English 9

Welcome to English 9. Upcoming classes, assignments, and past assignments can all be found here. Scroll down for information (newer classes appear first).

In the event of ONLINE/ REMOTE Learning, use Mr. Frick’s Schoology page recently expanded.

March 4 – March 12: As we cross the midway point of second semester students will have an opportunity to work on missing assignments, poetry, and presentations. Four assignments can be found on this Google Slide presentation: Poetry Assignments. They should be completed by Parent/Teacher Conferences on March 11, along with any other missing work.

In Between Sub Assignment #2:  Up Front World Affairs

February 25 – March 2: In class we will continue our poetry unit with group presentations based on 8 different classic poems. You will also write your own poems in your notebook. Follow this Google Slides Presentation if you miss any class for making these up: Poetry Assignments.

In Between Sub Assignment #1: Upfront Magazine (2-17-2020)

February 10-21: In class we will focus on a poetry unit. In this unit you will use the 5 “S” and the Big Idea model. There will be four poems to annotate here:  Poetry Assignments One & Two.   Later in the unit you will conceive and write your own poem and emphasize it with a drawing in your notebooks. More details will follow this two-week period.

January 21- February 7: In class, as we work through The Odyssey, you will continue to complete this graphic organizer: The Odyssey Chapters 9-24. Additionally, we will watch History Channel descriptions of Odysseus’s Journey and track it using the Hero’s Journey Model. You will take a final Odyssey test during the end of this time frame worth 100 points. If you miss class on the day of the test, see Mr. Frick about making it up through your academic support or freshman seminar teachers.

January 13,15, 17: In class you will finish your vocabulary and maps. Then you will begin to read The Odyssey.

HW: If you do not finish in class, please finish at home on your own the following Chapter Reading Guide: Odyssey Note Catcher – Books 1-8.

January 7-9:  Welcome Back.  In our first class, we will use an UP Front article to discuss the Opioid Crises in America. In Class two, we will begin the Odyssey. Make sure you finish your sentences and draw your map!

December 9-11-13: We will finish the book Ender’s Game this week. You will read Chapter 14 & 15 in class and we will support this effort by also watching the film version. There are two documents to watch the movie. First, there is the First Half Book to  Movie Guide, and then there is the Full Movie Note-Catcher.

HW: If you miss class*(see note below) First Half Book to  Movie Guide; Full Movie Note-Catcher; Note-Catcher for Chapter 14

December 3-5:  Returning from break, we catch up with Ender and the gang. Chapter 14 is worthy of its own Note-Catcher for Chapter 14 – write down quotes and their relationship to Ender’s abilities as a leader. Also, create a thesis statement you might be able to use for any end of the unit test.

*HW: NOTE on Missing Assignments for English: You have no homework unless you miss class or do not finish in class in the given time. Please remember, you have access to all of the work I am grading here on this website by clicking the link. You can then make your own electronic copy and do the work from home or in your Freshman Seminar. You do not have to print out another copy – you may submit any work electronically once completed.

November 18-22: M, W, F, we continue our reading of Ender’s Game with some fun activities mixed in, including a creative presentation of Ender as Character and Body Part Symbolism. Along the way, we will read and digest Chapter 13.

HW: No homework, unless you miss class or do not finish any of the work in class. Use the links above to download and work on anything you might have missed.

November 12-14, 2019: On Tuesday, students will be assigned a creative, fun, battle school challenge: Create a Ender’s Game-themed children’s restaurant menu! After working on this, we will finish Chapter 11 and have a Kahoot on Thursday.

November 4-8: As we get deeper into Ender’s isolation, we learn more about how he develops leadership skills, but we have to ask – for what purpose? The book is still shrouded in some mysteries. Take a deep dive into Chapter 11 with this graphic organizer: Chapter 11 Stand-alone.

October 29-31:  More Ender’s Game as we begin chapter’s 10-12. Look to turn in this graphic organizer: Ender’s Game Chapters 10-12.

October 21-25: Late starts and almost snow days. With a strange week of cold, we work are way through Ender’s Game on a modified pace. Make sure you check IC to turn -in any late work.

October 15 & 17: On Tuesday and Thursday we read chapters 7-9 and have two more battles! Make sure you fill out this organizer: Ender’s Game Chapters 7-9.

HW: Unless you do not finish the work in class, you do not have homework, per se… however, if you do miss class please use this website to do access what you missed in class and turn any work in as soon as you are able to complete it.

October 7,9,11: During class, you will go to Battle School, work with a team, and try to win points for your team. Make sure you fill out this organizer: Ender’s Game Chapters 4-6.

