9-30-08: Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort; Siddhartha Ch. 7 (A Days)

Today we had some great presentations on the next three steps in the eightfold path: Right Action, Right Livelihood, and Right Effort. Way to go to all those who presented today!

Then we read Siddhartha Chapter 7 in class. This chapter focused on the Temptation portion of the Hero's Journey Chart. The chapter was loaded with great examples.

For Thursday:
1. Read Siddhartha Chapter 7 if you weren't in class!
2. Group Presentations: Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration
3. Remember to get your outside reading book #2
4. Remember to write in your writer's journal

9-29-08: Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort; Siddhartha Ch. 7 (B Days)

Today we had some great presentations on the next three steps in the eightfold path: Right Action, Right Livelihood, and Right Effort. Way to go to all those who presented today!

Then we read Siddhartha Chapter 7 in class. This chapter focused on the Temptation portion of the Hero's Journey Chart. The chapter was loaded with great examples.

For Wednesday:
1. Read Siddhartha Chapter 7 if you weren't in class!
2. Group Presentations: Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration
3. Remember to get your outside reading book #2
4. Remember to write in your writer's journal

9-26-08: Right View, Right Intentions, Right Speech (A Days)

Today our punctual piece was to write about a time when you learned something on your own. What did you learn? How did you learn it?

Then we had three group presentations on the first three steps of the Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intentions, and Right Speech. All of them were excellent. Way to go!

Either before or after group presentations we had a few minutes of catch up time. I hope you have used this time wisely.

Then for the last few minutes of class we went to the library to get a book for the next book report. Make sure you get your book and bring it with you to class for next Wednesday!

For Tuesday:
1. Group Presentations: Right Action, Right Livelihood, and Right Effort.
2. Get your book and start reading!
3. Remember to write in your writer's journal!

9-25-08: Right View, Right Intentions, Right Speech (B Days)

Today our punctual piece was to write about a time when you learned something on your own. What did you learn? How did you learn it?

Then we had three group presentations on the first three steps of the Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intentions, and Right Speech. All of them were excellent. Way to go!

Either before or after group presentations we had a few minutes of catch up time. I hope you have used this time wisely.

Then for the last few minutes of class we went to the library to get a book for the next book report. Make sure you get your book and bring it with you to class for next Wednesday!

For Tuesday:
1. Group Presentations: Right Action, Right Livelihood, and Right Effort.
2. Get your book and start reading!
3. Remember to write in your writer's journal!

9-24-08: SSR Book Report #1 (A Days)

Today we wrote our punctual piece about whether or not we liked the book we read for our outside reading assignment.

Next we divided up into groups of three to share our Symbolic Story Representation (SSR) for our first outside reading book this term. If you did not do this, you have until Friday to make it up. You must come see me during lunch or after school on Thursday or Friday to make it up. Thursday during lunch I will be in Room 113. Friday during lunch I will be in Room 112. And Thursday and Friday after school I will be in Room 112. Make sure you make this up! It is worth 250 points, so get it done, please!

After that the rest of class time was given to you to work on your group presentations, Hero's Journey Chart, Connections Chart, Writer's Journal, or any other missing/late assignments.

If you were not here, you will need to set up a time to do your SSR with me!

For Friday:
1. Group Presentations: Right View, Right Intentions, and Right Speech be ready to go at the beginning of class.
2. Get your 2nd book and start reading.
3. Remember to write in your writer's journal.

9-23-08: SSR #1 (B Days)

Today we wrote our punctual piece about whether or not we liked the book we read for our outside reading assignment.

Next we divided up into groups of three to share our Symbolic Story Representation (SSR) for our first outside reading book this term. If you did not do this, you have until Friday to make it up. You must come see me during lunch or after school on Thursday or Friday to make it up. Thursday during lunch I will be in Room 113. Friday during lunch I will be in Room 112. And Thursday and Friday after school I will be in Room 112. Make sure you make this up! It is worth 250 points, so get it done, please!

After that the rest of class time was given to you to work on your group presentations, Hero's Journey Chart, Connections Chart, Writer's Journal, or any other missing/late assignments.

If you were not here, you will need to set up a time to do your SSR with me!

For Thursday:
1. Group Presentations: Right View, Right Intentions, and Right Speech be ready to go at the beginning of class.
2. Get your 2nd book and start reading.
3. Remember to write in your writer's journal.

9-22-08: Siddhartha Ch. 5 & 6 (A Days)

Today our punctual piece was to make a list of your Top 10 most noteworthy accomplishments. What are you proud to say you have done?

