My name is Mrs. McCahan ( mick -CACK- in ) 8/22/13 1.6 Speaking and Listening Objective: To write a paragraph To review syllabus

My name is Mrs. McCahan (mick-CACK- in)

8/22/13

1.6 Speaking and Listening

Objective: To write a paragraphTo review syllabus

Bellringer: What are ten things that irritate you? These are pet peeves. List them in your notebook.Now elaborate on one of them in a paragraph response.www.english8room103.wikispaces.com

You should have a notebook for this class. Each day record date, standard, objective, bellringer & response.

The supply list for this classconsists of the following:

*one 3-inch binder for English, Science, and Social Studies*highlighters *filler paper or one subject notebook*flash-drive

Top ten things that irritate me:1. Repeating myself2. Unpreparedness3. Sitting on desk tops4. Lining up at door5. Whispering answers6. Whining7. Using the word “retard” or "retarded”8. Waking up early9. Poor manners10. Not picking up after yourself

I really hate having to repeat myself; it is something that truly irritates me! When I tell my kids to do something, I expect it to be done. If I tell them to pick up a toy, I expect they will do it. If they do not, the toy goes in the trash. Also, my husband has a awful habit of waiting until I get done with a lengthy discussion on a subject before interjecting, “huh?” I cannot believe he did not hear any of my comments. It irritates me that he didn’t stop me earlier to inform me that he did not hear. Furthermore, it is most irritating in the classroom. I give clear directives, I speak clearly, and oftentimes I accompany my verbal directions with written ones on paper or the board. So, why am I constantly asked what to do next or what page we are on? A way to remedy this irritation in the classroom is to “ask three before you ask me.” Using this motto will help alleviate my having to repeat myself so often. Overall, repeating myself is a huge pet peeve of mine, and I have come up with a simple solution.

When writing a paragraph,don’t forget the following:

1. Topic sentence (Underline and label TS)2. Supporting details(Number sentences 1, 2, 3, and so on)3. Internal transitions(Circle transition words)4. Concluding sentence (Underline and label CS)

I really hate having to repeat myself; it is something that truly irritates me! When I tell my kids to do something, I expect it to be done. If I tell them to pick up a toy, I expect they will do it. If they do not, the toy goes in the trash. Also, my husband has a awful habit of waiting until I get done with a lengthy discussion on a subject before interjecting, “huh?” I cannot believe he did not hear any of my comments. It irritates me that he didn’t stop me earlier to inform me that he did not hear. Furthermore, it is most irritating in the classroom. I give clear directives, I speak clearly, and oftentimes I accompany my verbal directions with written ones on paper or the board. So, why am I constantly asked what to do next or what page we are on? A way to remedy this irritation in the classroom is to “ask three before you ask me.” Using this motto will help alleviate my having to repeat myself so often. Overall, repeating myself is a huge pet peeve of mine, and I have come up with a simple solution.

8/26/131.6 Speaking and ListeningObjective: To fill out information cards and review syllabus

BellRinger:fill out your information index card in the this manner:

parent's first and last name (the one(s) you live with most)addressMuncy, PA 17756home phone #parents' cell or work # (for the one(s) you listed above)parents' email addressBiggest problem in English class:What you are good at in English class:Something I should know about you:

Last name, first name (nick name) Period #

Ray Bradbury – what we will know and be able to do…

· Closely read a passage · Identify and define similes, metaphors, imagery, personification · Annotate a text · Use Freytag's Pyramid for literature analysis · Discuss plot · Discuss conflict · Analyze a character · Identify and define a noun · Make an inference · Discuss author's style · Write a five-paragraph essay · Define unknown words (using a dictionary)

HOMEWORK:

* bring notebook Monday

* return syllabus Monday

* visit my website this weekend

www.english8room103.

wikispaces.com

http://www.english8/

8/27/131.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting LiteratureObjective: To read aloud and make annotations

BR: Put your first and last name on your syllabus and submit it to the appropriate colored bin on computer cart.

What is science fiction?

Made up stories often set in other worlds, on other planets, or in the future that use scientific or technological ideas in believable plots.

