Objectives: 18 March

Today in class:

1. Completed Vocab 11 worksheet.
2. Finished Act II and answered study guide questions. 
3. Wrote a summary of Act II.

Homework:
Begin studying for your quizzes next week--you have two in a row on Monday and Tuesday. Don't wait until the last minute!

We will be reviewing tomorrow, so be prepared with questions!!!
 -Mrs. Kristoff  

Objectives: 17 February

Today in class:

1. Checked Vocab homework and completed Exercise C. Don't forget: Quiz 3/23!
2. Read Act II, scene ii and completed study guide questions. Wasn't Trebonius tricky?

No homework.

Coming up:
Act II Quiz 3/22 *note: this is earlier than originally scheduled because we are ahead of the game!
Vocab Quiz 3/23

Objectives: 16 March

Today in class:

1. Lesson 11 Vocab introduction
2. Act II, i reading homework check
3. Act II, i study guide

Homework:

• Lesson 11 Exercises A and B

Coming up:
Vocab 11 Quiz Tuesday, 3/23
Act II Quiz Thursday, 3/25


Thought for the day:
With all of our discussions about leadership, kings, and honor in Julius Caesar, have you considered what it would be like to lead your country? Would it be stressful? Would you enjoy the opportunity to make meaningful decisions impacting others?


This teen king has to face those issues every day. What do you think of the challenges posed by his unique situation?


For an optional quiz grade, you may read this article and respond in a written paper. If you are interested in this assignment, come see me for details!

Objectives: 15 March

It's the Ides of March!

I hope you enjoyed our commemoration of the ill-fated day for proud Caesar.
Here's what we did in class:

1. I passed back your tests and research papers.
2. We began reading Act II, scene 1. 
3. We talked about Brutus' comment, "It's not personal, it's business," a comparison of Caesar to a snake egg, and social climbers. We also talked about oaths, the forged letter, and whether the conspirators should murder Mark Antony.

Your homework tonight:

• finish reading the scene until Portia's entrance (pages: 853-854)
• I may ask you some questions about your reading; be prepared...

See you tomorrow!
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 8-10 March

March 8:

• Review for test individually.

March 9:

• Review study guide in class and essay questions. Study these! I will expect complete, detailed answers.

March 10:

• Test on background information and Act 1. Use your old quizzes and study guide to prepare.

Thought for today:
What do you think of what Aimee Mullins says about disabilities? Does it change the way you view people and possible approaches to challenges presented in life?

Objectives: 3 March

Today in class:

1. Vocab Test on Lessons 7 and 8.
2. Begin reading scene 3 of Act 1.

Homework:
Read the first 79 lines of scene 3 (p. 838-840). Write a summary of what you read; additionally, if you get stuck in particular places, write down the line numbers and then pose some questions or suggestions for figuring out what that passage is all about. Coming in tomorrow with anything that represents less than your best effort is unacceptable. In other words, "I didn't write anything because I didn't get it" will earn you a zero.

Remember that you may use a dictionary and the helpful notes in the margins of your textbook pages.

Test on Act 1, including background information on Shakespeare, next Tuesday!

Objectives: 26 February

Today in class:

1. Vocab Quiz 8
2. Act 1, scene 2

Homework: Complete study guide questions 1-11 EXCEPT 6 and 10.

Coming up next week:

• Vocab Test (lessons 7-8) Wednesday.
• Quiz on Act 1 Friday.
• Act 1 Test Tuesday, March 9.

 Thought for the weekend:

"Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

and seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow?"

 

Northeast covered in snow

Have an enjoyable, warm weekend!
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 25 February

Today in class:

1. Checked Vocab homework.
2. Returned/Reviewed Shakespeare Introduction Quiz.
3. Finished Act 1, scene 1 and study guide.

Homework:

• Study for your Vocab Quiz tomorrow!

-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 24 February

Today in class:

1. Notes Quiz.
2. Vocab 8 Crossword (finish for homework if you didn't finish in class).

Tomorow, we will continue our reading of Julius Caesar, Act I, scene 1.

Thought for today:
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."

Objectives: 23 February

Today in class:

1. Turn in trivia questions!
2. Trivia--review for quiz.
3. Act 1, scene 1 and study guide.

Homework: Study for notes quiz tomorrow!

