This Week in MzT's Class 9/16-9/20

This week we are concentrating on Grammar and Vocabulary with some Sentence Combining thrown in.

Grades 9. 10, 11, 12

Parts of Speech (Grammar Lesson) - Noun, Verb, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, Conjunction, and More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDJ7lqxBBXo

M. English Grammar Guidebook Packet

Parts of Speech (Grammar Lesson) - Noun, Verb, Pronoun, Adjective, Adverb, Conjunction, and More

Section 1 Parts of Speech, Prepositional Phrases, Correct Usage Study Guide
HW pages 1-6.

T. Section 2 Usage Connected with Prepositions

    Section 3 Punctuation of Prepositional Phrases, Correct Usage
    Section 4 Developing Sentences by Adding Prepositional Phrases, Word Study
HW pages 7-12.

W.

Prepositional Phrases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS3bKw_cyowz

 Introduce Vocabulary Words.
1. incessant- continual
2. inevitable- unavoidable
3. catastrophe- disaster
4.  intricate- complicated
5. fascinating- captivating
6. opportune- favorable
7. (to) discriminate- to differentiate
8.opportune- favorable
9. (to) contrive- to devise
10. (to) facilitate- to make easier
11. placid- calm
12. turbulent- tumultuous

For Further Progress
1. enervating- stimulating
2. dilapidated- Partially ruined from neglect
3. ovation- acclamation of popularity
4. (to) extricate- to disentangle
5. casualty- accident
6. versatile- able to do many things well
7. reticence- reserve in speech
8. insipid- uninteresting

Th Station Rotation
Review Vocabulary list, using Thesaurus.com for synonyms
HW study for test

F Test
Usage
Vocabulary





Grades 7 and 8
Grammar Book and Words Introduced Into Early English

M.

Where did English come from? - Claire Bowern

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEaSxhcns7Y

Review Section of Chapter One
Introduced Words from Early English Language Development
Wordlist
Celtic
Latin
Anglo-Saxon
Norman
HW Study Latin roots

T Review Words from Early English Language Development

HW Study French roots

W Practice matching

Th Practice Test for Root Words

HW Study Root Words for Test


F Test on Words from Early English Language Development

Educational Links 9/15/18

Educational Technology Serves Equity When Used with Purpose

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-09-12-educational-technology-serves-equity-when-used-with-purpose?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ad

Three Ways to Deal with a Chatty Classroom

https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/manage-talkative-class

Kids struggle to read when schools leave phonics out

https://hechingerreport.org/kids-struggle-to-read-when-schools-leave-phonics-out/

8 Expert Tips on Helping Your Child With Dysgraphia

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/8-expert-tips-on-helping-your-child-with-dysgraphia?view=slideview&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg

40 Facebook Groups for Educators

https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/40-facebook-groups-for-educators/

Four reasons it’s dumb to fight with your kids about homework

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/09/14/four-reasons-its-dumb-fight-with-your-kids-about-homework/?utm_term=.4b7e384016e1

Diary of a First-Year Teacher: Balance

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/balance/?utm_sq=fhsz51b76p&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=The+Literary+Maven&utm_content=Articles

Educational Links 9/14/18

 

Schools Of The Future

https://www.edutopia.org/school/school-future 

Learn What’s Happening in Edtech

https://www.edsurge.com/

Why Ninth Grade Can Be a Big Shock For High School Students

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52150/why-ninth-grade-can-be-a-big-shock-for-high-school-students 

Dyslexia

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353552 

Top 5 Teaching Strategies

http://www.tea

chhub.com/top-5-teaching-strategies

Free Historical Thinking Poster

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/09/free-historical-thinking-poster.html  

 What It’s Like to Teach When Parents Just Don’t Show Up

https://www.weareteachers.com/lack-of-parent-support/ 

The truth is kids need ALL the adults in their lives to take an interest in their education. If their parents or guardians aren’t involved, that child is missing a crucial part of their support system. The good news is there are ways teachers can help fill in the gap. Here are a few.

Authors from Our Reading List: Marguerite Henry

Wesley Dennis (illustrator) and Marguerite Henry, author of King of the Wind--Newberry Award Winner.

Educational Links 9/13/18

15 Memory Exercises for Forgetful Kids

https://www.additudemag.com/working-memory-exercises-for-children-with-adhd/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=parent

What Mistakes do Teachers Make When Approaching Racism in Class?

