fresh-look-2012

GLO Portfolio Parent Post

2010-05-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT NOTE: This response is to be placed in your own blog, as a reply to your initial comment on your portfolio.

Post a short reflection on your portfolio. This reflection can be the "conclusion" to your portfolio, with an invitation to your parents to reply. Their reply must include responses to following questions. You may copy paste the questions into your blog if you like.

What did you like best about my portfolio and portfolio conference? What would you like to see me improve on in my portfolio?
From your point of view, which of my attainments of the 6 general learner outcomes is of most value? Please explain why you feel it is important and what about my documentation of it impresses you.
Which of the GLOs would you like me to focus on in the coming year(s)?

Be sure to let them know that this post serves two purposes

It is an opportunity for them to comment on your learning and
It is part of my assessment of your attainment of General Learning Outcome #5, "Effective Communicator." Your sharing of the portfolio should enable your parents to reflect and respond to the three questions above.

Journal #32: What is your vision of learning & school?

2010-04-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

DO THIS ON YOUR OWN BLOG
Reflect on your memorable learning experiences and your school experience (not necessarily one and the same). Then answer the following questions:

Describe a memorable learning experience (in or out of school).
Then, describe your vision of school:
- WHAT do students need to learn before they leave high school?
- HOW could you learn it best?

What makes for "choice and challenge"?

2010-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

In your "table teams" share your outside reading selection (follow these steps exactly):

READ the passage you have selected to show why your book represents "choice and challenge."
LISTEN as your team members explain the connection between the passage you read and "choice and challenge."
SHARE your own explanation, noting the connections.

After everyone has shared his/her book, the team is to discuss the following:
What makes for "choice and challenge" in literature?

in character
in conflict
in setting

Post the following summary of your discussion as a comment on this blog:

Your team members' names and the titles of their books.
A description of what makes for compelling literature, including the ideas and examples that came from your team discussion. Be specific.
- character
- conflict
- setting

Journal #31: What is your passion?

2010-03-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

DO THIS ON YOUR OWN BLOG
Reflect on your passions in life. Then answer the following questions:

What is your passion? (something you do on your own, something that offers you intrinsic rather than extrinsic reward).
What have been your experiences with this passion?
Where would you like to take it? How would you like to stretch your knowledge, skill, experience, impact with or through this passion?

Lit Circle #3: Catcher in the Rye or The Things They Carried

2010-03-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Team Reflection #3: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Pick one of the incidents or topics below that Holden talks about in Chapters 14-19 and discuss what they reveal about Holden’s character and his state of mind. Post your response on the blog in a thoughtful, well-supported, and skillfully written answer (recommended length: 3 paragraphs). NOTE: Each group must pick a different incident, so let Mrs. Minei Kimoto know which one you want to do. No duplication.
- religion and the disciples in Chapter 14 (“Take the Disciples for instance. They annoy the hell out of me.” p. 99)
- his roommate’s luggage and the nuns and Louis Shaney and Catholics in Chapter 15 pp. 108 - 113
- the incident when Holden proposes to Sally in Chapter 17
- Holden’s reflections on movies and shows in Chapter 18

Homework

Due 3/4: One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog. (Mrs. S will post the questions as a blog; you post your answers as comments on the blog. Be sure to list all team members’ names)
Pages for next session: Chapter 20 – end (pp. 149 – 214)

Team Reflection #3: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Share your individual response on characters.
As a team, pick one character and revise and extend your discussion from the individual reader response to share on the blog in a thoughtful, well-supported, and skillfully written answer (recommended length: 3 paragraphs). NOTE: Each group must post about a different character, so let Mrs. Minei Kimoto know which one you want to do. No duplication.
Each person shares with the group the most confusing thing about their reading. Group tries to figure it out together and then shares the unsolved question(s) on the blog.

Homework

Due 3/4: One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog. (Mrs. S will post the questions as a blog; you post your answers as comments on the blog. Be sure to list all team members’ names)
Pages for next session: Chapters 17-20 (pp. 179-246)

Lit Circle #2: Catcher in the Rye or The Things They Carried

2010-02-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

Team Reflection #2: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Share your reader responses about Holden’s character & values.
Come up with an insightful discussion about Holden for each of the categories, supporting your insight with examples and quotes from individual team members. Post your answers on the class blog (recommended length: 3 paragraphs, 1 per category.)
Each person shares with the group the most confusing thing about their reading. Group tries to figure it out together and then shares the question(s) and answer(s) in the class blog.
Each person in the group is to find 3 words that they want to own from the pages that we have just read.

Homework

Due 2/26: One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog. (Mrs. S will post the questions as a blog; you post your answers as comments on the blog. Be sure to list all team members’ names)
Pages for next session: Chapter 14 – Chapter 19 (pp. 98-149)

Team Reflection #2: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Share your reader response to the quote. Then, compile your insights into a thoughtful, well-supported, and skillfully written answer (recommended length: 3 paragraphs)
Each person shares an insight that they gained about the war or coming of age or novel writing.
Each person shares with the group the most confusing thing about their reading. Group tries to figure it out together and then shares the question(s) and answer(s) in the class blog.
Each person in the group is to find 3 words that they want to own from the pages that we have just read.

