My name is Mrs. McCahan ( mick -CACK- in ) 8/22/13 1.6 Speaking and Listening Objective: To write a paragraph To revi

1. My name is Mrs. McCahan (mick-CACK- in) 8/22/13 1.6 Speaking and Listening Objective: To write a paragraph To review syllabus Bellringer: What are ten things that irritate you? These are pet peeves. List them in your notebook. Now elaborate on one of them in a paragraph response. www.english8room103.wikispaces.com You should have a notebook for this class. Each day record date, standard, objective, bellringer & response. The supply list for this class consists of the following: *one 3-inch binder for English, Science, and Social Studies *highlighters *filler paper or one subject notebook *flash-drive

2. Top ten things that irritate me: 1.       Repeating myself 2.       Unpreparedness 3.       Sitting on desk tops 4. Lining up at door 5.       Whispering answers 6.       Whining 7.       Using the word “retard” or "retarded” 8.       Waking up early 9.       Poor manners 10.     Not picking up after yourself

3. I really hate having to repeat myself; it is something that truly irritates me!  When I tell my kids to do something, I expect it to be done.  If I tell them to pick up a toy, I expect they will do it.  If they do not, the toy goes in the trash.  Also, my husband has a awful habit of waiting until I get done with a lengthy discussion on a subject before interjecting, “huh?”  I cannot believe he did not hear any of my comments.  It irritates me that he didn’t stop me earlier to inform me that he did not hear.  Furthermore, it is most irritating in the classroom.  I give clear directives, I speak clearly, and oftentimes I accompany my verbal directions with written ones on paper or the board.  So, why am I constantly asked what to do next or what page we are on?  A way to remedy this irritation in the classroom is to “ask three before you ask me.” Using this motto will help alleviate my having to repeat myself so often.  Overall, repeating myself is a huge pet peeve of mine, and I have come up with a simple solution.

4. When writing a paragraph, don’t forget the following: 1. Topic sentence (Underline and label TS) 2. Supporting details (Number sentences 1, 2, 3, and so on) 3. Internal transitions (Circle transition words) 4. Concluding sentence (Underline and label CS)

5. I really hate having to repeat myself; it is something that truly irritates me!  When I tell my kids to do something, I expect it to be done.  If I tell them to pick up a toy, I expect they will do it.  If they do not, the toy goes in the trash.  Also, my husband has a awful habit of waiting until I get done with a lengthy discussion on a subject before interjecting, “huh?”  I cannot believe he did not hear any of my comments.  It irritates me that he didn’t stop me earlier to inform me that he did not hear.  Furthermore, it is most irritating in the classroom.  I give clear directives, I speak clearly, and oftentimes I accompany my verbal directions with written ones on paper or the board.  So, why am I constantly asked what to do next or what page we are on?  A way to remedy this irritation in the classroom is to “ask three before you ask me.” Using this motto will help alleviate my having to repeat myself so often.  Overall, repeating myself is a huge pet peeve of mine, and I have come up with a simple solution.

6. 8/26/13 1.6 Speaking and Listening Objective: To fill out information cards and review syllabus Last name, first name (nick name) Period # BellRinger: fill out your information index card in the this manner:

7. Ray Bradbury– what we will know and be able to do… · Closely read a passage · Identify and define similes, metaphors, imagery, personification · Annotate a text · Use Freytag's Pyramid for literature analysis · Discuss plot · Discuss conflict · Analyze a character · Identify and define a noun · Make an inference · Discuss author's style · Write a five-paragraph essay · Define unknown words (using a dictionary)

8. HOMEWORK: • * bring notebook Monday • * return syllabus Monday • * visit my website this weekend • www.english8room103. • wikispaces.com

9. BR: Put your first and last name on your syllabus and submit it to the appropriate colored bin on computer cart. What is science fiction? Made up stories often set in other worlds, on other planets, or in the future that use scientific or technological ideas in believable plots.