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2018/09/what_mistakes_do_teachers_make_when_approaching_racism_in_class.html

Teens Are Protesting In-Class Presentations

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/09/teens-think-they-shouldnt-have-to-speak-in-front-of-the-class/570061/

Integrated Studies

https://www.edutopia.org/integrated-studies

A bilingual brain solves problems faster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG36so5wHg0

How To Create A Happy Classroom

https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2018/09/10/happy-classroom/

15 Interesting Ways To Start Class Tomorrow

https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/12-interesting-ways-to-start-class-tomorrow/

You love teaching, your love your classroom, you love your students (most of them), but you’re tired. This doesn’t mean you’re not willing to work, but it makes the fountain of good ideas run a bit dry at times, especially towards the end of the year.

So here are 15 ways to start class tomorrow. How well these work depends on how you use them, the tone of your classroom, and even the timing of when you give them a go. Some will be great for an early class, but flop after lunch; others, vice-versa. Try one, then share how it went or ideas better than these via twitter or facebook.

Authors for Our Reading List: David McCullough

Notice the typewriter.

Enjoy reading history? Check out this author.

And so many more to choose from!

Sentence Combining

I have long been a fan of sentence combining activities as a meaningful and effective way of improving students’ writing skills. Since the 1960’s, research studies have shown that sentence combining is an effective way to teach grammar to students in elementary through college levels and improves student writing. This is especially so for students who struggle with writing. The Writing Next report (2007)  based on Graham and Perin’s meta-analysis of writing instruction research, identified sentence combining as one of the eleven most effective instructional practices for improving the writing of students in grades 4-12   Sentence Combining https://keystoliteracy.com/blog/sentence-combining/ 

How to Combine Sentences Effectively 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFAfeE8mGDU

Rules for Combining Sentences (includes grade levels)

http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/rules-for-combining-sentences.html 

 Evaluating Sentence Combinations

After combining a set of sentences in a variety of ways, you should take the time to evaluate your work and decide which combinations you like and which ones you don't. You may do this evaluation on your own or in a group in which you will have a chance to compare your new sentences with those of others. In either case, read your sentences out loud as you evaluate them: how they sound to you can be just as revealing as for how they look.
Here are six basic qualities to consider when you evaluate your new sentences:

1. Meaning. As far as you can determine, have you conveyed the idea intended by the original author?
2. Clarity. Is the sentence clear? Can it be understood on the first reading?
3. Coherence. Do the various parts of the sentence fit together logically and smoothly?
4. Emphasis. Are keywords and phrases put in emphatic positions (usually at the very end or at the very beginning of the sentence)?
5. Conciseness. Does the sentence clearly express an idea without wasting words?
6. Rhythm. Does the sentence flow, or is it marked by awkward interruptions? Do the interruptions help to emphasize key points (an effective technique), or do they merely distract (an ineffective technique)?Introduction to Sentence Combining  https://www.thoughtco.com/an-introduction-to-sentence-combining-169242

 

Educational Links 9/12/18

6 steps to help your district systematically personalize education

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2018/09/11/6-steps-to-help-your-district-systematically-personalize-education/

7 Things I Wish People Knew About Parenting Kids With Dyslexia

https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/what-i-wish-id-known-sooner/2017/03/28/7-things-i-wish-people-knew-about-parenting-kids-with-dyslexia?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg

How to Create Learning Opportunities For Kids on the Bus

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52116/how-to-create-learning-opportunities-for-kids-on-the-bus?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29

11 of the Best Educational YouTube Channels for Pre-K, K-12, Teachers, and Lifelong Learners

http://blog.mimio.com/11-of-the-best-educational-youtube-channels-for-pre-k-k-12-teachers-and-lifelong-learners

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILD’S SOCIAL SKILLS

https://www.theedadvocate.org/improve-childs-social-skills/

Teens Know Social Media Is Manipulative. But They Just Can’t Get Enough.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-09-10-teens-know-social-media-is-manipulative-but-they-just-can-t-get-enough

Are home visits the key to improving behaviour?

https://www.tes.com/news/are-home-visits-key-improving-behaviour

Home visits can be a good way to show that schools are committed to working together with parents, says Jarlath O’Brien