HW: Unless you do not finish the work in class, you do not have homework, per se… however, if you do miss class please use this website to do access what you missed in class and turn any work in as soon as you are able to complete it.

October 1-3: During Tuesday and Thursday we will read the first three chapters of Ender’s Game. Make sure you fill out this organizer: Ender’s Game Chapters 1-3.

HW: Unless you do not finish the work in class, you do not have homework, per se… however, if you do miss class please use this website to do access what you missed in class and turn any work in as soon as you are able to complete it.

September 23-25, 2019:  During the first two days this week, we will finish up our short story unit with a final short story, exam preparation, and your first assessment (test).  Here is the planning document for the short story. Additionally, if you miss class and need a copy of the story, the entire book is available on line to be read to you by the author at this link:  Short Story Link.

HW: Finish your planning document in class, at home, or in your freshman seminar. Be prepared to write your exam during the last 60 minutes of your class on Wednesday.  Test format:  Matching, Short Answer, Persuasive Paragraph.

Week of September 17-29: In class we continue to explore the components to great and powerful story telling. In doing so, we will read two short stories and work on graphic organizers to learn about big ideas with two short stories: Thank you Ma’am; Gift of the Magi.  We will also do some drawing and daily writing in our notebooks. If you miss class, be sure to check in with us to catch up on what you missed.

HW: None, unless you did not finish in class.

Week of September 9-13: In class we continue to explore the components to great and powerful story telling. We will read two short stories and work on graphic organizers to learn about character, tone, mood, and big ideas (theme). We will also do some drawing and daily writing in our notebooks. If you miss class, be sure to check in with us to catch up on what you missed.

HW: None, unless you did not finish in class.

Week of September 3/5: In class we continue to explore the components to great and powerful story telling. In class we will read two short stories and work on graphic organizers to learn about setting and character. We will also do some drawing and daily writing in our notebooks. If you miss class, be sure to check in with us to catch up on what you missed.

 Week of August 27 / 29: In class we finish up our classroom culture unit and move into some story reading and thinking about story elements. What makes a great story? As we discover these together, we look forward to your insights about the special meanings you have found. Make sure to check back for any supporting documents that will be added in, especially if you miss class Tuesday or Thursday. On Thursday, we will cover the elements of plot. You should have one of these pasted into your class notebook: Plot Mountain

Week of August 19, 2019: Hey everyone! This week we will continue our unit about investing in our classroom and creating a culture of support and learning. On Monday, expect to dig into “The Story of Your Name,” including an investigation of Sandra Cisneros’ short story from House On Mango Street. We will then move into some more artistic opportunities to express our learning and activity preferences. Here is the first link of the week if you miss class on Monday. Get in touch with Mr. Frick or Ms. Thompson for the story and assigned role when you get back: Story Roles.  We will also …

• Go over classroom FAQ’s  • Write for regular practice • Eat M&M’s • Start a Journal

Week of August 13, 2019: Welcome to SKYLINE! This week is all about you. On our first day, expect to meet your teacher (Hello, just like third grade!) and get comfortable with two ideas: telling your story and setting up a classroom that feels right – that feels like you will be successful, both in working with others and in your own academic way. In this, we will:

  • Meet each other
  • Write a letter
  • Go outside
  • Do some art
  • Read a cool story
  • Talk to the people who raise you

HW: Conversations with people examining the “story of your name.”

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May 21-23: Finals!  Your final will be over the play, Romeo & Juliet. Get plenty of rest and best of luck this week.

Week of May 13,15, 17

In Class: We will work on Acts 4 & 5 of Romeo and Juliet. There will be a Kahoot to help you review for your final next week on Monday. On Friday, you will have an article to read: Article For Graphic Organizer Here

HW: Romeo & Juliet Act 5 Study Questions. Cell Phone Graphic Organizer

Week of May 7 & 9:

In Class: We will work on Acts 3 & 4 of Romeo and Juliet.

HW: Romeo & Juliet Act 3 Discussion Questions; Romeo & Juliet Act 4 Discussion Questions.

Week of May 1 & May 3

In Class: We will work on Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet and read into Act 4. Please finish the discussion question guide as HW if you do not finish in class as well as the enrichment article under HW.

HW: Act 3 Study Questions (late start day);

Week of April 22-26

In Class: We will finish all of Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet and read into Act 3. Please finish the discussion question guide as HW if you do not finish in class as well as the enrichment article under HW.

HW: Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Discussion Topics.; Is Love Losing Its Soul?

