Blog Archive

Friday, September 23, 2016

MP1 - Week 4

   MONDAY  9-26    B-Day:  Finish Inferencing Skits & Quiz     

     Announcements     

  • Check your Gmail!
  • Are you ready to perform your skit?
  • Be seated, quiet and working before the bell!
______________________________________

     DO Now - Copy      

Add these two new words to Vocabulary List I
 7.  reverie n. (reveries) a daydream.
Like most of her daydreams about Carl, in this reverie, she found herself at the carnival taking selfies and holding hands.

8.   meditation – (meditate, meditating, meditates, meditated) an act of deep thinking or reflection.


    Before Kalvin made the decision to break up with Sherise, he meditated on it deeply for several days.

_______________________________________

     Learning Target(s)     
  • I can explain what inferencing is.
  • I can use inferencing to determine the purpose of a character in a dramatic scene.
_______________________________________

     Mini-Lesson:  Review of Inferencing      
     
  • Inferencing - coming up with a logical conclusion based on 1) Textual evidence (something you see) and 2) You own personal experience.
________________________________________

     Work Time       
  • Finis performing group skits.
  • How will you be graded?
        • A - The audience could easily infer the purpose of the main character of your skit.
        • B - Some of the class could easily infer the purpose of the main character of your skit.
        • C - Only a few people could infer the purpose of the main character.
        • D - Audience could on guess as to the purpose of the main character.
        • F - There was no purpose or the actors did not take their role seriously and laughed throughout the performance.
________________________________________

     Assessment / Homework       
  1. How well was the audience able to draw inferences from your skit?
  2. Quiz on Inferencing if Time.  Click here to take the quiz!



       TUESDAY  9-27    C-Day:  Gallery Walk         

         Announcements     

    • Check your Gmail!
    • Be seated, quiet and working before the bell!
    ________________________________________

         DO Now - Copy         

      Add these two new words to Vocabulary List I
      9.   tedious adj.– (tediously) boring, tiresome because of length, slowness or dullness.
          Every minute she waited for her mother to pick her up after school became more tedious because she had nothing to do.

      10. 
      perverse adj.– (perverted, pervert) turned away from what is right or good.
          Gizelle thought it was a perverted twist of fate that she wound up in an interview with Cara Smithers, the woman she bullied relentlessly in eighth grade. _______________________________________

           Learning Target(s)     
      • I can draw inferences from graphic textual evidence.
      • I can support my inferences with textual evidence from a photo.
      • I can participate in discussions about a text with a partner, small group, and the whole class.
      ________________________________________

           Mini-Lesson:  Gallery "Walk"          
         
      • What is a Gallery walk and how does it work?
          • A gallery walk is a chance for you to view a text.
      • How it works:  You have the chance to view a collections of photos and write down details you notice about each one.
        • Click on and open these two links...
      • Here is the Gallery Walk:  NY Times Photo Gallery
        ________________________________________

             Work Time       
        • Complete Assignment 6.0 in Google Classroom as you do the Gallery Walk.
        • View each photo for 60 seconds.  You teacher will set a timer.  Then...
        • Record what you notice and wonder about on your chart.
        ________________________________________

             Assessment / Homework       
          • Complete Assignment 6.0




             WEDNESDAY   9-28    D-Day:  TREES Part I     

               Announcements     

          • Check your Gmail!
          • Be seated, quiet and working before the bell!

          ________________________________________

               DO Now - Think and Respond in Online Composition Notebook     

          Entry Title:  Vocabulary Inferencing


              Copy these scenarios into your composition book and infer which vocabulary word it reflects most closely.  Write that word on the line provided.


