Winter Break Update - 12/29/11

Hello to you all!

I hope you are enjoying your break. 
Time away allows us to reflect and appreciate...and I appreciate you!

This is the last update for the 2011 portion of our school year.  If you thought the last few months went by fast - wait until we get back and build momentum - this school year is flying by!

Please make sure you are reading independently and updating your status and progress on goodreads.  I am still "liking" reviews that meet expectations - please see the checklist handout with the example, sample, template.  Make sure your review(s) are authentic and worthwhile.

See you on Tuesday 1/3/12.  We will ease on into our Response to Literature unit.  Get ready!
Tutoring/Office Hours will resume on Tuesday after school.  Please take advantage of the time.

Work is being graded, scored, and updated at a pace that I can handle.
If you have specific questions - please approach me and we will take care of any concerns. 
The semester ends in four weeks - please take care of yourself, your time, and your work ethic/effort to make the strides that are needed.  You grade is earned, not given. 
Be the student I know you can be!

Extra Credit (see previous post and link) is extended to Monday 1/9.  Lucky you!

Here is to a year of success, health, and happiness.  Happy New Year!

Yours Truly,

Samakosky

Week #14 - Update 12/12

Hello Sophomore!

Here is the link to your TAM Jeopardy review game.  Take some time to make sure you understand these ideas and terms.  You will have to think critically come test time - but this is a nice review.



Please use your independent study time on Tuesday to make it work for YOU! We all have different tasks to tackle.  I was very impressed with the partner discussions for the Mind Mirrors activity. I am expecting to see some wonderful work - all of which you may use for Thursday's Test.

Weds - WRG - Be ready. Be prepared.  Also, bring your independent reading book.  You will not get credit if it is not here.  You must declare your choice on Goodread too - under the status: currently reading
Thurs - TAM Test. Work independently if you finish early. Writing or Reading.
Friday - Author's Chair and Holiday Celebration.

Come speak with me if you are concerned at all.
Tutoring Hours are Tues. 12/12 after school.  We will prep for the TAM test.  If you want help with your writing for your WRG or final piece - come get it.

Click here for the extra credit opportunity.  It is due on Friday 1/6.

Be good.

Samakosky

HW for Week #14 - Last week of 2011

Hello Sophomore,

Thanks for checking in.  Please go read the previous post for more details.  This is a quick reminder of what is due next week and what you should be working on.

1) By now you should be signed up on Goodreads.  If not, this is a problem.
Please do your book review by Friday 12/16.  Make sure it follows the template/example/checklist I gave you.  Scan the site for a few other reviews, read each others, do it right!

Also, you MUST have your next reading selection IN CLASS with you on WEDNESDAY otherwise you will not receive credit.  You must also indicate what you are currently reading on Goodreads.

2) WRG will be on Wednesday.  Come prepared with your typed piece and copies for your group members.  Your final piece will be due on Friday.  I am looking to see how you are growing as a writer and how you are choosing to revise your work.  I enjoyed reading your reflections and I will hold you to some of the changes you are focusing on.

3) Author's Chair is on Friday.  Please choose to share your work.  It will be beneficial for you and for your classmates.  Be heard.  Earn some credit.

4) TAM Test is on Thursday.  You will be allowed to use notes and resources.  So please prepare well in advance.  Come prepared with annotations and discussion for the Socratic Seminar on Tuesday. If you need additional help or support please come and speak with me.

Tutoring Hours are on Tuesday after school.  Your concerns are my concerns.  Let's help you out!

We will also do a couple activities in class.  Your participation is key. Please earn your vacation. Work hard.  Let's have a good week, celebrate our learning, our writing, and our classroom community.

Be well.

Samakosky

Be More Than Average - A Quick Update 12/8

Hello Sophomores,

Needless to say, I have been very disappointed with the quality of work that has been done in our class concerning our project related work - both the book projects and the expectations for your WRG.  I appreciate that many of you were listening attentively in class and I know I will see many of you chose to make the right decisions from now on.

Please know that I only expect the best you can give - but many of you are working below your capabilities.  Your grades will begin reflecting this.  Only those who go above and beyond average work will finish this semester with a B or an A.  You must advocate for yourself and you must do your work for YOU.