Week of April 16-18

In Class: We will finish all of Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet and read into Act 2. Please finish the discussion question guide as HW if you do not finish in class

HW: Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Discussion Topics

Week of April 8-12

In Class: We start our unit on Romeo & Juliet. You will have some documents to track the play. We will read and act out several scenes.

HW: Make sure you complete any in-class assignments.

Week of April 2-4, 2019

In Class: After some more current events with Upfront Magazine we will make more connections as we finish up our unit on the bonds that bring people together.

Week of March 18 -22

In Class: I will introduce students to the post-colonial world of India and Pakistan with a short story about the effects of civil war, partition, and immigrants living in the U.S. as a way to explore the bonds that bring people together. There will be a graphic organizer to track your reading here: When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine.

HW: Read, work on graphic organizer.

Week of March 12 & 14

In Class: Try to catch up with any missing work this week. We will take about half the class to work on original poems and then a drawing to illustrate your team’s best effort. We finish class with an explanation of our illustrations. On Thursday, you will take a poetry unit final exam.

HW: Catch up on any missing work!

Week of March 4-8, 2019

In class: We will  finish our poetry unit this week. You will have two more poems in class to analyze, as well an opportunity to do some creative writing. Monday’s poem and graphic organizer can be found here:  Theme For English B. Make sure you finish your original poem too. On Weds and Friday, we will consider Louder Than a Bomb.

HW: Theme For English B; Identity Poem; Louder Than a Bomb Film Guide

Week of February 26-28

In Class: On Tuesday we will use a New York Times’ Upfront Magazine to practice close reading before we try out some original “Blackout Poetry”. On Thursday we have the PSAT practice test. In class during the afternoon, you can work further on this if you do not complete it. You will need a copy of the magazine so if you miss class or do not finish in class, request to take one home when you see me next.

Homework: Upfront/Blackout Poetry

Week of February 22-24, 2019

In Class: On Weds and Friday, students will be treated to poetry. First we will access an imagery poem by William Carlow Williams (This Is Just To Say) before taking on the 5 S and Crux approach to poetry with two love poems for Friday. If you miss class, you can make up the two assignments from the links below:

HW: 5 S and Crux ; This Is Just To Say

Week of February 12-14, 2019

On Tuesday, students will work on revising their hand-written essays and polishing them via Google Docs. into finished products. These should be shared with me for final grading. If you are unhappy with your final score, you may do a re-write for a higher score. On Thursday, we will begin our new poetry unit with something appropriate for Valentines Day.

HW: If you do no finish the poetry in class, you can use this link to create and electronic version and finish it at home: How Do I Love Thee?

Week of February 4-8, 2019

In Class: This week begins with a final Quiz on The Odyssey on Monday, a PSAT practice test on Wednesday, and then the preplanning for our summative essay: Do you consider Odysseus a hero? The essay should be finished in class on Friday.

HW: Check IC where all grades should be up to date. You may turn in late work at anytime for credit.

Week of January 29-31

In Class: This week we finish we finish reading The Odyssey. On Thursday, you will take a quiz over vocabulary and the first five chapters of the book. During the second half of class, we will do some planning and pre-writing activity in support of an essay you will write next week. You will have a final Odyssey Quiz on Monday of next week as well.

HW: Chapters 9 – End

Week of January 23-25

In Class: We will continue reading and further watching the History Channel’s exploration of The Odyssey. We will also take a PSAT style test on book 10. You are now responsible for four assignments found below under the HW section.

HW: Chapters 1-8; Chapters 9 – End;  Vocabulary; Map

Week of January 14 – 18

In Class: Mr. Frick will be out of class with the English department on 1-16, therefore, you will be given a new graphic organizer to use while you finish reading The Odyssey. During the week, you should plan on turning in both graphic organizers, your vocabulary sentences, and your map.

HW: Chapters 1-8; Chapters 1-9;  Vocabulary; Map

January 8-10, 2019

In Class: We begin our quest to tackle Homer’s The Odyssey. During this unit we will focus on daily reading, routine writing, understanding characterization as it might relate to any themes, and a further understanding of the Hero’s Journey. We will also take a vocabulary Kahoot on Thursday and give over some time to complete all of our exit tickets. Any exit tickets you do not finish in class, please plan on completing as homework.

Exit Tickets/ HW:  1.  2. Vocabulary.

December 18-20: Finals Week!

December 17:

In Class:  We finish ATDPTI with this Graphic Organizer #8.

HW:Accepting late work through the end of today.

December 12 & 14

In Class: Finishing up our final opportunity to enrich the Hero’s Journey unit with a visual representation.

HW: Accepting late work through December 17!