10. Reading Techniques techniques “good readers” use to closely read a passage • predictions- guess what will happen next • inferences- your thoughts + what the book says = inference! • literary techniques- find imagery, similes, metaphors, personification • questions- ask a question of the text • connections- connect the situation in the text to your life, a movie, a book you read • character developments- make notes about a change in character setting details- notice the when and where • comments- make a comment about a plot development or character • clarification- restate a scene in your own words • summaries- summarize a scene in simpler terms • vocabulary- underline & define unknown words These are the types of annotations you will make!

11. "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury begins by introducing the reader to a house that cooks, cleans, and takes care of virtually every need that a typical United States family could be assumed to have. The reader enters the text on the morning of August 4, 2026 and follows the house through some of the daily tasks that it performs as it prepares its inhabitants for a day of work and school. At first it is not apparent that anything is wrong, but eventually it becomes clear that the residents of the house are not present and that the house is empty as a vacant hotel room. As the story continues, no direct explanation of the family’s absence is revealed, but the silhouettes of a woman, a man, two children, and their play ball are described as having been burnt in black and charred into one side of the house. The inhabitants are only memories. The house is described as standing amidst the ruins of a city; the leveled urban area is described briefly as emitting a "radioactive glow".

12. "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury begins by introducing the reader to a house that cooks, cleans, and takes care of virtually every need that a typical United States family could be assumed to have. The reader enters the text on the morning of August 4, 2026 and follows the house through some of the daily tasks that it performs as it prepares its inhabitants for a day of work and school. At first it is not apparent that anything is wrong, but eventually it becomes clear that the residents of the house are not present and that the house is empty as a vacant hotel room. As the story continues, no direct explanation of the family’s absence is revealed, but the silhouettes of a woman, a man, two children, and their play ball are described as having been burnt in black and charred into one side of the house. The inhabitants are only memories. The house is described as standing amidst the ruins of a city; the leveled urban area is described briefly as emitting a "radioactive glow".

13. common noun proper noun plural noun Homework: Add five words from the story to your vocabulary chart. Be sure at least TWO are nouns. Define these words. Bonus opportunity… What animal was on Mrs. McCahan'swebsite when you visited last night?

14. 8/28/13 1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature Objective: To analyze plot and character in a short story BR: Please have your homework out on your desk. Be sure your name is on it. If you only had one hour of sunshine, what would you do and why? (one five-sentence descriptive paragraph) OR Write a 6-10 line list poem (for a challenge use couplets) Things to do with one hour of sunshine by Mrs. McCahan Step outside to feel the warmth on my face Take a quick dip in the pool at my mom's place Study my kids' faces in the natural light Look at each flower bloom in sight Run around the yard to feel the rays on my skin Play a game of tag to see who'd win Lay in the grass and soak up the rays Day dream of all the past summer days

16. 8/29/13 1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature Objective: To compare and contrast a print and media source BR: What are four techniques good readers use? After recording these in your notebook, go stand by the technique you are most confident about.

17. Reading Techniques techniques “good readers” use to closely read a passage • predictions- guess what will happen next • inferences- your thoughts + what the book says = inference! • literary techniques- find imagery, similes, metaphors, personification • questions- ask a question of the text • connections- connect the situation in the text to your life, a movie, a book you read • character developments- make notes about a change in character setting details- notice the when and where • comments- make a comment about a plot development or character • clarification- restate a scene in your own words • summaries- summarize a scene in simpler terms • vocabulary- underline & define unknown words These are the types of annotations you will make!

