Wednesday, March 7th

• We'll begin viewing and discussing the film Meru for the first half of the class period. We'll focus our discussion on how the film portrays obsessive drive and the costs of pursuing something with all your might. 
• For the second half of the class period, you'll have WORK TIME for the following (in the following order by priority):
• Final Essay Final Draft (due tomorrow)
• Course Evaluation
• Extra Credit Opportunity -- Thank You Letter/Note to Night School for Allowing Us to Borrow Their Into the Wild books. 

Tuesday, March 6th

• You'll take the end of quarter vocabulary final exam. As always, you may use only your own notes. 
• After that, you'll have WORK TIME for your final draft of your final essay, which is due in class by Thursday. 
• Ask me about an extra credit opportunity. 

Monday, March 5th

• We'll continue viewing and discussing the film adaptation of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild.
• Then you'll write a paragraph response in your class notebook (which you'll turn back afterwards), focusing on the question of how McCandless is presented in this film -- as a hero with a tragic flaw, a selfish ingrate, an overly romantic wanderer? You'll support your response with examples from the film. 

Friday, March 2nd

• We'll spend the first half of the class period on WORK TIME, which you'll use to work on you final draft of your final essay. (Due Thursday, March 8th)
• You'll also turn in your Writer's Notebooks for a final notebook check. (Due Today)
• Finally, we'll continue viewing and discussing the film adaptation of Into the Wild. 

Thursday, March 1st

Woohoo! Welcome to March. Let the countdown to Spring Break begin...

• Today you'll complete the SAT Writing and Language Post Test. Remember that you must complete this test as part of your final exam in this class. Give it your best effort to earn full completion points. If you raise your score, however, you'll earn ten extra growth points. **Show me your finished test, so we can capture your score once you've completed it.**
• We'll continue viewing and discussing the film adaptation of Into the Wild.

Don't forget to dress up for Dr. Seuss day tomorrow. There are prizes for the best Seuss-inspired outfits! 

Wednesday, February 28th

• Notes: I'll introduce Lesson Eight Vocabulary (Your last list of the quarter!)
• Then we'll FINALLY begin viewing Into the Wild. 

REMINDER: Today is the last day to submit missing work or corrections for this class. 

Tuesday, February 27th

• Reading and Notes: We'll read, discuss, and take notes on Ch. 18 and the Epilogue of Into the Wild.
• Then you'll complete the Lesson Seven Vocabulary Test. 
• Finally, we'll begin viewing the film adaptation of Into the Wild.

Public Service Announcement: The last day to turn in any late work or corrections in this class is Wednesday, February 28th. After that, I will be grading final exams and essays. 

Monday, February 26th

• You'll complete the post-test SAT Reading exam. Remember that you must complete this test as part of your final exam in this class. Remember also that if you improve your score from your pre-test, you'll get ten extra points. Do your best!
• Movie time!!!

Public Service Announcement: The last day to turn in any late work or corrections in this class is Wednesday, February 28th. After that, I will be grading final exams and essays. 

Friday, February 23rd

• Reading and Notes: We'll read and discuss Ch. 17 of Into the Wild.
• SAT Practice: You'll complete two final SAT practice sessions on Khan Academy before taking your post test next week. Try to focus on skills you know you need to improve! Remember to record the name of the practices, your scores, and example Q & As from a question you got incorrectly (if you don't get a perfect score, that is). 
• Depending on time, I'll be doing grade checks with those of you who have missing assignments. 

Public Service Announcement: The last day to turn in any late work or corrections in this class is Wednesday, February 28th. After that, I will be grading final exams and essays. 

Thursday, February 22nd

• Reading and Notes: We'll finish reading and discussing Ch. 16, as it looks like most of us need extra time for that. 
• Then you'll have WORK TIME to finish, print, and turn in your Thoreau argument essay rough draft, which is due in class today. (Your final draft will be due in class on Monday, March 5th.)

Public Service Announcement: The last day to turn in any late work or corrections in this class is Wednesday, February 28th. After that, I will be grading final exams and essays. 

Wednesday, February 21st

• Notes: You'll take notes on Lesson Seven Vocabulary. 
• Read the first half of Chapter 17 (pp. 172-180) and take reading notes. 
• Then you'll have WORK TIME for your paper, which is due in class tomorrow. 

Tuesday, February 20th

• You'll take the Lesson Seven Vocabulary test. 
• Finish reading Ch. 16 (pp. 166-171) and take reading notes. 
• Then you'll have time to work on your Thoreau argument paper, which is due this Thursday, February 22nd.