Week of December 3-7

In Class: We will create large Hero’s Journey posters, synthesizing our work for the unit, and present them. Then we will watch a movie and complete an EdPuzzle on the Hero’s Journey. Finally we work on supporting The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian with the following document you can make up if you miss class this week:

  1. Graphic Organizer #7

Week of November 27-29:

In Class: We will work on supporting The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian with the following document you can make up if you miss class this week:

  1. Graphic Organizer #6.

Week of November 12-16

In Class: We will work on supporting The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian with the following documents you can make up if you miss class this week:

  1. Graphic Organizer #4
  2. Class Jigsaw
  3. Graphic Organizer #5

Week of November 6-8, 2018

In Class: We will work on two enrichment activities while we continue to read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. If you miss class, you can find these activities and one more reading organizer below:

  1. NYT Article QuestionsNew York Times Reservation School Choice Article
  2. Superman and Me Essay AND Questions
  3. Graphic Organizer #3

Exit Tickets (all of the electronic documents above – I also, as always have hard copies, if you prefer to make any of them up that way).

November 2, 2018

In Class: We will read more of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and then work on this Graphic Organizer #2

Exit Ticket: Graphic Organizer #2

October 29 & 31, 2018

In Class: One class will work on Superhero legends while the other sees the school play. For the other day, we will read three chapters of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and work on this  Graphic Organizer #1.

Exit Ticket. Finish up  Graphic Organizer #1

Week of October 23, 2018

In Class: We will fill out this anticipation guide. This week we begin reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. To support our reading further, students will also have this chapter guide – Why Chicken Means So Much as well.

Exit Tickets: Anticipation guide; Why Chicken Means So Much 

Week of October 16, 2018

In Class: We will watch, take notes, and have lengthy discussions of Smoke Signals, an enrichment film, supporting The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Exit Tickets: Viewer Guide and final paragraph, “Should We Forgive our Fathers?”

Week of October 10 -12, 2018

In Class: This week we start the background and enrichment for our first book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. First students will participate in a carousel style activity and then create a one slide presentation on the concept of “Tribes.” Then we will have a day of free-writes, discussions, and presentations.

Exit Tickets: Carousel participation, Google Slide, and Free-write.

Week of October 1-5, 2018

In Class: We will work on our theme for Kurt Vonnegut’s The Souvenir with a final assessment on Friday, October 5.

Exit Tickets: Any exit tickets you miss, please ask Mr. Frick for make-ups and these important documents are tests/assessments and only available IN CLASS, and not online.

September 25, 2018

In Class: Today in class we will begin with a free-write and share our ideas out. Then we will read a short story by Langston Hughes and then work out the relevant Theme.

Exit Ticket: Thank You, M’am

September 19 & 21, 2018

In Class: The rest of the week we will develop strategies to figure out how to identify themes and intentions in literary works and nonfiction texts respectively. We will consider Theodor Geisel and Abraham Lincoln in separate class periods.

Exit Tickets:  SneetchesGettysburg

September 17, 2018

In Class: First we will start with a daily free write. Students will then look in depth into the Opioid Crises and then do some writing on the topic followed by a socratic seminar.

Exit Ticket: Opioid Crises 

September 13, 2018

In Class: After we finish up our Edgar Allen Poe story, students will read about current events. Here is a link the Poe story online: Story Link of Cask of Amontillado

Exit Tickets:  The Cask;

September 11, 2018

In Class: We begin with a free-write: Describe, in imaginative detail, a time when you were scared. Then we read an Edgar Allen Poe story and discuss tone and mood differences and how they make different contributions to the story. You can finish with this paragraph assignment: The Cask.

Exit Tickets: The CaskThe Necklace

September 7, 2018

In Class: I will do another grade check before asking students to read another story in class called The Necklace. We will then complete claim paragraphs and turn in before the end of class.

Exit Ticket: Necklace Claim Paragraphs.

September 5, 2018

In Class: Today we will look at IC and make sure Superhero Illustrations and The Lady or the Tiger questions/paragraph is complete. Then we will go over norms for a collaborative discussion. Then we will have a Socratic Seminar on The Lady of the Tiger.

Exit Ticket: Seminar Reflection

August 31, 2018

In Class: Students begin by working on and then turning in their Superhero illustrations. Then we will read a short story -The Lady or The Tiger – and turn in character analysis/claim paragraphs. Any class work not finished in class may be done at home. We will have a Socratic Seminar on Wednesday of next week (a collaborative discussion) on The Lady or The Tiger.

