Jennifer Holzhausen's Homework Blog

January 31, 2012 (Blue)

B2 - Passed back graded work, then I collected the four paragraph assignment about "Parents Just Don't Understand."  Students had a few minutes to study, then they took SAT Vocab. Test #7.  I gave them the list for Unit #8 today and told them that the Flashcard Assignment is OPTIONAL for Unit #8.  We are going to try something different this time.  For the Unit #8 test, there will be no mnemonic devices and no Blast From the Past section.  Instead, the words/definitions will count twice, so 2 pts. each.  There are 15 words, so the test will be worth 30 points.  This may encourage some students to try studying a different way to see if they are more effective doing something different this time.  Next, I gave student notes over Audience.  We were able to listen to and discuss "Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T.   Students took notes over Subject, Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience, then I collected their in-class work.  Assignment:  SAT Vocab. Unit #8 Flashcards are due next time.  This is an OPTIONAL assignment, but if you are doing them for the points, be sure to have them in class next time.

B3 - Passed back graded work.  Notes: Audience.  Today, we listened to and discussed "Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T and "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson.  Students took notes over Subject, Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience.  I collected the in-class work today for these two songs.  At the end of the block, I walked them through their homework assignment.  Assignment:  Write three paragraphs about the poem "Oranges," by Gary Soto (handout).  You can choose from any of the different aspects we have been discussing in class.  Use your notes to help you write about three of the following:  Subject and Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience.  Write one solid paragraph for each of the three topics you choose.  I have posted the rubric for this assignment on Moodle.

B4 - Passed back graded work and collected the four paragraph assignment about "Parents Just Don't Understand."  Notes: Audience.  Today, we listened to and discussed "Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T and "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson.  Students took notes over Subject, Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience.  I collected the in-class work today for these two songs.   Assignment:  None.

January 30, 2012 (Gold)

G1 - Notes: Audience.  Today, we listened to and discussed "Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T.  Students took notes over Subject, Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience.  Next, we did the same for "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson.  I collected the in-class work today for these two songs.  On their way out the door, I handed them their homework assignment.  Assignment:  Write three paragraphs about the poem "Oranges," by Gary Soto (handout).  You can choose from any of the different aspects we have been discussing in class.  Use your notes to help you write about three of the following:  Subject and Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience.  Write one solid paragraph for each of the three topics you choose.

G2 - Students had a few minutes to study, then they took SAT Vocab. Test #7.  I gave them the list for Unit #8 today and told them that the Flashcard Assignment is OPTIONAL for Unit #8.  We are going to try something different this time.  For the Unit #8 test, there will be no mnemonic devices and no Blast From the Past section.  Instead, the words/definitions will count twice, so 2 pts. each.  There are 15 words, so the test will be worth 30 points.  This may encourage some students to try studying a different way to see if they are more effective doing something different this time.  Next, I gave student notes over Audience.  We were able to listen to and discuss "Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T.   Students took notes over Subject, Plot, Tone, Theme, Point of View, and Audience, then I collected their in-class work.  Assignment:  SAT Vocab. Unit #8 Flashcards are due next time.  This is an OPTIONAL assignment, but if you are doing them for the points, be sure to have them in class next time.

G3 - Collected Draft #3 of the Summary assignment.  Gave students new calendars for our Critique unit and walked through the details on the next paper.  Explained the double-entry notebook assignment and my expectations for that.  After lunch, groups worked together to create a list of strengths and weaknesses for one of the articles they read in the first unit.  We discussed those to give students a better idea about what is suitable material for writing the critique paper.  Assignment:  Read "We've Got Mail - Always" by Andrew Leonard (p. 163+) and create a double-entry notebook assignment for that article.  At some point, be sure to read the supplementary material for the Critique unit as well (p. 39-42, 63-67, and 73-79). 

January 27, 2012 (Blue)

B2 - Reviewed notes.  Listened to "Mad World" as a class.  Students jotted down their ideas for Subject, Plot, Tone, and Theme, then we discussed it together for quite a while.  Next, I gave notes over Point of View.  We read, took notes, and then discussed "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks.  Closer to the end of the block, we listened to "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.  Assignment:  SAT Vocab. Test #7 next time.  In addition, write four thorough and complete paragraphs about "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.  The first paragraph is about Subject and Plot.  The second is about Tone.  Be sure to use TEXTUAL EVIDENCE to support your five words to describe the tone.  The third paragraph is about at least two possible themes (moral lessons).  The last paragraph should be about the Point of View, or perspective, from which this song is told.  Tell me everything you can about the Speaker in this song.  Keep Will Smith out of it. :)  I will post the song lyrics and a rubric on Moodle.

