We had a good class today We had some good discussions and I feel that they did some good thinking about writing, grammar and literature.
Our Quick Write was a recognition that this Saturday is Pi Day. In fact, this Pi Day has been called "epic" or "ultimate" because at 9:26.53, the date and time will represent the first 10 digits of pi: 3.141592653. The students could choose to write either a math-related or pie-related Quick Write.
Our Latin Roots for the Day were:
grad, gred, gress -- L. step, walk, move forward -- English derivatives: graduate, grade, gradual, ingredient, progress, aggressive, digress
gravi -- L. heavy, weight -- English derivatives: gravity, gravitate, engrave, grave, aggravate
Following our beginning of class activities, we discussed the homework that I had handed back, beginning with the Letters to World Leaders that the students had written. I spoke to them about some content issues. It's important that they give a good introduction and conclusion. Additionally, I gave them a handout illustrating the correct way to format a formal/business letter. The sample shows block paragraphs, but they can do indented paragraphs if they'd like. A clean-looking letter is one way that we can show respect and honor to the recipients of our well-written missives. Next week, we will address the letters and I will mail them.
As is my custom, when I hand back the corrected Rough Drafts, I take time to go over common errors. This is one of the best ways to learn grammar is by using it, which is what the students are doing when they write their essays. We went over, at length, parallel construction. I have a couple of links at the bottom with more information about this bit of grammar. The Final Drafts of the Cause/Effect or Problem/Solution Essays.
We did not have a lot of time for discussing the Short Stories. For their assignment for this week, I had asked them to write discussion questions for each of the short stories. They came up with some that were thoughtful and insightful.
At the end of the class we worked together on a Grammar worksheet focused on end punctuation and periods used in abbreviations. The students had time to finish them before the leaving for the week.
Note: Some students handed in their rough drafts of their papers or letters either in class or via e-mail last week. I will have those corrected and returned over the weekend.
Assignments for Next Week:
-- Finish Final Drafts of Cause/Effect or Problem/Solution Essays
-- Finish the Letter to a World Leader
-- Find and bring to class the address for the letter.
-- Read Kate Chopin "A Pair of Silk Stockings" (p. 30), Jack London "To Build a Fire" (p. 122), Katherine Mansfield "Germans at Meat" (p. 130), Charlotte Perkins Gilman "The Yellow Wallpaper (p. 50)
Links this Week:
Class Notes
It's amazing outside! Enjoy your weekend!
Mrs. Prichard
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