Exit Ticket: Superhero Illustration/ Lady or the Tiger claim paragraph.

August 29, 2018

In Class: First we will focus on characterization through visual studies. Then we will work on Characterization by working on a new activity: You as a character superhero, again relying on symbols and metaphors to represent personality or physical traits.

Exit Ticket: Superhero Drawings

August 27, 2018

In Class: We will read a short story called A Christmas Memory and discuss the concept of Setting and how to write a claim paragraph. 6 Word Memoirs! Make sure you bring your 6 word Memoirs if you took them home and are ready to have a fun, interactive get to know you about the people in our class.

Exit Ticket: Setting details.

August 23, 2018

In Class: We will cover the literary component of plot in class. You will be given in-class time to work on your 6 word memoirs – due at the end of class.

Exit Ticket: 6 word Memoirs.

August 21, 2018

In Class:  For fun and artistic reasons, we will draw and consider the rose. Next we will hear about 6 Word Memoirs – a way to connect with each other in our collaborative classroom.  After you pick your six words, I will  hand out construction paper for you to make them artistic and pick a SYMBOL for each word. Then we will read Sandra Cisneros’ Geraldo, No Last Name – this is a reading pre-assessment for the class. If we have time, we will discuss a few of the questions from your reading test (Geraldo, No Last Name) OR we will finish our six work memoirs.

Exit Tickets: Reading test

August 16, 2018

In Class: Today we start with the syllabus. Then we will talk about the physical set-up of my classroom and how we might get mobile and move more during 90 minutes of class time. Finally we will do some writing for you to turn in as your first exit ticket.

Exit Ticket: Writing Color Sentences

August 14, 2018

In Class!  Welcome to Skyline. Today we will have a few SHS details to share and play a get to know you Kahoot!

No Homework!

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May 14-18, 2018

In Class: This week you will finish preparations for the Mock Trial. We will also have a test on Friday, May 18 ahead of the trial. Be prepared!

Exit Ticket: Make sure you are working with your team to present at the final Mock Trial day.

May 8-10, 2018

In Class: We will finish Romeo and Juliet and then begin preparing for our Mock Trial – our end of the year assessment for R & J.

Exit Ticket: Make sure you are working with your team to present at the final Mock Trial day.

April 30 – May 4:

In Class – We finish Act 4 and work on an enrichment reading: What if Romeo and Juliet had cell phones?

Exit Tickets: Grade checks AND in-class graphic organizers for each act plus the cell phone article.

April 24-26

In Class: We finish Act 3 and get into Act 4 of Romeo and Juliet. Please keep up with your timelines!

Exit Ticket: Grade checks

April 16,18, 20

In Class: The fates of Romeo & Juliet will continue to occupy our time. You will have multiple points opportunities, so make sure to attend class or make up any work. We finish Act II and depending, maybe all of Act III as well

Exit Tickets: Act II Writing AssignmentAct I Writing Assignment

April 10 & 12, 2018

In Class: We will immerse ourselves in Romeo & Juliet with both reading, acting, and daily writing challenges – we will finish Act I

Exit Tickets: Make sure you continue to fill-out the graphic organizer, the family tree, and the calendar of events for Romeo and Juliet. Make sure you finish the graphic organizer/ discussion questions for Act I.

April 2-6, 2018

IN Class:  As we begin Romeo & Juliet, you will read some nonfiction and learn about the play to get an idea of what to expect. Questions to consider: What is the true nature of love?  What conflicts inevitably surround love in today’s modern era? Helpful link:  Nutshell

Exit Tickets: Make sure you finish the graphic organizer, the family tree, and the calendar of events for Romeo and Juliet.

March 19 & 21, 2018

In Class: If any of you still have any outstanding work from our poetry unit, please turn it in for  a grade this week. We continue the short unit on the Bonds Between Us, reading When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine. You will have Three Assignments related to this:

  1. Finish the Graphic Organizer
  2. Create a storyboard/ cartoon; choose either the pumpkin carving scene or Lilia and her decision to throw away the candy Mr. Pirzada gave her. Then, answer in claim form the following question: How do people form and/or lose the bonds between themselves and those they care about?
  3. Letter writing prompts:  When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine is told from the point of view of 10-year-old Lilia. What might we learn if we could know Mr. Pirzada’s point of view?  Write two letters from Mr. Pirzada to his family in Dacca. Be sure to base the details in your letters on insights we gain through Lilia’s observations in the story.  In the first letter, have Mr. Pirzada describe Lilia and her family. Have him explain why he enjoys giving Lilia candy and what she does with it.  In the second letter, have him describe Halloween. Include details about the pumpkin carving and Lilia’s trick-or- treating.