Homework

Due 2/26: One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog. (Mrs. S will post the questions as a blog; you post your answers as comments on the blog. Be sure to list all team members’ names)
Pages for next session: Chapter 12 – Chapter 16 (pp. 125-178)

Lit Circle #1: Catcher in the Rye or The Things They Carried

2010-02-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Team Reflection #1: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Holdenspeak: Translate what Holden means by the following words or phrases. Go beyond what he is saying on the surface to what he is feeling and to what experiences he has had in the past that shape his meaning and your understanding of the word. Support your commentary with effective quotes from the text.
- “phonies”
- “depressing as hell”
- come up with 1-2 other “Holdenisms” that show his view of the world
Holden Below the Surface:
- Find three incidents or relationships in the book that show Holden’s character.
- List them, along with their page numbers.
- Then, discuss the one that you think is most significant in revealing Holden’s character and mental state. Describe it and then present your inferences about Holden’s character, supporting your commentary with effective quotes from the text.

Homework

One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog. (Mrs. S will post the questions as a blog; you post your answers as comments on the blog. Be sure to list all team members’ names)
Pages to be read for next session: Chapter 8 – 13 (pp. 53-98)

Team Reflection #1: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Individual Reader Response: Jago Chart (image-->description-->analysis-->poetry) Chart has been Xeroxed on the back of your lit circle hard copy.

Team Reflection #1

Share your reader response images and text.
Each person shares an insight that they gained about the war or coming of age or novel writing.
Each person shares with the group the most confusing thing about their reading. Group tries to figure it out together and then shares the unsolved question(s) in the full class discussion to follow.

Homework

One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog. (Mrs. S will post the questions as a blog; you post your answers as comments on the blog. Be sure to list all team members’ names)
Pages to be read for next session: Chapter 5 – 11 (pp. 62-123)

Journal #19: Fire and Ice, LA

2010-01-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and Welcome Back, all you surly sophs ;>

*My* new year's resolution is to keep up better on assigning journals for you...heheh..lucky you!

So here's the first for the new decade:

It's sort of a fire and ice, but related to your mastery of the six traits of writing

First, you will be posting this as a comment to this blog and you will be working with your newly selected partner for your Brainy Flix video for this year.
Then, the ice: What are the traits that you are cool with? What's been the most helpful in mastering these?
Then, where's the fire?! What do you need help with? Be as specific as you can about what's confusing. Include any terms or phrases that I use that are frustrating or unclear.
Last, tell me what word you and your partner will be presenting on Brainy Flix. Remember, no duplications and the word must be from Power Plus lists 1-11.Please look carefully at the rules and format that I have posted on the LA1 website. Be sure to include all the info specified by Brainyflix.

and again...here's to a great 2010!
mrs s

Parent Portfolio Commentary

2009-12-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

What did you like best about my portfolio and portfolio conference? What would you like to see me improve on in my portfolio?
From your point of view, which of my attainments of the 4 traits of writing is of most value? Please explain why you feel it is important and what about my documentation of it impresses you.
Which of the traits of writing would you like me to focus on in the coming semester?

Be sure to let them know that this post serves two purposes

It is an opportunity for them to comment on your learning and
It is part of my assessment of your attainment of General Learning Outcome #5, "Effective Communicator." Your sharing of the portfolio should enable your parents to reflect and respond to the three questions above.

LATE HOMEWORK: Risky Business Video Plans

2009-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

TO: RB Teams

You were to have emailed your video plans to mrs s on Friday, 11/13, but since I have not received any plans, they are now to be posted as comments to this blog.

Be sure to include:

Your team topic and team members' names
The categoery you plan to enter in Youth XChange
- News: News type coverage of an issue relevant to youth. Submission of at least one B-roll segment is encouraged (2 minute maximum)
- Mini Documentary: An in-depth treatment of an event, issue, place, individual or group. Topic must be of a relevant issue to youth (10 minute maximum)
- Animation: Digital, computer art, animation or vignette pieces on an issue relevant to youth (5 minute maximum)
- Short: A creative piece using comedy, drama, or a cultural setting to depict a topic relevant to youth (10 minute maximum)
A detailed description of your video
A detailed list of the research concepts you will be demonstrating in your video. Notice that I said demonstrating and NOT explaining. I don't think you'd want to do a video that is a classroom lecture on videotape. The same principle of "show, not tell" applies here even more emphatically than in writing!
A list of your shooting and editing dates and the names of your team members who will be involved in each.

DUE: Friday, 11/13
yups, that was the deadline

Coming of Age Wiki: Culmination

2009-11-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Wiki-Cadets!

Okay...you should now have completed your various team member tasks for your wiki. Now it's time to post.

Here is a recap of your topics and the desginated wiki author (aka tech person & geek) in your team:

Culture & Traditions: Daryenne
Responsibilities: Jonas
Independence: Michelle
Relationships: Angela
Emotional Changes: Austin
Self-dsicovery: Cynthia
Decisions: Micah

Just as a reminder, here are the required elements for the wiki:

Definition of your concept and its relation to coming of age
Research on your concept; physical, psychological components of your concept
Experiences and interviews that provide a "real world" understanding of the concept
Media enhancement: links, graphics, videos, etc. that support and deepen your presentation of your concept.

