Twas the Mrs's Birthday

Indeed, it twas...no computer until now. Today, we read from our self-selected texts, reviewed the methodology of the SAT, took a closer look at the type of sentence completion questions, practiced the art of elimination, and we learned some words along the way.

Then, I showed you another "fill in the blank" technique you could use. Class ended, and another SAT sheet was assigned to you. That's it until tomorrow. One marking period down. It's amazing how much you've changed already!

MjB

Boys...Boys...Boys....

We can in no way, shape, or form have another day like today. I'll cut you some slack and say it was an off-day. That's fine. It was an annoying day! Let's end it there.

Today, I TRIED to go over the grammar and usage sheets with you. OK....we did accomplish that. Then, I attempted through a visual demonstration, to help you understand the importance of elimination when taking a standardized test. From there, I attempted to show you how your grades are affected by the ability to limit answer choices. From there, I showed you the typical pattern of answers for SAT questions.

Finally, I showed you how this pattern works exceptionally well with a sentence completion question. Then, we started to look at the rest of the questions on the sheet. That's your homework tonight as well.

MjB

Earlier!

Today, we read our self-selected texts, submitted our papers, completed a writing evaluation, talked about the near future, and then, we began working on usage. Tonight, you are completing the grammar and usage sheets. Sorry... In a hurry... didn't want to forget again.

MjB

Ahhh!!!!! I Forgot....

Then, I remembered. Sorry for the one person who actually uses this. Today, we participated in a peer editing activity. This was followed by instruction on cover pages and formal essay style requirements. Finally, we talked about common mistakes in papers in the hope of correcting them. Time was allotted for further editing, and students were to finish revising tonight before constructing a "final-final copy."

MjB

P.S. Even after I finished this, I realized that BLOGGER was down. Thus, it's not all my fault, but most of it is. :)

Very Productive Day After All

Despite my earlier fears about today just being annoying and wasteful, I felt like it was ridiculously productive. It was good to have a chance to work with you individually. It's something that all teachers crave. I always said that if you gave me each student ten minutes a day one on one, I could accomplish as much as I could in an hour in a full classroom. Hmmmm...

Today, we worked on writing, editing, and preparing the paper for its completion. I held conferences with every student who wanted help, and we returned all the papers for the rest of you during Biology. Otherwise, we read our selected readings, and we completed the reading analysis.

Remember, if you have questions, post them here or send me an e-mail. I'll do the best I can to make certain I answer them. Be patient. If you send the question to the MYACTV address, I'll receive it faster. See you Monday.

MjB

The Joy of a New Essay

If I didn't mention it, I certainly felt the joy and excitement of a new essay to write. Ah yes...there was such a gleam of excitement that you could cut it with a knife. Yes, this is total sarcasm, thanks.

Today, we received the essay topic for the Comparison/Contrast Essay. Next, we went through a series of safety procedures that were required. Next, we demonstrated how to write an opening paragraph, and we practiced writing an opening paragraph. We read these aloud, and I tried to help you correct them. This was followed by instructions on writing closing paragraphs.

Eventually, I made copies of those notes for you, and I delivered them to you in Biology. Well, at least I could see Mrs. Burley's smiling face. Wait...she's always smiling, bless her heart. You should start writing your essay tonight.

MjB

Benchmark Day

After a lesson in manhood, we took Benchmark I. Tomorrow, we will start the first of three major essays this semester. Tonight, you are resting in order to prepare for the onslaught! :)

MjB

Making Progress!!!

Hello...not bad work the past few days...not bad at all. Remember, the modifiers need to go near the word they are modifying. Stop moving them all to the end of the sentence. They dangle there. The HSA quiz today convinced me that we were all systems go. Let's hope that's the case tomorrow.

Today, we read independently. Then, we went over the plethora of sentences that you have written the past two days. The, we took an HSA-style quiz on Sentence Combination. Finally, we examined context clues using the positive, negative, and neutral theory, and we learned how to eliminate answer choices using this method. Tomorrow is Benchmark I. See you then.

MjB

Combination of Sentences

Should it be "Sentence Combination?.". Regardless....that explains the essence of what we did today. We went over the homework. We examined the "rules" of combination. Finally, we practiced some more with a partner for clarity. Tonight, you are completing sentences for homework.

MjB

Very Sleepy

It was a very odd week, and I'm on the verge of falling into a deep sleep. However, I must first complete my promise to you and myself. Responsibilities....sigh....

Today, we completed a reading analysis. Then, we took a "quiz" on symbolism in the stories we read. We watched "Sneetches on the Beaches", and we took a quiz on the meaning of the stars. Next, we examined the symbolism in "The Lie." We also looked at how the characterization of Eli and Dr.Remenzel contributed to the message of the piece. This led to a brief examination of the text again.

Finally, we received handouts on Sentence Combining, which is also your homework for the weekend. Remember....you only need to complete the "easy" form. OK?

