The Machine Stops Day 3

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Adjective Phrase

After today I should be able to: summarize the background to E.M. Forrester's short story and identify a theme you want to track.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 sentences that start with an adjective clause (an appositive).
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it starting with an adjective clause.
1. Start with subject, then include a WHO or WHICH phrase.
2. Mr. White, WHO was known for meticulous preparation, carefully planned each stage of the essay.
3. Here are some more examples. You can use these ideas, but change them to make your own sentence.
1. Jane, who forgot her coat, pulled her sweater tighter around her.
2. Tom, who stayed up late studying, hoped he would pass the test.
3. The crystal vase, which sat on the table, sparkled beautifully in the light.
4. Mike, who was prone to seasonal allergies, reached for a tissue.
5. Sarah, who practiced for months, accepted the trophy for first place with pride.
6. The puppy, who loved going for walks, waited eagerly by the door with excitement.
7. The thick steaks, which were marinated in spices, filled the backyard with an amazing aroma as they sizzled on the grill.
8. The snake, which was hunting for prey, slithered silently through the grass across the yard.
9. The bus, which narrowly avoided an accident, screeched to a halt just in time.
2.  Today we will continue reading the short story, "The Machine Stops."
1. Read for 15 minutes. Practice your notice and note strategies.
1. Epiphany
1. A character or group of characters suddenly understands something.
2. For example, "In an instant I knew..."
3. Question: How might the realization that...change...?
2. Tough Question
1. When the characters ask a question that either they or you don't know the answer to.
1. This questions makes we wonder if...
3. Contrasts and Contradictions
1. A character thinks and behaves in a way that we don't expect.
2. An element of a setting is something we would not expect.
3. Question: Why did...How can this help us understand or predict...?
4. Patterns
1. A word is repeated again and again
2. An idea is repeated again and again (but with different words, i.e. war, battle, fighting, etc.)
3. An image is repeated several times
4. An action keeps happening
5. Really, anything that gets repeated throughout the book can possibly be a pattern.
6. Question: Why is the author continually bringing up...?
1. You must also put a question mark next to parts of the text that confused you.
2. Complete a one-pager about the beginning of the short story.
1. Draw a diagram of the room that Vashti lives in.
2. Generate a list of five adjectives that describe Vashti and Kuno. Circle the one that best describes each character. Come up with a symbol for each character.
3. Create a list of things in the short story that are like something that exists today. For example, The Machine is like the internet. Which thing on your list are you most surprised that Forrester was able to predict?
4. Draw a picture that represents one of the problems people face in the world of the short story.
3. How to track my ideas that I chose. The idea is an example of a pattern.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

The Machine Stops Day 2

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Demonstrative Adjective

After today I should be able to: summarize the background to E.M. Forrester's short story and identify a theme you want to track.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Gimkit Link
2. Write 10 sentences that start with a demonstrative adjective.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it starting with a demonstrative adjective.
1. Use this or that.
2. This essay shows Mr. White's careful planning.
1. The sentence will start with THIS or THAT and usually use the the verb IS or WAS.
3. Here are some more examples. You can use these ideas, but change them to make your own sentence.
1. This morning I woke up early to go for a run before work.
2. That dog over there is really cute! I want to go pet it.
3. These shoes are so uncomfortable, I don't think I can wear them all day.
4. Those clouds look like they could produce some rain later today.
5. That movie we saw last night was absolutely hilarious.
6. These apples we picked from the orchard are so fresh and delicious.
7. Those people waiting in line have been there for over an hour already.
8. This assignment is taking me forever to complete.
9. Those flowers you bought me are beautiful! Thank you so much.
3.  Today we will start the short story, "The Machine Stops."

