September 5: B Day

1B

1. Focused freewrite. As students entered, they were given a notebook to serve as their writer’s notebook for the year (or the quarter–however long it takes to fill!). In the notebook, they wrote down three vivid memories from middle school. Then, they chose one of the three to write about. They had about ten minutes to write the story as if they were there, using present tense.

2. Syllabus and procedures. We passed out a few forms: General English 9 Syllabus Garvoille 12-13 (click to download) and a Student Release form to use student images or data in my National Board certification process this year. 

3. Sharing freewrite. We shared a line or two of our writing aloud to learn the procedure for sharing. We then did a “process write” about what it was like to write on command and share.

4. Diagnostic test. We began a diagnostic test to see where students are at in terms of literary terms, reading comprehension, and grammar. Students did not finish today, but we will finish on Friday.

HW: Bring signed syllabus and release form back Friday.

2AB

1. Freewrite. Students wrote for three minutes about a topic of choice.

2. Procedures review. We reviewed “what to do when” using seat signals.

3. Diagnostic test and Summer Assignment test. Students took two different tests––the diagnostic is ungraded and will help me understand what to focus on this year, while the summer assignment test will count as a test. Students who did not finish will have time tomorrow, but will not be able to change answers.

4. End-of-class writing. When students finished their test, they either 1) continued their freewrite, or 2) answered this question: Reread your writing from yesterday. What lesson do you think the storyteller was trying to teach you, if any? Why this lesson? or, if there was no lesson, Why not? What lessons do Rashid Khalifa’s stories teach Haroun?

HW: Bring texts to class tomorrow (And Then There Were None and Haroun and the Sea of Stories).

4B

1. Focused freewrite. As students entered, they were given a notebook to serve as their writer’s notebook for the year (or the quarter–however long it takes to fill!). In the notebook, they wrote down five stories they were told in childhood. Then, they selected one of the five and wrote about a specific time they heard that story, focusing on imagery. We wrote for about ten minutes.

2. Paperwork. We passed out a few forms: Advanced English 9 Syllabus Garvoille 12-13 (click to download) and a Student Release form to use student images or data in my National Board certification process this year. Thanks for your help!

4. Procedures. We reviewed and practiced the Seat Signals students should use when needing to go to the bathroom, walk around, get a tissue, or sharpen a pencil.

5. MLA Format Header song. Students learned the correct MLA format heading for their papers:

“My name – (the student)
Your name – (the teacher)
Class colon Block –
Due date – Month – Year”

This goes on the left and should be used on all English assignments from here to eternity (PhDs included!).

6. Turn in Summer Assignment. As students left, they turned in their summer assignments to Ms. Garvoille. All students had theirs! Yay!

7. Sharing freewrite. We shared a line or two of our writing aloud to learn the procedure for sharing.

8. Process write. Students wrote for two minutes about the process of freewriting and sharing aloud. They shared their responses with their partners, and then we discussed a few as a class.

9. Diagnostic test. We began a diagnostic test to see where students are at in terms of literary terms, reading comprehension, and grammar. Students did not finish today, but we will finish on Thursday.

HW: Return signed English procedures and signed Student Release Form. Bring Haroun and the Sea of Stories and And Then There Were None to class on Thursday (if you have them).

For 4B: We briefly discussed the fatwah against Salman Rushdie today in passing. If you are interested in learning more, here are some links.

Here’s Salman Rushdie talking growing up Muslim:

Rushdie has done tons of interviews, so it might be interesting to see what’s out there.

Here’s an article from 1989 when the fatwah was declared, which may be interesting to read. And here’s another article.

and here’s yet another article from 2009 that includes a video of Rushdie reading.