Next we read Siddhartha Chapter 5 & Chapter 6. We did this as a group. In pairs we read two pages and prepared to summarize the pages we read and find one connection in those two pages. Then we all went around and shared the summary with the class to see how the two chapters fit together. We did lots of work on the connections charts as we wrote down each other's connections.

The rest of class was given to you to work on your group presentations. By now all responsibilities should be divied out and you should have the Group Planning Sheet portion of the assignment completed.

For Wednesday:
1. If you missed class, read Siddhartha Chapter 5 and Chapter 6
2. Prepare for your SSR (Symbolic Story Representation)--the 1st Book Report: we will do these in class on Tuesday.
3. Continue writing in your writer's journal. Remember you can do up to 5 extra entries for 10 points extra credit per entry (that's 50 points total!)

9-19-08: Siddhartha Ch. 5 & 6 (B Days)

Today our punctual piece was to make a list of your Top 10 most noteworthy accomplishments. What are you proud to say you have done?

Next we read Siddhartha Chapter 5 & Chapter 6. We did this as a group. In pairs we read two pages and prepared to summarize the pages we read and find one connection in those two pages. Then we all went around and shared the summary with the class to see how the two chapters fit together. We did lots of work on the connections charts as we wrote down each other's connections.

The rest of class was given to you to work on your group presentations. By now all responsibilities should be divied out and you should have the Group Planning Sheet portion of the assignment completed.

For Tuesday:
1. If you missed class, read Siddhartha Chapter 5 and Chapter 6
2. Prepare for your SSR (Symbolic Story Representation)--the 1st Book Report: we will do these in class on Tuesday.
3. Continue writing in your writer's journal. Remember you can do up to 5 extra entries for 10 points extra credit per entry (that's 50 points total!)

9-18-08: Siddhartha Ch. 4 (A Days)

Today our punctual piece was making a connection between our lives and Siddhartha's. In Chapter 3 Siddhartha left on his own path, what has been a time when you have travelled your own path?

Then we read Chapter 4 in Siddhartha. It was really short. We made connections to his loneliness on our Connection Charts (Siddhartha Reading Log), and we filled in the Symbolic Death/Rebirth section of the Hero's Journey Chart.

The rest of the time was given to you. You worked on your group presentations. And if you finished that you continued working on your Hero's Journey Chart, Connections Chart, preparing for your SSR (Book Report), Read your book, or wrote in your writer's journal, or worked on late/make-up assignments.

For Monday:
1. Read Siddhartha Chapter 4 (if you missed class)
2. Make sure you have your Group Presentation Reading Assignment read!!!
3. Outside Reading
4. Writer's Journal
5. Make sure you have your Punctual Pieces:

9-17-08: Siddhartha Ch. 4 (B Days)

Today our punctual piece was making a connection between our lives and Siddhartha's. In Chapter 3 Siddhartha left on his own path, what has been a time when you have travelled your own path?

Then we read Chapter 4 in Siddhartha. It was really short. We made connections to his loneliness on our Connection Charts (Siddhartha Reading Log), and we filled in the Symbolic Death/Rebirth section of the Hero's Journey Chart.

The rest of the time was given to you. You worked on your group presentations. And if you finished that you continued working on your Hero's Journey Chart, Connections Chart, preparing for your SSR (Book Report), Read your book, or wrote in your writer's journal, or worked on late/make-up assignments.

For Friday:
1. Read Siddhartha Chapter 4 (if you missed class)
2. Make sure you have your Group Presentation Reading Assignment read!!!
3. Outside Reading
4. Writer's Journal

9-16-08: Siddhartha Ch. 3 (A Days)

Today our punctual piece was a follow-up on the Umbrella goals you set--or should have set at the beginning of the year. How are your umbrella goals going? Are you improving? If so, why? If not, why not?

Then we read Siddhartha Chapter 3 and filled out the "Help to the Rescue" and the "Symbolic Death and Rebirth" Sections of your Hero's Journey Chart.

Next we talked through the Group presentation assignment and the Rubric You will have the next two class periods to plan with your group and prepare to present. Each member of your group is responsible for reading the chapter connected to your group topic. In addition to reading and helping your group brainstorm ideas you will have one group responsibility: summary writer, copier/material gatherer, lead presenter. I modeled the presentation with a presentation on The Four Noble Truths. You can look at my group planning sheet and my handout as an example.

For Thursday:
1. Read Siddhartha Chapter 3 if you missed class.
2. Read your group presentation reading assignment (come see me to get this, I can't post it online!)
3. Remember to be reading your outside reading book!
4. Remember your writer's notebook!

