To Synthesize

Do you know the meaning of the word synthesize?

If yes, how might we apply this term to writing?

If no, please look up a definiton.

NOTE: Why did I italicize synthesize in the first line?

No Homework!

Concerning Seven Habits...habits two and three are due Thursday, Oct 30, along with "The Great Discovery" and your personal mission statement.

To Wildfire...we did not begin Julius Caesar...do not read any more of the drama!

Enjoy your weekend...with no homework!

Ready to come home?

Yes, Homecoming has arrived at Batesville High School! Go, Pioneers!

This week has been one full of energy. Have you noticed the extra buzz of excitement in the hallways this week? You should pat yourself on the backs, for you have helped bring that to the hallways of BHS. This is my fourth BHS Homecoming...this has definitely been the best Spirit Week yet...yes, I say, "Yet," for you have two more to go before graduating!

Now let's take some of that energy into next week as we further investigate who you are...as you find that internal "home" that is you.

As you continue to read Sean Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, share with us something interesting that you have read.

Check out Sean Covey on GoodReads.

Who Are You?

Why are you who you are? Are you already who you will be one day?

To assist in answering the above questions, this week we continue reading Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens on your own and begin reading and listening to Julius Caesar in class.

Another question I would like for you to answer for me upon completing Julius Caesar: why did Shakespeare name this play by this title? Why do I ask? Julius Caesar is not the major character.

So many questions. Right?

Sci-Fi Project Presentations

On Monday, please bring a final print-out of each phase of your new sci-fi world. The phases/genres need to be in the order listed on the sci-fi project rubric.

Then, (probably by pulling names out of a symbolic hat...will actually be a cup) several of you will present your new sci-fi worlds to the class. So be ready!

Remember for your presentation, you will show your setting PowerPoint to help set the scene and then share two other genres with us. Presentations should take 2-4 minutes or so. Okay?

Which genre was your favorite to create? Mine was the introductory paragraph. Maybe this is because my character is based on my daughter. My next favorite was the brochure of other characters, including myself as "Mean Momma." (No comments necessary on the "mean" part! :) )

Share with us...which genre was your favorite?

If I Were Writing a Book...

Yes, if I were writing a book, I can think of at least two young men's names I would mention.

Can you?

Generate Your Hero!

Hero Generator 2.5 is available through Thursday!

Be sure to check out this site if you have not yet had the opportunity.

Go forth...and be creative!

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Next week is the ninth week of school! Wow!

Here's the plan to get us to the end of this tunnel:

Thursday, Oct. 9:

• Sci-Fi Unit Test
• Type!

Monday, Oct. 13:

• Sci-Fi Project due (Click here to preview rubric.)
• Present your new world to the class.
• Return parent permission letter and your Letter to the Next President to class on Wednesday.
• Review six parts to a letter.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

• Test on parts of a letter (50%) ~ Letter to the Next President (50%)
• Finalize three blog entries. Post them to your blog.
• Assign novel.

Friday, Oct. 17

• Writer's Notebook due.

I hope you like tunnels, for we are about to go on a new literary adventure!

An End to Sci-Fi?

This unit is coming to an end!

Our agenda for the next three meeting times looks like this:

Friday, Oct. 3:

• Type on letter (draft due today).
• Type on sci-fi project.

Tuesday, Oct. 7:

• Discuss the two sci-fi poems.
• Review the sci-fi unit.
• Type on project, letter, or blog posts.

Thursday, Oct. 9:

• Sci-Fi Unit Test
• Post letter to Google Docs.
• Sci-Fi Project due.
• No homework! Let's take a break!