Get Those Creative Juices Flowing: Lesson Project

The guidelines and deadline for this project are explicated in the presentation. The rubric (grading criteria) has also been provided. 


Lesson Project
Rubric for Modifiers Lesson Presentation

This is the poll you will use to rate your classmates' presentations.

Create interactive meetings at Poll Everywhere

It's Almost Time for Christmas Break! Still Enough Time to EXPAND Your Vocabulary. :)

S.A.T. Words of the Week
Compose a sentence using at least one word from the S.A.T. Words of the Week and post it on the blog. This is a homework grade.


12/19/2011
Repatriate (verb)
Prefix: RE (back, again)
Definition: to return to one's country of origin


12/20/2011
Resilient (adjective)
Prefix: RE (back, again)
Definition: to bounce back from adversity or change


12/21/2011
Revitalize (verb)
Prefix: RE (back, again)
Definition: to regain energy

S.A.T. Words of the Week

S.A.T. Words of the Week
Compose a sentence using at least one word from the S.A.T. Words of the Week and post it on the blog. This is a homework grade.


12/12/2011
Anomaly (noun)
Prefix: A (no, not)
Definition: not following the norm, hence an exception to the rule


12/13/2011
Atheist (noun)
Prefix: A (no, not)
Definition: person who does not believe in God


12/14/2011
Redundant (adjective)
Prefix: RE (back, again)
Definition: to repeat something over and over again


12/15/2011
Refurbish (verb)
Prefix: RE (back, again)
Definition: to make new again, renovate


12/16/2011
Rejuvenate (verb)
Prefix: RE (back, again)
Definition: to feel young again

Caution: When Tweeting!

The Library of Congress and Twitter have signed an agreement that will allow all public tweets to be archived by the government. The tweets can be viewed by future employers and used as a "data-mine of interesting information". Therefore, scholars use wisdom when you are using social networks and Twitter. Click the link below and read more about it. 
http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=493&sid=2658996

Check the Tabs

Do not forget about the other tabs here on the English 10 blogspot. Check under class announcements for Talented Tenth News.

New Week means New Words

S.A.T. Words of the Week
Compose a sentence using at least one word from the S.A.T. Words of the Week and post it on the blog. This is a homework grade.


12/05/2011
Expound (verb)
Prefixes: The BIG E (out)
Definition: to elaborate, to explain in great detail


12/06/2011
Extricate (verb)
Prefixes: The BIG E (out)
Definition: to get out of an entanglement or difficulty


12/07/2011
Extrovert (noun)
Prefixes: The BIG E (out)
Definition: an outgoing personality


12/08/2011
Amorphous (adjective)
Prefixes: A (no, not)
Definition: having no shape or form


12/09/2011
Anarchy (noun)
Prefixes: A (no, not)
Definition: having no government, hence great disorder, chaos

S.A.T. Words of the Week

12/06/2011
Eccentric 
Prefixes: The BIG E (out)
Definition: off center, hence a bit odd, weird, peculiar


12/07/2011
Elusive
Prefixes: The BIG E (out)
Definition: out of reach, hard to catch, evasive


12/08/2011
Eminent
Prefixes: The BIG E (out)
Definition: outstanding,illustrious, very prominent, notable

Unlocking the Prompt: "The Pedestrian"

10-Literary Interpretation for

Share ideas about sensory details that can be used to respond to the prompt, and confer with your classmates to gain a deeper analytical understanding of the text. You all will do wonderfully! If you have challenges that your classmates may not be able to clarify, e-mail me at carmen.sanders@pgcps.org. Be sure that your email has a title in the subject box and that use formal writing in the e-mail (NO TEXT TALK). 

Animated Version of "The Pedestrian"

The selection is more in-depth, but this is GREAT! Watch it! ;-)
I have also posted the Vocabulary Worksheet for "The Pedestrian" under the English 10 Homework tab. Complete the worksheet and submit it according to the specified dates. 

Introduction to "The Pedestrian"

We have finished with "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and we are moving forward with another selection that he has written entitled, "The Pedestrian". Read Mr. Daniel Gilbert's view of "The Pedestrian".

