Week #8 - Night and the Nature of Man

Hello Sophomores,

I hope this update finds you well. Please have your copy of "Night" with you each and every day.  Bring your resources (your handouts) for the Unit and do your best to remain present and focused.  The themes and ideas we are discussing are not easy - but you are all more than capable of rising to the challenge!  I believe in you.  Please continue to work hard and advocate for yourself.  Take advantage of all opportunities to learn and to improve your understanding.  I will be stamping a lot of your work this unit to keep you accountable and then collecting it all for a grade at the end of the unit.

Office Hours - Tuesday after school.  Any questions/concerns about class work, assignments, and or grade issues can be discussed at this time. 

Extra Credit - Attend poetry club!  Share your writing!

Due Dates:
Independent Reading and Project - due on Wednesday 3/27.  We will have a Gallery Walk.
FF/WRG: Word Challenge Theme - Thursday 3/28 -

Here is the schedule for this week. 

Monday
* Theme Tracker Expectations - Minimum FOUR quotes w/page number indicated
* Packet Expectations - Your packet WILL NO LONGER BE DUE WEDNESDAY. 
* Work Check - Anticipatory Guide and Copy of "Night"
* FF/WRG - typed, copies, questions, packet (praise, question, wish)
* HW - Read Chapter 2 and complete Theme Tracker. 
             Review Ant. Guide and your opinions/reasons

Tuesday
* Work Check - Ch. 2 Theme Tracker
* Activity - Class Discussion - The Nature of Man (Anticipatory Guide)
* Packet - Read, annotate, discuss The Nature of Man - "The Prince" - Machiavelli
* HW - Finish reading and annotating paragraph #4. Answer Q's #1-6. 
             Expect a discussion Weds.

Wednesday
* Work Check - Machiavelli article annotations and Q's
* Machiavelli discussion
* "Night" - Chapters 1,2 discussion.  Have your theme tracker(s) with you.
    What do we know about the setting/characters? 
    What do we know about Elie?
    What themes are starting to present themselves?

Thursday
* "Night" - Read Chapter 3.  Complete your theme tracker.
* HW - Write any THREE questions that you have about Chapter 3? 

Friday
* Discuss your Chapter 3 questions and your Chapter 3 Theme Tracker quotes with a partner.
* Read Chapter 4.  Complete your theme tracker.  Write any THREE questions you want to discuss.

There is quite a bit to do this week. Your decision to participate and be proactive will surely be to your advantage.  I look forward to hearing your insights and being witness to lots of solid discussion and authentic connections.

Be good.

Samakosky

Week #7 - Ready, Set, CAHSEE!

Hello Sophomores,

Here it is - CAHSEE Week.  We have prepped ourselves well - discussed strategies, and practiced with exercises, activities, and brainstorms.  You are ready for this test.  Please do your best - eat breakfast, take your time, proofread your answers and your writing!  Good luck!

Have your independent reading selection with you everyday this week.  If you finish testing early - then use your time efficiently.  Your reading related project/writing is due the week of 3/25.

Have your ID with you on Thursday - we will be visiting the library to check out the book "Night".  We will be reading this memoir rather quickly - so please be able to get your copy!  You may do this before Thursday if you'd like. If you do - show me you did.

You will always get extra participation credit if you attend Poetry Club on Wednesdays.  There was a tremendous turnout last week - please attend and bring a friend! And if you read - you will be glad indeed.

There are no office hours/tutoring this week.  If you need to meet - please speak with me or email me with your questions or concerns.  Grades will be up to date by Tuesday. 

Monday
* CAHSEE Prep = Practicing intro paragraphs for possible prompts
* Grammar Packet - Spot Check
* Independent Reading

Tuesday/Wednesday
*CAHSEE - Make sure to go to your specified classroom

Thursday - (Happy Birthday Mr.Samakosky!)
* Library Visit - Get your copy of "Night"
* Activity - Intro to Comparative Analysis Unit

Friday
* San Diego's own The Yes Team will visit our classroom for a private Pre-St.Patty's day Jam Session.  The trio will play songs, discuss their writing process, and maybe ask you to lyrically join in! Don't miss this VIP event!
*Extra Credit - Wear Green! Be festive! Earn additional participation points for the week!
*FF/WRG will be moved to Monday 3/18.  Be ready with your draft, copies, and numerous questions.  Follow the protocol and examples that are given in your WRG handout.  You must be completely invested in your FF/WRG in order to receive full credit.