Deadline: Tuesday 11/17

Risky Business: Subtopics & Thesis Statements

2009-10-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Greetings from cold (very cold) Minnesota!
Here's your assignment and blog directions for Tuesday 10/20

Divide up your subject area into separate subtopics (like KC3 last year). Be sure your topic has an argumentative edge so that you can write a successful pro/con essay about it. For example, the topic “street racing,” which another team covered in the past, could be divided into subtopics like
- “causes/motivation of street racing,”
- “influence of the media,”
- “regulation and penalties and their effectiveness,” and
- “alternative solutions to the street racing problem”
Find one excellent research source (can be a website, a news article, etc). Copy paste it into a word document and print it (may print in class)
Then, fill in the “Risky Business Project Research Notes,” using data from your source. Be specific and detailed.
Keep both the article and the research notes to turn in later with your essay.
Post each team's topic and each member's subtopic and thesis statement as a comment to this blog. NOTE: I will respond to your subtopics and thesis statements in email and on the blog, so please chck--you are responsible for responding to my comments, if necessary, with revision to your subtopic/thesis.
Last, fill in the “Checkpoints and Team Timeline” worksheet. ALL members fill it in and team turns in one copy to teacher.

Homework: Compose 2 excellent questions for a data gathering survey on your risky business topic. (DUE Thursday 10/22)

Email me if you have any questions :)
mrs s

Post Wiki Plans Here

2009-09-29T23:54:00.001-07:00

To all wiki teams:

Please post your plans here. Be sure to include the names of your team members.

List your topic or focus (be specific)
List your team members and their roles:
- Definition
- Research
- Experience/Interview
- Tech
Explain your plans so far for your wiki entry.

ALL TEAM MEMBERS: Be sure to browse the 2008 MeneMAC Wiki to see what things we were successful in and where we could improve.

Have a great October break! See you back on the 13th, ready to collaborate with Los Fresnos!

mrs s

Journals: First Quarter

2009-09-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

The following are all the journals #1-12 for the first quarter:

Respond to teacher commentary on writing pre-assessment on own blog
Group commentary on “Carmel Point”
From student generated topics; write in tablet
College plans; post on Second Look blog
Questions for Mrs. Mau on college application essay. Post on Second Look blog.
Creative process for poster; post w/draft on own blog
Comment on 2 COA poster drafts (due 9/2)
College plans w/links to colleges & essay topics on own blog
On your own blog, tell why your novel is a “coming of age” story. Give specific examples from your reading.
: Draft of college application essay
Comment on 2 college application drafts
“Fire and Ice”

JOURNAL #5: Questions for Mrs. Mau

2009-08-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Mau, our College and Career Counselor and College Application Guru, will be visiting our class next Monday 8/31.

For your journal #5 come up with three "burning" questions that you have for her. Some possible question topics:

Specific colleges and their requirements
Specific occupational or other post graduate opportunities
Specific questions about the applications process
Questions about how your high school experience affects your college or career opportunities or application process
Questions about the College and Career Center and its services.
Others.

COMMENTS ON THIS POST ARE NOW CLOSED.

JOURNAL #4: College Plans

2009-08-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Okay! By the time you are reading this blog post, you will have completed your first essay for the year, the "coming of age" narrative.
This journal is to help you (and me) prepare for your next essay, the college application essay.
So...share your goals, wish list, anticipation, visions, hallucinations of college. Consider the following (but don't be limited by these prompts)

What are you looking for in your college experience? Why? (academic, social, career, etc)
Where do you hope to go to college? Why? (could be a particular college or could be a region of the country...or world)
What have you heard about various colleges? (based on family, friends, your own research, etc)
Anything else you'd like to add.

Post this as a comment here. Be sure to include your *real* name. Without your real name or at least a fairly recognizable nickname, I can't give you credit for the assignment.

JOURNAL #2: Group Response to "Carmel Point"

2009-08-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Individual Assignment
Read and respond to the poem "Carmel Point" using the 5 Step Poetry Process.
Mark on your poem sheet and be prepared to share your responses with your Reading Circle group.

Group Discussion

Discuss your responses in the group and revise and extend each so that it is an insightful and thorough response to each step of the poetry process.
Due 8/20: One group member posts the team’s answers as comments on the class blog.

Society's Effects Response

2009-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Okay super sophs...respond to the society's effects powerpoint.

Which one do you feel has the most impact on your life? Describe that impact and how it has affected you.

Six traits apply...make sure your response is specific, detailed, focused...

Welcome Back!

2009-07-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Hope you had a great summer! Nice to see you back in G-201 for your last year in the MeneMAC "coccoon" before you take flight into the big wide world of MoHS.

This year, you will start off by designing your own blog. We will use these blogs for drafting and critiquing your writing throughout the year.

Check out the samples from last year that I have listed in the right hand menu and figure out what your online "look" will be!

mrs s