An Essay on the Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury, an essay fiction - FictionPress.com

I believe this essay is a great primer for the selection and highlights several themes and critiques of society presented by Bradbury. Leave a comment and let me know what you think of the essay and its contents after you read it. 

Study Tool: "A Sound of Thunder" Pre-test

A Sound of Thunder Pre-Test- Use this as a study tool.

Graduate School Victories!

I know you all have been worried about me, but more than half of my battle is over. I submitted my Capstone Final Project on Tuesday, November 1, 2011! I feel like a humongous weight has been lifted off my shoulders. :-) Now besides coursework and another Administrative Internship Portfolio, graduation is imminent! I thank you all for being such GREAT students and for being super supportive. You all ROCK! ;-)

Grammar Rocks! Back to the Parts of Speech!

Ray Bradbury's Contribution to Science Fiction

"A Sound of Thunder" Presentation

Use the presentation and active reading notes as part of your study tools. :-)






We are beginning the science fiction selection, "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury. During pre-reading, I am dedicated to: introducing you to interesting information on an author and his/her muse, familiarizing you with the literary devices you will see in the selection, and giving you an opportunity to connect to the ideas about society and people that the author illustrates within his/her work. 


This is an awesome interview (for lack of a better word) that I found on YouTube by Ray Bradbury that explains his love for books, writing, and his family. Watch it and let me know what you think. Leave a statement from the clip that resonated with you. 



Comenzamos la selección de ciencia ficción, "un Sonido de Truenos" por Ray Bradbury. Durante la prelectura, soy dedicado a : la introducción de usted a la información interesante en un autor y su/su musa, familiarización de usted con los dispositivos literarios que usted verá en la selección, y darle una oportunidad de unirse a las ideas sobre la sociedad y la gente que el autor ilustra dentro de su/su trabajo. 


Este es una entrevista imponente (por falta de una mejor palabra) que encontré en YouTube por Ray Bradbury que explica su amor por libros, escritura, y su familia. Mírelo y avíseme lo que usted piensa. Deje una declaración del clip que resonó con usted.

Never Forget the Eight Parts of Speech: Now for PRONOUNS!

Look at this video- it is informative! Get a glimpse into what a conversation would be like without pronouns. ;)


¡Miran este vídeo - es informativo! Consiga una vislumbre en lo que una conversación sería sin pronombres.;)

Never Forget the Eight Parts of Speech: Let's Review NOUNS!

Noun Presentation

Elements of Fiction Presentation

Elements of Fiction/ Pre-Reading for "Harrison Bergeron"

Use this presentation as a study tool! If you have any questions, leave me a note here on the blog. I am here to help you. :)


Remember that the "Harrison Bergeron" Selection Re-Test is Monday, September 19, 2011 and it will start promptly at 2:35 PM.

Writing Focus: An Effective Paragraph

10- How to Write an Effective Paragraph

College and Career Readiness and Writing are the major educational focuses of Prince George's County Public Schools this year. In order for students to be effective writers, there must be continuous practice and revision outside the classroom. The embedded PowerPoint Presentation is a tool that can used for preparing an effective paragraph. Check it out! :)

El colegio y la Preparación de Carrera y la Escritura son los focos educativos principales de las Escuelas de Público de Condado del Príncipe George este año. Para estudiantes para ser escritores eficaces, debe haber práctica continua y revisión fuera del aula. La Presentación PowerPoint empotrada es un instrumento que puede usado para preparar un párrafo eficaz. ¡Compruébelo!:)

Scholastic Reading Inventory Test

The Scholastic Reading Inventory Test starts today! This assessment is used to measure reading progress, comprehension skills, and is used as a tool for educators to differentiate instruction. The test's ability to organize and analyze data based on student test results provides concrete reliable feedback that is used to help all students achieve their reading goals. These clear, meaningful reports are available immediately and provide actionable data to evaluate progress toward proficiency goals, identify situations for intervention, and track reading growth over time.

Go to http://www.sad6.k12.me.us/~cci/01402D4B-000F51DF.4/SRIProductOverviewFinal.pdf for further information.

Grammar Rocks!