Have a great week.  Do your work and be good to yourself.  Be proactive! Be confident!

Samakosky

Week #6 - CAHSEE Prep

Hello Sophomores!

I hope this note finds you feeling positive and confident.

We are about to close out the first grading period and you will receive progress reports the week of 3/11. These are tentative grades and you can work hard to improve your status if you choose to do so.  Talk with your teachers and advocate for yourself.  Work hard and be authentic.

Please know that your semester grade in our English class will be a culmination of your 6-week grade, your 12-week grade, along with the remaining weeks.  This means that if you receive a C at 6-weeks and an A at 12-weeks, then you will be heading into the closing weeks with a B.  Please come and see me on your own time if this needs further explaining.

This week we will concentrate on strategies and tactics to tackle the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam).  All 10th graders will be taking this test next week, March 12th and 13th.  We will make sure that you feel ready and able to demonstrate your knowledge and know how. Please ask questions and participate.  Participation points are always happening!

Those of you who still need to turn in your typed speech (MLA), Work Cited page, and /or rubric must do so tomorrow - Monday 3/4.  I will not accept it afterwards.
4th period - We will begin each day this week with TWO speeches.  Please be ready to present. 

Monday
Due:  FF/WRG piece w/rough draft (annotated) and one page reflection/analysis on the piece, changes made, and author (your) choices. 10 Minute gallery walk.
* CAHSEE Powepoint (take notes) and in class activities.
* Terms to review - editorial, encyclopedia, diagram, index, appendix, documentary

Tuesday
* CAHSEE activities - WS strand concentration.  This is the section that PL students struggle with the most. 

Weds/Thurs
* CAHSEE activities - Essay Strategy and Writing.

Friday
* CAHSEE activities

We will make sure to mix in some reading and writing time this week.

Be sure to have your independent reading with you every single day.  There will be a random book check sometime this week. You should be reading your selection daily and making narrative connections that you will demonstrate and.or illustrate with your book related project - either a typed critique or the Mind Map activity.  This will be due the week of 3/25. Alternative project ideas must be cleared with me.

The next FF/WRG will be Friday 3/15.  You have two weeks to put together your next piece.  You may write whatever you like - but feel free to use any and all prompts given to you in class.

Tutoring/Office Hours are Tuesday after school.  Advocate for yourself.

Be good.

Samakosky

Week #5 - Presentations, CAHSEE Prep, FF/WRG

      Hello Sophomores!

Thanks very much for checking the blog.  Many of you have done a fantastic job with your class presentations.  Your efforts and hard work are sincerely noted.  We will finish the rest of our speeches and debates this week. Please be ready to present!   If you are not ready, like some have displayed so far, it will affect your grade. See previous posts for additional information or speak with a classmate.  Have your speech (MLA formatted), Work Cited, index cards, and rubric ready to turn in when presenting. 

The CAHSEE is upon us.  You will take the test on March 12th and 13th.  We will be discussing strategies and methods during the next TWO weeks to help you perform your very best on this state mandated exam.  

The FF/WRG is becoming a huge weekly success.  Please continue to push yourselves creatively and encourage your group mates to explore, edit, change, and write!  Keep it real, genuine, and authentic!

Independent Reading is back on!  Bring a selection that is of interest.  There are no excuses.  You will need your book with you on Wednesday.  Easy points.  Come and speak with me on Monday or Tuesday if you need help selecting a book.

       I must say that 3rd Period had an unbelievable few days last week!  Speeches and debates were all quality - and participation, support, focus, and attentiveness were present daily.  FF/WRG were super encouraging and fun.  Thank you and please continue to know that YOU as a collective unified community make it this way. I invite all class periods to follow suit; as it makes our time together useful, soulful, purposeful, fun, and worthwhile.

