Jennifer Holzhausen's Homework Blog

November 30, 2010 (Blue)

B1 - I passed back final drafts of the research paper.  We walked through every part of the rubric, and I spent a good 30 minutes discussing how the papers were graded and why students may have missed points in various areas.  They were given quite a bit of time at this point to look through the pages of the paper to see my comments and notations.  I told them to come see me if they wanted to talk about their score one-on-one, and I offered to make copies for anyone who needs or wants a copy to keep.  The papers were then filed in the blue benchmark folders in my classroom.  We will keep them until they are no longer needed to assess students' strengths and weaknesses in writing. 

B1/B2 - Journal/Discussion:  If you were ever forced to choose between your potential spouse and your family, which would you choose?  In B2, I had them group up and create a scenario related to the journal prompt for today for them to act out in a series of skits.  Next, we were then able to review the Dionysian Theater, Antigone's Family Tree, and discuss the plot of the play up until this point.  In class, we read and discussed together Scene 3 and Ode 3 (pages 988-993).  B1 did not finish, so they need to finish for homework.  Assignment:  If you were absent, please complete the journal and read pages 988-993.  Study for the SAT Vocab. Test for Unit #3 for next time.  Be sure to review Units 1 and 2 for the Blast From the Past!!

B4 - Rough Drafts of the Trend Analysis paper were DUE today.  I collected those, then I discussed the Trend Presentations (i.e. Final Exam) and took everyone to the computer lab to start working on their Powerpoint presentations.  Today was "loose" due to the fact that students have been going nonstop all semester for this class.  We took a breather today for the majority of the period.  Assignment:  You will get your Trend Analysis paper back from me as soon as possible.  When you get it back, you will have approximately one week to complete the final draft.  Be looking for me to show up at odd times throughout the day over the course of the next few days to hand-deliver your paper to you.  Start working on your portion of the Final Presentation.  Read the handout that was given to you!  These expectations FULLY APPLY!  We will probably draw for time slots on Thursday so that you can better plan and prepare for your group's presentation ahead of time.

November 29, 2010 (Gold)

G1 - Journal/Discussion:  If you were ever forced to choose between your potential spouse and your family, which would you choose?  We were all a little sluggish and lethargic from the break this past weekend, so I had them group up and create a scenario related to the journal prompt for today for them to act out in a series of skits.  This helped wake everyone up, and we were then able to review the Dionysian Theater, Antigone's Family Tree, and discuss the plot of the play up until this point.  In class, we were then able to read and discuss together all of Scene 3 and Ode 3 (pages 988-993).  Assignment:  If you were absent, please complete the journal and read pages 988-993.  Study for the SAT Vocab. Test for Unit #3 for next time.  Be sure to review Units 1 and 2 for the Blast From the Past!!

G3 - Daily Oral Grammar exercises #11, 12, 13, 14.  I collected D.O.G. sheets today for a participation grade.  After Daily Oral Grammar, we started talking about the Response to Literature Essay.  Mrs. Stoeffler will be helping me for this essay unit.  Our goal is to try to help students more one-on-one to ensure their success on this paper.  Students were given four options for the essay prompt.  We then discussed each one, and students shared possible topics for each of the four options.  They then completed a pre-writing worksheet to explore each of the four options.  This gave them the opportunity to look at each option closely and decide for themselves which of the essay options would work best for them.  I collected these worksheets (for safe keeping).  After lunch, students were given time to work with a partner to study for the test.  I gave students a half sheet with the question numbers to study from the study guide.  In addition to these questions, students will see 15 questions over the notes from this unit.  Assignment:  Study for the Test over Night for Wednesday.     

G4 - After attendance, I took students immediately to the computer lab to work on their trend papers.  While there, I went around and checked the draftwork that was to be completed for today.  I needed to see the entire rough draft completed at this point, including Works Cited and Works Consulted.  Students were asked to have at least 5 people peer-edit their papers for them today.   Assignment:  Continue working on your rough draft.  The rough draft is due for my comments on Wednesday.  You must include Works Cited and Works Consulted or I will not take it!

