6. Week 3 SAT Words (will be on Quizlet and Study Stack by the end of the day)
    1. Abscond
    2. Bombastic
    3. Capricious
    4. Desiccate
    5. Elegy
    6. Fawn
    7. Garrulous
    8. Naive
    9. Paragon
    10. Venerate
  7. Work in your group and begin discussion/researching for your "Perfect School" project.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Friday, September 6, 2013

Week 2, Day 5
Objective: SWBAT write in a voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose, use technology for aspects of writing, vocabulary development, establish and adjust purpose for reading such as to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems, read silently with comprehension, read to be entertained, to appreciate a writer's craft, to be informed, to take action, and to discover models to use in his/her own writing

  1. Bell Work: Free Write...Write about anything that you want to write about.  (At least 40 words, underlining every 10th word, and include at least 2 of the current week's SAT words.)
  2. Grade DRE
  3. American Lit. Videos
  4. Free Read (preferably not a textbook or magazine)
  5. Free Rice (make sure you are signed in and in my group)
    1. If you can't get into my group (haven't received the confirmation email) it is okay, I'm still working to resolve the issue.
    2. Sorry!!!!
    3. You can still play to gain knowledge and help others!!!! 
  6. Free Write (maybe you like to write...you may do so, write a novel, a diary entry, song lyrics, a poem, whatever you are inspired to write.)
  7. Study for your SAT Week #2 Quiz on Monday (see the links at the top of this blog for Quizlet and Study Stack links)
  8. Reminders: 
    1. SAT Quiz on Monday!!!! (Week 1 and 2 words will be on there!!!!)  STUDY!!!!!
Please note: Fridays are not a time to work on things for another class.  You need to be productive for English class.  Please stay on task.  This is NOT a free day.  This a chance for you to do what you enjoy the most with regards to this class: reading, writing, or vocabulary development.

The more you write the better writer you will become.
The more you read the better reader you will become.
You have to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Week 2, Day 4
Objective: Summer Reading Quiz (Part 2)
  1. Bell Work: Communication plays a big part in life.  When someone has the option of speaking or writing, when does he or she choose the latter?  In complete sentences, write the circumstances or situations in which writing is preferable to speaking and why.  Write at least 40 words.  Use at least two of the 20 SAT words.  
  2. Perfect School Group Project
  3. Perfect School Group Project Rubric
  4. Summer Reading Quiz (Part 2): Drive by Dan Pink
    1. The form will close at 4:00pm.
    2. You may use your book, if you have it with you.  If you do not have it with you, I'm sorry.  I do not have enough copies for everyone.  
  5. Reminders: 
    1. DRE (both sides) is due tomorrow.
    2. SAT Quiz on Monday
  6. If time, we will watch two American Literature videos.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Week 2, Day 3
Objective: Introduce American Literature
  1. Bell Work: None
  2. Week 2 SAT words
  3. Get Out of Jail Free Cards
  4. Part I of Summer Reading Assignment Quiz

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Week 2, Day 2
Objective: Introduce American Literature

  1. Bell Work: Write down everything that you know about American Literature.
  2. Discuss Bell Work
  3. SAT Quiz #1
  4. DREs
  5. View as a class:
    1. YouTube Video 1
    2. YouTube Video 2
  6. Discuss Videos
  7. Plans for the rest of the week...
    1. Drive and Outliers test tomorrow.
    2. Group Project
    3. SAT Week 2 words will be up by the end of today.