If you are concerned or feel that I can be more clear or help you in anyway - please do not hesitate to come and speak with me.  I am quick to assist those who advocate for themselves.  This is the same message that you have gotten from me since day one.  My expectations of you, if anything, have increased because I know what you are capable of.  Not coming to class with what is expected is a no-go.  If I suggest it, then you most likely need it. 

Use the upcoming break to reflect and make changes.  We will have five more weeks remaining before the semester ends.  Your efforts will be rewarded accurately.

For Friday 12/9

Do Now -WRG Reflection - You will do this on a separate piece of paper tmrw and it will be your exit slip.  I will also use this to assess your final publishable piece next week.
TAM Q's for Act III are due.  You may write your answers on the handout.
Have your annotations, voter track records, and any notes you took.
We will review the Q's in class
We will prep for our upcoming TAM test next week - Jeopardy Style
Make sure you have signed up for goodreads @ goodreads.com

Next Week:
Character/Juror Mind Mirror Activity - Monday
Socratic Seminar - Test Review - Tuesday (Come prepared....see below)
Goodreads Book sign up/Have your book IN class on Weds.
TAM Test - Wednesday or Thursday (TBD)
WRG - Wednesday or Thursday (TBD)
Author's Chair Friday - Your final publishable piece will be due. Include all rough drafts to show how your piece how improved and the changes you have made.
* Also make sure your review (following the example I gave you) is uploaded to goodreads.

Here are the essential questions that we will discuss in depth on Tuesday for our Socratic. You want to explore these in advance.  Take notes and have evidence with you on Tuesday.


Essential Questions:
1. How does conflict lead to change?
2. What happens when basic human rights are denied to a group of people?
3. How will I stand up for what I value/believe?
4. How do I handle others' points of view?
5. How do I determine when taking social action is appropriate?
6. Does the end ever justify the means?
7. How does one stand up for what is “right” even in the face of opposition?
8. Why did Reginald Rose feel compelled to expose the potential for injustice among the jury?
9. Why did the author choose not to name the jurors?
10. What role does judgment play in the outcome of the story?
11. Why do some people need to be forced to recognize their own vices to treat others fairly?
12. How can the reader determine if justice has been served?


Thanks for checking the website.

Samakosky

Week #13 Update - 12/5-12/9

Hello!

I hope this finds you well.  I am so glad that you are checking in.  Here is the tenative schedule for the week and helpful information for you to know.

WRG resume on Thursday.  You will be with your new group.  I am expecting some awesome writing that is full of style and purpose. You write everyday in class...you have a ton of potential content and possible ideas.  Use your WRG to make your writing the best it can be.  Give and offer feedback! Be the work in progress!  Be the process!  Refer to the WRG expectations you got earlier in the year.  Some copies will be made available in class this week.

Monday
* Book projects are due.  They will be graded with a rubric on the spot and in class.  Your grade will also be based on how you interact with each other and the projects - as well as your small book group talks.  You need to give academic feedback and talk about your books/projects with authority and purpose.
* Please make sure to return all checked out books to the library and/or to the class book nook.
*  You should be leaving class with a few possible selections for your next reading project.

Tuesday
*  Twelve Angry Men (TAM) - Act II
Reading/Discussion/Questions/Movie
*Annotations on your play copy should be done.
Track dialogue, key conversations, evidence, and juror votes
*Act II Q's in your NB - Page 13,14 - due Friday
*Act II Notes/Vocab/Juror Quotes - Pages 8,9 in your NB
*Handout - Act III Q's

Wednesday
Finish TAM - Act III
*Reading/Discussion/Questions/Movie*Prep your NB for Act III Notes and Q's - Pages 10 and 15/16 in your NB- due Friday
Same expectations (see Act II above) for Act III
*Handout for WRG - what are your goals and wants/needs for feedback.  

Thursday
*WRG - Bring your independent writing (typed) - if you can bring multiple copies that would be great!
You will have time discuss/explain/get feedback on WHATEVER you are writing. You may bring a poem, memoir, song lyrics, short story, etc.  This is all choice.  Please be the working writer that you can be.  Feedback and revision is what it is all about.  You WILL be submitting some of your best independent writing at the end of the semester. More to follow on this. Use this time well.