HW: Catch-up on missing assignments. Stay current with your graphic organizer.

March 13 & 15, 2018

In Class: You will be taking a poetry final on Tuesday. If you miss class, please make arrangements to make that up. Other assignments due this week include 1) your poetry analysis (in your folders), 2) the poetry folder itself (art, haiku covers), and 3) any creative endeavors – poems – you want me to consider for extra credit. On Thursday we will begin a short unit on the Bonds Between Us, reading one short story.

HW: Finish poetry folders to turn in – final copies by Thursday.

March 5-9, 2018

In class: We will come close to the finish of our poetry unit this week. You will have two more poems in class to analyze, as well as having many opportunities to do some creative writing. Monday’s poem and graphic organizer can be found here:  Theme For English B. Make sure you finish your poetry folder. Nature poems on Friday and an opportunity to go outside.

HW: Extra Credit opportunities all week long.

February 27 & March 1, 2018

In Class: Poetry unit begins with the 5 S and Crux format for analysis and some black out poetry. We will discuss Love Poems first. On Thursday, we shift to Identity poems.

HW/ E.C. : Finish your Black Out Poem – bring to class on March 1 to share. Write a poem on love, loss, or loathing for Monday: Poetry Framework

February 13-23, 2018

In Class: We will watch another example of the Hero’s Journey in class and then have a quiz over ALL the stages. You may use any of the following on your quiz: Rey, Finn, Odysseus, Junior (from Part-Time Indian).

HW: Quiz will be Friday, February 23

February 5 and February 9, 2018

In Class: You must finish both your outline and hand-written essay for The Odyssey by the end of class on February 5 (or please make-up at home). Friday we will start a new unit focusing on the Hero’s Journey.

HW: Use this outline: Odyssey Paper Outline- and finish your hand-written essay by the end of class Monday or complete as homework to turn in on Friday.

January 30 – February 1, 2018

In Class: As we finish The Odyssey you will take a final test/quiz. Then you will be expected to start an argumentative paper in support of the prompt – Is Odysseus a hero?  Make sure you keep up with all the exit tickets and make-up work if you miss class.

Exit Ticket: Odyssey Paper Outline.

January 22-26

In Class: We will finish The Odyssey this week. We will also brainstorm about what it means to be a hero with some specific pre-writing before you start your argumentative essays next week. Make sure you are reading and taking notes with your  Odyssey Note-Catcher.

Exit Ticket:Odyssey Essay Brainstorm Graphic Organizer;   Odyssey Note-Catcher;

January 16 – 18, 2018

In Class: We will begin the week with reading time before some visual evidence of The Odyssey. On Thursday, you will take a quiz and continue to read. There will be two note-catchers you will be responsible for turning in. The first is due at the end of class on Thursday.

Exit Tickets: Turn in your Vocabulary from the previous week if you have not already done so; Quiz and first Note-Catcher is also due. The Second Note-catcher, due at the completion of the book can be found here: The Second Odyssey Note-Catcher

January 8-10, 2018

In Class: We begin our quest to tackle Homer’s The Odyssey. During this unit we will focus on daily reading, routine writing, understanding characterization as it might relate to any themes, and a further understanding of the Hero’s Journey. We will also take a vocabulary Kahoot and give over some time to complete all of our exit tickets. Any exit tickets you do not finish in class, please plan on completing as homework.

Exit Tickets/ HW:  1.  Anticipation ?’s, 2. Map,  and 3. Vocabulary.

January 2 – 4, 2018

In Class: Welcome back! As students return and secure their second semester schedule, we will start the week by reviewing concepts and ideas (Identity, Choice, Hero’s Journey) found in the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. We will use a visual stimulus and a note-catcher for annotations and later discussion.

Exit Ticket: At the end of the short week, turn in your Note-Catcher.

12/13 – 12/15, 2017

Finals Week. Please turn in all late work and make arrangements with Mr. Frick if you have any issues around finals before your class test date.

12/8 & 12/12, 2017

In Class: We will finish our book in class this two class periods with these supplements: 12/ 8 Graphic Organizer: Rowdy and I Have …; 12/12 Graphic Organizer: My Final Report Card…

Exit Ticket: Finish the Graphic Organizers and turn them in to Mr. Frick

12/6/17

In Class: A short class today, we will watch and respond to an interview with Sherman Alexie. Click on this link to get started: Ed Puzzle – Alexie Interview

Exit Ticket:  Finish the questions in the EdPuzzle.