November 24, 2010 (Blue)

B1/B2 - SAT Vocab. Test over Unit #2.  After the test, students wrote/discussed a short journal about Black Friday.  I then distributed SAT Vocab. Unit #3.  The test over Unit #3 will be next Thursday (Dec. 2).  In B1, we were able to read and discuss Antigone Scene 1 and started Ode 1.  We got to page 979 before the end of the block.  Assignment:  Start studying for Vocab. Unit #3.  Finish reading Ode 1, Scene 2 and Ode 2 for next time (pages 979-987).  If you were absent, please read pages 974-987 before you come back to class.  Use the online textbook if you need to - that's what it's for! :)  Have a great Thanksgiving Break!!

B4 -  After attendance, I took students immediately to the computer lab to work on their papers.  While there, I went around and checked the draftwork that was to be completed for today.  I needed to see four body sections, the intro, and Works Cited and Works Consulted.  Assignment:  Continue working on your rough draft.  The rough draft is due for my comments on Tuesday.  You must include Works Cited and Works Consulted!

November 23, 2010 (Gold)

G1 - SAT Vocab. Test over Unit #2.  After the test, we went over the Benchmark Letter Assignment and went through the blue assessment folders to prepare them for second semester.  (If you were absent, please ask to see your Benchmark and folder when you return to school.)  I then distributed SAT Vocab. Unit #3.  The test over Unit #3 will be next Wednesday (Dec. 1).  In class, we were able to read and discuss Antigone Scene 1, Ode 1, and started Scene 2.  We got to page 986 before the end of the block.  Assignment:  Start studying for Vocab. Unit #3.  Finish reading Scene 2 and read Ode 2 for next time (pages 986-987).  If you were absent, please read pages 974-987 before you come back to class.  Use the online textbook if you need to - that's what it's for! :)  Have a great Thanksgiving Break!!

G3 - Study Guide for pages 85-115 DUE.  I passed back some graded work, then we went over the Study Guide answers for today.  Students completed three daily oral grammar exercises today, (#8, 9, 10), and we began to review for the test.  Students each chose two study guide questions to possibly include on the test.  I told them how many questions I would develop from the notes and asked them to gather their notes and study guides to start studying for the test.  We will review in class on Monday, and the test over Night will be on Wednesday.  Assignment:  Catch up on the reading if you are behind.  Finish the novel.  Start studying for the test.

G4 - After attendance, I took students immediately to the computer lab to work on their papers.  While there, I went around and checked the draftwork that was to be completed for today.  I needed to see an effort toward the introduction and two body sections.  Assignment:  Continue working on your rough draft.  I need to see the whole rough draft for peer-editing on Monday after Break. 

November 22, 2010 (Blue)

B1/B2 - In B1, we were behind.  We started by going through the notes over Aristotle's Tragedy and the Tragic Hero.  We discussed the many characteristics of a Tragic Hero, then transitioned into the agenda for today.  In B2, I passed back and discussed the re-write of the Benchmark Letter Assignment.  I gave students an opportunity to look at their scores and ask questions, then we transitioned into the rest of the agenda for the day.  Journal/Discussion: Refer to the "Key Idea" and "Discussion" on page 966 regarding loyalty.  After this discussion, I had students read the overview of the play on page 967.  Students were given notes over Antigone's Family Tree, and we supplemented the Tree with some additional notes along the way.  Next, we went over the Cast of Characters on page 968.  After a pretty thorough discussion of "Who's Who," we began reading the play.  In class, we read and discussed the Prologue and Parodos (pages 968-973).  We had about ten-fifteen minutes at the end of the period for students to begin quizzing each other over SAT Vocab. Lists 1-2.  Assignment:  Study for the Vocabulary Test for Unit #2.  You should know both the definitions and mnemonic devices (stories).  Be sure to be prepared for the Blast From The Past.  You will see 5 words from Unit #1.  You will need to know the definitions of those words as well. 