B3 - Two paragraphs DUE today about "Barbie Girl" by Aqua.  After I collected the paragraphs, we reviewed notes over Theme.  Next, I gave notes over Point of View.  We listened to "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.   Students were asked to take notes over Subject/Plot, Tone, Theme, and Point of View, then we discussed it as a class.  Next, we read "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks.  Again, students took notes, then we discussed it as a class.  I collected the daily work they did for these two pieces.  Assignment:  If you were absent, please make-up the in-class work we did; otherwise, there is no assignment!  Great participation in class today.

B4 - Passed back graded work.   Reviewed notes over Theme.  Next, I gave notes over Point of View.  Next, we read "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks.  Students were expected to take notes over Subject/Plot, Tone, Theme, and Point of View, then we discussed it as a class. Next, we read "Oranges" by Gary Soto.  Again, students took their notes, then we discussed it as a class.   I collected the daily work they did for these two pieces.  Close to the end of the block, we listened to "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.   I gave students paper to use for their assignment.  Assignment:  Complete the worksheet I gave you using "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.  The lyrics can be found on Moodle along with the rubric I will use to grade this assignment.  You can also find a copy of the worksheet there if you need it.  If you were absent, please make-up the in-class work we did as well.

January 26, 2012 (Gold)

G1 - We started by re-listening to "Mad World" by Gary Jules.  I asked students to write two complete paragraphs about this song.  They wrote a paragraph about Tone and a paragraph about Theme.  I collected these.  Notes: Point Of View.  Next, we listened to "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith).  Students were asked to jot down an outline/notes over this song's Subject, Plot, Tone, Themes, and Point of View.   We discussed this one for quite a while, then we read and discussed "We Real Cool," a very short (but meaningful) poem by Gwendolyn Brooks.  Assignment: None today.  You can expect an assignment from me on Monday.  If you were absent today, please make-up the in-class work including the two paragraphs about "Mad World."

G2 - Collected three paragraphs about "Mad World."  Next, we did a warm-up with "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying" by Sting.  Students were asked to jot down an outline/notes over the song's Subject, Plot, Tone, and Themes.  Notes: Point of View.  We discussed the previous song's point of view, then we listened to "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith).  Students were asked to jot down an outline/notes over this song's Subject, Plot, Tone, Themes, and Point of View.   We discussed this one for quite a while, then we read, students took notes, and we discussed "We Real Cool," a very short (but meaningful) poem by Gwendolyn Brooks.  Assignment:  SAT Vocab. Test #7 next time.  If you were absent today, please make-up the in-class work we did.  I will have copies of the poems and lyrics in your absence packet for you to use.  Songs can usually be found on YouTube.

G3 - Checked Draft #2 of the Summary assignment.  Students peer-edited in their groups before lunch.  After lunch, I took them to the computer lab to try to get through the online application and registration procedures for IU.  Assignment:  Revise your summary one more time.  This will be the third draft, and it is the one I will be collecting from you on Monday as the official Rough Draft copy.  I will comment on them and get them back to you as soon as I can.  Please begin reading the supplementary materials in WRAC for the Critique unit.  We will start that unit on Monday. 

January 25, 2012 (Blue)

B2 - Mrs. Northouse was out for Write To Learn software training.  Notes: Theme.  Students played Vocab. Bingo for the majority of the block today.  Assignment:  Vocab. Test over Unit #7 on Tuesday, January 31.

B3 - Notes: Theme.  Students listened to and took notes over "Mad World" by Gary Jules.  Toward the end of the block, we listened to and discussed "Barbie Girl" by Aqua.  Assignment:  Write two paragraphs about "Barbie Girl."  The first paragraph should be about the tone of the piece.  Be sure to pick five descriptors and give evidence or details to support each one.  In the second paragraph, you should explain at least two different themes (moral lessons) to be learned from this song.  On Moodle, I have posted the lyrics and the rubric I will use to grade your paragraphs. 

B4 - Notes: Theme.  Today we listened to "Mad World" by Gary Jules.  We had a really good discussion about this song today.  I collected the students' notes over this song for a participation grade.  Assignment:  No assignment today, but you can definitely expect an assignment from me on Friday.