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

The Machine Stops Day 1

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Gerund Phrase

After today I should be able to: summarize the background to E.M. Forrester's short story and identify a theme you want to track.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Gimkit Link
2. Write 10 sentences that start with a gerund phrase.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it starting with a gerund phrase.
1. Looks like a participle but it is the subject of the sentence.
2. Carefully planning the essay was the highlight of Mr. White's week.
1. ...is my favorite...
2. ...was...
3. ...helped me...
4. ...can be...
5. ...taught me...
6. ...requires...
3. Here are some more examples. You can use these ideas, but change them to make your own sentence.
1. Jogging in the morning is my favorite way to start the day.
2. Practicing the piano daily helped improve my skills tremendously.
3. Writing essays can be tedious work, but also intellectually stimulating.
4. Swimming laps at the gym is great exercise and helps me relax after a long day.
5. Baking cookies with my grandma is one of my favorite childhood memories.
6. Playing tennis competitively taught me discipline and sportsmanship from a young age.
7. Volunteering at the animal shelter on weekends fills me with joy.
8. Studying for exams often requires pulling several all-nighters.
9. Gardening is therapeutic for me and helps me connect with nature.
10. Traveling the world opens one's eyes to different cultures and ways of life.
3.  Today we will start the short story, "The Machine Stops." I will give an introductory lecture before we start reading the short story.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Myth and Epic Day 5

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Prepositional Phrase

After today I should be able to: discuss a complex text with my peers.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 sentences that start with a prepositional phrase.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it starting with a prepositional phrase.
1. Before writing the essay, Mr. White carefully planned it.
3. Here are some more examples. You can use these ideas, but change them to make your own sentence.
1. After breakfast, I headed out the door to catch my train.
2. Inside the house, the children were playing a noisy game of tag.
3. Above the clouds, the sky was a beautiful blue.
4. Behind the shed, the dog buried its bone.
5. Before school started, I finished all my homework.
6. Across the field, the cows were grazing quietly.
7. Below the surface, fish swam around the coral reef.
8. Among the trees, birds were singing happily.
9. Throughout the night, the crickets chirped loudly.
10. Around the block, kids rode their bikes fast.
2.  Create your next vocabulary list using the Big Book of Words. Use words from the E or F list.
3. Today we will discuss the two texts that we read last week.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Myth and Epic Day 4

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Past Participle Phrase

After today I should be able to: annotate a myth and epic,  and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write a loose sentence and then rewrite that sentence 7 different ways. Do this twice.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it beginning with the seven patterns we have learned so far.
2.  You need to read the Norse myth and Greek epic selections by Friday.
1. You need to divide each selection in parts, at least a beginning, middle, and end.
2. You must annotate the text.
1. Use the notice and note strategies we have been practicing. Underline the text you noticed and write a question.
1. Epiphany
1. A character or group of characters suddenly understands something.
2. For example, "In an instant I knew..."
3. Question: How might the realization that...change...?
2. Tough Question
1. When the characters ask a question that either they or you don't know the answer to.
1. This questions makes we wonder if...
3. Contrasts and Contradictions
1. A character thinks and behaves in a way that we don't expect.
2. An element of a setting is something we would not expect.
3. Question: Why did...How can this help us understand or predict...?
4. Patterns
1. A word is repeated again and again
2. An idea is repeated again and again (but with different words, i.e. war, battle, fighting, etc.)
3. An image is repeated several times
4. An action keeps happening
5. Really, anything that gets repeated throughout the book can possibly be a pattern.
6. Question: Why is the author continually bringing up...?
2. You must also put a question mark next to parts of the text that confused you.
3. You will work on the Norse myth and Greek epic background assignments in Google Classroom. You will take notes on them in preparation for our first binder check next week.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Myth and Epic Day 3

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Past Participle Phrase

After today I should be able to: annotate a myth and epic,  and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 sentences that begin with a past participle phrase that tells what was happening BEFORE something else occurred.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it beginning with a participle phrase.
1. Worried about the approaching deadline, Mr. White began to plan his essay.
2. Chased by the angry moose, the hikers scrambled to safety up a tree.
3. Baked to perfection, the chocolate chip cookies melted in your mouth.
4. Left unfinished on the easel, the artist's masterpiece remained a work in progress.
2.  You need to read the Norse myth and Greek epic selections by Friday.
1. You need to divide each selection in parts, at least a beginning, middle, and end.
2. You must annotate the text.
1. Use the notice and note strategies we have been practicing. Underline the text you noticed and write a question.
1. Epiphany
1. A character or group of characters suddenly understands something.
2. For example, "In an instant I knew..."
3. Question: How might the realization that...change...?
2. Tough Question
1. When the characters ask a question that either they or you don't know the answer to.
1. This questions makes we wonder if...
3. Contrasts and Contradictions
1. A character thinks and behaves in a way that we don't expect.
2. An element of a setting is something we would not expect.
3. Question: Why did...How can this help us understand or predict...?
4. Patterns
1. A word is repeated again and again
2. An idea is repeated again and again (but with different words, i.e. war, battle, fighting, etc.)
3. An image is repeated several times
4. An action keeps happening
5. Really, anything that gets repeated throughout the book can possibly be a pattern.
6. Question: Why is the author continually bringing up...?
2. You must also put a question mark next to parts of the text that confused you.
3. You will work on the Norse myth and Greek epic background assignments in Google Classroom. You will take notes on them in preparation for our first binder check next week.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Myth and Epic Day 2