B4 - After attendance, I took students immediately to the computer lab to work on their papers.  While there, I went around and checked the draftwork that was to be completed for today.  I needed to see an effort toward the introduction and two body sections.  Assignment:  Continue working on your rough draft.  I need to see at least two more body sections and the Works Cited and Works Consulted pages on Wednesday.  I will give you Thanksgiving Break to get the rest done, but you must turn them in to me for my comments on Tuesday after the break.  Gold 4 will stay on schedule... these changes will not impact that class. 

November 19, 2010 (Gold)

G1 - Journal/Discussion: Refer to the "Key Idea" and "Discussion" on page 966 regarding loyalty.  After this discussion, I had students read the overview of the play on page 967.  Students were given notes over Antigone's Family Tree, and we supplemented the Tree with some additional notes along the way.  Next, we went over the Cast of Characters on page 968.  After a pretty thorough discussion of "Who's Who," we began reading the play.  In class, we read and discussed the Prologue and Parodos (pages 968-973).  We had about ten minutes at the end of the period for students to begin quizzing each other over SAT Vocab. Lists 1-2.  Assignment:  Study for the Vocabulary Test for Unit #2.  You should know both the definitions and mnemonic devices (stories).  Be sure to be prepared for the Blast From The Past.  You will see 5 words from Unit #1.  You will need to know the definitions of those words as well. 

G3 - At the beginning of the block, students were given a few minutes to quiz each other for the quiz over pages 66-84.  Study Guides for these pages were DUE immediately before taking the quiz.  Quiz: pages 66-84.  After the quiz, we went over the answers to the Study Guide, then students completed the last journal activity for Night.  They gave up their last items today and wrote a paragraph about that item.  After lunch, we began reading pages 85-115 together.  Assignment:  Finish reading pages 85-115.  Complete the study guide for this last portion of the novel.  If you are behind on the readings, please try to get caught up over the weekend.

G4 - SSR.  Second half of the Comparative Analysis papers were DUE today.  All of the outlines were DUE today for a check (electronic copies only for now).  At the beginning of the block, after collecting Comparative Analysis papers from half of the students, I went through the Plagiarism lecture, gave students a handout for using quotations, and shared several examples on the overhead of the Introduction, Background and History, and Proof sections for the paper.  We read through and discussed these examples.  Once we were able to get through this information, we went to the Computer lab for the remainder of the block.  Students showed me their outlines and began working on their papers.  Assignment:  Draft out the Introduction and two body sections of the paper.  You choose which two sections you want to start with for this particular draft.  Start with the sections you feel the strongest about at this point... use your Writing Plan to help you decide, if needed, and use the outline as a starting point for building each section.  These will be checked and peer-edited in class on Tuesday.  An electronic copy would be great.  Make sure it is available, though!!

November 18, 2010 (Blue)

B1/B2 - Journal and Discussion:  What characteristics or qualities do you feel you possess which make you a potential "hero"?  Today, in both classes, we finished up the notes on Greek Theater, then, in B2, we were able to go on to also discuss Aristotle's ideas about Tragedy and the Tragic Hero.  Assignment:  Study for the SAT vocab. test over Unit #2 for next week.  Be sure to study the words and definitions from Unit #1 as well... you will have 5 of them come back as a "blast from the past".

B4 - Outlines were DUE today for a check (electronic copies only for now).  At the beginning of the block, I went through the Plagiarism lecture, gave students a handout for using quotations, and shared several examples on the overhead of the Introduction, Background and History, and Proof sections for the paper.  We read through and discussed these examples.  Once we were able to get through this information, we went to the Computer lab for the remainder of the block.  Students showed me their outlines and began working on their papers.  Assignment:  Draft out the Introduction and two body sections of the paper.  You choose which two sections you want to start with for this particular draft.  Start with the sections you feel the strongest about at this point... use your Writing Plan to help you decide, if needed, and use the outline as a starting point for building each section.  These will be checked and peer-edited in class on Monday.  An electronic copy would be great.  Make sure it is available, though!!

