Finals
Finals began today and will end tomorrow. Come prepared. Tomorrow you will need pencil/pen, paper, and an agenda.
May 21, 2009
May 20, 2009
Final Essay Finally Finished
Students completed their response to Skellig today. After various and numerous discussions in class concerning the nature of Skellig and the theme of the novel, the following question was asked: "What is Skellig and why does it matter to the theme of the novel?"
Tomorrow and Friday, we will be on a 90-minute block schedule. During this time, final exams will be given. Tomorrow will feature periods 1, 3, 5, and a study hall to prepare for Friday's exams. Bookbags are acceptable tomorrow, but no bookbags will be permitted on Friday.
A short study piece was given to students to allow them to prepare for the essay question portion of my final exam.
May 19, 2009
Explacation - Prelude to Response to Literature
Today we explacated a song. The discuusion surrounded the message of the song. This type of thought process will be important tomorrow as students write their response to Skellig.
Bonus points will be awarded tomoprrow to students who can Identify the poem Lennon refers to in the line, "There's a little yellow idol to the north of Katmandu" and explain its inclusion in the song "Nobody Told Me."
Hint for tomorrow: What is Skellig? What is the point of the story? As it relates to theme, what is the significance of the relationship between Michael and Mina?
May 18, 2009
Standards and Skellig
The above title so simple sums up today's activities. The theme moved to the forefront of our thoughts and discussions.
Homework: State the theme of Skellig and provide five textual quotes to support your theme.
May 14, 2009
Picnics, Yearbooks, and Skellig
A most enjoyable and relaxing day! Three periods discussed some key questions surrounding our novel study of Skellig. Some of the ideas were original with rays of brilliance. I was also pleased with the understanding of students regarding the need for textual evidence to support their beliefs and arguements.
The second half of the day was spent enjoying the afternoon and signing yearbooks.
May 13, 2009
Interesting Day
The discussions went as planned in most classes today. We will continue tomorrow. Not all classes will meet tomorrow, so we'll complete their discussions at our next meeting.
No Homework
May 12, 2009
Open Discussion Preparation
Students worked in teams of three to prepare for their roles as leaders for tomorrow's class discussion of selected topics from Skellig. Students will be evaluated on voice and articulation, clear thesis or position statement, knowledge of the book, use of text in supporting their arguements, and professional behavior. Even though the students are in groups, they will be assessed individually.
HOMEWORK: If students were unable to complete their search for textual evidence during class, they need to complete the work tonight.
May 11, 2009
Time to Discuss
Students were placed in groups today and topics were given for discussion. Each will prepare and lead a class discussion on their topic. The students will need to track information and textual quotes from all discussions as the material will prove important for their final exam and essay on the novel.
Don't forget Friday will be our awards program to be held at Hillgrove High School. It starts at 9:45. Following the ceremony, we will return to Lovinggood and students that have turned in early release forms will be excused from school. Then Friday night is the Eighth Grade Dance! On a side note, don't forget that this is the final opportunity to purchase a yearbook for $45 cash. There is a limited number and they will be sold on a first come - first serve basis.
May 08, 2009
Field Trip Friday
Today was a mixed bag. Activities varied from class to class due to the number of students absent because of field trips. That said, while activities varied, the focus remained on Skellig. I noticed some character trends emerge as a result of the character silhouette presentations. We will pursue these further next week as well as more discussion about the theme of the novel.
No homework
May 07, 2009
Skellig Onward
We continue on! Tomorrow we will review characters and plot. Next week we will examine the themes.
No Homework!