Friday
* TAM - Characterization/Discussion
*Possible Quiz
* Socratic Discussion - Essential Q's of our Unit. See previous post(s) for this list of Essential Q's
* Finish movie
* Author's Chair(if time)

I will be available after school both Monday and Tuesday this week.  Grades are still being imputed (at the time of this post).  If you want to know your current grade for the 12 weeks then please come and speak with me during this time.  Work will be returned by request and once it is all imputed. I appreciate the patience. Thanks kindly to those who continue to advocate for themselves by emailing and communicating with me.  When you do the work and show effort - I am always willing to assist you.

*Drama Unit Test is next week - Day to be determined.
* WRG/ Author's Chair - Thursday 12/15
Get credit for being brave and willing to share your work.
*Extra Credit Opportunity over Winter Break.  I will make reference to this in class, however, come speak with me if you want a heads up or an early start.  It is music related and it rocks!!!
*Winter Break celebration?  Friday 12/16
If your class wants to make it happen....get it together.  We can watch another episode of "Freaks and Geeks"...if that is what you would like to do.

We have TEN more days of class together in 2011.  Please own your voice and purpose in our class.

Samakosky

Week #12 - Thursday Update

Hello to you!

I appreciate you being well behaved while I was out today.  I am hoping the work check tomorrow is indicative of the time you had to get your assignments done.  You had two days...actually you had all week.

Thanks for checking in to our class blog.  I did receive a few emails about the Homework for Act I of
"12 Angry Men".  So...here is some info to assist you.

1)We should all be making annotations on the text - that is why we all have our own copy. 
Yesterday - while we were reading - I was indicating certain comments or evidence that the jurors were discussing that was important.  So yes - have some of your own thoughts about that marked on the play.  This will be helpful when we talk in class because you WILL have plenty to say.

2) Act 1 questions are to be completed.  #1-10.  They must be in complete sentences and answered well.  You will work in small groups tomorrow and you get a chance to discuss them.  Do your best.  If you struggle with a question, that is okay.  Try your best and you can get assistance from your group.

3) Also, the vocabulary should be done.  We did some of it together, in small groups, and independently.  No excuses.  If we know the vocabulary, it will allow us to understand more of the play.  Seems logical to me.

4)  You should also be tracking the jurors on your handout.  Who are they?  What are their characteristics and what dialogue supports that? 

It has been a good week.  A lot of new material - but a great play and awesome class participation.
Stay focused. 

Reminders:
Book Project due Monday.  (If you have a book checked out from me - please return it)
Act II will resume on Tuesday.
WRG will be on Thursday 12/8.  You will have a new group.  Make sure you are prepared with a piece of your own writing that you can question and get feedback.  Use your Do Nows for ideas.  Poems, memoirs, songs, lyrics, short stories.  You will get a handout to help you prepare. Bring your awesome writing writer!
Expect a possible TAM reading quiz soon. (Maybe after Act II)  You might be able to use your questions.
Report cards will be distributed on Friday 12/9.  I am working on grades this weekend.
Tutoring Hours are on Tuesday after school.
Drama Unit test is the week of 12/12.
Winter Break begins at 2:15 on Friday 12/16.

Continue to check the blog and advocate for yourself. 

Samakosky

Week #12 - Welcome Back!

Hello Sophomore!

Here we are - three more weeks together in 2011!  Pretty amazing!  Let's work hard to make sure we are continuing to build our critical reading and writing skills.  Next we will be exploring our Drama Unit.

Independent Reading Projects are due on Monday 12/5.  Gallery Walk and small group discussion will follow.  Please be ready to discuss your book without telling everything.  This is a time for you to reflect and to recommend (or not recommend) selections to classmates.

We will also be back in our WRG's next week.  You will have to bring a piece of your own writing to discuss and to get feedback on.  This is FREE CHOICE.  You may bring poems, songs, memoirs, stories, Do Nows.  The idea is that you are trying to make an existing piece of your writing much better based on stylistic devices and reader connection. 