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Present Participle Phrase

After today I should be able to: annotate a short story and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 sentences that begin with a present participle phrase that tells what was happening WHILE something else occurred.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it beginning with a participle phrase.
1. Carefully planning his essay, Mr. White reflected on the techniques he had developed during his career.
2. Laughing hysterically at the comedian's joke, Amy spit out her soda through her nose.
3. Bouncing excitedly in his seat, Ryan couldn't wait for the rollercoaster ride to start.
2.  You need to read the Norse myth and Greek epic selections by Friday.
1. You need to divide each selection in parts, at least a beginning, middle, and end.
2. You must annotate the text.
1. Use the notice and note strategies we have been practicing. Underline the text you noticed and write a question.
2. You must also put a question mark next to parts of the text that confused you.
3. You will work on the Norse myth and Greek epic background assignments in Google Classroom. You will take notes on them in preparation for our first binder check next week.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Myth and Epic Day 1

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Adverb

After today I should be able to: annotate a short story and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 sentences that begin with an adverb that tells how an action was done.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he rewrote it.
2. Rewrite it beginning with an adverb.
1. Carefully, Mr. White planned the stages of his essay.
2. Choose your first vocabulary list from the Big Book of Words. You must use 20 words from the letter C or D list. You will add these words to a list you create on Vocabulary.com You should finish your list by Sunday evening.
3.  You need to read the Norse myth and Greek epic selections by Friday.
1. You need to divide each selection in parts, at least a beginning, middle, and end.
2. You must annotate the text.
1. Use the notice and note strategies we have been practicing. Underline the text you noticed and write a question.
2. You must also put a question mark next to parts of the text that confused you.
4. You will work on the Norse myth and Greek epic background assignments in Google Classroom. You will take notes on them in preparation for our first binder check next week.

Homework:

1. Work on your vocabulary list #2. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Harrison Bergeron Day 2

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Infinitive clauses

After today I should be able to: annotate a short story and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 3 sets of 4 sentences.
1. Start with a loose sentence.
1. Rewrite it with an independent clause at the front.
2. Rewrite it with an adverb phrase at the front.
3. Rewrite it with an infinitive phrase at the front.
2. Discuss "Harrison Bergeron."
1. Write your best question on a sticky note.
2. We will sort the sticky notes into some order.
3. We will discuss one sticky note at a time.
4. I will model
1. Getting everyone involved
2. Sticking with a question and not abandoning it too quickly

Homework:

1. Work on your first vocabulary list. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

Harrison Bergeron Day 1

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Infinitive clauses

After today I should be able to: annotate a short story and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 infinitive clauses.
1. Start with an infinitive clause. An infinitive clause tells why the action of the verb occurs. Start with the infinitive clause and follow it with an independent clause.
1. Loose sentence:
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he wrote it.
2. Infinitive clause
1. To write a good essay, Mr. White needed to plan carefully.
2. Think about a goal that the subject has and then write what they need to do to achieve that goal.
1. Goal: to write a good essay
2. Action: Mr. White needed to plan carefully
2. Begin reading "Harrison Bergeron." Divide it into sections and look for:
1. Contrasts and Contradictions
1. A character thinks and behaves in a way that we don't expect.
2. An element of a setting is something we would not expect.
3. Question: Why did...How can this help us understand or predict...?
2. Patterns
1. A word is repeated again and again
2. An idea is repeated again and again (but with different words, i.e. war, battle, fighting, etc.)
3. An image is repeated several times
4. An action keeps happening
5. Really, anything that gets repeated throughout the book can possibly be a pattern.
6. Question: Why is the author continually bringing up...?