Objectives: 22 February

Today in class:

1. You answered trivia questions about Shakespeare's life and times (this is preparation for your quiz Wednesday!).
2. We finished discussing our first impressions of Caesar and Brutus through quotes from the first few scenes of the play.
3. We began reading Act 1, scene 1. We'll pick up tomorrow with the witty cobbler schooling the tribunes Marcellus and Flavius.

• Homework: Write 3 trivia questions and their answers on the index cards provided in class. You will turn in all three; tomorrow's trivia questions will come from this stack! You may consult your notes packet, the Shakespearean theater sheet, and your "Who's Who" character list to help you brainstorm questions.

Thought for today:
You may read this intriguing article, but no, you may not sleep in class! :)

See you tomorrow.
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 19 February

Today in class, we:

1. Checked Vocab homework and went over 8C. We'll review 8A-B Monday morning.
2. Learned about theater in Shakespeare's time.
3. Met characters in Julius Caesar and formed some first impressions based on what others said about them.

Homework:

• You will have a Notes Quiz on the Shakespeare packet from this week on Wednesday. Begin studying so that you can be a trivia winner!
• Vocab Quiz next Friday--start studying now!

Have a great weekend, review your notes, and I'll see you Monday!
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 18 February

Today in class, we:

1. turned in the Friendship Challenge and Shakespeare KWL sheets.
2. finished our notes on Julius Caesar.
3. introduced Lesson 8 Vocabulary words.

Tonight's homework:

• Lesson 8 Exercises A and B.

A Notes Quiz on the introductory notes (finished today) will be next Wednesday, February 24.
Your Vocab Quiz will be on Friday, February 26 (next Friday).

Thought for today:
We talked today about why Shakespeare chose to write this play about Caesar and the Roman civilization, despite their distance in age. We said that it's often easier to figure out others' problems than it is to identify our own. Do you see any similar examples in our culture today? Can you think of books or movies that teach us about our problems in indirect ways?

Objectives: 17 February

Today in class, we:

1. Changed seats. Start fresh, everyone.
2. Began notes on Julius Caesar. Bring this packet tomorrow.

Today's homework:

• You have a last shot to fill in the KWL chart using your brain and your book. Take this opportunity to do your best work. Please be prepared to hand that in, as well as the Friendship Challenge sheet from Tuesday.

Food for thought:
Do you know about the Trash Gyre? This is interesting.

Objectives: 16 February

Today in class, we:

1. Took a Vocab Quiz on Lesson 7. We will start Lesson 8 this week; the next quiz will be next Friday.
2. Began thinking about qualities of good friends. Finish this sheet for homework!

I was not pleased with overall behavior in class today. You will find a new seating chart tomorrow morning. Let this be a new start for all of you.

Thought of the day:
The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.  ~William Safire

Objectives: 8 February

Today in class, we:

• discussed how to incorporate quotes into our papers in the form of in-text citations
• explored how to create Works Cited entries in MLA form using resources like EasyBib.com

Don't lose that packet of notes from today--it will be helpful!

Upcoming due dates:

1. Due tomorrow, 2/9: Vocab 7 worksheet.
2. Wednesday, 2/10: Fascinating Person Mixer (dress up like your character and do a short 1-2 minute presentation).
3. Thursday, 2/11: Final draft.
4. Tuesday, 2/16: Vocab quiz 7.

Thought for today:
"When God wants to make a giant oak, he takes a hundred years, but when he wants to make a mushroom, he does it overnight" (Rick Warren). No offense to mushrooms, but a "giant oak" is much greater than fragile fungus.
What is God making of your life?
Have you felt that you've been working or waiting patiently for something that has yet to arrive, something that is yet to be achieved?
Keep faith: maybe the roots that are digging into the soft February soil will soon bloom into vibrant green leaves soaking up the summer sun.

Objectives: 5 February

Today in class, we:

1. Checked Vocab 7A and 7B; completed 7C.
2. Did another exercise on correcting fragments.

I will have your drafts back Monday! Come in with your materials, ready to work.
-Mrs. Kristoff

Thought for the weekend:

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."

- Martin Luther

Homework: Due 2/5

Was Due Today:
Your first draft. Remember that I deduct 10 points for every day your paper is late!

Due tomorrow: 
Vocab Lesson 7 exercises A and B.


Upcoming due dates:
"Fascinating Person" Mixer--Wednesday, Feb. 10
Final Draft Due--Thursday, Feb. 11
Vocabulary Quiz 7--Tuesday, Feb. 16

I hope to have your first drafts returned to you Monday so that you can get going on that final draft!