9-15-08: Siddhartha Ch. 3 (B Days)

Today our punctual piece was a follow-up on the Umbrella goals you set--or should have set at the beginning of the year. How are your umbrella goals going? Are you improving? If so, why? If not, why not?

Then we read Siddhartha Chapter 3 and filled out the "Help to the Rescue" and the "Symbolic Death and Rebirth" Sections of your Hero's Journey Chart.

Next we talked through the Group presentation assignment and the Rubric You will have the next two class periods to plan with your group and prepare to present. Each member of your group is responsible for reading the chapter connected to your group topic. In addition to reading and helping your group brainstorm ideas you will have one group responsibility: summary writer, copier/material gatherer, lead presenter. I modeled the presentation with a presentation on The Four Noble Truths. You can look at my group planning sheet and my handout as an example.

For Wednesday:
1. Read Siddhartha Chapter 3 if you missed class.
2. Read your group presentation reading assignment (come see me to get this, I can't post it online!)
3. Remember to be reading your outside reading book!
4. Remember your writer's notebook!

9-12-08: Siddhartha Ch. 2 (A Days)

Today our puntual piece was on our top hero: who is your top hero and why?

We handed in the Verb Practice Assignment, and then I modeled the Symbolic Story Representation (SSR) for how you will complete your book reports for this term. You will be doing two SSRs. And the one for your first book is due September 23rd! So make sure you're reading. Follow the SSR Planning guide, and come and talk to me so I can help you (this is essential if you were not in class!!)

Next you had time to work on your Hero's Journey Chart. For chapter 1 we went through "Crossing the Threshold." Think of the chart as if you are a laywer and presenting a case. Your case is that Siddhartha is a Hero. In order to prove that you need evidence that Siddhartha has expereinced each stage of the Hero's Journey. This evidence should be a direct quotation from the text. But the evidence isn't enough on it's own. You must explain why the evidence (quotation) is good evidence--this is the commentary section of the chart.

We also started a reading log with Siddhartha. Like with the SSR, we are practicing a reading strategy called "making connections." This strategy will help you remember and comprehend what you read! (And that's what a large majority of you wanted to improve on in your reading). So, throughout Siddhartha, you are required to practice this strategy by finding ten (10) text-to-self connections, seven (7) text-to-world connections, and three (3) text-to-text connections.

Finally we read Chapter 2 in Siddhartha.

So, for Tuesday:
1. Read, Read, Read your outside reading book
2. Write, Write, Wirte in your writer's journal
3. Read Siddhartha Chapter 2
4. Make sure you are keeping up on your Hero's Journey Chart
5. Work on your Siddhartha Reading Log!

9-11-08: Siddhartha Ch. 2 (B Days)

Today our puntual piece was on our top hero: who is your top hero and why?

We handed in the Verb Practice Assignment, and then I modeled the Symbolic Story Representation (SSR) for how you will complete your book reports for this term. You will be doing two SSRs. And the one for your first book is due September 23rd! So make sure you're reading. Follow the SSR Planning guide, and come and talk to me so I can help you (this is essential if you were not in class!!)

Next you had time to work on your Hero's Journey Chart. For chapter 1 we went through "Crossing the Threshold." Think of the chart as if you are a laywer and presenting a case. Your case is that Siddhartha is a Hero. In order to prove that you need evidence that Siddhartha has expereinced each stage of the Hero's Journey. This evidence should be a direct quotation from the text. But the evidence isn't enough on it's own. You must explain why the evidence (quotation) is good evidence--this is the commentary section of the chart.

We also started a reading log with Siddhartha. Like with the SSR, we are practicing a reading strategy called "making connections." This strategy will help you remember and comprehend what you read! (And that's what a large majority of you wanted to improve on in your reading). So, throughout Siddhartha, you are required to practice this strategy by finding ten (10) text-to-self connections, seven (7) text-to-world connections, and three (3) text-to-text connections.

Finally we read Chapter 2 in Siddhartha.

So, for Monday:
1. Read, Read, Read your outside reading book
2. Write, Write, Wirte in your writer's journal
3. Read Siddhartha Chapter 2
4. Make sure you are keeping up on your Hero's Journey Chart
5. Work on your Siddhartha Reading Log!

9-10-08: Siddhartha Ch. 1 (A Days)

Today our punctual piece was to complete the Siddhartha Anticipation Guide. Then we reviewd Hinduism and Buddhism just a bit--and added to our knowledge as well. We talked about how Eastern philosophy reveres three groups of people: 1. Those who are older than you (parents, grandparents, etc.); 2. Teachers (both spiritual and secular); and 3. Kings and Buddha (religious dieties).

