This website was a favorite for procrastination when I was in college, and there are good reasons for that!
1. It is fun.
2. It teaches you and makes your brain faster.
3. For every question you get right, it donates rice to help end world hunger.
Awesome, right?
Put some of your free time this week to good use by going to Free Rice and answering questions and donating rice. The first game it gives you automatically is vocabulary, but you can choose from a number of different subjects. It's a great way to practice your multiplication tables or your grammar or even learn about art or learn a foreign language!
Have fun!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Your Opinion: Favorite Quotes or Lyrics
I notice people often write favorite quotes and lyrics on their binders. I used to do that too!
Your Opinion: Movies and TV
What are your favorite movies and/or TV shows?
Why do you like them? What makes them different from the media of books and music?
Why do you like them? What makes them different from the media of books and music?
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Final Exam Practice!
Your final exam will be over only the content we have learned since TCAP. Since we have been writing and preparing our class book since TCAP, your English final exam will be about the writing process:
1. prewriting-- everything you do prior to writing (brainstorming, choosing a topic, making graphic organizers, researching, etc.)
2. drafting-- writing out your ideas for the first time
3. revising-- making changes to the content of the writing (adding paragraphs or details, removing irrelevant information, rewording, reordering, etc.)
4. editing and proofreading-- finding and correcting errors in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and usage
5. publishing-- presenting final product neatly, sharing finished work
We have used the process in many ways throughout this entire year and are using it right now to publish our class book. All of the questions on your final will be related to this process.
To help you prepare for your test, I have provided links to some practice questions below:
Writing Process and Style Quiz
Writing Process Steps Quiz
Writing Process Order
The writing process as you see it above and as you review it in these quizzes and games is only a guide for writing. It is helpful to guide you in your process, and knowing the terms and steps in order is helpful for answering test questions. As you can tell from what you've done this week and last week, writing can be done well a lot of different ways, and you may go back-and-forth between steps in the writing process. That's okay! Just remember this is a helpful guide.
1. prewriting-- everything you do prior to writing (brainstorming, choosing a topic, making graphic organizers, researching, etc.)
2. drafting-- writing out your ideas for the first time
3. revising-- making changes to the content of the writing (adding paragraphs or details, removing irrelevant information, rewording, reordering, etc.)
4. editing and proofreading-- finding and correcting errors in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and usage
5. publishing-- presenting final product neatly, sharing finished work
We have used the process in many ways throughout this entire year and are using it right now to publish our class book. All of the questions on your final will be related to this process.
To help you prepare for your test, I have provided links to some practice questions below:
Writing Process and Style Quiz
Writing Process Steps Quiz
Writing Process Order
The writing process as you see it above and as you review it in these quizzes and games is only a guide for writing. It is helpful to guide you in your process, and knowing the terms and steps in order is helpful for answering test questions. As you can tell from what you've done this week and last week, writing can be done well a lot of different ways, and you may go back-and-forth between steps in the writing process. That's okay! Just remember this is a helpful guide.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Your Opinion: Music
I try to keep up with popular music, but I get behind really quickly!
What are some songs that I need to listen to or that I need to add to my playlist?
Also, help me out with my knowledge of rap music. I usually don't listen to it because I usually can't play it at school, but I've recently become curious. What rappers should I listen to? What songs are your favorites? Why?
Post your responses in the comments section.
What are some songs that I need to listen to or that I need to add to my playlist?
Also, help me out with my knowledge of rap music. I usually don't listen to it because I usually can't play it at school, but I've recently become curious. What rappers should I listen to? What songs are your favorites? Why?
Post your responses in the comments section.
Your Opinion: Books
What is the best book you have ever read? Why did you like it so much?
What books would you suggest for your teachers and other students to read?
Post your responses in the comments section.
What books would you suggest for your teachers and other students to read?
Post your responses in the comments section.
Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Writing
As you choose a piece of writing to publish and work to revise it, ask yourself a few questions:
* Is it interesting? Will anyone want to read this? Would I want to read it if I hadn't written it? Do I use my writing to get the attention of my reader?
* Is it important to me? Have I chosen a topic that matters to me and might matter to my readers? Do I care about this topic and have original thoughts to share about it? If my writing is a story, is it a story that I care about telling and that others will want to read?
* Is it original and unique to me? Have I just filled a page with things I've heard before, or have I shared original ideas? Have I expressed who I am with my writing?
* Does it make sense? Would someone who is not me understand this while reading it? Would my reader be confused or lack background information to understand?
Remember the lessons we've learned since week one about audience and purpose. The audience for this project is yourself and your classmates. The purpose is to share writing that you have written that you are proud of, writing that you can look back on and remember your growth as a writer this year.
Think about these questions and whether your writing meets your audience and purpose before you finish with the project.
Happy writing!
* Is it interesting? Will anyone want to read this? Would I want to read it if I hadn't written it? Do I use my writing to get the attention of my reader?
* Is it important to me? Have I chosen a topic that matters to me and might matter to my readers? Do I care about this topic and have original thoughts to share about it? If my writing is a story, is it a story that I care about telling and that others will want to read?
* Is it original and unique to me? Have I just filled a page with things I've heard before, or have I shared original ideas? Have I expressed who I am with my writing?
* Does it make sense? Would someone who is not me understand this while reading it? Would my reader be confused or lack background information to understand?
Remember the lessons we've learned since week one about audience and purpose. The audience for this project is yourself and your classmates. The purpose is to share writing that you have written that you are proud of, writing that you can look back on and remember your growth as a writer this year.