          1. Terry needed to clear her head.  It had been a long day.  She turned down the lights.  Light a scented candle and sat in the middle of her living room floor and reflected on her day.
            _________________
          2. Jerell had been sitting in this desk for almost two hours.  He had finished his exam over an hour ago and now he sat staring at the clock. He couldn't leave for another hour! No phone. No book.  No way to occupy himself.  Just sit there staring into space and hope time would speed up just a little.
            __________________
          3. It all happened so quickly that Ginelle thought that maybe she had imagined what she had just done.  When she saw her cousin Imani's birthday cake and thought of all the bullying she had suffered every day since school started, she couldn't help herself.  It was too late. She looked at the white, purple and red frosting smeared all over her fist and then looked at the giant hole in the cake.  Then she realized the room was silent and everyone had stopped singing.
            __________________

          _______________________________________


               PERIOD 4 Only     



          Take the Quiz on Inferencing:  Click here to take the quiz!

               Learning Target(s)     
          • I can draw inferences from graphic textual evidence.
          • I can support my inferences with textual evidence from a photo.
          • I can participate in discussions about a text with a partner, small group, and the whole class.
          ________________________________________

               Mini-Lesson:  Gallery "Walk"          
             
          • What is a Gallery walk and how does it work?
            • A gallery walk is a chance for you to view a text.
          • How it works:  You have the chance to view a collections of photos and write down details you notice about each one.
            • Click on and open these two links...
          • Here is the Gallery Walk:  NY Times Photo Gallery
            ________________________________________

                 Work Time       
            • Complete Assignment 6.0 in Google Classroom as you do the Gallery Walk.
            • View each photo for 60 seconds.  You teacher will set a timer.  Then...
            • Record what you notice and wonder about on your chart.
            ________________________________________

                 Assessment / Homework       
              • Complete Assignment 6.0




               THURSDAY  9-29    A-Day:  TREES Part I     

                 Announcements     

            • Check your Gmail!
            • Be seated, quiet and working before the bell!
            ________________________________________


                 DO Now - Think and Write           

            Entry Title: Two Words, One Sentence
            • Directions:  Write one sentence with two vocabulary words in it that proves you understand the meaning of both words when read aloud.  underline the words.
            • Example:  The girl lapsed into a sort of reverie as she stared longingly into the bagboy's eyes.
            _______________________________________

                 Learning Target(s)     
            • I know how to structure and fully develop a single paragraph using the TREES method.


            ________________________________________

                 Mini-Lesson:  Review the TREES Essay      
            ________________________________________

                 Work Time       
            • Complete Assignment 7.0 in Google Classroom!

            ________________________________________

                 Assessment / Homework       
              • Complete Assignment 7.0 and Turn In!




               FRIDAY  9-30    B-Day:  DIRT Day     


                 Learning Target(s)     
            • I can write a well developed single paragraph TREES essay.

            ________________________________________

                 Mini-Lesson:  None     
               
            • But if you need to review yesterday's lesson, please see Mr. DeGrandis.
            ________________________________________

                 Work Time       
            • Complete Assignment #8.0 in The Stream and turn it in by the end of the period.

              Done? Do one of the following...

              1. Begin creating your cool, new online flashcards by registering with your School Google Account on http://www.flashcardmachine.com/ 

                BE SURE TO WRITE YOUR LOGIN CODE AND PASSWORD IN YOUR ONLINE PASSBOOK!
              2. Independently Read.
            ________________________________________

                 Assessment / Homework       
              • Turn in Assignment 7.0 before the end of the period!

              ________________________________________


                   If You Finish, Begin DIRT Day...     No Thoughts Required!       


              DIRT Day Expectations

              1. Do the following BEFORE the bell rings…
                1. Open your DIRT Day Assignment in Google Classroom.
                2. Be in your seat reading.
              2. Focus on your reading the entire period.
              3. Do not sub-vocalize during DIRT.
              4. Complete 10 thoughts using the Active Reading Model by the end of the period. Do more for extra credit.




              If You Finish a Book…
              In an email to Mr. DeGrandis, write a review about your book in 3-paragraph essay format.
              Guidelines for the Essay:
              • ¶ 1 - title, author and genre of the novel and your opinion of the book (controlling idea).
              • ¶ 2 - short summary of the book and include at least two text-based examples from the book
                       that support your controlling idea in ¶
              • ¶ 3 - explain why you would or would not recommend this book to a friend and where they might be able to find it or purchase it.