Teachable Moment: 9/11

Educational Links 9/11/18

5 Ideal Traits Of A Project-Based Learning Teacher

https://www.teachthought.com/project-based-learning/5-ideal-traits-project-based-learning-teacher/

Five Strategies to Add to Your Coaching Toolbox

https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2018/01/22/five-strategies-coaching-toolbox

Voting for young people explained: a quick guide

https://edsource.org/2018/voting-for-young-people-explained/596407?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=voteG-419-18

Write for “In the Classroom”

https://ww2.kqed.org/education/write-for-in-the-classroom/

Three Good Tools for Scheduling Meetings With Students, Parents, and Colleagues

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2018/09/three-good-tools-for-scheduling.html

Brain-Based Learning

https://www.edutopia.org/blogs/beat/brain-based-learning

IMPORTANT NY TIMES ARTICLE ON TEACHER DIVERSITY & IMPLICIT BIAS

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/09/10/important-ny-times-article-on-teacher-diversity-implicit-bias/

Authors From Our Reading List: Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros (born 1954) is an American writer known for experimenting with literary forms in works that explore cultural hybridity and economic inequality. She is a pivotal figure in the rise of Chicana literature. Her works include the novels The House on Mango Street (1984), Carmelo, or Puro cuento (2002) and Have You Seen Marie? (2012); a story collection, Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories (1991); three collections of poems, Bad Boys (1980), My Wicked Wicked Ways (1987)  and Loose Woman: Poems; and a children’s book, Hairs/Pelitos (1994). She is the founder of two foundations that serve writers and is the organizer of the Latino MacArthur Fellows (Los MacArturos). She has been honored with numerous awards including the MacArthur Fellowship, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, and a Texas Medal of the Arts. 

The House on Mango Street is a 1984 coming-of-age novel by Mexican-American writer Sandra Cisneros. It deals with Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl, and her life growing up in Chicago with Chicanos and Puerto Ricans. Esperanza is determined to "say goodbye"^[1] to her impoverished Latino neighborhood by turning to a life on the streets. Major themes include her quest for a better life and the importance of her promise to come back for "the ones [she] left behind".^[1] The novel has been critically acclaimed, and has also become a New York Times Bestseller. It has also been adapted into a stage play by Tanya Saracho.

This Week in MzT's Classroom 9/10/18

Grade 12
M The History of the English Language
Review Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Normans
Develop lists of words from each group still in English

T Journaling
Using Chromebook, identify MLA referencing for resources.
HW write full page summary of the History of the English Language\, describing from Celts to Normans.

W Share results with groups.

Th Journaling
Station Rotation Conver-stations with discussions of each of the four English Language influencing groups.

Th Station Rotation-writing strategies and vocab

F Create Review Notes for Quiz

Gr 11

M Fill in general knowledge on the Iroquois Confederacy.

T  Journaling
Outline notes for Iroquois.

HW Outline for Last of the Mohicans.

W Check out MLA research referencing.

Th Station Rotation-writing strategies and vocab

F Create Review Notes for Quiz

Gr 10, 9, and 8

M Group work, describe elements of short stories in each class short story.

HW Develop outline for Literary Analysis Essay.

T Journaling
Groups discuss the chosen elements for individual essays on the class short story.

HW Develop inner paragraphs of Literary Analysis Essay.

W Groups discuss theme in the stories.
Th Journaling
Read rough drafts in groups.

HW Polish rough drafts.

F Write final draft of Literary Analysis Essay in class.

Grade 7

M With a partner, finish reading 'Rikki Tikki Tavi.'

HW Draw a picture of one of the characters.

T Journaling
Groups discuss characters and write a paragraph about how the characters interact in the story.

HW Choose the four most important plot changes in 'Rikki Tikki Tavi.'

W Groups begin to illustrate the scenes from the story.

Th Groups continue to illustrate the scenes from the story.


F Watch the video, 'Rikki Tikki Tavi.' Make a Venn diagram to show differences and similarities.