What will be your NEXT reading selection?  You will need to let me know before Winter Break.  Expect an on-line sign-up.

This is what you can expect this week:

Monday - Do Now - Highlights of T-Giving Break/Your end-of-the-year thoughts...

You will get your copy of "12 Angry Men" - as well as an activity packet.  We will begin to explore ideas and themes we will learn while we read this famous play.

Tuesday -  Activities/Discussion concerning our play.

Wednesday - "12 Angry Men" - Act One - Related Questions due on Friday

Thursday - Independent Reading.  Take the time to read and finish your independent reading related to your project due on Monday.  Use this time well.  If you are done - you may work on any TAM ("12 Angry Men") assignments.

Friday - HW due - TAM Act One Questions

Activities/Discussion for TAM Act One - We will begin Act Two.

All TAM readings will have related video clips to allow all of us to have access to this play.  We will use a variety of different strategies to make sure all of us are involved with the play.  If you are asked to read - the expectation is that you really commit to your part in the play.

Here are the Essential Questions we will be acknowledging each and every day during our Drama Unit:

How does conflict lead to change?

What happens when basic human rights are denied to a group of people?

How will I stand up for what I value/believe?

How do I handle others' points of view?

How do I determine when taking social action is appropriate?

Do the ends ever justify the means?

How does one stand up for what is “right” even in the face of opposition?

Why did Reginald Rose feel compelled to expose the potential for injustice among the jury?

Why did the author choose not to name the jurors? 

What role does judgment play in the outcome of the story? 

Why do some people need to be forced to recognize their own vices to treat others fairly?

How can the reader determine if justice has been served?

This is a seriously fun, but quick unit.  If you miss class - you will miss out on key readings and discussions.

12 Week Grades will close on Tuesday 12/6.  This is ONLY a progress report.

I am still imputing grades from previous assignments - so please be patient.  Come and speak with me on YOUR time if you are worried and we can take care of any concerns that you may have.

Office Hours are on Tuesdays after school.

Here is to a good week.

Work hard!

Samakosky

This Week We Have Off

Hello Sophomore!

Nice job for checking in.  On an index card - on the Monday we get back - write down "Turkey Pot Pie".  Present it to me quietly at the door.  I will award you some extra points for being smart enough to check the site over the break.  ; )
Keep it on the down low.

I hope you are really taking a break and enjoying your family and friends.

Please make sure to read your independent book choice and give yourself enough time to allow your project to be authentic and something worthwhile.  We will be having a Gallery Walk with our finished products on 12/5.

We will begin our Drama unit when we return.  We will be reading the play "Twelve Angry Men".  There will be hard-copies for you to read and annotate- but I will also be providing an online link available through the blog.  You will receive a packet with essential vocabulary, questions, and activities.  You will be interacting with this material the entire duration of the unit - you must have it everyday with you in class.

I am still continuing to mark papers and update grades.  Be patient.  Come and speak with me on your own time if your are concerned.  Tutoring/Office Hours resume on Tuesday 11/29 after school.

Poetry Club continues on Wednesdays at Lunch.  Show up and get some extra points in our class!

Work Hard. Play Hard.  See you on Monday 11/28.

Samakosky

Week #11 - The Info You Want.

Hello Sophomore!

You are one smart cookie for checking in on our blog.  I am thankful to have such awesome people that I get to hang with on a daily basis.  Please know I only want the best for you and that is why the bar is set so high in our class.  Take stock of what you are grateful for - let those that impact your life know how you feel. Rock on!

So - yes.  You will be able to use your notes, templates, and annotations for tomorrow's test.  However, you need to greet me at the door and somehow indicate the password without having other students hear it.  This means that you might want to write it on a small piece of paper or on your hand.  If you are caught telling someone else - you will loose this privilege.  You are cool enough to be on this website right now - so earn your keep yo!  Let others worry about themselves. This is all very complicated...I know.

Password:  NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER
When I ask you what color - you must respond with WHITE
*For those of you who have seen Ace Ventura Pet Detective - you will know what I am talking about.  ; )

The article for tomorrow's test may appear simple at first glance.  Please do not understimate the amount of information.  Carefully read the entire piece - the author's claim/purpose/thesis may not be evident immediately.  Just a heads up.

