For the 9th Grade:  Create your introduction paragraph
Here are the videos we used in class.  Tonight's homework is to create your and introductory paragraph and thesis statement . It may help to first focus on the thesis statement and work backwards from there.

This movie will help guide you in developing your introduction.  Remember, the first sentence does not need to discuss the thesis. The first sentence can be very broad and narrow to the topics in subsequent sentences.

 10th grade homework questions:1. What is different about Maycomb this summer for Scout?  Why is she miserable for 2 days?

2. Where does Calpurnia take Scout and Jem on Sunday? Be specific.
                 What about this experience made her uncomfortable?

3. What does Reverend Sykes do when he realizes that the congregation has failed to collect ten dollars?  Why is this important to the story?

4. How is Reverend Sykes’ preaching style different than that of Scout and Jem’s Pastor?

5. Why is Tom Robinson in jail?

6. Name two things the children learn about Calpurnia on their walk home.

Hello everyone,

Today's objective: to develop a topic sentence for both paragraphs, and your homework is to complete those paragraphs.  (Except for period G, tonight you are focusing on the introduction- so look at the previous post.


New Procedures:
5 sections to notebooks: general, literature, grammar and mechanics, writing/essays, and creative writing.  Hopefully, this method of organization will help all of my students keep "like with like" and make it easier to locate notes and handouts.

Issues we discussed:
Poor diction- (word usage) There are too many 'good's, 'bad's, and 'for example's ('For example' is not an issue when used once, but many rely on this phrase instead of developing stronger vocabulary.)

To review today I am putting directions for the second paragraph of your essays and some helpful hints. Please look at the pictures above if you did not record all your notes today

For grade 10-
Homework:
Periods B & C
We created topic sentences in class for your paragraphs. Tonight you need to complete those paragraphs that support your position of the Critical Lens.  Each paragraph should contain three points from each piece of literature that supports your position.

Steps for body paragraphs:  USE THE OUTLINE GIVEN IN CLASS.  Below are general steps, the outline is an invaluable tool.
1. Topic sentence should reflect critical lens (Refer to the board notes on creating a topic sentence.) 
2. Summarize the work (2-3 sentences)
3. Supporting details/situations (minimum of 3 examples)-(Use references to literary elements such as plot, characterization, setting etc.)
4. A wrap-up statement that reflects the topic sentence

For grade 9-
Homework:
Create 2 body paragraphs that support your essay on a literary device.

Steps to take for each paragraph: (Use the graphic organizer if you are confused)
1. Create a topic sentence (refer to the picture of the notes above)
2. Preface (prepare the reader) the effect the device has in this section of the work.
3. Reference or supply a supporting detail / quote.
4. Interpret and summarize the effect the literary device has in this passage for your reader.