Reading Techniques techniques “good readers” use to closely read a passage

predictions- guess what will happen nextinferences- your thoughts + what the book says = inference!literary techniques- find imagery, similes, metaphors, personificationquestions- ask a question of the textconnections- connect the situation in the text to your life, a movie, a book you readcharacter developments- make notes about a change in charactersetting details- notice the when and wherecomments- make a comment about a plot development or characterclarification- restate a scene in your own wordssummaries- summarize a scene in simpler termsvocabulary- underline & define unknown words

These are the types of annotations you will make!

"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury begins by introducing the reader to a house that cooks, cleans, and takes care of virtually every need that a typical United States family could be assumed to have. The reader enters the text on the morning of August 4, 2026 and follows the house through some of the daily tasks that it performs as it prepares its inhabitants for a day of work and school. At first it is not apparent that anything is wrong, but eventually it becomes clear that the residents of the house are not present and that the house is empty as a vacant hotel room. As the story continues, no direct explanation of the family’s absence is revealed, but the silhouettes of a woman, a man, two children, and their play ball are described as having been burnt in black and charred into one side of the house. The inhabitants are only memories. The house is described as standing amidst the ruins of a city; the leveled urban area is described briefly as emitting a "radioactive glow".

"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury begins by introducing the reader to a house that cooks, cleans, and takes care of virtually every need that a typical United States family could be assumed to have. The reader enters the text on the morning of August 4, 2026 and follows the house through some of the daily tasks that it performs as it prepares its inhabitants for a day of work and school. At first it is not apparent that anything is wrong, but eventually it becomes clear that the residents of the house are not present and that the house is empty as a vacant hotel room. As the story continues, no direct explanation of the family’s absence is revealed, but the silhouettes of a woman, a man, two children, and their play ball are described as having been burnt in black and charred into one side of the house. The inhabitants are only memories. The house is described as standing amidst the ruins of a city; the leveled urban area is described briefly as emitting a "radioactive glow".

common nounproper nounplural noun

Homework: Add five words from the story to your vocabulary chart. Be sure at least TWO are nouns. Define these words.

Bonus opportunity…

What animal was on Mrs. McCahan's website when you visited last night?

8/28/13

1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature

Objective: To analyze plot and character in a short story

BR: Please have your homework out on your desk. Be sure your name is on it.If you only had one hour of sunshine, what would you do and why? (one five-sentence descriptive paragraph)ORWrite a 6-10 line list poem(for a challenge use couplets)

Things to do with one hour of sunshineby Mrs. McCahan

Step outside to feel the warmth on my faceTake a quick dip in the pool at my mom's placeStudy my kids' faces in the natural lightLook at each flower bloom in sightRun around the yard to feel the rays on my skinPlay a game of tag to see who'd winLay in the grass and soak up the raysDay dream of all the past summer days

8/29/13

1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting LiteratureObjective: To compare and contrast a print and media source

BR: What are four techniques good readers use?After recording these in your notebook, go stand by the technique you are most confident about.

Reading Techniques techniques “good readers” use to closely read a passage

predictions- guess what will happen nextinferences- your thoughts + what the book says = inference!literary techniques- find imagery, similes, metaphors, personificationquestions- ask a question of the textconnections- connect the situation in the text to your life, a movie, a book you readcharacter developments- make notes about a change in charactersetting details- notice the when and wherecomments- make a comment about a plot development or characterclarification- restate a scene in your own wordssummaries- summarize a scene in simpler termsvocabulary- underline & define unknown words

These are the types of annotations you will make!

A summary of "The Veldt" by Ray BradburyGeorge and Lydia have it all, and that's exactly what they've given their children. The couple have purchased a Happy Life Home, and they've purchased it for $30,000.00. Just think; it cooks your food; it does your laundry; and it dresses you. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: all you have to do is sit at the table and your every wish is granted. You are washed and bathed, massaged and coddled, rocked like a baby to sleep, and transported through your home without having to move a muscle, all of this luxury and yet, they've even upgraded. At half of the cost of the house, a mere $15,000.00, they've added an enormous nursery. Nothing is too good for their children, or is it?The nursery can be anything the kids desire. It can be the beach or a fairy tale. They can travel anywhere they'd like, experience anything the world has to offer, and do it all from the enormous addition that was made to their home. The room comes complete with wind, hot sun, and yes, even "odorphonics.": it even smells like the places you visit! You'd never know the places weren't real, or are they real?The story opens with Lydia drawing her husband into a conversation about their children. The nursery has become her children’s best friend! She is visibly worried that they are spending far too much time in the nursery, that the places they're visiting aren't suitable, and that the fact they have chosen the African Veldt as their escape of choice is alarming. Her children are little criminals!She wants her husband to call the psychologist for her children, but she wants him to call the psychologist for the house too! The "happy home" that they talk to, the home that talks back, that they thank for its every service; the home that was supposed to make their lives perfect, it isn't perfect, and she's crying. She wants to leave; she feels as if she's become unimportant, that she's not needed. She's no longer the caregiver, no longer a wife, no longer a mother, and she isn't wrong to worry!

