HW 9/30 & 10/1 The Poisonwood Bible

For this homework keep in mind: There are many "things" to pick from. Pick what you liked, or thought was interesting or strange. We will be using what you wrote down for a creative project later.

1. Finish using post-its to write down the things you imagined when you read pages 5-10. Write down objects, animals, things you saw or heard in your heads, and parts of the environment that Orleanna described.
(You should have at least 2 full post-its written for this part.)

2. READ pages 11-21. Use post-its to write down some of the interesting things the Price family carried with them to Africa.
(You should have at least 1 full post-it written for this.)

**Also: Use post-its to write down any ideas, questions you may have, or interesting things you think of while reading. We'll talk about them in class.

~~>What's an okapi you ask? Check this webpage out! http://www.sdzoo.com/animalbytes/t-okapi.html

VOCABULARY TEST THIS FRIDAY!! (10/2)

We will have our first official vocabulary test this Friday. Your homework is to study the words from unit one. Practice the index card study methods we used in class to best prepare. I would say that if you study for 15-20 a day over the next couple of days, you would most likely know all of your words! If you need to study more than that, then do so!

*
- Know the definitions
- Know (and understand why) the parts of speech
- Be able to properly use the word in a complete sentence (with context clues)
- Spelling counts (always, and of course!)
- Know the synonyms
- Know the antonyms

HW 9/25

This homework has three steps:

1. Highlight context clues in the sentence completions section of your vocabulary packet.

2. Come up with a telling phrase for each of the words. Use the vocabulary word in the phrase. Write these phrases in your notebooks.

3. Write a sentence about power and control for each word. Sentences can be funny, but they have to make sense. Highlight your telling phrases. Write these sentences in your notebook.

HW 9/25

This homework has three steps:

1. Highlight context clues in the sentence completions section of your vocabulary packet.

2. Come up with a telling phrase for each of the words. Use the vocabulary word in the phrase. Write these phrases in your notebooks.

3. Write a sentence about power and control for each word. Sentences can be funny, but they have to make sense. Highlight your telling phrases. Write these sentences in your notebook.

H.W. 9/23-9/24

Anyone who still needs to work on their vocabulary index cards and packets, should scroll down for instructions.

9/18 Homework

Vocabulary Study Cards / Unit I

Complete study cards for all 20 words listed on the packet handed out in class.

On the front of the card, write:
- The word (spelled out correctly and clearly)
- The part(s) of speech
- A visual representation of the meaning of the word (draw a picture to help you remember the meaning!)
- Your name, period, due date, period you have English
- The number that corresponds to the word

On the back of the card, write:
- the definition, as it is presented on the packet
- an original sentence (use the given sentence as a model, but do not copy it)
- synonyms listed (if any)
- anytonyms listed (if any)

9/16 - 9/17 Homework

Read pages 21 – 30 of Sundjata and answer the following questions in your notebooks. Do not rewrite the question! Instead, rephrase it in your response. Include the page numbers to indicate where you found your answers.

1. Why did Sogolon and her family leave?
2. Describe Sundjata as a warrior.
3. When Sogolon has finished the task of raising Sundjata, what advice does she give her son?
4. Who was the new master of Mali?
5. Where does “the Untouchable king” live?
6. What skills are attributed to him?
7. Describe the secret chamber of the palace.
8. How did war between Sundjata and Sumangaru become inevitable?

9/14 - 9/15 Homework

Read Sundjata, pages 15-21. Then answer the questions that follow. Write in your notebooks. Do not rewrite the question. Instead, rephrase the question in your response. Write the page numbers where you find the answers.

Pages 15 – 21

1. Why was the queen mother all powerful?
2. How did she persecute Sogolon? Why?
3. Who was responsible for the education of Sundjata?
4. Why did the nine witches hesitate to kill Sundjata?
5. How did Sundjata confound the witches?

9/11/2009 Homework

Read pages 4 - 16 of the epic Sundjata.
Jot down any notes or questions that occur to you while reading.
Create word webs for the vocabulary words in boldface on pages 1-4.

