Writing 2 Class Notes -- Week 14 (April 29)

 Greetings!

We had a wonderful day in class.  We started the class period with a Quick Write, and today's prompt was connected with the fact that it is National Poem in Your Pocket Day.  I gave the students a sheet of paper with an extra large pocket outline. They were to write a poem within the lines of that pocket.  They could write originals or copy one from our poetry book.  (Note:  We also watched one of my favorite spoken word artists, Harry Baker, for some inspiration.)

This week was our penultimate class for the year -- the one before the last one!  We had fun during class, which can be a very good thing, especially since, according to research, "humor activates the brain's dopamine reward system, stimulating goal-oriented motivation and long-term memory, which means that humor can improve retention in students of all ages.? (Edutopia, 2015)

The Essay Re-Write was due this week, and their final writing assignment, a Reflection Paper, is due next week.   For this paper, they are to write about what they learned this year, what they learned about themselves this year, and what did and didn't work well this year.  At the bottom of this email is a link to an article about the value of reflection as a part of learning.

Last week, students took home, completed, and then corrected their Mastering the Comma Review.  This week, they have the Spring Grammar Test test to take home, complete, and then correct.  They should use different colored pens/pencils for correcting their work and be sure to make their marks clearly.  I will figure the final scores for their tests.  The test and the answer key are posted on Google Classroom.  If for some reason they are not able to access Google Classroom, they should still take the test and bring it to class.  I will then correct it.

And, finally, it was time in class for the Poetry Jam, 2022!  The class was divided into 4 teams and took turns coming up to the front to recite their chosen poems.  We had an exceptional panel of judges:  Levi M, Gabi F, Maria B, Halle H, and Mike M, all alums of Writing 2.  I loved listening to all of their poems (and heard a number of my favorites.) 

Here are the final places for Teams and Individuals

Team Scores	Round 1
1st Place	Anonymous Notes
2nd Place	Rhythmic Rhinos
3rd Place	Bull Frogs
4th Place	Things

Individual Scores	Round 1
1st Place	Michelle
2nd Place	Rachael
3rd Place	Michael
4th Place	Annelise
5th Place	Nina

     

On Thursday I sent an email telling the students that all of the scores were pretty close.  I also included a survey to find out what their thoughts were about Round 2 of the Poetry Jam.  Most people said it didn't matter what we did.  I would really love to have everyone read again, so unless someone is super opposed to reciting, ALL FOUR TEAMS will be in Round 2.    EVERYONE  should each bring another poem to recite.  The individual finalists (Michelle, Rachael, Michael, Annelise, and Nina) will present separately, and their scores will be added to the team scores   We'll finish our year with a "Party," and I'll set up a table in the hallway with some snacks.  (Students can bring some if they'd like.)

Next week is the final week, and I've told students that I will accept homework until Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 AM.  My experience is that once the CHAT classes are done, students really lose momentum for completing late homework.  My plan is to get final grades out within the week.  

Assignments for Next Week:

-- Any old homework

-- Essay Re-Write

-- Spring Grammar Test

-- The Reflection Paper

-- Bring a poem -- EVERYONE!

Links for this Week:

Writing 2 Class Notes -- Week 14 (April 29)

The Value of Reflection Papers

Harry Baker:  99 Problems but Maths Ain't One & Dinosaur Love

See you next week!

Mrs. Prichard

Writing 2 Class Notes -- Week 4 (February 3)

 Greetings!

We had an fun class today -- we covered a lot of material.  Before we started with our Quick Write I had them do a little drawing exercise, using as inspiration a picture I drew when I was a toddler.  They had to draw a stick figure -- with their eyes closed. 

Here are the Quick Write prompts for the day:

• February 2 –  World Read Aloud Day.  Do you have a favorite story that was read aloud to you when you were young?  Write about it.

• February 4, 2004 –  the day that Facebook was launched.  Do you use Facebook?  What are your thoughts about social media?

• February 4, 1789 – the day that George Washington was elected our first president by a unanimous vote of the first electoral college.  Do you have any opinions about the electoral college?  Do you have opinions about what makes for a good elected leader

Our Words of the Day

mellifluous -- fr. Latin mel, "honey" and fluus, "flowing" -- sweetly flowing

monoglot -- fr. Greek, mono "one" and glotto "tongue" -- speaking only one language

borborygmus -- fr. Greek, borborygmos, "to have a rumbling in the bowels" -- a rumbling or gurgling noise in the digestive system

progeniter -- fr. Latin, progenit, "begotten -- an ancestor, parent, or origin (as of an invention or practice)

I handed back the rough drafts of the Mystery Stories.  These were amazing!  I found myself thinking of the plots and characters long after reading and correcting them.  Many students wrote more than they usually did, and they were pretty creative.  As per my practice, I go over common mistakes as part of our rough draft discussions and use these for grammar instruction.  The most common errors I found in their write had to do with punctuating dialogue, paragraph formation, comma splice sentences, and compound sentences with commas.  Students are to revise their rough drafts into final drafts for next week. Ask your student to share his/her story with you. 