Friday, February 16th

• Reading/Notes: We'll read and discuss Ch. 16 of Into the Wild: "The Alaska Interior."
• Then you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Log into Khan Academy and complete an SAT practice set. Remember to record the name of the practice, your score, and a question with all possible answers (if you got any questions wrong). (Due Today)
• You'll complete a vocabulary review worksheet to help you begin studying for your vocabulary final exam. (Due Today)
• Work on your Thoreau argument response paper. 
• Turn in your Notebook for Notebook Check #3. (Due Today)

Thursday, February 15th

• I'll ask for signed permission slips to assess whether or not we'll be able to view the films. 
• We'll finish reading, discussing, and annotating Thoreau's "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For." 
• Notes -- I'll introduce the following, and you'll take notes:
• Argumentation: how to defend, challenge, and qualify
• Types of Evidence: world of ideas, textual, experiential, anecdotal 
• Then I'll introduce your next writing assignment for this class, and you'll have WORK TIME to begin: 
• In two pages (MLA formatted), identify a one-sentence argument that Thoreau makes in this chapter. Quote it then explain it thoroughly in your own words. Then, using a balanced body of evidence, defend, challenge, or qualify it. Your rough draft is due on Thursday, February 22nd.

Wednesday, February 14th

• It's new words Wednesday. You'll take notes over Lesson Six Vocabulary. 
• Then we'll work together to continue reading and annotating Thoreau's "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For." 

Tuesday, February 13th

• You'll take the Lesson Five Vocabulary Test. 
• Then you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Individual Work: Log in to Khan Academy and complete an SAT practice set. (Be sure to record the name of the practice set, your overall score, and an example question with answers -- including the correct answer and your answer if you answered incorrectly -- in your notebook to earn points.)
• Group or Individual Work: Then tackle the next two paragraphs (on the post office) of Thoreau's "Where I Lived, And What I Lived For." Annotate them carefully, using your notes on annotations. 
• Discuss as a Group then Write on Your Own: Finally, on the back of your Thoreau packet, write a carefully constructed one paragraph response that addresses the following question -- What would Thoreau's response to modern technology (smart phones, social media, online news, the Internet, etc.) likely be? What evidence in the text supports your answer?

Monday, February 12th

• Notes: You'll take notes on the art of annotation. 
• Reading/Annotating: You'll put those annotation notes to use as we read and discuss "Where I Lived and What I Lived For," an excerpt of the second chapter of Henry David Thoreau's On Walden Pond.
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Continued Annotations
• Missing Work (Reading Quizzes - Permission Slip Check, etc)

Friday, February 9th

• Reading and Notes: We'll read and discuss Ch. 15 "The Stikine Ice Cap" of Into the Wild
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• You'll take the Ch. 11-15 reading quiz. - Due Today
• You'll complete a Lesson Five Vocabulary Review Exercise (4 English words with sentences and one Greek or Latin root with a visual) - Due Monday

Thursday, February 8th

• Reading and Notes: We'll read and discuss Ch. 14 of Into the Wild.
• I'll show you how to access SAT practice on Khan Academy if you don't know yet, and you'll all complete two practice sets and write notes about them in your class notebook. 

Wednesday, February 7th

• Notes: I'll introduce Lesson Five Vocabulary, and you'll take notes and make connections to words you already know. 
• Then we'll view and discuss a news segment about Christopher McCandless that aired in 1997. 
• Finally, you'll write a notebook response to this segment. 

Tuesday, February 6th

• Reading and Notes: We'll begin by reading and discussing Ch. 12-13 of Into the Wild.
• Then you'll take the Lesson Four Vocabulary Test. 
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME during which you must log in to Khan Academy and complete a daily SAT practice section, whether in Reading or Writing and Language -- I'll give you extra credit if you do both. You must take notes on the practice section in your notebook to receive credit.

Monday, February 5th

• Reading and Notes: We'll finish reading and discussing Ch. 11 of Into the Wild. 
• Then you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Vocabulary Review Exercise:  Lesson Four
• Take four English words from list four and write excellent sentences that correctly use the word.
• Take one Greek or Latin root from lesson four and draw one labelled visual.
• Log on to Khan Academy and complete an SAT practice set then show me your finished lesson.
• Turn in your notebook for a NOTEBOOK CHECK before you leave today! :) 

Thursday, February 1st

• Notes: I'll introduce Vocabulary Lesson Four. 
• Reading and Notes: We'll read and discuss Ch. 10 of Into the Wild. 
• Then you'll take the reading quiz over ch. 7-10 of Into the Wild. With any additional time, you may work on your final draft, which is due in class tomorrow -- printed and stapled to your rough draft to show the progress you've made. 