9/10/09 Homework

1) Read pages 1-4 of Sundjata. Remember that you can write on your packet. Jot down any questions that occur to you as you read. Summarize in the margins when you don't understand something you've read.

2)Then,create (in your notebooks) word webs for each of the vocabulary words listed in boldface. Include definitions and associations to your word webs.

Homework will be checked in class tomorrow for points!

Reminders:
- Have your Declaration of Understanding by tomorrow!
- Supplies are due by Wednesday (latest). You MUST have a folder with your name in the writing portfolio bins by Wednesday to earn points.

9/9/09 Homework and Syllabus

Welcome to the class blog!!! Today's homework assignment and syllabus is listed below:

First, explore the blog and its features. Then check out our Creative Writer's blog at ewalshcreativewritersvenue.blogspot.com. When you are finished exploring for the night, reread the course syllabus with your parent(s)/guardian(s). Write down any questions that come to mind as you read. Then, with your parent(s)/guardian(s), sign the Declaration of Understanding. Bring this to school tommorow with your notebook and folders so that we can dive into Greek Mythology!


English 9 World Literature
Course Syllabus
Ms. Walsh
I n f o:

ewalsh.english@gmail.com
ewalshenglish9.blogspot.com
(212) 501 - 1235
Room 568

C o u r s e O v e r v i e w

This year in 9th grade English, you will:
 Read novels, vignettes, short stories, poems, essays, folktales, and diaries from Africa, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, China and Japan, early American civilizations, and Greece.

 Study the terms and devices used by writers and poets in their works. By understanding literary elements, you will gain a more thorough understanding of what you are reading.

 Track 25 books read this school year, making note of important literary and plot elements

 Practice writing in several formats including controlling idea, critical lens, expository, persuasive, letter, personal narrative, journal, self-reflection, and creative (poems, stories, vignettes, anecdotes, aphorisms)

 Master note-taking skills such as paraphrasing, summarizing, brainstorming, annotating, study cards

 Develop grammar and spelling skills, expand vocabulary, and experiment with new writing styles. We will work with dictionaries, thesauruses, and style manuals. Taking notes and making study cards will become an important aspect of your progress in these areas.

 Learn and practice techniques for public speaking

 Recognize social, historical, and cultural features in presentation of literary texts and understand their implications. Make connections between what you read in English and what you study in Global.

 Express interpretations and form opinions you can support through specific references to texts.

 Use the writing process (e.g., prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, and editing).

 Interact with texts. You will be asked to “become” characters, interview characters, authors, and narrators, read aloud, role-play, beat authors, “back lip” characters, complete stories, change endings, evaluate speakers, use graphic organizers, connect ideas, make predictions, ask questions, and more!

 Explore “big ideas” about human behavior and the human condition by analyzing themes focused on:
o Identity
o Individual, Group, and Societal Responsibility
o Truth and Justice
o Ambition, Power, and the Common Good
o Conformity and Nonconformity / Resistance


A b o u t M H S H S ’s E n g l i s h P r o g r a m

Freshman English is devoted to the study of World Literature. Western and European Literature are studied in 10th grade. You will also take a practice SAT (PSAT) in 10th grade. In 11th grade, your English class will focus on American Literature. You will also take a Regents exam that tests the skills and knowledge you learned over the course of 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. You will also take the SAT Reasoning Test, which is a standardized test required for college admission by many colleges and universities in the United States. I mention this test here because, among other topics, this exam will evaluate your critical reading level and written skills. You have plenty of reasons to put care into your work starting from day one!

C l a s s r o o m E x p e c t a t i o n s

I encourage and promote only positive behavior and attitudes. It is important that we show each other mutual respect. You can demonstrate respectful classroom behavior by complying with the following:
 Adhere to all school rules, policies, and procedures. Wear your uniform. Use your agenda. Pay attention. Listen and take notes, complete all assignments, make up work when you are absent, study.
 Use courtesy in the classroom; for example, avoid sarcasm, ridicule, dominating the conversation, and interrupting.
 Never plagiarize. Plagiarism is claiming, indicating, or implying that the ideas, sentences, or words of another person are your own. It includes copying the work of another, or following the work of another as a guide. See the MHSHS handbook for more information. The Online Writing Lab (website listed below) is also a great resource to help you avoid plagiarism, deliberate or accidental.
 Ask for help when you are having trouble understanding a concept, missing an assignment, or earn a low score.

