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

Week #6 - Am I The Only One Who Is Concerned?

Dear Sophomores,

I want to thank you for being consciousness enough to check the blog on a regular basis.
Thank you for your wonderful behavior on Tuesday while I attended my meeting. 
Ms. Hicks only had nice things to say about your willingness to listen and cooperate.

With that being said,  I am very worried about the amount of work and analysis that was NOT completed today in your groups.  Most of you did not complete the analysis and all of your work/evidence was ONLY from what we read in class.  You do realize there were four more pages of the story, text, evidence, stylistic device, right?  Did you finish the reading?  Not one group mentioned anything beyond the reading that I "spoon-fed" to you in class.  Bummer.

Also, only some are choosing to participate in your RRG.  I know who is and I know who is not.  This will affect your six week grade for sure.  You have a responsibility to your group.  You must come prepared. This is an advanced class.  This is the expectation.

Only ONE group in all three classes produced analysis that is A worthy and I will show you this tomorrow.  You will also be able to work with your group if time permits to rework your piece.

If you would like to DO THIS ASSIGNMENT ON YOUR OWN for individual credit - I will award you some points accordingly. It is due Thursday. However, as of now everyone (except for one group) will NOT receive credit for today's work as it was incomplete.  If it were the test - it would be unexceptable and I would not even grade it.

We have not talked a ton about grades in the class as we are more focused on our learning, our writing, our understanding, and being the process.  Reality check.  I must close grades Friday.  You must provide me with evidence of your understanding and skills acquired over the last six weeks.  I would be concerned if I were you.  Your test is Friday.  I am not changing the date.  Tons of information, resources, skills, terms,etc have been front-loaded to you to ensure success - if you are willing to work. Once again, am I the only one who is concerned?

I am available for tutoring at your request.  Please come and speak to me. 
Tomorrow there is a work check for completion of the graphic organizer and notes for Always Running. 
I will also hold a study session on Thursday at 2:30 pm. to prep for Friday's test.

If you are a parent reading this, please speak to your student about ownership and doing the homework and classwork reading, writing, and notes that are necessary to be a thriving participant in class and in our professional learning community.

Regards,

Samakosky

Week #6 - You're The Best Around!

Hello Awesome Sophomore!

This is an important week - culminating in our Unit test this Friday.  Next week will be dedicated to writing our final "for publication" pieces.  You should be working on these all the time. 

Monday - We will read, scaffold, annotate, and rhetorically deconstruct Luis Rodriguez's memoir excerpt from Always Running.  This is our mentor text for the week.  Having it read and annotated prior to class will be in your benefit.  Expect a good day with lots of insight.  You should be taking notes.  You will also receive a graphic organizer to assist you.  Be ready to contribute and discuss.

Tuesday - Independent Reading (15 minutes) - Have your book.
RRG group day.  You will have the task of writing analysis for Always Running based on your Monday discussion and you HW to complete the graphic organizer/notes.  Just like last week - you will have time to discuss and navigate the piece as a group.  There should be plenty of conversation and explanation.  Remember - THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE BEING TESTED ON THIS FRIDAY.  Take advantage of the time to work in RRG and do this together. 

Wednesday - Always Running Analysis Discussion and Mini Memoir #4- Due
* Possible time for WRG (TBD)
*You will get the prompt for this on Monday.  You are expected to be writing independently. 

Thursday - Independent Reading - Bring your book
* TEST Review
* Scavenger to find examples of Narrative/Stylistic Devices Activity

Friday - Memoir Unit Test
* Bring your book in case you finish early

* Memoir - published piece(s) due on Friday 10/21
* Poetry Club - Lunchtime Weds. in Room 854 - Come see some insane spoken word by PLHS students!
* Homecoming - Friday/Saturday - Pep Rally on Friday
*PLAN/PSAT Test - Saturday @ PLHS
* Tutoring available upon request.  Come and speak with me on your own time.
* Six week grades close this FRIDAY.

Work hard.  Play hard.

Samakosky

Week #5 Comes To An End

Hello Sophomore,

Thank you for your hard work and focus this week.  For those of us who struggled a bit with our reading this week, we will refocus on Monday with another Memoir.  We will break it down big time with the Rhetorical Triangle, Style and Effect, and proper formatted Analysis.  Exciting stuff!  You MUST know this in depth to do well on the Memoir Unit Test which is happening on FRIDAY 10/14.  Tutoring will be available next week too!

You are writing ALL the time!  Memoir #3 is due tomorrow.  You will work with your WRG to get feedback, you should be analyzing each others work for all clarity, organization, and style.  Give your classmates the same sort of feedback that you would like.  Use the RT, use the sentence/conversation stems that have been given to you.

Your Final Published piece(s) is/are on Friday 10/21.  You have the right to be assessed well and by providing the very best work that you have done over the past few weeks.  You will also provide a reflection and analysis of your own piece.  We will discuss this further.  Please do not leave your writing for the last minute.  Every night you should be reading it, changing it, having other readers navigate it.  Yes you are being assessed - but this is your writing and you must be proud your hard work.  Honor yourself and your own unique voice and style by really doing your best.  I cannot wait to see your final piece(s).

Please check the blog frequently for further updates.  I plan on attaching some links and additional information for next week within the next few days.  Grades close on Friday 10/14.  Your mini-memoirs, group work, and participation, as well as the Unit Test will attribute heavily to you six week progress grade.

Let me know if you need assistance.  I am here to help you .  Keep reading independently and have your book with you always.  You will be given more time to read. Please advocate for yourself.

Samakosky

Week #5

Hello Sophomores!

Our Memoir Unit rolls on as we explore Victor Villasenor's excerpt from Burro Genus.  We will be doing a number of different activities discussing and exploring this piece, its theme, and the stylistic devices used to convey the message. Characterization and Tone are extremely important to identify, as I want you to to begin implementing these features in this weeks mini-memoir assignment.

Monday - Read Burro Genus - use the graphic organizer to help you with rhetoric and stylistic choice
Tuesday - Discussion using a variety of methods: Socratic, Fishbowl, Author Interview, Strip Club
Wednesday - Min-Memoir (In-class write) - Prompt will be given prior to assignment.
Thursday - WRG - Mini Memoir          
Friday - In-class write - We write together using rhetoric, characterization, tone, stylistic devices

* Next reading - Always Running - expect text and graphic organizer later in the week
* Open House on Thursday.  
* Notebook Check on Friday
* We will begin reviewing for our Unit Test which will be next week
* Final Writing Assessment (Analysis/Mini-Memoir) - TBA
* Due dates will be assigned for final Memoir Assessment  TBA
* Six Week Grades close on Friday 10/14
* Next Author's Chair is Friday 10/14
* PLAN test is on Saturday 10/15 - Are you signed up?

Do you need your work proofread?  Do you have any questions?  How can I help you do your best?  Tutoring is always available at your request.  Please come and speak with me.

Have a good week.

Samakosky