18. A summary of "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury George and Lydia have it all, and that's exactly what they've given their children. The couple have purchased a Happy Life Home, and they've purchased it for $30,000.00. Just think; it cooks your food; it does your laundry; and it dresses you. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: all you have to do is sit at the table and your every wish is granted. You are washed and bathed, massaged and coddled, rocked like a baby to sleep, and transported through your home without having to move a muscle, all of this luxury and yet, they've even upgraded. At half of the cost of the house, a mere $15,000.00, they've added an enormous nursery. Nothing is too good for their children, or is it? The nursery can be anything the kids desire. It can be the beach or a fairy tale. They can travel anywhere they'd like, experience anything the world has to offer, and do it all from the enormous addition that was made to their home. The room comes complete with wind, hot sun, and yes, even "odorphonics.": it even smells like the places you visit! You'd never know the places weren't real, or are they real? The story opens with Lydia drawing her husband into a conversation about their children. The nursery has become her children’s best friend! She is visibly worried that they are spending far too much time in the nursery, that the places they're visiting aren't suitable, and that the fact they have chosen the African Veldt as their escape of choice is alarming. Her children are little criminals! She wants her husband to call the psychologist for her children, but she wants him to call the psychologist for the house too! The "happy home" that they talk to, the home that talks back, that they thank for its every service; the home that was supposed to make their lives perfect, it isn't perfect, and she's crying. She wants to leave; she feels as if she's become unimportant, that she's not needed. She's no longer the caregiver, no longer a wife, no longer a mother, and she isn't wrong to worry!

19. A summary of "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury George and Lydia have it all, and that's exactly what they've given their children. The couple have purchased a Happy Life Home, and they've purchased it for $30,000.00. Just think; it cooks your food; it does your laundry; and it dresses you. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: all you have to do is sit at the table and your every wish is granted. You are washed and bathed, massaged and coddled, rocked like a baby to sleep, and transported through your home without having to move a muscle, all of this luxury and yet, they've even upgraded. At half of the cost of the house, a mere $15,000.00, they've added an enormous nursery. Nothing is too good for their children, or is it? The nursery can be anything the kids desire. It can be the beach or a fairy tale. They can travel anywhere they'd like, experience anything the world has to offer, and do it all from the enormous addition that was made to their home. The room comes complete with wind, hot sun, and yes, even "odorphonics.": it even smells like the places you visit! You'd never know the places weren't real, or are they real? The story opens with Lydia drawing her husband into a conversation about their children. The nursery has become her children’s best friend! She is visibly worried that they are spending far too much time in the nursery, that the places they're visiting aren't suitable, and that the fact they have chosen the African Veldt as their escape of choice is alarming. Her children are little criminals! She wants her husband to call the psychologist for her children, but she wants him to call the psychologist for the house too! The "happy home" that they talk to, the home that talks back, that they thank for its every service; the home that was supposed to make their lives perfect, it isn't perfect, and she's crying. She wants to leave; she feels as if she's become unimportant, that she's not needed. She's no longer the caregiver, no longer a wife, no longer a mother, and she isn't wrong to worry!

20. 8/30/13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To write a compare/contrast paragraph To analyze character Bellringer: Put your homework on the corner of your desk. What are some transitions you use when comparing? What are some transitions you use when contrasting? Bring headphones Tuesday! Likewise similarly equally in addition additionally also like On the contrary, but, however, nevertheless, yet, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or, nor, conversely, at the same time

21. Analyzing a character in a story calls for looking at his or her interactions with other characters and conversations. Really knowing a character entails identifying the three defining moments for the character, the two critical choices that character made, and the one pivotal person in that character’s life. Analyze these three aspects of the character you chose. Defining Moments (Scenes in the story that told you something unique or new about the character. These scenes told you WHO the character truly is.) 1. 2. 3. Critical Choices (These are decisions the character made, either consciously or subconsciously, that changed the character or the outcome of the story.) 1. 2. Pivotal Person (This is the one person that affected the character the most, either positively or negatively)

22. What is the one choice you made or was made for you that drastically affected who you have become? “If someone out there doesn’t agree with me, then somewhere a village is missing their idiot.” “No dog ever peed on a moving car.” “That dog don’t hunt.” “Don’t make me put your head in my blender!” “This ain’t my first rodeo son!”

23. a noun is a person, place, thing, or idea

24. 9/3/13 1.3 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature Objective: To discuss author's style To respond to a quote BR: Define the following word: STYLE (i.e. author's style) What is unique about Ray Bradbury's writing? www.raybradbury.com Homework: Grab Bradbury's obituary from front table before you go!