We've now finished our 6 short stories of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.  To round out this literature unit, students are to write an essay exam in which they address the question, "Is Sherlock Holmes a Hero?"  They must first define what a hero is and then apply their definition to Sherlock Holmes.  We had NO discussion on these points because I want students to give me their own original ideas.  Usually we had a debate-like discussion after this assignment, so I look forward to that next week.

I gave them their next book, Great Short, Short Stories,  they have a reading assignment, but no required homework for the stories.  

Our Grammar  was on hold for the week.  Students have enough other work to do for the week.

Assignments for next week

• Mystery Story Final Draft

• Sherlock Holmes Final Exam

• Short Stories: Read  Pushkin (162); Tolstoy (169); Chekhov (26)

Links for This Week

Writing 2 Class Notes -- Week 4 (February 3)

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Prichard

Final Grammar Exam

Final Grammar Exam

1. Write a N-LV-N sentence.
2. Write a N-LV-Adj sentence.
3. Write a sentence with 3 prepositional phrases
4. Write a compound sentence.  Label the subjects and the verbs.  Circle the coordinating conjunction.
5. Write a complex sentence.  Label the subjects and verbs in the independent and dependent clauses. Circle the subordinating conjunction.
6. Write a sentence with exactly 5 errors.
7. Correct #6.

Final for Great Sherlock Holmes Stories

What Makes a Hero?

Is Holmes a hero?  What qualities do you admire in heroes?  In at least 3 paragraphs, discuss whether or not Holmes possesses these qualities, using examples from the text.  Specific instances and quotes should support your comments.  You may want to consider whether some of the flaws Watson acknowledges keep Holmes from becoming truly heroic in their eyes.  Feel free to compare Holmes with other literary characters.

Word of the Day -- Final Test

A.      Match the words from the Words of the Day list with its synonyms.

Placid                                             Unconquerable

Avaricious                                      Chaos

Candid                                           Ask

Impregnable                                   Frail

Pandemonium                                 Dagger

Squabble                                        Peaceful

Inquire                                            Frank

Feeble                                            Quarrel

Dirk                                               Greedy

Discrepancy                                   Inconsistency

           

B.     Fill in the blank with the missing words of the sentence.

1.      The _____________________ little village could have been a postcard

2.      The ______________________ in the old lady’s hands made it hard for her to knit.

3.      The spy was __________________ when she came to school posing as a teacher.

4.      Known for his _______________, the knight fought back many dragons.

5.      She inherited a __________________ of a landscape from her great grandmother.

6.      The ______________________ planned many performances throughout Europe.

7.      The _______________________ is the back of the hand.

8.      The people applauded the king’s _________________________ after his noble deeds.

9.      She mixed _______________________ with herbs for a delicious sauce.

incognito                       prowess                       yoghurt             opisthenar                     picturesque

impresario                    magnanimity                  rheumatism                   chromo

C.      Circle the correct answer to complete the sentence

1.       A yeshiva is a place where students

a.       make yogurt.

b.      sing Christmas songs.

c.       study and learn about Jewish religion.

d.      exercise their toe muscles.

2.      The curved tip on the wooden handle of a knife is called a

a.       neb

b.      point

c.       flebber

d.      kabuzzle

3.       You might learn about the techniques for impasto at

a.       preschool

b.      cooking school

c.       military school

d.      art school

4.      If something is anomalous, it is

a.       expected

b.      abnormal

c.       boring

d.      extravagant

5.      A big, clumsy person is a

a.       waffle

b.      lubber

c.       colporteur

d.      boffola

6.      Mr. Jones held his umbrella and poked me with the

a.       ferrule

b.      lovone

c.       halo

d.      waffle

7.      My father fixed the hinge by putting the _______ in place.

a.       pintle

b.      plenty

c.       palladium

d.      plank

8.      A blatherskite is someone who

a.       blethers

b.      sings and dances

c.       spends lots of money

d.      never talks

D.     True or False

________  1.  An aglet is the plastic end of a shoe lace.

________  2.  Limpid refers to water that is clear, transparent, or calm.

________  3.  Serious and responsible people are known for their frivolity.

________  4.  An eloquent person stumbles over his words and never knows what to say.

________  5.  A good night’s sleep can be a good palliation for a cold or flu.

________  6.  The Mongolians assemble yurts for their families to live in.

________  7.  A yarlmulke is a multi-colored cape worn by native Antarcticans.

________  8.  Jowls are the back sides of your elbows.

________  9.  A chimb is the metal rim of a barrel.

E.      Match the phrases with their meanings.

Laus Deo                                 Latin, “a praiser of times past”

Laudator temporis acti  Latin, “deeds not words”

Res publica                               Latin, “in [his] absence”

Res non verba                          Latin, “restorer”

In abstentia                               Latin, “chamber pot”

Resaurateur                              Latin, “Praise be to God”

Lasagne                                    Latin, “of the public”

F.      Below are lists of synonyms.  Cross out the two words in each line that doesn’t fit in the line.

         1.         say      chat      verbalize      write      articulate      converse      gossip      talk       jump

         2.         walk       amble      cry      move       saunter        shuffle       hike      stroll      slumber

         3.         leave      go      relocate      transfer       propel       whine      proceed       cringe

         4.         mention       declare       respond      tell      bake      communicate      sauté       announce

EXTRA CREDIT:

Of these 3 words, which do you like the most and why?  Make sure you give the definition for the word.

Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court Final Quiz

1:  Which famous book does the narrator read after encountering the stranger at the beginning of the novel?

a. The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White

b. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

c. Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

d. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

2:  By what name is Hank Morgan referred to throughout the novel?

a. The Yankee             c. The Magician

b. The Boss                 d. The Earl

3:  Who is Clarence's captor?

a. Sir Kay the Seneschal

b. Sir Launcelot

c. Sir Sagramor le Desirous

d. Hank Morgan

4:  Who is said to stand "upon unsteady legs, and feebly swaying his ancient head [surveying] the company with his watery and wandering eye?"

a. King Arthur

b. Sir Kay

c. Sir Dinadan

d. Merlin

5:  Who does Hank describe as such: "As a rule the speech and behavior of these people were gracious and courtly . . . and . . . they were a childlike and innocent lot; telling lies of the stateliest pattern with the most gentle and winning naivete."

a. The pilgrims heading to the Valley of Holiness

b. The knights and royalty of Camelot

c. The spectators at the tournament

d. The bishops of the Church

6:  What is the object of Sir Sagramor's quest?

a. The Fountain of Youth

b. The Ark of the Covenant

c. The sword Excalibur

d. The Holy Grail

7:  The Boss lives continually until he meets with the narrator.

a. True

b. False

8:  What event frightens the kingdom into believing that Hank is a magician?

a. A lightning strike

b. A plague of locusts

c. An eclipse

d. A full moon

9:  Why does Morgan le Fay order Hank and Sandy to the dungeon?

a. Hank makes a complimentary remark about King Arthur.

b. Hank and Sandy are caught sneaking into Morgan le Fay's castle.

c. Hank insults Morgan le Fay's son Mordred.

d. Hank threatens to cause Morgan le Fay's castle to crumble around them.

10:  Who is the only prisoner that The Boss did not free in the castle of Morgan le Fay?

a. A woman who was accused of having an affair with Mordred

b. A soldier who had deserted his troops in a battle

c. A drunk who had stolen Sir Kay's horse

d. A lord who had killed a kinsman of Morgan le Fay

11:  How does Merlin try to help Sir Sagramor during his tournament with The Boss?

a. Merlin makes him invisible to The Boss.

b. Merlin lets him use Excalibur during the fight.

c. Merlin casts a sleeping spell on The Boss.

d. Merlin advises him on fighting strategy.

12:  Why is the daughter of The Boss and Sandy named Hello-Central?

a. The child is the middle child of three.

b. The Boss's ex-girlfriend was a telephone operator.

c. The Boss considers her to be the center of his universe.

d. Sandy chose the name because The Boss cried it out in his dreams.

Answer ONE of the following essay questions.

1.      Explain how time travel is used by Twain as a “frame” to express his views on different topics.  (at least 1 paragraph)

2.      Did Hank change at all during his time in Camelot?  Explain and give example.  (at least 1 paragraph) 

3.      If Hank came to the 21^st century (today), what might he want to change?  List at least 3 areas and explain. 

Spring Writing Test

I.      Correct the faulty parallel construction in the sentences below.  (2 pt. each)

1.           Yesterday I cleaned the bedroom, the living room, and baked pies.

2.           Jared hates broccoli, taking baths, and to write essays.

  

3.           Mrs. Jacobson stayed home to clean her house quickly, carefully, and in a complete manner.

  

4.           The dictionary can be used to find these: word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.

5.           To run and weight-lifting are important physical exercises. 

6.           Katie had to go to school, her job, and run errands.

7.           This spring I plan to rake out old leaves, dead growth, plant flowers, and vegetables.

II.   Fix the following incomplete, run-on or comma splice sentences.  Some sentences may need to be split, and some may need combining.  (2 pt. each)

1.      When the baby noticed me.  He smiled and giggled.

  

2.      Even though the baby did not know me.  Reached out to grab my hand.

3.      The old grandmother laughed.  Her eyes shining brightly. 

4.      They quickly became friends.  Which was only natural.

5.      My friends come with me everywhere I go we like to hang out together.

  

6.      My writing improves if I work hard do the assignments corrections.

7.      Those in Minnesota are glad that spring has come the Narnians were also waiting for the snow to leave.

III.             Rewrite the following sentences to get rid of the passive “there is/are/will be/was, etc.” construction. (3 pt. each)

1.       There are some new books in the library.  The school bought them because there was more money in the account.

  

2.      Last year there were six students who wanted to be the lead in the school play.  Not all of them were good actors.

  

3.      Because there are many frozen pizzas in the freezer, we will have friends over after school.

  

4.      There is another storm coming.  We must get to the store to stock up on junk food.