Friday is our Thanksgiving celebration.  We will watch an episode of the amazing show "Freaks and Geeks".  Check out the amazing characterization and writing.  Many of you will notice some of the actors who are now super famous - they were way young and unknown back then.

Some classes have chosen to do a potluck on Friday.  Please decide if this is something you and your class will be part of.  What a nice opportunity to come together and be thankful for the awesomeness of our writing community.  We are pretty cool.  I am expecting a few of you to step up and share for our AUTHOR'S CHAIR.  Be heard.  It can be your own original work or you can read from a book, share a poem, even some song lyrics...maybe even play that song?  That's nice.

See you tommorow.

Samakosky

Week #11 - Turn It Up To Eleven!

Hello Smart Sophomore!

Here we are - week #11...one week until Thanksgiving Break...and we have so much to be grateful for.  It has been an awesome first few months of the school year - you guys are writing, reading, thinking, discussing, and analyzing at an intensely high level - it is so cool to see you improving every day.

What are you thankful for?  This will be our Do Now question of the week.  Each day we will explore a different aspect of our lives in which we are appreciative of.  Start your list now.  : )

Let's finish our Expository Unit with a bang...not a whimper.  Four days of hard work and a Thankful Friday celebration is our goal.  Stay focused and work hard.  Our culminating unit test will be on Thursday.  Please come to tutoring/office hours on Tuesday if you believe you will need assistance.

Expository tutoring/revision/assistance workshop on Monday after school.  Come see examples and a "cheat sheet" of magic lines that will surely help any aspiring expository writer!  Your optional Expository writing is due by Friday.

Make sure you are reading your independent selection and working on your related project - it is due on Monday 12/5.  You will be sharing in small groups.  Your efforts will be rewarded accordingly. If you habve questions - please come and speak with me.

Monday - Continue w/Startling Finds on the Teenage Brain.  We will view the video footage of Nathaniel Brazill.  We will also read a new article called Many Kids Called Unfit for Adult Trial:  Those Under 15 Often Blind to the Long-Term Results of Their Choices.  We will discuss and annotate this text - we will use this for our Philosophical Discussion on Tuesday.

Tuesday - Philosophical Chairs - Discuss evidence and specific appeals of ethos, pathos, logos regarding articles Startling Finds... and  Many Kids... We will also practice our analysis responses.  Expect HW regarding analysis for either of the already mentioned articles.

Wednesday -  Cyber-Bullying Article - Test Prep for Thursday

Thursday - Assessment.  Read, annotate, analyze an article you have not yet seen.  Your work will indicate your growth as a reader, thinker, and writer during our Expository Unit.

Friday - A Day of Thanks.  We will have a long-over due Author's Chair.  We will also watch an episode of "Freaks and Geeks" - be witness to amazing writing and character development.  We are going to eat cereal and celebrate our writing community as we all head to Thanksgiving Break.  Extra credit for those who choose to share for our Author's Chair.

Work hard and get the help you need to do your best in our class.  All grades will be posted and current by Friday.  Thank you for your patience as it takes a while to assess you as you deserve.  Memoirs and quiz scores by weeks end.

Next up - 12 Angry Men.  We will explore this selection together.  Expect most of our reading to be done in class.  New genre - however we continue to build on our skills and knowledge.

Many Thanks,

Samakosky

Week #10 - Mid-Week Update

Hey Sophomores!

Thanks to all of you that came and got extra assistance today.  It is very easy for me to distinguish who is taking the class seriously and those who are just looking to get by - so please expect your grades to mirror that exactly.

I too have been reflective and note a bit more explanation of certain assignments might be helpful.  I appreciate the feedback and will continue to improve what I can to better assist you.  Please do the same.

Good luck for your Quiz tomorrow.  Here is the vocabulary you will need to know. As well as one specific question.  Please note that you may use your notes (especially those who came to see me today) - but you must say the magic password to me as you enter class tomorrow.  If you enter without telling me - your note use may be in jeopardy.  The magic password is TORNADO.  Am I being serious?  Well - better to be safe than sorry.