25. science fiction genre similes, metaphors, imagery futuristic setting ambiguous/uncertain ending theme- being different

26. 9/4/13 1.5 Speaking and Listening Objective: To use pre-reading strategies To make predictions BellRinger: Get your homework out (noun obituary). Submit to bin in front. Grab a small slip from the front table. Record this statement in your notebook: ((After visiting with your classmates, record your "I think" statement about the prediction you can now make about the story)) I think.... Homework: Record and define ten vocabulary words from "The Pedestrian" on your chart

27. 9/5/13 1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature Objective: To discuss plot, character and conflict in a short story. BellRinger: Have your vocabulary chart out on your desk. What can you do instead of watching TV, using a computer, or playing video games? (one five-sentence descriptive paragraph) OR Write a 6-10 line list poem (for a challenge use couplets)

28. What to do instead of watching TV by Mrs. McCahan Read a good book. Open a photo album and take a look. Cook something good to eat, or Take a nap on a comfy seat. Play cars with my son; Do a craft that's fun. Play with my daughter and her doll, and To a friend, make a phone call.

30. Analyzing a character in a story calls for looking at his or her interactions with other characters and conversations. Really knowing a character entails identifying the three defining moments for the character, the two critical choices that character made, and the one pivotal person in that character’s life. Analyze these three aspects of the character you chose. Defining Moments (Scenes in the story that told you something unique or new about the character. These scenes told you WHO the character truly is.) 1. 2. 3. Critical Choices (These are decisions the character made, either consciously or subconsciously, that changed the character or the outcome of the story.) 1. 2. Pivotal Person (This is the one person that affected the character the most, either positively or negatively)

31. 9/6/13 1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature Objective: Read a short story and model what good readers do BellRinger: Read the following words, and using what you know about Bradbury's style, make a prediction about what today's story ("Marionettes, Inc.") will be about. This prediction should be a sentence or two in your notebook. tick-tick-tick secrecy no strings attached marionette business freedom cellar client wife marriage HOMEWORK Record and define ten words on your chart from "Marionettes, Inc."

32. 9/9/13 1.3 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature Objective: Analyze a short story by looking at plot and character BR: Get your "Marionettes, Inc." story and vocabulary sheet out on your desk If you had a Marionette android, what tasks would he/she perform? (one five-sentence descriptive paragraph) OR Write a 6-10 line list poem (for a challenge use couplets)

34. Analyzing a character in a story calls for looking at his or her interactions with other characters and conversations. Really knowing a character entails identifying the three defining moments for the character, the two critical choices that character made, and the one pivotal person in that character’s life. Analyze these three aspects of the character you chose. Defining Moments (Scenes in the story that told you something unique or new about the character. These scenes told you WHO the character truly is.) 1. 2. 3. Critical Choices (These are decisions the character made, either consciously or subconsciously, that changed the character or the outcome of the story.) 1. 2. Pivotal Person (This is the one person that affected the character the most, either positively or negatively)

35. What is Ray Bradbury's style? (An author's style is his or her unique way of writing; that is, certain techniques the author uses often, repeated themes or subject matter, and genre) he uses: dialogue, imagery, similes, metaphors recurring themes: loneliness, being different, harmful technology also: ambiguous/uncertain endings short in length futuristic settings science fiction genre

36. 9.11.13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To correct exams To write a well-developed paragraph Bellringer: Submit your homework to the bin. Here are some recurring errors I found in the paragraph responses on yesterday's exam. Please copy the notes: + Use a comma after the concluding signal To conclude, Bradbury’s style is shown in the story. Furthermore, there was a clear conflict in “All Summer in a Day.” + A LOT is two words + correct spelling of STORIES + Read the prompt at least TWICE to assure you are responding correctly to it. After you’ve written the response, re-read the prompt to assure you answered all parts. NOTEBOOK QUIZ Homework- paragraph response: defining moments

37. In “Marionettes, Inc.” by Ray Bradbury there are a few different techniques used to understand the story. First, the reader can look at various literary techniques, like imagery. Bradbury describes Nettie a lot. Another technique is making inferences; a reader can guess about character and plot based on the story. I thought Smith would follow his friend’s example and get a robot too. Finally, a good reader makes predictions about what will happen next. I predicted Nettie was a robot. In conclusion, there are some key techniques that readers use to understand a story.