If you do not like the "old school" grammar song, here is The Noun Song! You can fist pump and learn about nouns! ;-)



Grammar "FUN" Days will start with the classic SchoolHouse Rock. There will be in-depth grammar studies in order to ensure your success in revising student writing examples on the High School Assessments.

Flocabulary Learning- Elements of Fiction

We learn through MUSIC! Remember when you first learned the alphabet and you made everyone promise that "next time they would sing with you?" I will make music apart of the introductions to grammar and literature lessons. I cannot wait to see you all rapping and singing literary and grammar terms! A class that sings together, learns together! :-D

Back to School Night

Back to School Night will be Wednesday, September 7, 2011 starting at 6:30 PM. I hope to see you all there! :-)

Let's Keep in Contact

Thank you all for your comments and most of all support! We are going to have a great school year! My goal is to equip my students with the necessary content knowledge and tools to excel in upper level English courses. I believe that if we work together, it will happen for every child. You can keep commenting on the blog or via email to express any concerns or just say hello. You all are great! :-) Blog updates and links coming soon.

English 10 Parent Letter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

My name is Ms. C. Sanders and I welcome your child to my English 10 course with a promise of a productive year full of rigorous, preparatory, and interesting work. My particular style of teaching is based on four objectives: setting high expectations for every student, showing respect for all students and expecting respect in return, educating for success, and finally encouraging parental involvement. It is my belief that when parents and teachers work together, a student can flourish in the classroom and other activities.

There are certain expectations concerning given assignments and behavior. Students will have homework at my discretion. Homework is for reinforcement of a taught concept during class. Therefore, it will be given frequently, but not regularly.  These assignments should be completed and submitted. Students should read at home each night, checking out books upon your approval, from the media center or public library. This will aid in advancing their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Please take an active interest in your child’s work.

Parents/ Guardians please look at report cards and progress reports. Students will receive a bi-weekly progress report from me and I will gladly let you know your child’s progress or address any concerns I may have regarding their performance.

I have included our four class rules and will contact you if any of them are violated.

1. Students should respect themselves and others. No profanity, name calling and belittling of any kind will not be tolerated.
2. Students should not hold any side conversations or make noise when the teacher or others in the class are speaking. No cell phones will be permitted in class.
3. Students should come to class with all necessary materials (assignments, books, pen, and/or pencil).
4. Students should make sure they do their own work on tests and other individual assignments every day.

 If you child chooses to break a rule, the following steps will be taken:

1^st Offense            Verbal Warning

2^nd Offense           Minor Incident Report/ Call home

3^rd Offense            Sent to administrator with a PS74 for further disciplinary action (after the third Minor Incident Report)

Misbehavior and disrespect will not be tolerated.

I will also recognize and make you aware of appropriate and exceptional behavior and work. By working together we can make this a fabulous year. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at carmen.sanders@pgcps.org or by phone during school hours at (301)-449-4900 x367. Thank you in advance for all your help and support. 

Parents please e-mail me after you have read this letter andnd the English 10 Syllabus, so that I may add you to my English 10 Parents E-mail Listserv.

      Carmen Sanders                          109                                    August 22, 2011

            Teacher’s Signature                              Room Number                                              Date

English 10 Course Description

Friendly High School

English/Language Arts 10

Course Syllabus

Ms. C. Sanders, Teacher

Room 109

Statement of Purpose
The English/Language Arts program is committed to enabling all students to become lifelong readers, writers, listeners, and speakers.  All of these processes are recursive, which necessitates an understanding that growth and development are never-ending.  Systematic instruction that focuses on the development of attitudes, strategies, and processes empowers students to become active listeners, proficient speakers, and independent readers, writers, and thinkers.
The course objectives are aligned with Maryland’s State Curriculum for English and with the English Core Learning Goals as prepared by the Maryland State Department of Education (M.S. D.E.), which are as follows:

• Goal 1: The student will demonstrate the ability to respond to a text by employing personal experiences and critical analysis.
• Goal 2: The student will demonstrate the ability to compose in a variety of modes by developing content, employing specific forms and selecting language appropriate for a particular audience and purpose.
• Goal 3: The student will demonstrate the ability to control language by applying the conventions of standard English in writing and speaking.
• Goal 4: The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate the content, organization and language use of texts.