See all said info below.  Good luck tomorrow.  You will also receive a new article for you to read and annotate.  There is no built in template - so you will have to really put your skills to use.

Peace on You.

Samakosky

Terms

Ethos                Pathos              Logos                Appeals           Evidence               Anecdotes/Narrative      Examples          Descriptions              Facts                              Statistics                    Quotes from Authorities

One specific Q: What are the 3 reasons according to D and L – why people do not help in crisis situations?

Week #10 - Four Days For Lots of Work.

Hello my brilliant sophomore!

Thanks for doing your part and checking in.  This is a quick update - please check in again tomorrow as I will update with additional information.

For Monday 11/7

Please have your independent reading book.  You must still sign up online if you have not done so.  You should be reading daily and contemplating your project.


We will continue with our expository unit.  We will read an article titled "Why Don't People Help in a Crisis" - we will annotate it for purpose, style, evidence, and appeals.  This is an interesting piece that will provide additional support and strategy so that you are able to navigate the text with confidence and insight.


Expect a quiz on Wednesday.  You must know the various evidence we discussed and the appeals - ethos, pathos, logos.  You will most likely do some analysis as well that I will assess as a quiz grade.  Show me you know what you know.


Hey Alex Stein!  Hey Micah Christina! I got you some rad stuff from the Tony Hawk Foundation event I went to this weekend.  You will be stoked.


Memoirs - you want 'em?  Come ask me on your time.  Which reminds me....tutoring/office hours are this Tuesday - anything you need - come and speak with me.  Concerns, assistance, grade talk, memoir feedback...take advantage folks.


There is no school this Friday (Veterans Day) - don't be average - be excellent!


Samakosky

Week #9 - The Great Sugar PreTest Expository Week!

Hello Writer!

Thanks for doing your part and checking in with our class blog.  How nice is it that you now know what to expect and you can plan accordingly so that you can complete your work and complete it with some authenticity.

This is a week full of different activities.  You will be working independently (homework) with some expository readings.  You will get two different articles this week.  You will read, chunk text, annotate, and analyze.  We will read and discuss in class. There will be plenty of assistance, but you must do your part and read and prepare in advance.  Be a part of the process.

We have to utilize some class time for the Pre-Cahsee exam.  You will want to do your best on this assessment because it is indicative how you may perform on the real test in March.  All sophomores on campus are completing this.  I know you will all pass the Cahsee - however I want you to do your very best.  Bring it!

Dates to know:
Quiz - Types of evidence and appeals - week of 11/7
Expository Final piece - due Weds. 11/16 (There will be time for research, drafting, feedback, WRG's)
Expository Test - Weds. 11/16 - New article, annotating, chunking, analysis. vocabulary

Tutoring/Office Hours - Tuesday Afternoons - 2:15-4 p.m
Get the assistance you need.  Come ask questions.  Get ahead.  Work on your skills.  Revise your work.
Other times for meeting can be arranged.  Please speak with me.

Extra Credit Opportunity - Participate in the 4th Annual Samakosky Halloween Day and Costume Contest!  Dress up and/or bring some chocolate/candy for our community to climb into.  Easy points and a fun time!  I am dressing up like you - a Point Loma Sophomore.  I am stoked to wear my beanie in class.

Here is our tentative schedule.
Monday - Happy Halloween! 4th Annual Samakosky Halloween Day - contest and writing!
The Cavity Activity - We write sweet words while eating sweets.  Bring the fun! (extra credit opp.)

Tuesday/Wednesday - Pre-Cahsee Testing.
***Have your book independent reading book with you both days.  You may also work on any of your own writing - free choice or your expository piece.

Thursday - Return to our Expository unit. (Peta vs. Sea World and another article To Be Determined)
* Analysis Demonstration (per request) for Peta vs. Sea World article.
* HW - Analysis for TBD article - you will receive this article on Tuesday as a HW assignment)

Friday - Writing your own expository/informational text.  (Due 11/16)
* Phrases and words to include - awesome lines we are borrowing from mentor text
* Article Analysis - Author, Audience, Appeals, Evidence - gauge your growth as a writer and reader.

