1984 was NOT suppposed to be an instruction manual

Today in Honors 9 we talked about the Patriot Act its relation to the novel 1984. I also showed the class some super eerie websites like spokeo.com and googlemaps. It is a bit freaky how much you can find out about a person by simply getting on the web (and paying a meager 2.95 to know even more). So much that we think is "private" really isn't anymore...even if we try to play it safe.

I also handed out a grammar worksheet, which is due tomorrow for 2nd period. Third period received a different worksheet "What really happened in 1984?"...2nd Period you will get this tomorrow.

Regular English 9 here is the vocabulary for The Hunger Games  if you fell behind

We also filled out the PPt. notes on dystopian Literature and read "Harrison Bergeron."

1984 and The Hunger Games

Today in English 9 (1st and 5th period) we completed a grammar worksheet on nouns (see Ms. S to get this) and we reviewed Unit 1 vocabulary. Remember the quiz will be this Friday!

We started the much anticipated Hunger Games!! I gave a hulking packet that will last us the entire novel-- so do not lose this or let your dog chew on it. We did the first two activities in the packet. The first one was a series of video clips that introduced us to the novel and author (we all agreed Ms. Collins could use a hair straightener). The second activity was a series of agree/disagree statements. We will return to the second one once we finish the novel.

In Honors English 9 we did  a grammar worksheet (finding the subject of the sentence) and review unit 1 vocabulary (remember the quiz is Friday and I promised no vocab cards as long as you don't bombed the first test!!)

Next we started getting into 1984. Everyone should have received a novel and a packet. I went over the packet and the class suggested Socratic Seminars in place of comprehension questions, which I am totally in favor of!!

Unit One Vocabulary

Today in class you got more  "stuff."

1. Independent Reading Novel Project Hand out--- (not due until the end of the trimester)
2. Vocabulary books
3. Vocabulary schedules

After 15 minutes of SSR we started on Unit 1 Vocabulary which is due tomorrow ...the quiz will be Friday. You will no have to make flashcards unless you bomb the quiz...so prove to me that they are not necessary(:

Media Center Orientation

Today we traveled down to the media center to get aquianted with it. You got another dose of rules but at least you got to hear them in the pleasure of the AC. Also, students learned how to search for books available in the MC.

At the end of the period students had the chance to get their own novels....which are due on Monday, 175 pages or more.

Good Luck tonight at the first football game!

The Accordian Paragraph

Today in class students learned the 14-sentence accordian paragraph model. I was so impressed with the students. Most of the students caught right on and someone from each class was willing to explain why it was called the "accordian" paragraph.

Students were also given a hand out on MLA format. The only homework for tonight is to finish up the practice accordian paragraph if it didn't get finished in class.

Top Ten Reasons why it is great to be back to school....

Day one is in the record books! And what a relief it is to get through all the rules and the hotness. Hopefully, cooler days are on their way.

Following in David Letterman's steps we made top ten lists today on why it is great to be back to school. Students shared their lists and some were quite creative and clever! I didn't share this today ...slipped my mind but here is mine.

10)  Moon has to help me with house chores more now since I'm not home all day!
9) I have a shorter drive to work than I use to.
8) School is less than 2 minutes from WalMart
7) The community is very supportive and
6) Celina is super techy...Freshmen get Net books!
5) Some of my classes are reading The Hunger Games
4) I get to teach freshman for the first time (I've always had 10th-11th grade)
3) I have 4th period plan (the longest period of the day)
2) I have an awesome staff to work with .
1)All the new students I get to meet and get to know!

This is my first year at Celina HS. I previously taught at Greenville HS for three year. And let me say this--I am so pumped to be teaching here. The staff has been so welcoming-- I hope everyone realizes what  great teachers they have here! The students seem motivated and very school spirited and I cannot wait to get to know all of them.

HOMEWORK:Remember tomorrow (August 25)  you need to turn in the parent form and student questionnaire. By Monday you will need an independent reading novel of your choice, 175 pages or more.

Have a fantabulous evening!!


For all you trying to find the class Facebook page and are having trouble try searching by my email: ashley.shaffer@celinaschools.org If that doesn't work let me know