              If You Forgot Your Book…
              • Choose a book from the class library or Mr. DeGrandis will give you one.
              • Be sure to bring your book next week.

              If You Want to Switch Books…
              In an email to Mr. DeGrandis, write an Abandon Book Essay.
              Guidelines:
              • ¶ 1 – title, author and genre of the novel you are abandoning and
                        three reasons you don’t like the book (controlling idea).
              • ¶ 2 through 4 - Develop each reason using text-based details from the book.
              • ¶ 5 - Offer your suggestions for other novels you have read that another student might enjoy.


              Monday, September 19, 2016

              MP1 - Week 3

                 MONDAY  9-19 through Wednesday 9-21    X-Days:  A-C     


              You will be taking the first of three NWEA tests this week.  There will be two more sessions, one in the winter and one in the spring.

              If you finish your NWEA early, consider one of these activities...

              1. Check your Gmail!
              2. Read your independent reading novel or book.
              3. Refresh Your Memory on how to diagram sentences by clicking this link, THEN Practice Diagramming Sentences by clicking this link. (You'll need pencil and paper!)
              4. Learn about the history of Vietnam.
              5. Study your vocabulary words.
              6. Download Classroom Apps...
                1. Google Drive
                2. Google Classroom
                3. Google Docs
                4. Sit With Me (optional)
                5. Remind (optional)
                  1. Period 2:  Text @mrjdegr to 81010
                  2. Period 4:  Text @mrjdegra to 81010
                  3. Period 5AC: Text @mrjdegran to 81010
                  4. Period 5BD: Text @mrjdegrand to 81010
                  5. Period 6:  Text @6c48a2 to 81010 





                 THURSDAY    9-22     D-Day:  Logical Conclusions       

                   Announcements     

              • Get your Chromebook
              • Check your Gmail
              • Start your Do Now
              ________________________________________

                   DO Now - Copy into Composition Notebook    




              Add these words to Vocabulary List I

              •  4.  impulse n. (impulsively) a sudden wish or urge.
                Even though he had the impulse to run and hide, Laron courageously stood strong and faced the bully.

                5.  intuition n. (intuitively, intuit) a sense of knowing; an insight.
                Meagan trusted her intuition about her date and left the restaurant without saying goodbye because she had a feeling something was odd.

                6.  lapse n. (lapsed, lapsing) to sink or slip gradually.
                While waiting to go on stage, Alvin experienced a momentary lapse into stage fright, but he pulled himself out of it and went on with the show.
              _______________________________________

                   Learning Target(s)     
              • I can explain what inferencing is.
              • I can use inferencing to determine the purpose of a character in a dramatic scene.
              ________________________________________

                   Mini-Lesson:  XXX     
                 
              • Watch this video on Inferencing...
              • Inference:  a thought process a reader makes to understand the meaning of text, or even an image; a logical conclusion.

                • When you infer, you pay attention to the details in front of you, and you use other information (from the text, or your background knowledge) to mentally fill in the gaps between the details that are actually said or shown, and what the author expects the reader to understand. 
              ________________________________________

                   Work Time       
              • Watch your teacher model a skit that requires the audience to draw an inference to determine the purpose of a character in a scene.  Then...
              • Divide into groups of 3-4 people.
              • Create a skit that requires the audience to draw an inference about the purpose of a character in your scene.
              • No words allowed!
              • Perform it for the class.
              • You will be graded on how well the audience can identify the purpose of your character.
              ________________________________________

                   Assessment / Homework       
                • Your grade will be determined on how well the audience can use inferencing to determine the purpose of your skits main character.



