Week 9: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 29th:
* Words of the Week
* Class continue Theories of Relativity. How will it all turn out for Dylan? For Amber? For Jenna, and Twitch?
* Does Dylan have any control of his situation? Prove your perspective: P. E. E.

Tues. Oct. 30th:
* How is Dylan a dynamic character? Is he now "one of them," like Swear Lady and Grabage Man?
* Class read Ch 22 & 23
* Ticket Out: What is Garbage Man's, Swear Lady's and Amber's real name? What comment is the author making with these dual identities?
* Song analysis "What It's Like"

* Dive back into our novel. It's almost over :(

Wed. Oct 31st and Thurs. Nov. 1st:
* Complete your creative character study

Fri. Nov. 2nd:
* Week 6 & 7 Vocabulary Quiz
* Class explore the conclusion of Theories of Relativity: Why does Glen refuse to give Dylan money? Do you agree with this "cruel" decision?
* What is Dylan's final theory?
Creative Character Study Due Tuesday

Have a Great Weekend!

Is Change Possible?

Now that we've been exploring Dylan's journey on the streets through Theories of Relativity, consider the day-to-day reality and hope(?) possible for those on the streets.

1.) How do people change their situation?
2.) What do they need? What organizations? What types of support?
3.) Do you think that change is possible for those that are on the street? Why or why not? Explain your ideas.

Remember, when commenting, respond in complete sentences to all 3 questions. Please edit. This is a public forum, what you say, and how you say it matter!

Week 8: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 22nd:
* Partner exploration of "The Homeless" and "One Check Away." Two poems written about homelessness, one written by a community working with street youth, one written by a homeless man
* Read Chapter 9 & 10 of Theories of Relativity
* Questions to consider: 
1.) How has Jenna changed?
2.) Why is Dylan so enamored with the Church?
3.) What forms of belonging have we seen in the novel thus far?

Tues. Oct. 23rd:
* Journal write/sketch of your own positive childhood memory
* Class read and dissect Chapter 11 of novel. Contrast Dylan's childhood memories and present to your own experiences.
* Words of the Week
* Independently complete Chapter 12 of Theories of Relatively

Wed. Oct. 24th:
* Dylan is going to visit home, any predictions?
* Class read Chapter 13: Document 5 changes to the house/home life as shown by the chapter
* Read Chapter 14
* Ticket Out: Why doesn't Dylan do the humane thing and cover Twitch with the blanket? Explain your observation with full P.E.E. format

Thurs. Oct. 25th:
Early Dismissal Day: Parent-Teacher Conferences 2:15-5pm. See you there!
* Class explore Chapter 15 of Theories of Relativity
* Independent read of Chapter 16 and response
*** Complete response to reflection questions on Class Blog***

Fri. Oct. 26th:
* Week 6 Vocabulary Completion Checked
* "Homeless Night Before Christmas" poem analysis
* Read chapters 17-19 and complete activity on changes in Dylan
* Creative Character Study introduced: Select your character and mode of choice

Have a Great Weekend!

Homelessness: What are Our Assumptions? What are Our Reactions?

As we explore our class novel Theories of Relativity consider your own thoughts and feelings regarding homelessness:

1.) What comes to mind when you see a homeless person on the street?

2.) What do you do when you encounter a homeless person? (eye contact? speak to them?donate? cross the street? smile?) Why do you react this way?

3.) What assumptions do we make about those that are on the street? Why do we think these things?

Remember, when commenting, respond in complete sentences to all 3 questions. Please edit. This is a public forum, what you say, and how you say it matter!

Week 7: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 15th:
* Gallery Walk of Homelessness Images
* Class novel: Theories of Relativity introduced
* Homework: Post your comments regarding street youth and homelessness. We will re-address this topic and posting after we've completed our exploration of the novel and its issues.

Tues. Oct. 16th:
* Words of the Week
* Street Youth Info Quiz
* Class read Chapter 2: Predictions for our characters?
* Complete Chapter 3 independent read
* Portfolio work

Wed. Oct. 17th:
* What would you do to survive in a desperate situation?
* Class explore Ch 4 & 5 of Theories of Relativity: What have our characters been willing to do, or not do?
* Complete Chapter 4 & 5 Questions: Due Tomorrow

Thurs. Oct. 18th:
* "Run Away Train" song analysis

* Independent read of Chapters 6-8: Complete Reading Response Journal to passage of your choice. Due Monday

Fri. Oct. 19th:
* Non-Instructional Day
* Teachers at Professional Learning Association Workshops. No school for students

What Writing Is

As you are bleeding, sweating, and wrestling with your mind for the right words, just remember that many have fought this hard-won battle and emerged triumphant. Here is what they had to say about the writing process. Who do you think is the most correct? Who said it best?

Week 6: What to Expect

Mon. Oct. 8th: School Closed

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Enjoy the time with family and food!

Tues. Oct. 9th:
* Week 3 & 4 Vocab quiz
* Group exploration of Samples of Excellence
* Group dissection. What does your Narrative need to be exemplary?
* Narrative Essentials outlined
* Plot your Narrative: Outline due tomorrow

Wed. Oct. 10th:
*  Dialogue Rules. This is key to believable characters and engaging your audience. See the Excellent Dialogue Tricks and Tips sheet
* Begin crafting your brilliant narrative
* See How to Write Better: 7 Instant Fixes

Thurs. Oct. 11th:
* Simile and metaphor practice. The lifeblood of great writing!
* See How to Show (Not Tell)
* Finish writing your Narrative draft

Fri. Oct. 12th:
* "Show Don't Tell" This is what all must do in their writing. I challenge you, can you incorporate olfactory imagery? What about taste?
* Peer exchange, edit and revise Narrative.
* Good Copy DUE MONDAY