A summary of "The Veldt" by Ray BradburyGeorge and Lydia have it all, and that's exactly what they've given their children. The couple have purchased a Happy Life Home, and they've purchased it for $30,000.00. Just think; it cooks your food; it does your laundry; and it dresses you. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: all you have to do is sit at the table and your every wish is granted. You are washed and bathed, massaged and coddled, rocked like a baby to sleep, and transported through your home without having to move a muscle, all of this luxury and yet, they've even upgraded. At half of the cost of the house, a mere $15,000.00, they've added an enormous nursery. Nothing is too good for their children, or is it?The nursery can be anything the kids desire. It can be the beach or a fairy tale. They can travel anywhere they'd like, experience anything the world has to offer, and do it all from the enormous addition that was made to their home. The room comes complete with wind, hot sun, and yes, even "odorphonics.": it even smells like the places you visit! You'd never know the places weren't real, or are they real?The story opens with Lydia drawing her husband into a conversation about their children. The nursery has become her children’s best friend! She is visibly worried that they are spending far too much time in the nursery, that the places they're visiting aren't suitable, and that the fact they have chosen the African Veldt as their escape of choice is alarming. Her children are little criminals!She wants her husband to call the psychologist for her children, but she wants him to call the psychologist for the house too! The "happy home" that they talk to, the home that talks back, that they thank for its every service; the home that was supposed to make their lives perfect, it isn't perfect, and she's crying. She wants to leave; she feels as if she's become unimportant, that she's not needed. She's no longer the caregiver, no longer a wife, no longer a mother, and she isn't wrong to worry!

8/30/13

1.5 Quality of Writing

Objective: To write a compare/contrast paragraphTo analyze character

Bellringer: Put your homework on the corner of your desk.

What are some transitions you use when comparing?

What are some transitions you use when contrasting?

Likewise similarly equally in addition additionally also like

On the contrary, but, however, nevertheless, yet, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or, nor, conversely, at the same time

Bring headphones Tuesday!

Analyzing a character in a story calls for looking at his or her interactions with other characters and conversations. Really knowing a character entails identifying the three defining moments for the character, the two critical choices that character made, and the one pivotal person in that character’s life. Analyze these three aspects of the character you chose.Defining Moments (Scenes in the story that told you something unique or new about the character. These scenes told you WHO the character truly is.) 1.2.3.Critical Choices (These are decisions the character made, either consciously or subconsciously, that changed the character or the outcome of the story.)1. 2. Pivotal Person (This is the one person that affected the character the most, either positively or negatively)

What is the one choice you made or was made for you that drastically affected who you have become?

“If someone out there doesn’t agree with me, then somewhere a village is missing their idiot.”“No dog ever peed on a moving car.”“That dog don’t hunt.”“Don’t make me put your head in my blender!”“This ain’t my first rodeo son!”

a noun is a person, place, thing, or idea

9/3/13

1.3 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Objective: To discuss author's styleTo respond to a quote

BR: Define the following word:

STYLE (i.e. author's style)

What is unique about Ray Bradbury's writing?

www.raybradbury.comHomework: Grab Bradbury's obituary from front table before you go!

science fiction genresimiles, metaphors, imageryfuturistic settingambiguous/uncertain endingtheme- being different

9/4/13

1.5 Speaking and Listening

Objective: To use pre-reading strategies To make predictions

BellRinger:

Get your homework out (noun obituary). Submit to bin in front.

Grab a small slip from the front table. Record this statement in your notebook:((After visiting with your classmates, record your "I think" statement about the prediction you can now make about the story))

I think....

Homework: Record and define ten vocabulary words from "The Pedestrian" on your chart

9/5/131.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting LiteratureObjective: To discuss plot, character and conflict in a short story.

BellRinger: Have your vocabulary chart out on your desk.