12/4/17

In Class: We will make substantial progress on The Absolutely True Diary of a Parti-Time Indian, this time using this graphic organizer: Valentine Heart

11/30/17

In Class: Reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Parti-Time Indian and working on this graphic organizer:  And A Partridge…

Exit Ticket: Turn in your graphic organizer

11/28/17

In Class: There will be a TEST over the first half of The Absolutely True Diary of a Parti-Time Indian . Any left-over time, you may read your book.

Exit Ticket: Turn in the test.

11/15-17/17

In Class:  Use Google Classroom to sign-in and fill out the graphic organizer.  The article can be found here: NYT Article; after you fill out the answers to the questions, write the claim paragraph.

Class Codes:  Period One = gapbill; Period Three = epwsv1v

HW: Finish at home anything you did not complete in class – There will be a TEST on The Absolutely True Diary of a Parti-Time Indian your first day back from break.

11/13/17

In Class: Presentations of extension activity. Reading ATDPTI  – p. 117 – ? Dialectical Journal: PT Indian for understanding. We will probably do one or two in class.

Exit Ticket: Do an audit of your Dialectical Journal to make sure you are keeping up.

11/9/17

In Class: You will have the class period to work on your extension activity. Three choices: Photo collage, Slide Presentation, or Drawing.

Exit Ticket: Finish your project – if not in class, then finish up at home.

11/7/17

In Class: Today, using a complex text for enrichment and a way to build background knowledge, students will first answer a set of questions on a graphic organizer before moving on to a creative presentation as an extension assignment to this cognitively challenging and highly engaging online article.

Extension Article: Native Americans Illuminate History with Art

Exit Ticket:  Progress on Extension Assignment – If you miss class you can find the graphic organizer and planning sheet here: ATDPTI Extension Assignment

11/3/17

In Class: Students will read pages 99-116 in ATDPTI and use a Read/Response sheet to check for understanding

Exit Ticket:  Turn in your sheet:  Read / Response Sheet

11/1/17

In Class: Late start will mean a shorter class to read and annotate, especially since we will begin with a free-write. Try to have covered the reading through page 98 in ATDPTI and have at least 10 annotations.

Dialectical Journal: PT Indian

Exit Ticket: Free-write: what choices (good and bad) have you made this year. Write in the form of a claim paragraph.

10/30/2017

In Class: Today we will cover several more chapters in the ATDPTI.  Dialectical Journal: PT Indian — While we listen

Exit Ticket: Finish Connections Graphic Organizer/

10/26/2017

In Class: Again we will break out our graphic organizer/ dialectical journals and take some high quality notes on ATDPTI. During this section, you will also be asked to also complete the following: If you miss class, you should plan on getting this done: Connections Graphic Organizer

Dialectical Journal: PT Indian — While we listen

Exit Ticket: Connections Graphic Organizer

10/24/2017

In Class: We will break out our graphic organizer/ dialectical journals again and take some high quality notes on ATDPTI. During this section, you will also be asked to also complete the following: If you miss class, you should plan on getting this done: True Diary Characterization

Dialectical Journal: PT Indian — While we listen

Exit Ticket: Characterization Graphic Organizer

10/20/2017

In Class: First we will practice writing narratives. Then we will read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. After, we will have a discussion of best friends.

Exit Ticket: Narrative free-writes.

10/18/2017

In Class: We have a counsellor meeting today.

Exit Ticket: Free-write

10/12/2017

In Class: First use this link and make a copy on you iPads: Dialectical Journal: PT Indian

We will conduct a free-write in the form of a claim paragraph, look at the book cover, and then fill out the first part of the chart.

Exit Ticket: Claim Paragraph.

10/10/ 2017

IN Class: We will talk about Sherman Alexie, tribes, and complete our introduction to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Exit Ticket: Please finish your slide shows on Tribes.

10-2-2017

In Class: TEST – Final Summative Assessment for Unit One.

9-28-2017

In Class: We continue The Souvenir with plenty of time to read, process, and complete a graphic organizer for your test on Monday.

Exit Ticket: Graphic Organizer

9-26-2017

In Class: We will begin the exploration of The Souvenir, one of Mr. Frick’s all-time favorite short stories by Kurt Vonnegut. You will be exploring several literary components and theme. You will also be using this short story to write a CLAIM Paragraph as a summative assessment either Thursday or Monday of next week.

Exit Ticket: Turn in notes from class.

9-22-2017

In Class: Today we turn to nonfiction and read The Gettysburg Address. This will get us our first look at the online textbooks. You will then develop the theme again, and write a claim paragraph.