MjB

Getting Late

Hey...almost forgot....Busy evening at home. Regardless, today, we completed our independent reading again. Then, I returned your essays, and we tried to address your common problems again. Then, we established the guidelines for tonight's characterization chart. That's the homework. See you tomorrow.

MjB

Every Day is a Monday!!!

Does it feel like that to you too? U2? Anyway, today had the feeling of a quality Monday. As if one is just enough......

Today, we read silently. Then, we completed a quiz on "The Lie" after answering your questions. Next, we tried to find some symbolic meaning in the story based on quotations that were provided. You seemed to be doing well with this. Finally, I tried to share my "Simple Method for Symbolism." Tomorrow, we'll see how that went.

Tonight, you need to make sure you complete the symbolism handout. See you tomorrow.

MjB

It Felt Like a Monday and a Friday

That makes for a horrible combination, to say the least. There's just something frustrating about these random days off. Oh well...I'll try some sleep, which is something I haven't done in a long time.

Today, we completed a peer evaluation on the papers we wrote over the weekend. Then, we learned the difference between being literal versus symbolic. Then, we examined some simple symbolism in some stories. Then, we examined the use of color in "To Build a Fire." Finally, we started reading "The Life" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

That, by the way, is your homework for Wednesday. See you then.

MjB

The PDF Link

Hello,

Today we completed the Advanced Story Map information....finally. Then, I had you take a quiz on "To Build a Fire" in HSA format. You were forced to find quotations in order for me to see where your logic went astray. We also completed another reading analysis. Finally, we began preparing for the writing over the weekend.

Remember, you were to choose ONE of the writings. You should not complete all four. For those who are looking for the PDF link, here it is.

http://pdfcast.org/pdf/to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london

Remember, you will need to click the "download" button to get it in PDF format. Also, when documenting, even if there is no page number, use numbers based on the page breaks. If you have any questions, post them! Take care.

MjB

P.S. J. Harrison

Typing from the IPhone

Thus, please forgive my typos. Today was an interesting day to day the least. We read independently. Then, we discussed "To Build a Fire", which was followed by a quiz on it. Then, we began working on tones, which was beyond funny and educational. It was so funny that I bypassed your homework. Thanks Ryan and Randy!

MjB

Crazy Morning!

Geez....what a weird morning that was ridiculously stressful, and then, I made it to school. Regardless, we managed to be productive. I'm sure you didn't mind. It reduced your homework time. Right?

Regardless, today, we read "To Build a Fire" on page 76? of your textbook. You are to finish reading it tonight. We'll quiz on it tomorrow, and then, we'll write an essay about it this Friday.

Also, today, we had a visit from six Supermen. That's always fun. We applied that to writing, established a rubric, examined your last writing, and finally, we determined how far apart we are in our understanding of excellence.

Finally, we almost finished the Advanced Story Map presentation. We'll definitely finish that tomorrow. That was a busy period, yes?

MjB

P.S. Finish the story!

OH....I so forgot....

Yes...I am sleeping on the job. Sorry. Today, we read for the first 30 minutes. Then, we returned quizzes and test, and we went over them. Finally, I started the presentation on the Advanced Story Map. I did not give you any homework.

MjB

Lots of Assessments...

Yes, this was a busy day. In fact, this was a busy week. However, after glancing at your writings you submitted today, about 2/3 of you really seemed to make some significant changes. The other third is being stubborn or still doesn't get it. We'll see.

Today, we read "The Sniper", and then we took a test on the Story Map as it applied to the story. Then, we completed the reading analysis and continued reading our books. Finally, we completed a peer evaluation for the writings from "HMLDaMN?" Then, two of you actually gave me a sleeper. Thanks Alex!

On Labor Day, do not labor. See you Tuesday for the ADVANCED STORY MAP. Word!

MjB

Busy Days....

Hello again...today, we completed our independent reading, and then, we took a quiz on "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" After that, we began composing, some claimed to have finished, the writing on "HMLDaMN." In case you don't remember the question, here it is.

In-Class Writing Assignment

Clearly, the Bashkirs have a large amount of land that is incredibly valuable. Also, it appears that they are fairly wealthy individuals who enjoy expensive items and gifts. If all this is true, then why would they be willing to make a deal with Pakhom that would allow him to obtain as much land as he wanted?

Remember, that's due tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, we're taking a quiz on the story map. Make certain you know the terms, have your textbook with you, and don't forget to bring your independent reading book. We have a reading analysis to write. See you then....

MjB

Another Day, Another Rant....

Well, hopefully today was a stopping point of sorts for you guys. As I said earlier, sometimes, people say things, and they don't mean them. I'm not one of those individuals. :)

Otherwise, today, we went over the traits and qualities of good writing again. We addressed specific writing problems, and we offered individual instruction. I provided you with a template, of sorts, for being more logical. Finally, we examined "Two Friends" one final time to clarify the information.

Tonight, you are finishing "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" You can expect a quiz, and you can expect a writing tomorrow on the story. I warn ye.....follow me directions and instructions mateys. That's a little pirate talk for you. I don't know why.

MjB