A s s e s s m e n t

 Essays and other writing
 Tests & Quizzes
 Projects & Presentations
 Class Participation (class work, note-taking, discussion, group activities, homework, independent reading)
 Writing Portfolio

G r a d i n g S y s t e m

MHSHS Grading Scale
A: 90 – 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 65-69
F: 64 and below

 MHSHS uses an online system called My Grade Book, available at www.mygradebook.com. All of your assignments and grades are posted here as they are scored. Your parents, your advisor, your guidance counselor, and administration also have access to My Grade Book. Check the site regularly and to stay informed about your progress.
 Your grade is calculated by a point system. Grades for each marking period are based on the points you earn out of the total possible value of the graded assignments. The weight of the assignment is determined by its point value. For example, homework may be worth five points, quizzes worth ten points, essays worth sixty points, and tests worth one hundred points.
 I will post lists of approved extra credit work and due dates, usually worth 25 points. You are only eligible for extra credit if you have completed all of your assignments on My Grade Book.

A b s e n c e s & L a t e W o r k

 Homework is posted on the board each day, and you are responsible for copying the assignment word for word into your agenda. Homework is also posted on the blog each day. Check it if you miss class.
 The vocabulary word of the day and a quote of the day is posted on the blog daily
 For each day you are absent, you have one day to make up assignments. This includes tests, quizzes, essays, notes, ect. If you are absent, a note is required to allow any late work to receive full credit.
 Late homework will be accepted for partial credit up until the test/final essay for that unit of study. Once a test or final essay has been given on the unit, all homework assignments leading up to that test which are missing will become a zero in My Grade Book.

T e x t s & R e s o u r c e s

 Literature (novels, poems, essays, stories) for study will be provided
 Independent reading books may be borrowed from the classroom library or sought out at bookstores/libraries
 School Island
 Class Blog (ewalshenglish9.blogspot.com)
 Goodreads.com
 Mygradebook.com
 Freerice.com (vocabulary and grammar practice)
 Googlebooks.com
 Online Writing Lab(owl.english.purdue.edu)
 Collegeboard.com (everything you need to know for the PSAT and SAT)
 Nysedregents.org (Archives for Regents Exams in all subjects)
 The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. (provided in class but I encourage you to purchase your own)
 Vocabulary Workshop, Jerome Shostack (Levels C & D) (packet work provided in class)
 Grammar Workbook for the SAT, ACT … and More, George Ehrenhaft (packet work provided in class)
 Merriam Webster’s Dictionary (always available for use during class)
 Merriam Webster’s Thesaurus (always available for use during class)

R e q u i r e d M a t e r i a l s

 3 subject spiral notebook with perforated lines for easy tear out
 Two 2 pocket folders
 Blue or black pens (work done in pencil or another color will not be accepted)
 Post-its (2 x 4)
 Index cards
 3 ring binder with 10 dividers (for use in May during the Writing Portfolio Workshop / can stay at home until then)
[Note: Some students like to purchase their own copies of books studied in class.. This is encouraged so that you may write notes directly in your books, but it is not a requirement]

A c a d e m i c S u p p o r t

 I am available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during S.O.S. On these days, you can come to my classroom to ask questions, study, or do your homework for 45-90 minutes. I am also available during Lunch and Learn.
 It benefits all of us to keep an open line of communication among parents, teachers, advisors, guidance counselors, and administration here at MHSHS. We all care about your experiences, struggles, and successes! I encourage you to approach me after class in the halls, during lunch, via email, or drop a note in my mailbox. So long as I am free, I am happy to give you my complete and undivided attention.