Homework:

1. Work on your first vocabulary list. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

First Class Discussion

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Adverb clauses

After today I should be able to: annotate a short story and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 adverb clauses.
1. Start with an adverb clause. An adverb clause tells when or where the action of the verb occurs. Start with the adverb clause and follow it with an independent clause.
1. Loose sentence:
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he wrote it.
2. Independent clause
1. Before he wrote the essay, Mr. White carefully planned it.
2. Participate in a practice discussion.
1. What is one thing that is really popular right now but future generations will think is silly?
2. What is the worst piece of advice a person can give?
3. “Instinct is no match for reason.”
4. “Chocolate is my Achilles Heel.”
5. If we ever find evidence of intelligent beings beyond Earth, should we try to contact them?
3. Begin reading "Harrison Bergeron." Divide it into sections and look for:
1. Contrasts and Contradictions
1. A character thinks and behaves in a way that we don't expect.
2. An element of a setting is something we would not expect.
3. Question: Why did...How can this help us understand or predict...?
2. Patterns
1. A word is repeated again and again
2. An idea is repeated again and again (but with different words, i.e. war, battle, fighting, etc.)
3. An image is repeated several times
4. Question: Why is the author continually bringing up...?

Homework:

1. Work on your first vocabulary list. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

The Sniper Day 2

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Loose Sentences

After today I should be able to: annotate a short story and participate in a discussion.

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 independent clauses.
1. Start with an independent clause. An independent clause has a subject, verb, and often a direct object. You can follow the independent clause with a modifying phrase.
1. Loose sentence:
1. Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he wrote it.
2. Independent clause
1. Mr. White wrote the essay after carefully planning it.
2. Work on your vocabulary list for 5 minutes.
3. Read the short story, "The Sniper"
1. Annotate the short story using the prompts from yesterday.
2. Participate in a practice discussion.
1. What is one thing that is really popular right now but future generations will think is silly?
2. What is the worst piece of advice a person can give?
3. “Instinct is no match for reason.”
4. “Chocolate is my Achilles Heel.”
5. If we ever find evidence of intelligent beings beyond Earth, should we try to contact them?

Homework:

1. Work on your first vocabulary list. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

The Sniper Day 1

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and imagination

Nuance Academy: Loose Sentences

After today I should be able to: write a loose sentence

Reading: You should have two books read by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Write 10 loose sentences.
1. String ideas together using and or but, and sometimes who, which, when, where and while.
2. Example: Mr. White carefully planned the stages of his essay, and then he wrote it.
2. Choose your first vocabulary list from the Big Book of Words. You must use 20 words from the letter A or B list. You will add these words to a list you create on Vocabulary.com You should finish your list by Sunday evening.
3. Read the short story, "The Sniper"
1. Break the short story into sections
2. We will practice annotating the short story together. You should look for:
1. Contrasts and Contradictions
1. A character thinks and behaves in a way that we don't expect.
2. An element of a setting is something we would not expect.
3. Question: Why did...How can this help us understand or predict...?
2. Patterns
1. A word is repeated again and again
2. An idea is repeated again and again (but with different words, i.e. war, battle, fighting, etc.)
3. An image is repeated several times
4. Question: Why is the author continually bringing up...?
3. Epiphanies
1. A character or group of characters suddenly understands something.
2. For example, "In an instant I knew..."
3. Question: How might the realization that...change...?

Homework:

1. Work on your first vocabulary list. It is due by Sunday at 9PM.
2. Read your independent reading book.

First Day

Big Idea: Ideology, utopia, and the imagination

Nuance Academy: none

After today I should be able to: find the agenda for this class and access Google Classroom.

Reading: Finish two books of your choice by October 1st.

Agenda:

1. Find your seat and complete the Rare Birds.
2. First Day of School slides
3. Sign in to Google Classroom and bookmark the blog
4. Briefly go over the syllabus.
5. Why are you at BMCHS?
1. Write a letter about your reasons for coming and what you hope to get out of being at the middle college.
1. Be around students who care
2. smaller campus overall
3. smaller classes and better access to teacher support
2. You can have three sections to your letter.
1. Who I am and my experience at BHS
2. Why I am at BMCHS
3. What I hope to gain over the next three years

Homework:

1. None