November 17, 2010 (Gold)

G1 - Journal and Discussion:  What characteristics or qualities do you feel you possess which make you a potential "hero"?  Today, we finished up the notes on Greek Theater, then we went on to discuss Aristotle's ideas about Tragedy and the Tragic Hero.  Assignment:  Study for the SAT vocab. test over Unit #2 for next week.  Be sure to study the words and definitions from Unit #1 as well... you will have 5 of them come back as a "blast from the past".

G3 - Study Guides for pages 47-65 DUE.  Students completed a short journal activity today.  They were asked to give up and comment on one more item from their lists.  After the journal activity, we went over the Study Guide and the Quiz from last time.  After lunch, we began reading pages 66-84 together in class.  Assignment:  Finish reading pages 66-84 and be ready for a short quiz over this material next time.

G4 - Collected the first half of the final drafts of the Comparative Analysis paper and ALL Writing Plans today.  Students worked in the computer lab for the rest of the block.  Assignment:  Outlines are due for peer-editing and a check on Friday.  You don't have to print the outline, but it should be typed.   Just be sure you have it available electronically at the beginning of the block.  I'll check these when we get to the lab.

November 16, 2010 (Blue)

B1/B2 - Checked notes and questions over previously assigned pages for a small grade.  Journal and Discussion:  What do you believe about "Fate"?  After this discussion, I went through a good portion of the Powerpoint Lecture over Greek Theater.  Students took quite a few notes today.  If you were absent, you can pick up a copy of the powerpoint handout and take your own notes in order to catch up on what we covered today.  At the end of the block in B2, I gave students new homework calendars and a copy of the SAT vocabulary list for Unit #2.  Assignment:  B1 - Pick up the homework calendar and SAT Vocab. List #2 as soon as possible.  B2 - Start studying SAT Vocab. List #2.  If you were absent, show me your notes over the previously assigned pages and take your own notes over the Powerpoint Lecture we covered today.  Be sure to complete the journal from today, too.

B4 - Collected ALL final drafts of the Comparative Analysis paper and ALL Writing Plans today.  Students worked in the computer lab for the rest of the block.  Assignment:  Outlines are due for peer-editing and a check on Thursday.  You don't have to print the outline, but it should be typed.   Just be sure you have it available electronically at the beginning of the block.  I'll check these when we get to the lab.

November 15, 2010 (Gold)

G1 - Checked notes and questions over previously assigned pages for a small grade.  Journal and Discussion:  What do you believe about "Fate"?  After this discussion, I went through a good portion of the Powerpoint Lecture over Greek Theater.  Students took quite a few notes today.  If you were absent, you can pick up a copy of the powerpoint handout and take your own notes in order to catch up on what we covered today.  At the end of the block, I gave students new homework calendars and a copy of the SAT vocabulary list for Unit #2.  Assignment:  Start studying SAT Vocab. List #2.  If you were absent, show me your notes over the previously assigned pages and take your own notes over the Powerpoint Lecture we covered today.  Be sure to complete the journal from today, too.

G3 - Students were given about 10-12 minutes to quiz each other over the Background Notes and the study guide questions for pages 3-46, then they were given a Quiz.  After the quiz, they completed the next journal activity.  They were asked to give up two more items from their lists today.  After lunch, we began reading pages 47-65 together.  Assignment:  Finish reading pages 47-65 and complete the Study Guide over this portion of the novel.

G4 - Gave students a sample outline, then we went to the Computer Lab to work on their papers for the entire block.  Assignments:  Half of the Comparative Analysis final drafts and all of the Writing Plans are due to me on Wednesday.  Outlines are due on Friday.  Research, research, research!!!!!