Tutoring/Office Hours - Tuesdays after school
Are you concerned about grades, missing assignments, etc?  Do you want assistance in preparing for the CAHSEE?  Do you need to use the computers or print an assignment? Please make sure to come and get the help you need.  Your last minute concerns, cannot be my concerns.  I am closing six week grades on Monday 3/4.  Advocate for yourself.

Extra Credit Opportunities:
* Poetry Club on Wednesdays at Lunch
* Author Chair participation - FF/WRG
* Reams of paper
* Boxes of Tissues
* Hand Sanitizer
* Additional independent reading - come and speak with me if this interests you...or maybe you are doing it already and can earn some points for your diligence. 


Monday/Tueday
* We will finish speeches/debates.  We will continue to assess and score our classmates using the rubric.  We can learn as much from watching our peers, as we do from presenting our very own speeches.  Please continue to give constructive commentary and feedback.  This is part of your weekly participation  grade.

Wedneday
* Independent Reading Selection - your book must be present in class.  You must finish your selection by Friday 3/29.  Assignments will be just like last time...either a typed critique or a mind map.  Alternative assignments must be discussed with me.
* CAHSEE Practice Test - 50 Questions.  Do your best because your score will determine how much or how little you will be expected to participate in classroom CAHSEE lecture. The better you do - the more independently you will work.

Thursday
* CAHSEE Practice Test - scores and discussion of answers, reasons, explanations.

Friday
* FF/WRG - Come prepared with copies, questions.  Be willing and ready to talk, discuss, offer feedback, and participate!
* Due on Monday 3/4.  You will turn in up to TWO (ONE minimum) FF/WRG selection(s) of your choice.  You must include your first draft and a revised draft.   You will include a brief reflection/explanation indicating your ambitions with the piece.  You may include any other information you want your reader to know.  This will count towards your six-week grade.

"Not everyone has these opportunities, so we should take advantage of them..." 3rd period student

Be Good.  Be Wise.  Be Well.

Samakosky

Week #4 - Presentations!

Hello Sophomores,

Yes...this long weekend was needed by all.  I hope you got time to relax with friends and family.

This is your week to show everything you have learned in our Argument Unit.  We read speeches, we viewed speakers, we wrote analysis, we studied methods, and we discussed appeals.  We paid close to attention to language, diction, and mood.  Now it is your turn!  Please review the rubric you received for your presentation.  Know the standards and what is expected in order to received a quality grade for your work.  You must bring your best in order be assessed a such.  Please know this and represent yourself accordingly.

Please note that your behavior and attentiveness during others presentations will affect you - be on point please.  This means listen and be respectful. 

Here is the schedule for the week.  Please note due dates. If you are not ready...this will not be acceptable.  You will not get credit for the assignment.  The schedule for presentations will be posted in class on Tuesday.  See below for Debate presentation format.

Tuesday
* Work Day.  This is your last class session to use the computers/print, to tie up research, practice, finish your index cards, plan, etc...please use your time well.  Your efforts (just like last week) will contribute to your participation grade for the week. Make smart decision about how you effectively use your time.

Wednesday/Thursday
* Speeches and Debates
* Have your rubric with you so that you can assess yourself immediately after presenting.

Friday
* Figment Friday
* We will take a break from our presentations for some much needed WRG time.
*  Please be ready with your creative piece.  You must have copies for your WRG.  Please come with specific questions.  Make sure to participate in order to receive full credit.

* We will resume with Speeches/Debates on Monday 2/25.
* Grades are being updated as always.  If you have specific questions - make sure to visit with me during Tutoring/Office Hours - Tuesdays after school.
* Have you cleared your folder and taken your Semester One work?  Please do so immediately.
* You will be assigned your next independent reading selection in early March.  If you are currently reading and would like to receive some credit for doing so - then speak with me this week.
* EC offer is still out there for tissues and hand sanitizer.
* CAHSEE dates are 3/12 and 3/13.  We will be doing some prep work in class beginning the week of 2/25. 

Debate Format - Each side gets 6 minutes.Partner 1 - P1, Partner 2 - P2.  The argument goes back and forth.  You cannot interrupt someone while they are talking.  Your debate must be written out as a speech...intro, claim, cc, rebuttals, conclusion.  You will be told which side you are arguing on the day of your debate.  Be ready for either side. 