What can you do instead of watching TV, using a computer, or playing video games? (one five-sentence descriptive paragraph)ORWrite a 6-10 line list poem(for a challenge use couplets)

What to do instead of watching TVby Mrs. McCahan

Read a good book.Open a photo album and take a look.Cook something good to eat, orTake a nap on a comfy seat.Play cars with my son;Do a craft that's fun.Play with my daughter and her doll, andTo a friend, make a phone call.


9/6/13


Objective: Read a short story and model what good readers do

BellRinger: Read the following words, and using what you know about Bradbury's style, make a prediction about what today's story ("Marionettes, Inc.") will be about. This prediction should be a sentence or two in your notebook.

tick-tick-tick secrecy no strings attachedmarionette business freedomcellar clientwife marriage HOMEWORK

Record and define ten words on your chart from "Marionettes, Inc."

9/9/13


Objective: Analyze a short story by looking at plot and character

BR: Get your "Marionettes, Inc." story and vocabulary sheet out on your desk

If you had a Marionette android, what tasks would he/she perform? (one five-sentence descriptive paragraph)ORWrite a 6-10 line list poem(for a challenge use couplets)


What is Ray Bradbury's style?

(An author's style is his or her unique way of writing; that is, certain techniques the author uses often, repeated themes or subject matter, and genre)

he uses: dialogue, imagery, similes, metaphorsrecurring themes: loneliness, being different, harmful technology

also:ambiguous/uncertain endingsshort in lengthfuturistic settingsscience fiction genre

9.11.13


Objective: To correct exams To write a well-developed paragraph

Bellringer: Submit your homework to the bin.

Here are some recurring errors I found in the paragraph responses on yesterday's exam. Please copy the notes:+ Use a comma after the concluding signalTo conclude, Bradbury’s style is shown in the story.Furthermore, there was a clear conflict in “All Summer in a Day.”+ A LOT is two words+ correct spelling of STORIES+ Read the prompt at least TWICE to assure you are responding correctly to it. After you’ve written the response, re-read the prompt to assure you answered all parts.

NOTEBOOK QUIZ

In “Marionettes, Inc.” by Ray Bradbury there are a few different techniques used to understand the story. First, the reader can look at various literary techniques, like imagery. Bradbury describes Nettie a lot. Another technique is making inferences; a reader can guess about character and plot based on the story. I thought Smith would follow his friend’s example and get a robot too. Finally, a good reader makes predictions about what will happen next. I predicted Nettie was a robot. In conclusion, there are some key techniques that readers use to understand a story.

When reading Ray Bradbury’s stories the reader can see that he has a his unique writing style; in the story “The Pedestrian,” his style is clear. First of all, the story is in the science fiction genre. Another aspect of his style is his characters are often lonely and different from everyone else, like Leonard Mead. Thirdly, he uses imagery a lot to describe setting and character. Therefore, Bradbury’s style is revealed in this story.

9/12/13


Objective: To review essay terminology and formatTo brainstorm a new essay prompt

Bellringer: What is your favorite brainstorming technique?

What is another one youcould try?

9/13/13


Objective: To write three body paragraphs with illustrative content, specific examples, and clear details.

BellRinger:Get your outline out.An essay needs a BIG 3. What is a BIG 3?

What is your BIG 3 for this essay assignment?

Look at the attention getters on the next page...

OPENERS- Attention Getters- Introduction IdeasFive ways to “hook” a reader!!!

1. Startling statement: Shock the reader with a funny, weird, or surprising idea, and then preview your ideas. Finally add a thesis.

2. Question: Writers begin their piece asking their readers to stop and ponder their inquiry. Preview the BIG 3 and end with the thesis.

3. Short Story or Anecdote: Writers cite an example or provide a brief narrative (story) related to their subject in order to capture their audience’s interest. Next, quickly preview paragraph topics and end with the thesis.

4. Quotation: Writers cite a catchy or subject-related statement made by someone in authority on their topic. Quote a song lyric or saying. Use something your mom/dad/grandma always says. Explain the quote briefly, preview three ideas, and connect the idea to the thesis.

5. Three Interesting Words: Write three attention-getting adjectives to describe your topic. Add a preview sentence for each paragraph topic; then end with a clear thesis.

Openers/ attention getters/ways to “hook” a reader

1. My trip to the emergency room was the best day ever! 2. Cautious, studious, and boring are three words I would never use to decribe myself. 3. My mom was in her room crying. My little sister was sitting at the foot of the bed. I heard a car speeding away out front. 4. My dad always says, "don't drop your arm when you bat." 5. How could the birth of twins negatively affect your life?