Exit Ticket: Turn in Claim Paragraph #5 – if you don’t finish, make sure you do it as homework and bring it back next Tuesday.

9-20-2017

In Class: Today we will read a short story from Sherman Alexie and develop the theme. You will then write a claim paragraph about that theme.

Exit Ticket: Turn in Claim Paragraph #4 – if you don’t finish, make sure you do it as homework and bring it back on Friday.

9-18-17

In Class:  Dr. Seuss will help us unlock THEME. We will read a few stories. You will use a Note Catcher to uncover the messages in the author’s simple stories. Finally you will an IPad activity to finish the day.

Exit Ticket: IPAD Theme Activity

9/14/17

In Class: Tone / Mood: Today we will read a new story called The Cask of Amontillado and complete another Work Sheet and Claim Paragraph.

Exit Ticket: Worksheet and Claim #3

9-12-17

In Class: Characterization: Today we will read a new story called The Necklace and complete another Work Sheet and Claim Paragraph.

Exit Ticket:  Worksheet and Claim Paragraph #2

9-8-17

In Class: Make sure your superhero drawing and annotation is turned in. We continue to read and work on  a new story: The Lady or the Tiger. Complete the worksheet questions and claim paragraph in class. We will have a Socratic Seminar if there is time.

Exit Ticket: Worksheet and Claim Paragraph #1.

September 6, 2017

In Class: Today we delve further into characterization by reading a new story: The Lady or the Tiger. Complete the worksheet questions and claim paragraph in class. We will have a Socratic Seminar on Friday. Leftover time can be used to finish your Superhero Drawing.

HW/ Exit Ticket: Superhero drawing (if not done in class);  Worksheet and Claim Paragraph.

September 1, 2017

In Class: First we will do another Plot Mountain. Then we will work on Characterization by working on a new activity: You as a character superhero, again relying on symbols and metaphors to represent personality or physical traits. We finish with Bio Bags.

Exit Ticket: Superhero Drawings

August 30

Today we will write a CLAIM paragraph about how your rooms showcase who you are:

Most people would say that I am ______________________(Adjective that describes what people first think of you ). You might think this was true / not true (pick one) if you looked in my room at home. In my room, I have ___________________________ (physical description(s) of what makes that adjective people say about you either true or not true). This proves that I am / am not (pick one) what people of think of me because ________________________ (connect the physical description of your room to your claim).

Sample:  Most people would say that I am athletic. You might think this was not true if you looked in my room at home. In my room, I have more books and bookshelves and musical instruments than uniforms or balls or posters of sports stars. This proves that I am not what people think of me because my room shows that I have many interests, not just sports. Most of my sports equipment is in the garage or basement. In my room, I like to read and practice keyboard and guitar. I am not sure people know how much I like to read or to play music, but they do know that I play soccer. Yet, if you look in my room, you might see me as a different person.

We will finish with Bio Bags, and then move onto the literary component of plot.

Exit Ticket: Claim Paragraph

August 28

In Class: Bio Bags! Make sure you bring your bio bags and are ready to go: Bio Bags . We will read a short story and discuss the concept of Setting.

Exit Ticket: Setting details.

HW: Any unfinished Bio Bags must be ready present on Wednesday.

August 24

In Class: First we will discuss the short story you took as a preliminary reading quiz. Then, Mr. Frick will present his bio bag. After that, volunteers may present theirs. Any remaining time, we can work on Biography Brochures.

HW: If you forgot to bring in your objects for the Bio Bag, you may still do so on Monday!

August 22, 2017

In Class: For fun and artistic reasons, we will draw and consider the rose. Next we will hear about Biography Bags – a way to connect with each other in our collaborative classroom. Bio Bags  .  Bring items in a bag with your name on it! Then we will read Sandra Cisneros’ Geraldo, No Last Name. If we have time, we will discuss a few of the questions from your reading test (Geraldo, No Last Name) OR we will finish our Biography Brochures you started last class.

Exit Tickets: Reading test and Biography Brochures

Homework: Bring in Bio Bag symbolic objects. on Thursday, August 24.

August 18, 2017

In Class: I will return your bingo cards so we can work on writing “color” sentences on the back. Then we will share out. Then we will answer any more questions you might have about the syllabus. I will end class today by having students work in-class on biography brochures.

Exit Ticket: Turn in the work you have finished on the color sentences and biography brochure.

August 16, 2017

In Class: First we will get into a seating chart before getting up right away for some class Bingo. After that we will cover the course guidelines. We end with bingo.

Exit Ticket: Turn in the work you have finished so far. Have your syllabus signed.