38. When reading Ray Bradbury’s stories the reader can see that he has a his unique writing style; in the story “The Pedestrian,” his style is clear. First of all, the story is in the science fiction genre. Another aspect of his style is his characters are often lonely and different from everyone else, like Leonard Mead. Thirdly, he uses imagery a lot to describe setting and character. Therefore, Bradbury’s style is revealed in this story.

39. 9/12/13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To review essay terminology and format To brainstorm a new essay prompt Bellringer: What is your favorite brainstorming technique? What is another one you could try?

40. 9/13/13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To write three body paragraphs with illustrative content, specific examples, and clear details. BellRinger: Get your outline out. An essay needs a BIG 3. What is a BIG 3? What is your BIG 3 for this essay assignment? Look at the attention getters on the next page...

42. Openers/ attention getters/ways to “hook” a reader 1. My trip to the emergency room was the best day ever! 2.  Cautious, studious, and boring are three words I would never use to decribe myself. 3.  My mom was in her room crying. My little sister was sitting at the foot of the bed. I heard a car speeding away out front. 4.  My dad always says, "don't drop your arm when you bat." 5.  How could the birth of twins negatively affect your life?

43. 9/16/13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: to complete rough draft of essay by adding an introduction and a conclusion. BellRinger: What is a thesis? Which of the following is a good thesis for this essay? A. There are many moments in my life that have shaped me. B. Defining moments, key decisions, and one person have greatly affected me. C. Choices I have made and a few events have made me who I am.

44. Tim Weaver Mrs. McCahan English 8 period 4 19 September 2012 Moments, Choices, and Mom My trip to the emergency room was the best day ever! I had a concussion and twenty stitches in my forehead when I was eight years old; I had to be homebound from school for three weeks. This experience helped me become a better student. In addition to this defining event, I had two more events that shaped who I have become. I also made some tough choices. Finally, I have one pivotal person in my life: my mom. Defining moments, crucial choices, and a pivotal person have greatly affected who I have become!

45. Overall, my short life has been shaped by key events, decisions, and one special woman. A few defining moments have made me more responsible and kind. My two important decisions have shaped me too. Finally my mom is a very influential figure in my life. Even though my life was altered by a tragic event that left me in the emergency room, life is full of moments like this, and I have to learn from them.

46. 9/17/13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To edit and revise an essay Bellringer: Take the following MLA format notes MLA format Times New Roman font Size 12 font DOUBLE SPACED one inch margins title centered MLA heading (like this>)

48. 9/19/13 1.1 Learning to Read Independently Objective: To view a movie adaptation of a short story To review vocabulary words from short stories BR: First, submit your essay- staple a half-sheet rubric on it (available in front of period bins). Put your name on the rubric and staple to the top of your essay. Second, get your vocabulary list out. Record three of the words, parts of speech, and definitions in your notebook. Pick three "good words;" that is, be sure to pick the three words you may use again someday in your life. If your vocabulary list is missing anything, work on it now. Tomorrow the list will be graded. If there are words that are simplistic, unacceptable, or ones you couldn't find in the dictionary, replace them with better words.

49. 9/20/13 1.1 Learning to read independently- vocabulary Objective: to use vocabulary words correctly in context BR: From your list of three words from yesterday, use two correctly in ONE sentence about your favorite Ray Bradbury story. Underline the two words. Next, get your vocabulary list out; put away everything else except a writing utensil.

50. 9/18/13 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To review qualities of good writing and set writing goals To demonstrate knowledge of nouns Bellringer: Find your writing goals chart you got at your conference and record two goals, in sentence form. You must keep this chart ALL YEAR. Put it somewhere safe. If you lose it, you will lose points. 1. 2.