Check the blog frequently.  Have you signed up for your book? Deadline is Monday Night.  Get your credit.  Have your book with you on Tuesday.  Easy points.  Choose to be a reader and a part of the good vibe we have in our class.  Read what you like.  Incorporate your passions into your projects.

Memoirs are still being read and assessed.  There are a lot of them. You will get them back this week.  If you want yours sooner - please let me know. If you want to discuss your writing - please come and speak with me on your time.

Let's have a fun, yet really productive week.  Think critically about it all.  Make the right decisions.
Work hard, play hard!

Samakosky

Week 8 - Getting Your Expository On!

Here we are folks!  Reading and navigating through informational/expository text.

Tuesday HW - Page 2 (right) in your NB. Use the template to summarize/analyze Troubled Tongues.  Use all of the info we discussed in class, your notes, handouts, and annotations.  Please annotate, mark the text for NCAA's Double Standard piece.  We will navigate the text tomorrow.  You will be expected to do a written piece that summarizes and analyzes this text.  Notice a pattern?

We will continue this week to decipher evidence, appeals, and specific diction found in expository pieces.  Expect to experiment with at least 3-5 more more articles.  You will get credit for your work completion, participation, and effort.

Here are a list of essential questions that we are exploring.  Please be a part of this process.  Use the resources, handouts, discussion, annotations, and your classmates to explore your understanding further.

1. What are the features of expository text?  - see the notes you took on 10/25 (pg.1 right in NB)
2. How do writers introduce ideas?
3. How do readers distinguish between the topic and author’s message?
4. Why do writers write expository text (purpose) and what actions or thoughts do they provoke?
5. How do authors organize their ideas in order to get their point across? (introduce / conclude)
6. What types of evidence do author’s use in expository text?
7. What is effective evidence? (observation vs. speculation, anecdotes vs. facts / statistics)
8. Who is the author and how does their background influence the writing? How does the author’s lens influence the writing?
9. Is their a bias present in the article?
10. Who is the target audience and how have they been appealed to? (Ethos / Pathos / Logos)
11. What are effective transitions to connect ideas?
12. What is formal style in writing? How can one effectively voice their opinions academically and still make themselves heard?

If you need extra guidence...please come and speak with me.  Here is the heads up!
You can expect TWO assessments for this unit.
1. Your own expository piece.  Topic/Issue of your choice.  You must clear it with me.  This will be due on Wednesday 11/16.  You will use the mentor texts we are reading to find specific language and diction you can use in your own writing.  You will need to have a minimum of TWO resources.
2.  You will be expected to write a summary/analysis for an article you HAVE NOT seen.  You will be expected to respond without any resources.  The notion is that you will have spent the weeks practicing and implementing the template and other resources. This assessment will be during the week of 11/14.

Other assignments - Book Project.  You will sign up this week.  Remember - there is an honor system in place here.  If you do not like your book choice - no one is forcing you to read it.  Rather pick up another selection.  Choose a related art, music, writing component that compliments your talents.  If you have a unique idea....then clear it with me!  Ownership folks.  Ownership.

I hope this update is helpful.  See you in class.

Samakosky

Week #8 - Welcome to Expository!

Dear Sophomores,

We are venturing into the world of expository text.  Essentially anything you read or view that offers you insight and information IS expository text.  However, being able to critically analyze and differentiate between what is authentic information is easier said than done.  Many industries rely on twisting information to have us believe, trust, or buy into an idea or product.  A lot of information is presented (sometimes not presented) in a way to influence our thinking.  It is OUR job to be able to decipher what an author's message is and the impact intended on the reader.  Audience is of the utmost importance when navigating expository text.  Welcome to our unit.  I know that you will find value in the skills we will work on - as it will impact you immediately in our classroom, but more so in the real world and you interaction with it.

TUTORING will be available this Tuesday at 2:15 pm.  If you think you will need some assistance with this unit, please come and speak with me.  Let's make a plan so that you WILL be successful.

Here is a tentative plan outline for our week.  Please know that you will receive handouts and will be expected to take notes.  Have your NB and planner with you everyday.  I will reward you for being present and ready to engage with the material.