January 24, 2012 (Gold)

G1/G2 - Passed back and went over Benchmark Writing Assessments.  I had students choose a paragraph to rewrite, fixing errors as they went.  After we discussed the Benchmarks, I collected them and passed back some graded work.  We reviewed Subject and Plot, then I gave new notes on Theme.  We were able to listen to one song: "Mad World" by Gary Jules.  Students were asked to write three paragraphs about the song.  Assignment:  In G2, write the three paragraphs.  I will collect this from you on Thursday.  On my Honors 9 Moodle account, I have posted the lyrics and a link to the video on YouTube.  I also posted a copy of the rubric I will be using to grade your three paragraphs.  Your SAT Vocab. Test for Unit #7 will be Monday, January 30.  I would encourage you to start studying for that... particularly the Blast From the Past section.  In G1, we will continue working on this activity and song in class.  Don't worry about any of this until then.

G3 - Checked summary drafts for the Zimbardo article.  Passed back goals.  Students peer-edited for most of the time we had before lunch.  After lunch, we discussed the article, and I showed several clips from YouTube of footage from the original Zimbardo experiment.  Assignment:  Choose ONE of the three summaries you have written (Asch, Milgram, or Zimbardo) and complete a revision (Draft #2).  If you need to tweak or revise your goals, please make sure you bring that to me next time.

January 23, 2012 (Blue)

B2/B3/B4 - In B2, I collected the two paragraphs about "Oranges".  In all three classes, I returned some graded work, then we went to the computer lab for the Spring Benchmark Writing Assessment.  Assignment: In B2, start studying for SAT Vocab. Test #7.  That Vocab. Test will be Tuesday, January 31.  In B3/B4 - None! :)

January 20, 2012 (Gold)

G1/G2 - Two paragraphs about "Oranges" DUE in G2 today.  Both classes were taken to the computer lab today to take the Spring Benchmark Writing Assessment.  If you were absent, you need to make this up with me by the end of next week.  Assignment: G1 - None! Enjoy your weekend.  G2 - Start studying for the SAT Vocab. Test for Unit #7.  Due to the changes in the calendar this week, that vocab. test will be on Monday, Jan. 30.

G3 - Collected goals.  Checked drafts of the Milgram summary students brought in for today.  Discussed the assignment and watched the rest of the Dateline video from the other day.  Students spent some time peer-editing in their groups, then we watched more original footage via YouTube after lunch.  Assignment:  Read Zimbardo's article and type up a first draft summary. 

January 19, 2012 (Blue) CAREER FAIR B1 and B2 TODAY

B2/B3/B4 - SAT Vocab. Flashcards for Unit #7 DUE in B2 only.  Due to the Career Fair, all of my classes have been a little crazy the last two days.  Students were given time in class to work on other assignments or work on some career planning activities with me.  There is no make-up work.  Assignments:  B2 - Read "Oranges," by Gary Soto, and write two paragraphs about the poem.  The first paragraph is about the Subject and Plot.  The second paragraph is about the Tone of the poem.  This is due on Monday.  B3/B4 - none!  You will ALL take the Benchmark Writing Test on Monday.

January 18, 2012 (Gold) CAREER FAIR TODAY G1 and G2

G1 - Due to the Career Fair, half of the class was out for the whole block today.  The students who were here chose to discuss Career Options.  I gave them a pretty comprehensive career assessment, then we talked about the results and the career options the kids had for many of the career fields they had chosen.  No Assignment and no make-up work for today.

G2 - SAT Vocab. Flashcards for Unit #7 DUE today.  Due to the Career Fair, almost half of the class was out for the whole block.  Those who were here today chose to have an Enrichment Block to work on their assignment for Friday or to complete other work as needed.  Assignment:  From Monday... Read "Oranges," by Gary Soto, and write two paragraphs about the poem.  The first paragraph is about the Subject and Plot.  The second paragraph is about the Tone of the poem.  This is due on Friday before the Benchmark Assessment.

G3 - Checked summarizing sentences for the Asch article.  Groups shared and discussed their interpretations of the assignment, and we discussed the utility of this activity for future summary drafts.  I gave students a copy of my "notes" for writing a Summary as well as a sheet of Guidelines to follow as they begin writing their summaries for next time.  The rest of the block was spent in the lab practicing writing a summary with the Asch article using the sentences they prepared for today.  Assignment:  Read "The Perils of Obedience" by Stanley Milgram (p. 212 - 224) and type up a first draft summary of that article.  Be sure to read the supplementary materials in the textbook to help you.  If you come in empty-handed on Friday, you will receive a ten point penalty on your Draft Work Participation grade for the first 9 weeks.  Please make every effort to come to class prepared with your draft!  If you do not, your group will not be able to provide you with the peer-editing feedback that you will need to take your paper to the next stage.