Wednesday, January 31st

• We'll begin with the Lesson Three Vocabulary Test.
• Reading and Notes: You'll read Ch. Nine of Into the Wild: "Davis Gulch." Tomorrow you will have a reading quiz over Ch. 7-10, so make sure your notes are in good shape. 
• With any remaining time, you may work on your paper revision, editing, and formatting. Remember that your final draft is due (stapled to your rough draft) this Friday, 2/2.

Tuesday, January 30th

Happy Tuesday, shiny people. Here are our plans for today:

• Reading and Notes: We'll read, discuss, and take notes on Ch. 8 of Into the Wild. 
• Then we'll go over revision expectations (format, title, editing, revising, etc.) for your papers. 
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Vocabulary Review Exercise: Choose three English words from List Three and write excellent sentences that use them correctly. Write them on a separate sheet of paper because you need to turn this in today.
• Edit and revise your paper. Your final draft is due on Friday, 2/2.

Monday, January 29th

• Notes: We'll go over Lesson Three Vocabulary. (Test Wednesday to get us caught up!)
• Reading and Discussion: Ch. 7 of Into the Wild.
• Finally, we'll go over a practice SAT Writing and Language question, focusing on the skills required to correctly answer the question. 

Friday, January 26th

• You'll begin by taking the reading quiz over chapters 4-6 of Into the Wild.
• Then you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• One page paper response (see yesterday's prompt) typed, printed, due today. 
• Complete any missing work or corrections, including the two Khan Academy lessons on Pronoun Antecedent agreement from this week -- two examples should be written in your notebook. 

Thursday, January 25th

• We'll begin with the Lesson Two Vocabulary Test. Remember that you may use your notes!
• Then we'll begin reading and discussing Ch. 6 of Into the Wild. 
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Finish reading Ch. 6 on your own. 
• Short Paper Response -- Write a 1 page typed paper (double-spaced, size 12, Times New Roman) in which you reflect on this question: Ideas such as economic inequality, authenticity, and romanticism influenced Christopher McCandless to such an extent that he donated all of his money, burned his important documents, and disappeared after graduating college. We know, of course, that his quest ultimately killed him. Can we blame the ideas for ending his life? Can ideas be dangerous? If so, should we avoid learning about them? Give as many relevant examples from your own life and experiences as you can to support your opinions. 

Wednesday, January 24th

• We'll read and discuss Ch. 5 of Into the Wild.
• Then we'll go over #s 1-11 of the SAT Writing and Language practice test you took, focusing on skill development. 
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Khan Academy lessons on pronoun-antecedent agreement. I've assign both the "basic" and "harder" video lessons to you on the website. When you've completed both videos, you'll write your own example sentences (TWO examples in your notebook) to show your understanding. 
• Vocabulary Review Exercise: Lessons 1-2

Tuesday, January 23rd

• Reading and Notes: We'll read and discuss Ch. 4 "Detrital Wash" of Into the Wild. 
• Then we'll go over #s 1-11 of the SAT Writing and Language practice test you took, focusing on skill development. 
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Khan Academy lessons on pronoun-antecedent agreement. I've assign both the "basic" and "harder" video lessons to you on the website. 
• Vocabulary Review Exercise: Lessons 1-2

Monday, January 22nd

• Notes: I'll introduce Lesson Two vocabulary. You'll take notes and make connections to previous knowledge and experience. 
• Khan Academy Score Entry Finishing! Last call for all SAT practice test scores to be entered into Khan Academy TODAY.
• You'll have WORK TIME for the following:
• Lessons 1 & 2 Vocabulary Review Exercise (Due Tomorrow)
• Grade Check-ins and Missing Work Completion

Wednesday, January 17th

Today in class we'll view a Frontline documentary called The Persuaders. As you watch, you'll write observations about how the documentary connects with your own personal experience. Write these connections in your class notebook.

Tuesday, January 16th

**Reminder: If you didn't turn in your Vocabulary Review Exercise for Lesson One last week, it is negatively impacting your grade. Turn it in ASAP!