Objectives: 2 February

Today is our first day of writing workshop. I expect you to use this time wisely in class to work and to ask me questions as needed.

Here are some things to consider as you write:

1. Does the beginning capture the reader’s attention?
2. Does the introductory paragraph lead into the thesis statement?
3. Does the thesis statement list your what your paper will talk about?
4. Do the examples support the ideas in your paragraph?
5. Is the writing focused & clear?
6. Is the writing organized in a logical order?
7. Do the details fit the chosen topic?
8. Are the details sufficiently described?
9. Did you delete details that do not relate to the topic?
10. Are there any details that should be added to make the writing clearer?
11. Are ideas and details connected to each other? Do you transition between paragraphs?
12. Is the choice of words fresh, colorful, & interesting?
13. Have any words been unnecessarily repeated?
14. Have weak, general words been replaced with detailed terms?

adapted from Suite101: Editing & Revision Essay Checklist: High School Students Can Revise and Edit Essays for Better Grades

Thought for the day:
Have you ever wondered why popcorn is so expensive at the movies? Check out the reason why your Mike and Ikes are $9, plus eight other "American rip-offs" (text messages are marked up 6,500%!).

Outlines

Outlines are due tomorrow!
We will be working on drafting and peer review for the next several days, so be sure that you have your outline plus your source materials in your possession at the beginning of class.

If you do not use time wisely, you will show me that you have more than enough time to complete the task on your own; therefore, I will create more work for you.

Other reminders:

• First Draft due this Thursday, February 4.
• Fascinating Person Mixer coming up soon!
• Final Draft due Thursday, February 11.

Thought for the Day:
These four qualify as fascinating in my book. Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Woolworth Sit-In by checking out these photos from Time.com. Can you imagine a time when doing your homework at a lunch counter qualified as nonviolent protest? Think of all you have to be grateful for.
A Brief History of the Sit-In Movement

Objectives: 25 January

In class today, we:

• After our review, we took Vocab Test 3 (on Lessons 5 and 6).

Tomorrow:

• Bring all of your materials for your research project. We will talk about outlines then and you will NEED your stuff!

Thought for the Day: Making Mondays Matter (from Oprah.com)

How many e-mails or text messages have you sent in the past week? How many handwritten notes of appreciation? More to the point, when was the last time you handwrote anything to anyone? Handwrite a note of gratitude to somebody today…just because. They will appreciate the rarity of it.

See the article for more facts like these: 

• 175% more text messages are sent each month compared to phone calls..
• Every week, the average person receives 1.5 personal letters.
• Feeling appreciated is one of the strongest human desires.

See you tomorrow in Animal Planet attire!
-Mrs. Kristoff

SPIRIT WEEK!

Monday

• "Escape Clashing Patterns"--show up in all green!
  
• Banner needs to be ready at 8:30!
• Regular class schedule.

Tuesday

• "Escape Reality"--dress up as shows on Animal Planet (Crocodile Hunter, Dog Whisperer, Jungle Girl, Animal Diaries, Animal Cops)
  
• Parade with "commentary" during chapel in the morning.
• Wear College Gear the rest of the day (jeans and college t-shirts/sweatshirts).
  
• We skip periods 1 and 6 today.

Wednesday

• "Escape Loneliness"--Famous Pairs Day! Dress up with your partner(s); stay in these costumes all day.
• Picture/Parade in the morning during chapel.
• We skip periods 5 and 7 today.

Thursday

• "The Great Escape!"--Spiritual Emphasis Day demonstrating "The Great Escape"; dress up to represent your part in the skit.
• Chapel with skits at the end of the day. *Songs with approved lyrics allowed.
• You may wear Preppy clothes before the skits.
• We skip periods 3 and 4 today.

Friday

• Homecoming!--Dress in Blue and Gold/School Spirit Clothes. 
• Senior Boys Recognition, then cheers and spirit routines. *No song lyrics allowed.
  
• No classes meet today.
• Homecoming festivities begin in the afternoon!

Homework: Due 1/25

• TEST MONDAY! Vocab Lessons 5-6.
• Don't wait until the last minute to do your research and your outline (due Wednesday)!
• We'll spend more time in class after your test Monday working on how to do your outline. Don't worry if you didn't get it today. We'll work on it more in class next week. HOWEVER, I will not do your work for you, so bring your materials and be ready to ask questions!

