Mon. June 16, 2014: Test Prep Readings Practice

Today, students were given a readings booklet and a questions booklet to help them prepare for the format of the final. They were also reminded that their cheat sheets are due on Thursday. I also explained what a cheat sheet looks like by referring to an exemplar (point form - no complete sentences).
The stories they were fer the following:
"The Dragon" by Ray Bradbury
from In the Land of Dreamy Dreams by Ellen Gilchrist
from Leg by Steven Polasky

Thurs. June 12, 2014: Test prep Conventions

Today, I reminded you that I can provide individual help/assignments when requested. I want you to come to RTI so we can discuss this.
I also gave you are reading (a draft) and questions to answer. The purpose is to ensure that you are reading critically and that you are aware of writing conventions in preparation for your own written work (final).
We then discussed the answers.

Tues. June 10, 2014: Personal Response Paragraph Prep

Today, I went over the expectations for writing a personal paragraph. I then gave out an activity entitled "Understanding Paragraphs" in which you had to answer questions (analyze the paragraph to determine how successful the writer was a proving his or her thesis). You did not have to do question five. This is due for class on Thursday.

Fri. June 6, 2014: Writing the Multi-source Essay

Some of you have asked if you can use more than one source for your final essay. In order to ensure that you are familiar with the essay structure, I decided to introduce you to this type of essay and then explain the format, adding information that you need to use in both types. I really am stressing the importance of including an attention getter at the beginning and the need to provide evidence that supports your main points/thesis rather than just a plot summary.
If you are having trouble, see me in RTI for additional support.

Wed. June 4, 2014: Apostrophe Presentation

Today, I did a presentation on the use of the apostrophe (both for contractions and to show possession). You were then given work to practice your understanding of the concept. If you were not here, the work is in your portfolio. You can meet with me at lunch or during RTI for a tutorial on this.

Mon. June 2, 2014: Reflection on marking and test prep

Today, you handed in your essay self-assessment (rubrics). I then gave you information on your upcoming final exam. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio. See me at lunch to get more of an explanation. I then gave a Powerpoint on the importance of parallelism in writing. If you were not here, see me about this as well.