FOR                                                       AGAINST
Intro - P1 (1 min)                                  Intro - P1 (1min)
Claim  - P2 (2 min)                               Counterclaim - P2 (2min)
Rebuttal - P1 (2 min)                            Rebuttal - P1 (2 min)
Conclusion - P2 (1 min)                       Conclusion - P2 (1 min)


Be good. Work hard. 

Samakosky

Week #3 - Speeches/Debates Work Week

Hello Sophomores!

This is YOUR week.  You are writing your speeches/debates.  You are gathering all of your evidence to support your argument and claims.  You are making sure to include a variety of methods to appeal to your audience. You are expected to use your class time efficiently.  You are expected to put in the time at home to write, organize, and practice your presentation.  Use your rubric to guide you.  Expectations are high.  See the hints below.

Office Hours/Tutoring - Tuesday after class.  Come and get the assistance you need.
Poetry Club on Wednesdays - Attend and get some extra credit!
No school on Friday 2/15 and Monday 2/18
Speeches/Debates begin on Weds. 2/20
Next FF/WRG - Fri 2/22

Monday
* Author's Chair - celebration of FF/WRG from Friday
* Gallery Walk – Comment on any five pieces. Be inspired to read one of these titles based on your classmates efforts and connections
* Argument Speeches/Debates – writing and research.

·         Sources check on Wednesday (3-4 speech, 6-8 debate)

·         Independent Work - Research! Writing! Research! Writing.  

    Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

*  * Argument Speeches/Debates – writing and research.

·         Sources check on Wednesday (3-4 speech, 6-8 debate)

·         Independent Work - Research! Writing! Research! Writing.  

-     Make sure you are following MLA format.  You will turn in your written speech with works cited, as well as your index cards on the day of your presentation. 

   

Helpful Hints:

a) How is your intro?  Argument, purpose, and intent – are they present?

            b) Claims/Counterclaims/Rebuttals

c) How are you convincing your audience to want to listen to you?

            d) What methods are you using?  Is this speech/debate is exactly what you want it to be!

            e) Use the rubric to guide you

Be good.  Work Hard.

Samakosky

PS - Apologies for the spacing issues!  Not sure what happened!

Week #2 - Speech/Debate Prep

Hello Sophomores,

Thank you for being responsible and checking the blog.  This is your week to begin your research and to start organizing your ideas - along with specific methods we have studied.  You will really want to be prepared - so take advantage of all resources you are being given so that your final result is a presentation that makes you proud. 

Tutoring/Office Hours will be on Tuesday.  Please come see me if you have any concerns. Some of you are still not approved for your debate/speech topic - you are unable to move forward.  You MAY NOT change your topic once it has been approved.

Extra Credit - tissues/hand sanitizer.  See blog post titled Week #1

HW this week: 
* Read your independent selection.  Your completion and your project (critique or mindmap) is due on Monday 2/11
* Continued research/preparation/brainstorming for your Argument - we begin our speeches on Wednesday 2/20
* Figment Friday - Have your next piece ready, typed, w/multiple copies, and Q's for feedback - due Friday.

Monday
* Debate/Speech Rubric
* Use the rubric to access an online speech - TED Talks - Adora Svitak
 http://www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak.html
* EC - Analysis for Adora's speech
* Clinton Analysis - student examples.  Redo opportunity
* View scene from "The Great Debaters" - notes/discussion

Tuesday
* Resources and Websites for authentic research
* Clinton Redo due
* EC due - Adora's speech


Wednesday
* Guest poet and spoken word performer Sarah Knapp will visit our classroom.  She will inspire you and hopefully get you writing!  Whatever you produce - you can use for your Figment Friday piece...should you choose to do so.  This will be a great day....do not miss it!

Thursday
* In class research.  Work independently as you seek out information, evidence, support that will be most influential in supporting your argument. 

Friday
* Figment Friday - Writing Response Groups.  Be prepared to share you work, get advice, offer advice, and genuinely interact with your peers.  You must have all your work and must be present to achieve full credit for this weekly opportunity.

Please bring your best each day.  There is no time to waste with inauthentic efforts and excuses.  I believe in you as writers, students, and people. 

Be good.

Samakosky