 Have a great weekend! See you Monday in all green :)

-Mrs. Kristoff

Thought for the weekend: 

Objectives: 22 January

When you come into class:

• Check to see that you have EVERYTHING you need to take to the Media Center for continued research!

Today's agenda:

1. 10 minute chat: How to Create Outlines
   
2. Media Center. 
3. Reminder: VOCAB TEST Monday! (lessons 5-6)
   

SPIRIT WEEK: The banner must be ready to be hung in the gym at 8:30 Monday morning!
I can't wait to see all of your hard work pay off next week.


Thought for the weekend: (can you spot the vocab word?)

Objectives: 21 January

What to do when class starts:

•  Read the information you found yesterday and from your independent research at home. As you read, decide what is important information for your paper. Mark it clearly by underlining or highlighting (I will provide highlighters for you).
• If there are gaps in your information, start making a list of questions. These ideas will help guide your time in the Media Center tomorrow.

Reminder: Vocab Test on 5-6 on Monday!

Thought for the day:
I was thinking of you, freshmen, when I saw the graphic at the top of this blog post about what makes cars have that "new car smell." This blog, Learn Something New Every Day, seems like an interesting one to follow, although the author makes no claims that every topic is completely accurate (especially since some of his posts use Wikipedia as a source). Maybe you can point out the gaps in this guy's knowledge, or at least impress your friends and parents with your seemingly endless supply of random facts.   :)

Objectives: 20 January

When you come into class:

• Make sure you have the materials you need to do research (paper, pencil, binder).

Today's Agenda:

1. Visit Media Center to conduct research. Keep in mind that tomorrow you will need to have material in class for you to work on, so print your source material here at school or save it in your Web Locker and print at home. Manage your time wisely--your outline is due one week from today!
2. You have a Vocab Test this coming Monday (only 4 days away), so start studying! The test covers lessons 5 and 6.
   

Thought for the day:
Check out the SAT Question of the Day on the College Board site.  Did you get the right answer?

Objectives: 19 January

When you come into class:

• Take out your Vocab words to review. You have a quiz today!

Today's Agenda:

1. Review for Vocab Quiz.
2. Vocab Quiz. 
3. Preparation for Research:
1. Topics due
2. How to take notes and organize sources
3. Web Lockers
   
4. Media Center tomorrow!

Homework: Due 1/19

1. Start thinking about the questions that will guide your research on your "fascinating person."  Remember that you must have your topic finalized by Tuesday, so this is your chance to decide if there's enough relevant information available on your person. Try to find some sources and do some reading; at the very least, brainstorm a list of questions. You'll have next Wednesday to work on research in the Media Center, but you will have to do some research outside of class as well. Devote some time to compiling some information so that you can jumpstart this project. Use your Web Locker!
2. Study for your Vocab Quiz!
   

See you Tuesday in your jeans and Local shirts!
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 15 January

When you come into class:

• Take out your Vocabulary sheets from yesterday and get ready for review.

Our agenda:

1. Vocabulary review--Quiz on Tuesday!
2. Research project assignment details.
3. "How to Write a Good Biography"
4. Web Lockers

Thought for the weekend: Take some time to be like this kid.

Objectives: 14 January

When you come into class:

1. Take out your homework (Vocab 6 A-C, Crossword).
2. Take out a clean sheet of paper for Take 10.

 In class today, we will:

1. Do our Take 10: SuperWordacious!
2. Talk about beginning research and organizing information.

Thought for the day: (from TIME Magazine)

Triage

An injured child receives medical treatment in Port-au-Prince. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has in recent times suffered a number of disasters, including four hurricanes and storms in 2008 that killed hundreds. See More Images from TIME.com

Homework: Due 1/14

You are responsible for bringing these items to class tomorrow:

1. Vocab Lesson 6 exercises A-C.
2. Vocab Lesson 6 crossword.

Remember that your quiz for this section will be next TUESDAY.
See you tomorrow!
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 13 January

When you come into class:

1. Be sure you have your Vocab book. You will need it today.
2. Review for your There/Their/They're Quiz.

In class, we will:

1. Take There/Their/They're Quiz.
2. Learn new vocab words--Lesson 6.
3. Practice vocab: Lesson 6 exercises A-C and Lesson 6 Crossword.
4. Distribute writing folders, if time allows. 