Monday - Expository Diagnostic - You will read an article titled 'Troubled Tongues".  You will be expected to annotate and answer a series of questions that will test your current understanding of terms and skills needed for the unit.  Do your best.  The results will allow us to move at a pace which is fitting for you and your classmates.  Please have your NB and planner with you.  Please bring your independent reading book in case you finish early.

Tuesday - What is expository text?  What are the essential areas of study we will explore.  Please be ready to take notes, to read, and to discuss.

Wednesday - Further expository exploration and in class activities. Exploring text features, chunking of text, and author diction
Possible articles - "Dogs", "Disturbed", "NCAA Double Standards" (TBD)

Thursday - Writing and Reading - Book Project Sign Up
* Many students will be visiting SDSU with Gear Up.  Class time will be used for reading/writing activities
* Have your independent reading book with you

Friday - Continuation of Expository Text.  Begin exploring with ideas and language for your own writing.

Upcoming Days/Events:

Monday 10/31 - 4th Annual Samakosky Halloween Costume Contest.  Extra Credit for those who dress up and those who contribute candy to our SWEET classroom writing activity
Wednesday 11/2 - Poetry Club at lunch
Thursday 11/3 and Friday 11/4 - CAHSEE Practice Test.  Do well on this as it will gauge your success on the real test to be taken in March
Friday 11/4 - Author's Chair - If Time Permits - Free Choice.  Take advantage of YOUR time.
Friday 11/11 - Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL.
Friday 11/18 - Last Day before Thanksgiving Break
Friday 12/2 - Book Projects will be due.  Plan on presenting your art, music, writing, etc..

Please continue to work hard.  Memoirs are being scored.  Please be patient.  Many of you will have the opportunity to revise for a higher score.  Deadline TBD.  All good writing takes time and revision.  If you give the effort - I will reward you.

Please come to class, continue to check the blog, continue to email and communicate.

Here is to a great week!

Samakosky

Week #7 - Memoirs Due on Friday

Hello Sophomores

I apologize for my absence of Monday.  Miss. R lead you in a wonderful lesson about active/passive voice.  You also had a chance to read independently and prep for your own writing.  I am aware of the amount of talking and lack of focus.  I suggest you read the next paragraph about current grades and expectations.

Grades are being finished.  Your test results are impacting your progress grades as I said they would.  It is very clear to see who has worked hard this grading period.  I suggest that many of you get with the expectation of the class.  This is advanced curriculum.  You must work hard to do well.  There is always plenty of assistance and you must advocate for yourself.  Tutoring will be available on Tuesday afternoons beginning 10/25 - immediately after school.  If you must arrange another day or time - please let me know.

This week is dedicated to helping you finalize your publishable Memoir - due on Friday.  No late work will be accepted.  You must meet these requirements:

* Your memoir must be typed, 12 pt font, double spaced.  It must be at least 2 pages.  

* If not, you may submit multiple mini memoirs that are shorter.  

* Really you can submit the writing YOU want to be assessed on - this is your right.  : )

* Your writing should include a handful of the stylistic devices we have learned about and seen other writers use.  You WILL write your own analysis that you will turn in (typed, follow template) with your memoir.

* You must also be aware of the effect they have on your reader.  

* Pay attention to the way your memoir looks on paper.  Syntax, paragraphs, dialogue. 

* Look at all the memoirs we worked with and essentially pick and choose the ideas you like.  

* Try lines on their own?  Try a subtitle?  It is up to you.

You will have time to work on it this week, you will also be able to get feedback from your WRG.  

Tues - Test Review/Feedback - extra credit opp.

           Netbooks, Indep. Writing, Explanation of your analysis needed for your memoir

Weds - WRG - bring typed memoir draft and your analysis. 

Thurs - Writing/Editing

Friday - Memoirs due - Gallary/Author's Chair

* After School Sessions for writing, proofreading, editing, revising will be on both Weds. and Thurs.  Please make time to attend if you need assistance.

*  Bring your book for Independent Reading on Tues/Thurs/

We will begin our Expository unit on Monday 10/24. We will continue to build on our skills using the rhetorical triangle and the stylistic devices that author's purposefully use to convey their message/theme.

Please continue to work hard.  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Samakosky