Class on 2/27/17

Warm Up- Topic Sentence Practice: How to turn a simple question into a general topic sentence.

What did you do this weekend? ---- changes to ---- I did many things this weekend.

First Timed Writing assignment returned. Common mistakes

• Too much detail in the intro or Topic Sentence missing
• Incomplete sentences or incorrect use of coordinating conjunctions
• No detail in the body of the paragraph
• Formatting problems: no indent or extra spacing/returns
• No ending

5/5 is a perfect score

Chapter 3 Workbook pages: Adjectives, the sandwich analogy for paragraphs

• Bread- Topic Sentence
• Meat- Detail
• Cheese- Detail
• Tomato- Detail 
• Bread- Conclusion (often a repeat of the Topic Sentence)

Turn Simple Topics into interesting Topic Sentences with Controlling Ideas

Topic: Pencils. "I thing pencils are awesome." It is on topic but has not controlling or limiting/focusing idea. "A pencil is a child's first high tech tool." TS with controlling idea: pencils are technology and important first step. If you have an interesting and focused controlling idea the rest of the paragraph is easy to write.

Homework: Workbook

• Pages 56& 57 B
• Pages 58 & 59 # 4

Class on 2/22/17

Warm Up:
Students wrote introductory sentences for academic paragraphs (Students did not write the whole paragraph). Students practiced re-using or recycling as many key words from the initial question as possible. Students tried not to be too specific

Students exchanged their Fairy-tale paragraphs (page 44) with a focus on the correct use of coordinating conjunctions, and time order signals.

Students completed page 46 and whole class discussion of page 47.

Students had their own Free-writing exercise by following instruction on bottom of page 47. If you missed class take 15 minutes to free-write before attempting to write you draft paragraph.

We reviewed the first 4 pages of Chapter 3. There was emphasis on the sandwich graphic. You cannot have a paragraph with out Intro and Conclusion (that are similar) [the bread!]and you cannot have a paragraph with out details [the meat of the sandwich!].

Homework: 

• Use your free-writing from this class. Follow Steps 1, 2 and 3 on page 48.
• Bring your handwritten or typed paragraph on Monday. 

Class on 2/15/17

Homework:
Fill in answers in you workbook: P 42 part B, P42-3 Practice 9
Write one paragraph to turn in (computer or handwritten). Follow the prompts on Try It Out p 44

Remember my novel is free this weekend only!

ATMOSPHERE

Class on 2/13/17

Roll Call (What did you do on the weekend?). Students tried to use a unique verb each time as I call each student from the official attendance sheet.

The professor collected Final Drafts of Person who made a difference paragraphs

Students took Quiz Number 2 (Irregular verbs 26-50 from our list)

Whole Class Workbook: Identifying the authors intent: Writers usually write in three modes:

• To Inform (like a teachers text book or a newspaper story)
• To Entertain (could be happy, funny, sad etc)
• To Persuade: Language is forceful and direct and tries to influence or change the reader's ideas

Introduction of Time Order Signals

Whole class completed Group 1 (placed in correct order, time order signals inserted and coordinating conjunctions used appropriately. 

Introduction of Coordinating Conjunctions and FANBOYS

Homework:

1. Complete Group 2 and Group 3 (Number them in the correct order). Then write each one out in paragraph form. Add some time order signals and combine very short sentences when appropriate. See completed example from Group 1 above
2. Study Page 29 as on Wednesday we will have a timed writing exercise.

Class on 2/8/17

Warm Up: Roll Call/What did you do on Tuesday  (simple past tense verbs recorded on the board)

Quiz # 1 Irregular Verbs 1-25

Return of Made a Difference paragraphs, and the common issues were

• 1. Problem with the Form/Format. Did you forget to indent? or did you indent or create multiple returns so that your paragraph looks like multiple paragraphs. 
• 2. No introduction:  A. Did you mention "Difference in your first sentence?" Did you create a title that stated you main point and then forget to state it in the paragraph?
• 3. Fragments. Did you use lists, bullets or forge to state the subject or clearly use a verb?
• 4. Dropping pronouns. Always review your work looking for subject pronouns especially the use of It with is. 

Workbook:
Review of the components of a timed writing exercise. We reviewed the steps for the first writing quiz on Monday.
Whole class reviewed pages 31, 32 and 33

Homework: 

1. Final Draft of Person Who Made a Difference paragraph. This must be typed on paper and turned in on Monday
2. Complete pages 34 and 35 in the workbook

Class on 2/6/17

Warm up: Irregular past tense verbs 1-25, students practiced in pairs

Learning Center Tour
Important upcoming deadlines:

• Today's rough draft "Person who made a difference" Paragraphs will be returned on Wednesday. Final drafts will be due on Monday 2/13/17
• Quiz on Wednesday: Irregular past tense verbs 1-25 and Learning Center

Homework: Study for quiz



Answers for Practice #10 and 11.

Class on 2/1/17

Simple Past Tense Warm Up

Workbook pages 16 through 22

Homework:
A. Complete workbook page 19 # 10 and # 11 in the book.
B. Write a first draft about the person who made a difference (make mistakes as this is a first draft)
    Use pages 23 and 24 for help.