Educational Link 9/10/18

Improving Behavior in the Classroom

https://childmind.org/article/improving-behavior-classroom/

Finding Clarity in Assessment and Grading

https://www.edutopia.org/article/finding-clarity-assessment-and-grading?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=facebook

Using Positive Reinforcement as a Classroom Management Tool at the Secondary Level

https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2016/08/classroom-management-positive-reinforcement.html?utm_sq=fnkjcz6te9

Trouble With Self-Regulation: What You Need to Know

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-issues/trouble-with-self-regulation-what-you-need-to-know?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg

Poetry, Google Classroom, and Twine - The Week in Review

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2018/09/poetry-google-classroom-and-twine-week.html

Where Do Teachers Go to Learn?

http://blog.mimio.com/where-do-teachers-go-to-learn

Note-Taking: A Research Roundup

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/note-taking/

Building a Positive Classroom Community

https://www.allabout3rdgrade.com/2017/10/building-positive-classroom-community.html

Active Learning: A Strategy for Science Sensemaking

https://www.teachingchannel.org/tch/blog/active-learning-strategy-science-sensemaking

As educators, we know that students hating our content happens. But to my science-teaching soul, statements such as these are kryptonite. When I hear things like this from my students, at first I’m astounded. Then I come to find out the student usually has a good reason.

Students who make statements like this often follow up with, “It just doesn’t make sense to me.” As we prepare to head back into our classrooms this fall, we need to remember where our students may be coming from and strive to implement excitement with different strategies for sensemaking, so students can actively fall in love with learning in our classrooms.

Authors from Our Reading Lists: Jack London

Jack London 1876-1916

The Call of the Wild (1903)

London’s most famous story is of the dog Buck, who sheds the virtues of civilized life and reverts to a wild state and thus survives in the Canadian wilderness during the Klondike gold rush.

White Fang (1906)

“White Fang,” a companion story to “The Call of the Wild,” depicts the domestication of a wolf and has been described as “an allegory of humanity’s progression from nature to civilization.”

The Sea-Wolf (1904)

About “The Sea-Wolf,” Ambrose Bierce wrote, “The great thing — and it is among the greatest of things — is that tremendous creation, Wolf Larsen... The hewing out and setting up of such a figure is enough for a man to do in one lifetime.”

And don't forget short stories.

To Build a Fire

by Jack London

A man and his dog fight for survival during a bitterly cold Arctic trek.

Authors from Our Reading List: the Bronte Sisters

The Brontë Sisters (1818-1855)

Jane Eyre - Who could fail to identify with Charlotte’s brave little orphan who refuses to be crushed by her bullying cousins, her sadistic head-master, or even the domineering man she loves. ‘Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless?’ she demands of Rochester. ‘I am a free human being, with an independent will’, she tells him and how we cheer as she goes on to prove it, refusing to be his mistress rather than his wife and rejecting the passionless St John Rivers. Jane Eyre doesn’t win first place because it has its silly moments (as in the gypsy-woman episode) but mainly because it was an unnecessary and cowardly cop-out to give Jane a newly discovered family and fortune before she returns to Rochester.

Wuthering Heights - What can you say about the world’s greatest love-story, beloved of millions of hormonal teenagers and the silver screen? Except that it most definitely is not a love story. A tale of thwarted passions, obsession and revenge indeed – but not of genuine love. Heathcliff and Cathy are two sides of the same coin: ‘I am Heathcliff!’ says Cathy, ‘he’s more myself than I am’. When they cannot have what they want, their mutual response is to destroy each other. There is love in the book, but it’s not the ravings of Heathcliff and Cathy: it’s the blossoming affection between Heathcliff’s innocent victims Hareton and Catherine. There’s no denying the sheer power of Wuthering Heights, nor the cleverness of its structure, but as every film director has discovered, the death of Cathy less than half way through the book, though necessary to the plot, leaves the reader feeling short-changed.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall - Anne is the also-ran of the Brontë family yet The Tenant shares all the virtues of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights – powerful writing, gripping storyline, dramatic tension and passionate authorial involvement – whilst remaining firmly rooted in reality (no Rochester fooling his guests by disguising himself as a gypsy-woman or Heathcliff digging up his lover’s corpse). It’s the only Brontë novel not to feature orphans and/or dysfunctional families and it’s steeped with quiet humour. But its heroine, Helen Huntingdon, is a woman who flouts every convention by leaving her husband to save their child whom he is corrupting, earning her own independent living and eventually herself proposing marriage to the man she loves. Forget Jane Eyre – this really is Victorian feminism at its most radical!

To walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/shows/to-walk-invisible-the-bronte-sisters/

The love of God is greater far...

The Love of God - Mercy Me (With Lyrics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWnvmKoLWUU

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair, bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin

Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry 
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky

Hallelujah 
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song