Course Description
This course fulfills the English 10 requirement and is designed to facilitate learning outcomes appropriate to the instructional needs of students.  This course continues development of and improvement of students’ skills in reading, writing, and communication.  Students study various forms of literature, with emphasis on selected, literary classics.  Instruction and remediation are provided for students preparing for the High School Assessment.  Modified course content will be delivered in whole and small instructional groupings to diverse learners.

Required Materials

1. 2 inch 3-ring binder
2. 6 dividers
3. 3-ring loose-leaf notebook paper
4. 2 pens – blue or black
5. 2 No. 2 pencils
6. One highlighter
7. One travel drive
8. 2 packs of Post-it Notes

Required materials and issued textbook(s) must be brought to class daily.  On the inside cover of the book should be the student’s name, teacher’s name, issued school-year with teacher’s initials.  Report any lost book immediately.  You will be charged for any lost book as soon as a replacement book is issued.

Notebook Sections

1. Notes
2. Warm-ups
3. Quick-Writes/ Journals
4. Classwork
5. Homework
6. Assessments

Grading Factors

The goal of grading and reporting is to provide students with feedback that reflects their progress towards mastery of the indicators and objectives found in the Reading/Language Arts Curriculum Framework.

Classwork              This category might include all work begun and/or completed                                  25%
                                in class, class discussions, group activities, student journals,
                                warm-ups, and other assigned tasks.
Homework              This category might include all work completed outside of the                                   25%
                                class setting. Assignments might include readings and/or
                                accompanying tasks, written assignments, and practice
                                exercises; occasionally assignments that are not completed in class.

Assessments        This category might include tests, quizzes, and quarterly                                           50%
                                assessments. Some assessments will be in the selected
                                response format or include short answer responses and essays which evaluate
                                student performance in writing or presentation of ideas.

Student Attendance

• Students must attend class daily and arrive on time.
• According to P.G.C.P.S. Administrative Procedure 5113, Pupil Attendance and Absence, “5 days of unlawful absence per semester in a semester course, or 10 days of unlawful absence in a full-year course shall result in a no grade (N) for the course.”
• When absent, a student has 2 days in which to bring in a note that excuses him/her for the absence.  After 2 days, the absence becomes UNEXCUSED.
• For excused absences, the student is responsible for acquiring his or her make-up work.
• According to P.G.C.P.S. Administrative Procedure 5121.2, Assessment and Grading for All Secondary Schools Programs, “students who are considered lawfully absent from school will have the opportunity to make-up missed work in a timely fashion (a maximum of three days for each day’s absence).”
• Students who fail to complete work in a timely fashion will receive a “zero” (0) grade for those assignments.
• Students are responsible for notifying teachers ahead of time if their absence will be due to a school sponsored activity.                               

Welcome Back!

I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to school and to English 10 with me. This year promises to be enriching and exciting. So strap on your seatbelts, we are going to "take it to the moon!"

Ms. Sanders English 10 Syllabus/ Parent Letter

These two documents will be posted tomorrow! :-)

Can We Talk?

Prince George's County Public Schools has implemented a move toward student-centered learning through Disciplinary Literacy: Principles of Learning. A major component is Accountable Talk. Ladies and Gentleman, that is why we are here!

Accountable Talk
1. Requires you to verbalize (in this instance write) your understanding of academic learning through the use of appropriate evidence, vocabulary, and reasoning within English (and other disciplines).
2. Puts forth and demands knowledge that is accurate and relevant to the issue under discussion.
3. Requires that responses provide evidence appropriate to the discipline and follow established norms of good reasoning.

So can we talk? Let us put our thinking caps on and begin some great dialogue.

What does Accountable Talk look like? View these links.

http://www.learner.org/vod/vod_window.html?pid=1981

2011: Advancing Learning

This blog was created for the purposes of:

1. Improving literacy skills- The more you write, the more your written skills will improve. I will also provide exciting, new reading materials for you to respond to as well.

2. Showcasing student work- Displaying work online gives you real pride in your work and has the added benefits of sharing best practice with your fellow peers.

3. Cultivating an exciting, new forum that develops a sense of community- encouraging sharing, questioning, and feedback.