 Thought for the day:

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

Spotted: Vocab!

In a story about the Dixie Chicks on The Island Packet website:

However, Lloyd Maines, Natalie's father, tells CMT.com that the three girls are "definitely still an entity." He says the sisters are "cutting some demos" and that Natalie recorded "a little something with them" about a year ago.

Extra points if you still remember what that word means!
Also, notice how the writer embeds the quote from Natalie's dad into her own sentence. Pretty crafty, those associated press writers.
:)
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 12 January

When you come into class:

1. Take out your homework ("They're, Their, and There" sheets, paragraph for those who didn't turn it in yesterday).

Today's Agenda:

1. I will check homework and we will review the sheet.
2. We will take a short quiz (gasp!).
   
3. Take 10! (extended)
   

• Organizing our Take 10 folders/notebooks
  
• Today's Take 10: Avoiding an adjective pile-up
• Personalizing our Take 10 folders

Thought for the day: Check out these crazy penguins! How would you describe them? Challenge yourself to use three unusual adjectives.

*Tomorrow is a Vocab day, so bring your book to class!

Homework: Due 1/12

Homework:
1. Finish "There, They're, and Their" worksheet (handed out in class).
2. I would study the rules for "its/it's" that we discussed today. We *may* have a quiz tomorrow...!
3. For those of you who did not turn it in today, please complete your paragraph on your chosen fascinating person. See the previous post (scroll down to "Homework: due 1/11") for more information. Remember that I deduct 10 points per day for all late assignments!

Coming up:
-We'll do a "Take 10" writing exercise tomorrow
-We'll start Lesson 6 vocab Wednesday (bring your book!)

-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 11 January

When you come into class:

1. Study for your VOCABULARY QUIZ. You will have three minutes past the bell to review, but only if it is silent.

During class:

1. Take Vocabulary Quiz. 
2. When you are finished with your quiz, turn it in to me at the front of the room. I will give you a worksheet. Work on this until everyone is finished.
3. I'll ask you to turn in your homework (paragraph on your chosen "fascinating person") before class ends.

Thought for the day:
Rick Warren explains, "Physically, each of us has a unique heartbeat. Just as we each have unique thumbprints, eye prints, and voiceprints, our hearts beat in slightly different patterns. It's amazing that out of all the billions of people who've ever lived, no one has ever had a heartbeat exactly like yours." Pretty cool, right?

Homework: Due 1/11

Your assignments:
1. Study for your Vocab Quiz on Lesson 5 Words.
2. Write a strong, detailed paragraph (at least 6 sentences) that explains why you would like to research your chosen "fascinating person." Questions to consider:

• How did I first learn about this person?
• What about this person's life is inspirational to me? To others?
  
• What do I want to learn about this person?
• What could others learn about this person's life?
• Why is this person worth researching?

Food for thought:
We've been talking in class about what it means to respect the purpose of our class--learning. It's easy to excuse our own behavior when we look at it one day at a time, but patterns, the traits that appear day in, day out, may reveal an accurate portrait of our values--what we value in other people and what we value in ourselves. Take a few minutes to yourself to really think about this. Ask yourself these questions: Does the way I represent myself in this class demonstrate who I am as a student? Does it represent the way I want to be known in the future? What would a person who only observed me in this class think of me and my values?

My hope is that by the end of this class you will respect your abilities as a student and your responsibilities as a member of an academic community.

Have a good weekend! See you Monday (a.k.a. the day we all will ace our vocab quizzes).
-Mrs. Kristoff

Objectives: 8 January

When you come into class:

1. Take out your homework (Vocab 5 Worksheet). I'll be coming around to collect it.
   
2. Take out a sheet of paper and prepare for today's Take 10: Spoonerisms!
   

Next, we'll do these things:

• Research How-To, part 1: What's the most important part of research?
  
• Vocabulary Review. Quiz Monday on Lesson 5 words!

Thought of the day:
"Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established" (Proverbs 4:26).

Welcome to the blog!

Hello from the blog version of our class! Here I will post information about assignments, useful links, or food for thought (you know, brain snacks!). I will continue to post homework on NetClassroom (see the links at right), but I may also post it here as well.

I am excited about our new semester together! We are on quite the journey...we'll sharpen our writing skills, wallow in the rich language of Shakespeare, and learn from talking animals (seriously). Ready? I am. Remember...tomorrow starts now.
-Mrs. Kristoff