                   FRIDAY  9-23    A-Day:  DIRT Day         


                DIRT Day Expectations

                1. Do the following BEFORE the bell rings…
                  1. Open your DIRT Day Assignment in Google Classroom.
                  2. Be in your seat reading.
                2. Focus on your reading the entire period.
                3. Do not sub-vocalize during DIRT.
                4. Complete 10 thoughts using the Active Reading Model by the end of the period. Do more for extra credit.



                If You Finish a Book…
                In an email to Mr. DeGrandis, write a review about your book in 3-paragraph essay format.
                Guidelines for the Essay:
                • ¶ 1 - title, author and genre of the novel and your opinion of the book (controlling idea).
                • ¶ 2 - short summary of the book and include at least two text-based examples from the book
                         that support your controlling idea in ¶
                • ¶ 3 - explain why you would or would not recommend this book to a friend and where they might be able to find it or purchase it.

                If You Forgot Your Book…
                • Choose a book from the class library or Mr. DeGrandis will give you one.
                • Be sure to bring your book next week.

                If You Want to Switch Books…
                In an email to Mr. DeGrandis, write an Abandon Book Essay.
                Guidelines:
                • ¶ 1 – title, author and genre of the novel you are abandoning and
                          three reasons you don’t like the book (controlling idea).
                • ¶ 2 through 4 - Develop each reason using text-based details from the book.
                • ¶ 5 - Offer your suggestions for other novels you have read that another student might enjoy.


                Tuesday, September 6, 2016

                MP1 - Weeks 1 & 2


                   WEDNESDAY   9-6    A-Day:  Introductions and Course Criteria     

                     Announcements     

                Go Ahead and Get Started!
                1. Pick your seat.
                2. Grab a large index card, handout & a couple markers from the BLACK Cart.
                ______________________________________

                     DO Now - Create a Name Tent       


                  Fold the index card in half hot dog style (longways) and write your name, period and something you say A LOT on it! Be creative but make sure your name is big and easy to read from a distance!

                  _____________________________________


                       Learning Target(s)     
                  • I know who my teacher is and I can explain how to earn an A+ in this class! 

                  ___________________________________

                       House Keeping        
                  1. Attendance! Who would like to help?
                  2. Seating Chart.
                  3. Your Schedule.
                  4. Course Criteria Sheet and Field Trip Form.
                  5. Medical Form.
                  6. Tardy Policy.
                  7. Food and Beverage Policy.

                  ________________________________________

                       Mini-Lesson:  Introductions All Around      
                     
                  • About me...
                  • About you... 
                  • A classroom tour!
                  • How can you earn an A this year?
                  ________________________________________

                       Work Time       
                  • None

                  ________________________________________

                       Assessment / Homework       
                    • Have your Course Criteria Sheet signed by Monday.
                    • Have your Field Trip Medical Form filled out.
                    • Have all your supplies by Monday for a Supply Check grade.




                       THURSDAY  9-7    B-Day:  Your Paperless Classroom!     

                         Announcements     

                    • Attention Attendance Helpers!  Please remember to take attendance!  Thanks!
                    • Sit in the seat you selected yesterday.
                    • Set up your name tent so your teacher can see it.
                    • Begin the Do Now below.
                    ________________________________________

                         DO Now - Screen Time        

                    On the back of your name tent, write down all of your favorite sites, apps, social media, gaming, and anything else that requires you to look through a screen to access it (cell phone, TV, laptop, notebook, etc...). Be prepared to share one with the class and why it brings you good vibes! Here are some of mine...


                    Evening News, Bill Maher, Netflix (Various Shows), Woot.com, BrainHoney.net, Snapchat, Facebook, The Daily Chive, Twitter, Weather Bug, Daily Horoscope, DI Radio, Facebook, Huffington Post, Google Calendar, Dish Network, Netflicks, Hulu Plus, Apple TV, Wii, Skyward Sword, Fit Brains, Tumblr, Nike Running, Pandora, CVS Pharmacy, EverTube, Instagram, Common Core, Podcasts, Crossfader, MixMiester, Garage band, Acorns, Mindfulness, iTunes, Fandango, What's App, SkyView, M&T Bank, AFCU
                    ________________________________________

                         Learning Target(s)     
                    • I know what a Chromebook is and how to take care of and store it.
                    • I know what Chrome OS is and how to personalize it.
                    • I know how to log into my Chromebook from anywhere!
                    _________________________________

                         House Keeping        
                    1. Attendance! Who can help?
                    2. Did you read and have your Course Criteria Sheet signed?
                    3. Please ask your parents to email me for extra credit.