• You'll take the Lesson One Vocabulary Test.
• Then, you'll have two tasks to complete:
• Log in and enter your SAT practice test answers into Khan Academy, remember NOT to submit the test until all English AND math scores are entered. 
• Read Ch. 2 of Into the Wild and take notes on the key information presented within. 
• While you are working, I'll check in with you one-on-one about your grade and any missing work or corrections you may need to do. 

Friday, January 12th

• We'll begin by going over the passage on conformity that we started last week. We'll re-read the passage, read and discuss each question and possible answer, and score your answer sheets. You'll then turn those back in to me. 
• We'll finish reading and discussing the first chapter of Krakauer's  book: "The Alaska Interior." 
• Then you'll take the first reading quiz over the author's note and chapter one. 
• You'll log back in to Khan Academy and open the SAT Practice Test One, then you'll use your paper answer sheets to carefully enter your answers for both the Reading and the Writing and Language practice tests you took this week. Do not submit the test, as you'll need to enter your other answers in your math classes. Turn your answer sheets back in when you are finished.

Thursday, January 11th

Here are our plans for today:

• We'll begin by checking out Jon Krakauer's bestselling book, Into the Wild. We'll read and discuss Chapter One. You will have open notes reading quizzes throughout our study of this book, so be sure to jot key ideas down in your notes whenever we stop to discuss something from the text. 
• You'll log back in to Khan Academy and open the SAT Practice Test One, then you'll use your paper answer sheet to carefully enter your answers for both the Reading and the Writing and Language practice tests you took this week. Do not submit the test, as you'll need to enter your other answers in your math classes. Turn your answer sheets back in when you are finished.
• Finally, you'll have some WORK TIME for the following:
• Vocabulary review exercise: choose five of the English words on this week's vocabulary list and write a complete sentence that correctly uses the word and demonstrates your best writing ability. Then choose one of the Greek or Latin roots and draw a labeled illustration of it. (Stick figures are acceptable, but feel free to blow me away with your artistic ability.) Due Today.
• One-on-one check-ins with me about any missing work or corrections you need to do. 

Wednesday, January 10th

Here is our plan for today:

• You'll take the SAT Writing and Language practice test. Good news -- it's only 35 minutes. 
• We'll all get on our computers and log in to Khan Academy, where you'll enroll in our online class. You'll confirm that your enrollment went through by checking with me. Then you'll input your test answers from yesterday and today into Practice Test One.
• Finally, you'll have WORK TIME for the following: 
• Vocabulary review exercise: choose five of the English words on this week's vocabulary list and write a complete sentence that correctly uses the word and demonstrates your best writing ability. Then choose one of the Greek or Latin roots and draw a labeled illustration of it. (Stick figures are acceptable, but feel free to blow me away with your artistic ability.) Due Thursday, 1/11

Image source: me.me

Tuesday, January 9th

• You'll begin by taking a released SAT reading test. Don't panic -- just do your best. This is practice, and practice makes perfect. 
• Don't write on the test. Do write on your answer sheet. 
• After you've completed the test, we'll log in to Khan Academy and you'll enroll in my online class, where you'll enter your test answers digitally tomorrow. 
• Finally, we'll de-stress. You've earned it today!

Monday, January 8th

Happy Monday, folks. Here is our plan for today:

• Notes: We will usually introduce new vocabulary words on Wednesdays, but since we're taking the SAT practice test this week, we're going to dig into vocabulary today. I'll introduce Lesson One words and model note-taking strategies for vocabulary study. 
• Reading Focus: We'll read, discuss, and score the "Conformity" excerpt you completed questions over last week. Don't panic -- you'll get participation points for completing it, regardless of your score. The point is practice, thinking, and understanding. 
• Finally, we'll discuss strategies for taking the SAT. 

Friday, January 5th

Happy Friday!

• Turn in your signed course syllabus today or Monday for full points. 
• I'll share the class seating chart. 
• We'll continue our close reading of the song "Society" by Eddie Vedder. 
• Text Study: You'll close read, annotate, and analyze a nonfiction excerpt on conformity. Then you'll complete five text-dependent questions. Finally, we'll score and discuss your responses. 

Thursday, January 4th

Welcome to English Five! Here are our plans for today:

• We'll go over the course syllabus and class expectations, including cell phones and signing in and out for bathroom breaks.
• We'll set up class notebooks and folders and discuss how you'll use them this quarter.
• Finally, we'll begin a close reading lesson using song lyrics.