We also talked about the caste system. You are born into your caste and you really can't escape it. There are five different castes: 1. Brahmins--priests; 2. Kasatriyas--warriors; 3. Vaisyas--merchants; 4. Sudras--farmers; and 5. Untouchables--outcasts. While we read chapter 1, you were all randomly assigned a different caste and were required to sit in a designated location in the classroom while we read Chapter 1. While we read we also discussed most of the vocabulary words from your vocab. chart. We talked about their roots as well and thought of other words that have similar roots so that when we see the same root in the future we can have a better idea of what the word will mean.

While we were reading we continued to talk about the Hero's Journey. In Chapter 1 we were introduced to Siddhartha. We found a quotation in the text that showed he had a normal birth and childhood and then explained our quotation choice on our Hero's Journey Chart.

Finally we talked about how when books are translated, translators translate passages and words differently. I read another translation of one paragraph from Chapter 1. We compared it to our class's text to look at how using vivid verbs helps spice up our writing. Many of you want to improve your writing by making your writing come to life--one important way to do this (also important becasue you will need to do this on your final assignment) is to use descriptive verbs. To practice you were given a verb assignment.

So...If you missed class or Things you need to do for Friday!:
1. Complete the Anticipation Guide
2. Read Siddhartha Chapter 1.
3. Complete the vocab chart for Chapter 1.
4. Complete the Hero's Journey chart for "Birth"
5. Complete the Verbs Practice

9-9-08: Siddhartha Ch.1 (B Days)

Today our punctual piece was to complete the Siddhartha Anticipation Guide. Then we reviewd Hinduism and Buddhism just a bit--and added to our knowledge as well. We talked about how Eastern philosophy reveres three groups of people: 1. Those who are older than you (parents, grandparents, etc.); 2. Teachers (both spiritual and secular); and 3. Kings and Buddha (religious dieties).

We also talked about the caste system. You are born into your caste and you really can't escape it. There are five different castes: 1. Brahmins--priests; 2. Kasatriyas--warriors; 3. Vaisyas--merchants; 4. Sudras--farmers; and 5. Untouchables--outcasts. While we read chapter 1, you were all randomly assigned a different caste and were required to sit in a designated location in the classroom while we read Chapter 1. While we read we also discussed most of the vocabulary words from your vocab. chart. We talked about their roots as well and thought of other words that have similar roots so that when we see the same root in the future we can have a better idea of what the word will mean.

While we were reading we continued to talk about the Hero's Journey. In Chapter 1 we were introduced to Siddhartha. We found a quotation in the text that showed he had a normal birth and childhood and then explained our quotation choice on our Hero's Journey Chart.

Finally we talked about how when books are translated, translators translate passages and words differently. I read another translation of one paragraph from Chapter 1. We compared it to our class's text to look at how using vivid verbs helps spice up our writing. Many of you want to improve your writing by making your writing come to life--one important way to do this (also important becasue you will need to do this on your final assignment) is to use descriptive verbs. To practice you were given a verb assignment.

So...If you missed class or Things you need to do for Thursday!:
1. Complete the Anticipation Guide
2. Read Siddhartha Chapter 1.
3. Complete the vocab chart for Chapter 1.
4. Complete the Hero's Journey chart for "Birth"
5. Complete the Verbs Practice

9-8-08: The Hero's Journey & Eastern Thought (A Days)

Today was awesome. You became the Hero's Journey and went through each of the different stages. Then we started on our own journey to India. This will be our first stop as we travel throughout the world this year. The first novel we will be reading and studying is set in India. So we talked about a great reading strategy that you could use in lots of different situations in which you think about what you know first, then you make questions for what you want to know, and then after you read you review what you read by writing down what you learned. KWL. We talked about what you knew about Hinduism and Buddhism and then I used my supercool PowerPoint to explain the two religions and how they relate to everyday life, culture, and Eastern Philosophy. As you took notes on the information, you also filled in the first "Intro." section of the Vocabulary Chart that you will use for the rest of the term--so don't lose it!

There is no homework today, so make sure you are reading your outside reading book and stay caught up on your writer's notebook!

9-5-08: The Hero's Journey & Eastern Thought (B Days)

Today was awesome. You became the Hero's Journey and went through each of the different stages. Then we started on our own journey to India. This will be our first stop as we travel throughout the world this year. The first novel we will be reading and studying is set in India. So we talked about a great reading strategy that you could use in lots of different situations in which you think about what you know first, then you make questions for what you want to know, and then after you read you review what you read by writing down what you learned. KWL. We talked about what you knew about Hinduism and Buddhism and then I used my supercool PowerPoint to explain the two religions and how they relate to everyday life, culture, and Eastern Philosophy. As you took notes on the information, you also filled in the first "Intro." section of the Vocabulary Chart that you will use for the rest of the term--so don't lose it!