Think about these questions and whether your writing meets your audience and purpose before you finish with the project.
Happy writing!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
How To Leave a Comment
Comment Basics
1. I have to approve every comment before it gets published. Please be appropriate and considerate of other readers.
2. Leave your name with your comment. Your comment should be something you will stand behind and let others know is your own.
How To Comment
1. Click on the link at the bottom of the page that says # comments. (There will be an actual number in place of #.)
2. Type your comment in the box.
3. Choose Name/URL to leave your identity. Type your first and last name in the box provided for name. Leave URL blank.
4. Click "Publish Your Comment."
5. It should tell you that your comment is awaiting approval. It will not show up on the blog until later after I have approved it.
1. I have to approve every comment before it gets published. Please be appropriate and considerate of other readers.
2. Leave your name with your comment. Your comment should be something you will stand behind and let others know is your own.
How To Comment
1. Click on the link at the bottom of the page that says # comments. (There will be an actual number in place of #.)
2. Type your comment in the box.
3. Choose Name/URL to leave your identity. Type your first and last name in the box provided for name. Leave URL blank.
4. Click "Publish Your Comment."
5. It should tell you that your comment is awaiting approval. It will not show up on the blog until later after I have approved it.
Day and Night
What is your attitude toward things that are new or mysterious?
I loved the animated short "Day and Night" at the beginning of Toy Story 3 from the first time I saw it in the theater. Every time I watch it, I like it more.
There is a clip from a recording of a lecture by Dr. Wayne Dyer, a self-help author and motivational speaker, within the short. Here are some of the things he says:
Fear of the unknown.
They are afraid of new ideas.
They are loaded with prejudices, not based upon anything in reality, but based on… if something is new, I reject it immediately because it’s frightening to me. What they do instead is just stay with the familiar.
You know, to me, the most beautiful things in all the universe, are the most mysterious.
What do you think of Dr. Dyer's statements? Do you think they are true of many people? Are they true of you?
Can you make any text-to-text connections between this video clip and other books you have read (Flipped, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Tiger Rising, Romeo and Juliet, The Hunger Games), movies you have watched, or songs you have heard?
Post your responses in the comments section.
We Can Burn Brighter
Tonight
We are young.
So let's set the world on fire.
We can burn brighter
Than the sun!
I have this song on my head. It's my sixth period class's fault. They love it, and they sang it at the top of their lungs before leaving Friday, and I can't get the image of all those happy, enthusiastic faces out of my mind.
I'll admit that I'm not really a fan of the verses of this song. To me, they don't match the chorus. To me, they're not particularly inspirational. The chorus, though, and the words "Let's set the world on fire. We can burn brighter than the sun!" are uplifting, and the way they sound like an anthem in the song makes me want to do something important and set the world on fire-- in a good way. It makes me want to do something great.
Why do you think this song is so popular right now? What does it mean to you to set the world on fire? How do you think you can burn brighter than the sun? This song celebrates being young, and the band's name is Fun; what does it mean to you to be young and have fun?
Post your responses in the comments section.
We are young.
So let's set the world on fire.
We can burn brighter
Than the sun!
I have this song on my head. It's my sixth period class's fault. They love it, and they sang it at the top of their lungs before leaving Friday, and I can't get the image of all those happy, enthusiastic faces out of my mind.
I'll admit that I'm not really a fan of the verses of this song. To me, they don't match the chorus. To me, they're not particularly inspirational. The chorus, though, and the words "Let's set the world on fire. We can burn brighter than the sun!" are uplifting, and the way they sound like an anthem in the song makes me want to do something important and set the world on fire-- in a good way. It makes me want to do something great.
Why do you think this song is so popular right now? What does it mean to you to set the world on fire? How do you think you can burn brighter than the sun? This song celebrates being young, and the band's name is Fun; what does it mean to you to be young and have fun?
Post your responses in the comments section.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
What Inspires You?
Movies are full of inspirational speeches. You can watch a few examples in the clip below.
What inspires you? What motivates you to do your best? Can words and speeches inspire you, or does it take something more to be truly motivated?
Post your responses in the comments section.
What Mrs. Coleman Can Learn from You
I hope that you have had a wonderful time learning in English class this year.
I am always learning, too, and I'd love it if you would help me learn from you to become a better teacher. Please click on and complete this Course Evaluation. Fill out the survey and provide any comments that you think would be helpful. Please be respectful and constructive, but be honest. All of your answers are anonymous.
I am always learning, too, and I'd love it if you would help me learn from you to become a better teacher. Please click on and complete this Course Evaluation. Fill out the survey and provide any comments that you think would be helpful. Please be respectful and constructive, but be honest. All of your answers are anonymous.
Friday, May 4, 2012
What Adults Can Learn from Kids
Adora Svitak, the speaker in this video What Adults Can Learn from Kids, claims that the world needs more “childish” thinking. Watch and listen, and see if you agree.
When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be an adult. I never really was good at being a kid, and now that I am an adult, I often forget what it's like to be a kid. "Childish" usually has a negative connotation, but there can be benefits too. I know that I have much to learn from my students. What do you think adults can learn from kids?
Post your responses in the comments section.
When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be an adult. I never really was good at being a kid, and now that I am an adult, I often forget what it's like to be a kid. "Childish" usually has a negative connotation, but there can be benefits too. I know that I have much to learn from my students. What do you think adults can learn from kids?
Post your responses in the comments section.
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