                    _________________________________

                         Mini-Lesson:  Welcome to Your Paperless Classroom!     
                    ________________________________________

                         Work Time       
                    • Assigning you your very own class Chromebook!
                    • Find two more videos about using a Chromebook or Chrome OS.
                    • Just type in "Tips on Using Chrome OS" and select videos.
                    • Change your wallpaper.
                    • Add your profile picture to your account.
                    • Go to Google Play and download 1 Cool Educational App you think other students would like too.
                    • Arrange your Chromebook Apps.

                    • If you find something really cool, let me know!
                    ________________________________________

                         Assessment / Homework       
                      • Have your Course Criteria Acknowledgement Form signed or just have your parents email me!




                         FRIDAY  9-8    C-Day:  Google Classroom       


                           Announcements     

                      • Are you an Attendance Helper?  Please take attendance now.
                      • Set up your Name Tent so your teacher can see it.
                      • Begin the Do Now below.
                      ________________________________________

                           DO Now - Personalize Your Chromebook     

                      Open your Chromebook and do the following...
                      1. Change your background wallpaper.
                      2. Add your picture to your account profile.
                      3. Arrange your Chromebook Apps.
                      4. Go to Google Play and type the word student in the search box at the top of the page.
                      5. Download one app that you think is interesting.
                      TIP:  If you don't know how to do any of these things then do a search for a How To video and learn how to do it!
                      ________________________________________

                           Learning Target(s)     
                      • I can sign in to Google Classroom, Post a Comment and Turn In a simple assignment. 


                      ________________________________________

                           Mini-Lesson:  Google Classroom Basics       
                      Watch this video:  Google Classroom Basics
                      Type in the code for your period when you click on "Join a Class."


                      Period 1: t9tubdp
                      Period 2: d9fvjo
                      Period 4: d7sqy5
                      Period 5AC: 2w1bjf
                      Period 5BD:  anb98yf
                      Period 6:  gv38mg
                           
                      ________________________________________

                           Work Time       
                      • Click on the Stream tab.
                      • Complete Assignment #10.0 in Google Classroom and click TURN IN by the end of the period.
                      ________________________________________

                           Assessment / Homework       
                        • Complete Assignment 10.0 in the Stream!  Not done? Submit it by 11:59 tonight.










                         WEEK 2   

                         MONDAY  9-12    D-Day:  Setting Up Your Digital Notebook and Passbook       

                           Announcements     

                      • Get out your Course Criteria Sheet to hand in.
                      • Get your Chromebook
                      • Start your Do Now
                      • Tomorrow, Periods 1 & 2 ONLY should report to the Ensemble Theater for a Town Meeting with Mr. Chandler.  Please sit in the center of the theater and fill in all seats.
                      __________________________________

                           DO Now - Post a Response          


                      Go into Google Classroom and post a response to Question 1.0.

                      __________________________________

                           Learning Target(s)     
                      • I can set up my digital Composition Book and my Digital Passbook.