There is no homework this weekend, so make sure you are reading your outside reading book and stay caught up on your writer's notebook!

Have a good weekend.

9-4-08: Writer's Journal (A Days)

Today we did our punctual piece on super powers. If you could pick one, what would you want and why?

We also shared our collage writes, with small groups of students in the class and then a few of you shared with the entire class. I liked listening to your reasoning behind some of the images you selected.

After sharing collage writes, we talked about an assignment that you will do for the remainder of the term: A Writer's Journal or Notebook.

You will have 30 entries this term. You can write about whatever you want. Just write for between 5-10 minutes everyday and make sure you write at least a paragraph. Five (5) of your 30 entries must examine the writing of another author. For an example of what you need to do for this portion of your writer's notebook please see my example on my Writer's Notebook Blog: Reading Like a Writer.

Then I passed out a calendar/syllabus for the remainder of the term. Don't let it overwhelm you--use it to help you! As we talked about what else we would be doing this term, we also reviewed class policies and procedures. Like when you are absent you need to check the blog and get your handouts from the file folder with your name on it in the classroom. We also talked about how you will turn in Punctual Pieces about every other week (usually on Friday). You will turn them in five at a time.

Finally we got to the excitement! Lastly we discussed our top three heroes. We made a collective list as a class and we began talking about what it takes to be a hero.

For Monday:
There is nothing due next class. But if you have missing assignments get those to me asap! And remember to read your outside reading book and write in your writer's journal!

9-3-08: Writer's Notebook (B Days)

Today we did our punctual piece on super powers. If you could pick one, what would you want and why?

Then I checked binders, so if you missed class be sure to show me your binder with your labeled tabs and your disclosure document.

We also shared our collage writes, with small groups of students in the class and then a few of you shared with the entire class. I liked listening to your reasoning behind some of the images you selected.

After sharing collage writes, we talked about an assignment that you will do for the remainder of the term: A Writer's Journal or Notebook.

You will have 30 entries this term. You can write about whatever you want. Just write for between 5-10 minutes everyday and make sure you write at least a paragraph. Five (5) of your 30 entries must examine the writing of another author. For an example of what you need to do for this portion of your writer's notebook please see my example on my Writer's Notebook Blog: Reading Like a Writer.

Then I passed out a calendar/syllabus for the remainder of the term. Don't let it overwhelm you--use it to help you! As we talked about what else we would be doing this term, we also reviewed class policies and procedures. Like when you are absent you need to check the blog and get your handouts from the file folder with your name on it in the classroom. We also talked about how you will turn in Punctual Pieces about every other week (usually on Friday). You will turn them in five at a time.

Finally we got to the excitement! Lastly we discussed our top three heroes. We made a collective list as a class and we began talking about what it takes to be a hero.

For Friday:
There is nothing due next class. But if you have missing assignments get those to me asap! And remember to read your outside reading book and write in your writer's journal!

9-2-08: Collage Write (A Days)

Today we continued working on the 4 part assignment we started last class. This assignment is called the Collage Write. The assignment sheet is a 1/2 blue sheet of paper. The first part was to complete the following statement: "To Me Writing is Like..." Then the second part was to make a collage: find images that represent how you feel about writing.

In class today we discussed the third and fourth parts. The third part is an L2 (level 2) written response in which you will explain the images you used on your collage. As it says on the assignment sheet, you may choose to focus on one image, two, or all of them. It's up to you. Your response will be graded on how thorough you are in your explanations.

Finally part 4 is a short written reflection (7-10 sentences). I want you to reflect on how completing parts one and two helped you clarify or better understand your feelings toward writing. Be thoughtful and evaluative of your thought process and feelings.

While you continued to work on these two parts or read the book you were to bring, I continued to chat with each of you individually about your goals for the term.

For Thursday:
Your Collage Write (all 4 parts) is due!
1. To Me Writing is Like... (5-6 sentences completing the simile)
2. Collage
3. L2 Write--explaining why you selected certain images and words to depict your feelings toward writing
4. Reflection-- (7-10 sentences): re-read step 1 (To Me Writing is Like..). How did finding images and words help you clarify or expand your feelings toward writing? Did any of your feelings change? Did you make any new realizations about how you feel about writing?