9/16/13


Objective: to complete rough draft of essay by adding an introduction and a conclusion.

BellRinger: What is a thesis?

Which of the following is a good thesis for this essay?A. There are many moments in my life that have shaped me.B. Defining moments, key decisions, and one person have greatly affected me.C. Choices I have made and a few events have made me who I am.

Tim Weaver

Mrs. McCahan

English 8 period 4

19 September 2012

Moments, Choices, and Mom

My trip to the emergency room was the best day ever! I had a concussion and twenty stitches

in my forehead when I was eight years old; I had to be homebound from school for three

weeks. This experience helped me become a better student. In addition to this defining event, I

had two more events that shaped who I have become. I also made some tough choices. Finally, I

have one pivotal person in my life: my mom. Defining moments, crucial choices, and a pivotal

person have greatly affected who I have become!

Overall, my short life has been shaped by key events, decisions,

and one special woman. A few defining moments have made me more

responsible and kind. My two important decisions have shaped me

too. Finally my mom is a very influential figure in my life. Even

though my life was altered by a tragic event that left me in the

emergency room, life is full of moments like this, and I have to learn

from them.

9/17/13


Objective: To edit and revise an essay

Bellringer: Take the following MLA format notes

MLA format Times New Roman fontSize 12 fontDOUBLE SPACEDone inch marginstitle centeredMLA heading (like this>)

Chloe Smith

Mrs. McCahan

English 8 period 5

23 September 2011


This is how your first page should look!

* Check font style & size* Check margins- one inch on all sides* Check date- military style* Do you have a title?

If you cannot get your essay typed by Wednesday for any reason (printer out of ink, no computer, no paper, etc.)- Hand-write your essay in blue or black pen on lined paper for minimal points deduction!

Tim Weaver

Mrs. McCahan

English 8 period 4

19 September 2012


My trip to the emergency room was the best day ever! I had a concussion and twenty

stitches in my forehead when I was eight years old; I had to be homebound from school for three

weeks. This experience helped me become a better student. In addition to this defining event, I

had two more events that shaped who I have become. I also made some tough choices. Finally, I

have one pivotal person in my life: my mom. Defining moments, crucial choices, and a pivotal

person have greatly affected who I have become!

9/19/13

1.1 Learning to Read Independently

Objective: To view a movie adaptation of a short storyTo review vocabulary words from short stories

BR: First, submit your essay- staple a half-sheet rubric on it (available in front of period bins). Put your name on the rubric and staple to the top of your essay.

Second, get your vocabulary list out. Record three of the words, parts of speech, and definitions in your notebook. Pick three "good words;" that is, be sure to pick the three words you may use again someday in your life.

If your vocabulary list is missing anything, work on it now. Tomorrow the list will be graded. If there are words that are simplistic, unacceptable, or ones you couldn't find in the dictionary, replace them with better words.

9/20/13

1.1 Learning to read independently- vocabulary

Objective: to use vocabulary words correctly in context

BR: From your list of three words from yesterday, use two correctly in ONE sentence about your favorite Ray Bradbury story. Underline the two words.

Next, get your vocabulary list out; put away everything else except a writing utensil.

9/18/13


Objective: To review qualities of good writing and set writing goalsTo demonstrate knowledge of nouns

Bellringer: Find your writing goals chart you got at your conference and record two goals, in sentence form. You must keep this chart ALL YEAR. Put it somewhere safe. If you lose it, you will lose points.

1.2.

I. There are two ways to join sentences: A. comma conjunction (for, and, nor, but, yet, or, so)B. semicolon(Remember: sentences are HEAVY; therefore, they need TWO DOTS of Super Glue to stick them together)That person kept me in line; he also made me become a better person.That person kept me in line, and he also made me become a better person.(NOT~ That person kept me in line and he also made me a better person.)II. Spell out numbers 1-10 and grades 1-12 in words!I have had three defining moments. (NOT~ I have had 3 defining moments.)My parents split up when I was in fourth grade. (NOT~ My parents split up when I was in 4th grade.)

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My name is Mrs. McCahan ( mick -CACK- in ) 8/22/13 1.6 Speaking and Listening Objective: To write a paragraph To review syllabus