                      __________________________________

                           Mini-Lesson:  Your Digital Composition Book and Digital Passbook     
                         
                      • How to create your Digital Composition Book...
                            • Go to Google Drive
                            • Click New > Folder
                            • Name it *MY COMPOSITION BOOK (Be sure to include the asterisk!)
                      • How to access your Passcode Book (This is where you will record all the websites, IDs and pass codes you will use in English Class.)
                            • Do Assignment 2.0 in Google Classroom.
                      __________________________________

                           Work Time       
                      __________________________________


                           Assessment / Homework       
                        • Show Mr. DeGrandis your Digital Composition Book
                        • Turn in Assignment 2.0




                           TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY    9-13,14    A-Day:  Active Reading Strategy Part I     

                             Announcements     

                        • Check your Gmail everyday!
                        • Periods 1 & 2 will complete this lesson on Wednesday.
                        • Bring in a book to read for independent reading on Friday!
                        • Tomorrow, Periods 4 & 6 ONLY should report to the Ensemble Theater for a Town Meeting with Mr. Chandler.  Please sit in the center of the theater and fill in all seats.
                        _________________________________

                             DO Now - Copy                   

                        Entry Title: Vocabulary List I

                        COPY this entry into a new page in your Digital Composition Book!  Click here for an example of how it might look....



                          1.   brazen adj. – (brazenly) exaggerated fearlessness or boldness
                               Example:  James made several brazen attempts to cross the busy street on his tricycle, but he chickened out every time.
                          2.   deftly adv. – (deft) to move in a quick and skillful manner
                               Example:  The crowd roared with  applause when Alisha finished her deftly executed routine.
                          3.   fetish n. – an abnormal attention or attachment

                               Example:  Jeremy had an abnormal,  childish fetish for sucking his thumb, even though he was fourteen years old.
                          _________________________________

                               Learning Target(s)     
                          I understand how to use the active reading strategy for independent reading.


                          __________________________________

                               Mini-Lesson:  Active Reading: A Metacognitive Thing...     
                             
                          • Start a new page in your Digital Composition Notebook and give it the title above...
                          • Be ready to take some notes on this presentation...
                          • Watch this presentation to understand how to use active reading to improve your reading comprehension.
                          __________________________________

                               Work Time       
                          • Download the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant.  Just click on this link...

                              Image result for download arrow icons
                            1. Once it  opens, click the download icon at the top of the screen. 
                            2. Open the downloaded file and right click on it.
                            3. Select Rotate Clockwise from the menu.
                            4. Good work!  You're ready to go!
                            5. Get ready to practice Active Reading!
                          • Mr. DeGrandis will model how to Actively Read using Assignment 3.0 in Google Classroom.
                          __________________________________

                               Assessment / Homework       
                            1. Work on Assignment 3.0.  You will have until the end of the period Thursday to complete this assignment due to the Town Meeting.
                            2. Bring in your favorite book to read for Friday.  if you don't have one, Mr. DeGrandis will give you a book to read from the class library.  Let's hope you like it! 






                               THURSDAY  9-15    C-Day:  Active Reading Strategy Part II       

                                 Announcements     

                            • Check your Gmail!
                            • Get your Chromebook
                            • Bring in a book to read for independent reading on Friday!
                            • Start your Do Now
                            __________________________________

                                 DO Now - Interactive Website               

                            Go to THIS SITE  and practice identifying sentence fragments until Mr. DeGrandis starts class.  Be sure to click on GET AN EXPLANATION so you learn why you were correct or incorrect.  There are 20 questions.
                            _________________________________

                                 Learning Target(s)     
                            • I know how to complete a DIRT Day assignment.
                            • I know what the expectations are for DIRT Day.

                            ______________________

                                 Mini-Lesson:  DIRT Day?  What the...       
                               
                            • What is DIRT Day?
                            • How do I complete a DIRT Day assignment?
                            • Are their expectations for DIRT Day?
                            • What novels are acceptable?
                            __________________________________

                                 Work Time       
                            • Finish Assignment 3.0 in Google Classroom.

                            __________________________________

                                 Assessment / Homework       
                              • Turn in Assignment 3.0 for a grade by the end of the period done or not.




                                 FRIDAY  9-16    D-Day:  Active Reading & DIRT Day Assessment        

                              Complete Assignment 4.0 in Google Classroom for a Grade and Turn In by the end of the period.