Research Papers Over Break

Students may turn in papers via email over break, and I've received a couple. The problem I'm seeing already is that students need to turn in double spaced papers. They need to proofread. Finally, students need to also send the works cited page. These need to be sent via email attachment before Christmas. Thanks and have a wonderful holiday!

Dec. 17, 2009

Today we will complete our next vocabulary assignment. We will work on adverbs. And, finally, we will work on reading two scenes of Romeo and Juliet. Have a wonderful Christmas vacation!

Dec. 16, 2009

Sorry, I missed my first day of posting so I'm making up for it:) We worked on papers the entire class. The students learned a conclusion. They learned to write works cited page. They learned to cite information in their essays. These are topics that they will struggle with so feel free to help them if you can or direct them to the internet for any of these topics or email me with questions. It is important that they learn not only the writing process but also to cite information in their papers and to write a works cited page.

Snooooow Daaaaaaaaaaaaaays! 12/14/09

Well, we are going to try to catch up as fast as possible. The students are going to be writing introductions and paragraphs of support this week. We will read a scene of Romeo and Juliet per class if time. We will try to work on some adverb work as well. My goal for the students is to be able to type up their papers over break. I may even give out extra credit if students email me their papers over break. Stay tuned:)

Dec. 7, 2009

Today we took vocabulary quiz 7. We also wrote the thesis and started the introduction for our papers. If we have days off, please ask kids to be thinking of how they would write the body of their essays.

Dec. 7, 2009

I think I've missed a day in this snow. My apologies. We are trying to research specific info for the students' papers. We took our spelling quiz too. I'm not sure that the papers will be due before break, but we are trying to keep them moving in that direction.

Dec. 2, 2009

Today we started our research! We read Act 2.3 in Romeo and Juliet. We received a list of adverbs that don't end in "ly" so the kids should be studying that. Also, we have a spelling quiz over the next two days. Be sure to ask the kids what they are researching and who their scientist is :)

Nov. 30, 2009

Welcome back! We are going to be busy for nearly three weeks! Today we started talking about our Biology/English essay. We read Romeo and Juliet Act2 up through scene 2. We will also have spelling and vocabulary quizzes at the end of this week.

Nov 24, 2009

Today we spelled our spelling words list 2. We listened to some Romeo and Juliet music while we did this. We read a few scenes of Romeo and Juliet and talked about it as we read it. We finished with a talk on love at first sight as well as assigning vocabulary 7 list to be defined over break. HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!

Nov. 20, 2009

Today we took vocabulary 6 quiz. We read some of Romeo and Juliet and we talked about adverbs. Spelling was a struggle. Students need to study their spelling words more closely.

Yesterday Nov. 20, 2009

Sorry, I had to stay home with a sick little boy. The students read some of Romeo and Juliet. They took a spelling/handwriting quiz, and worked on adjective and adverbs. Have a great weekend!

Nov. 17, 2009

Today we made up sentences using our vocabulary words so as to reinforce the use of them. We did a pre test on grammar for our next unit. I handed back tests from last Friday. I gave points for the wrting/spelling exercise. We did an introduction to Shakespeare to prepare for Romeo and Juliet.

Nov. 16, 2009

Today we started vocabulary 6 and defined those words. We also talked about the Huck Finn essay that the students wrote on Thursday and Friday. We learned about handwriting, logic, and spelling. Students turned in Huck Finn books. Finally, we have started a weekly spelling list of 10 words per week in which the students will be asked to write each word 20 times in cursive and then spell them correctly at the end of the week. This should be interesting:)

Nov. 12, 2009

Today we took a test on verbs and wrote an essay on Huck Finn. I also collected questions for the finale of Huck Finn.

Nov. 11, 2009

Today we took vocabulary 5 quiz. We worked on our final Huck Finn questions. We talked about verbs. I told the students exactly how the test will look tomorrow. I told them what to study. The students need to review helping verbs! They need to know them when they see them. They also need to review verb phrases. They will write an essay on Huck Finn in which they must demonstrate the writing form that they've been taught along with knowledge of the novel.

Nov. 9, 2009

We wrote vocab sentences today. We worked on Huck Finn questions. Reading assignment is chapter 39-40. We looked at helping verb list and talked about the upcoming test (Thursday and Friday). Conferences are Tuesday and Wednesday.

Huck Finn in 4 minutes

Nov. 6, 2009

Today we wrote thesis statements and the students received points based on how well it was written. The students made flashcards for vocabuarly words. The students received questions for the rest of Huck Finn. They will be due Wednesday. The reading homework is chapters 36-38. We will have a VERB TEST starting next Friday. We will have a Huck Finn test the following week.

Nov.4 , 2009

We will be having a couple of tests coming up. We will have a test over Huck Finn and a test over Verbs in the next week and a half or so. Students should be summarizing chapters and studying verbs in their textbooks and coming to seminar if help is needed in either of those areas.

Nov. 4, 2009

Vocabulary five is the first thing we did today. The students defined it and then we talked about using the words in sentences. I collected Huck Finn questions and had to talk about homework being important. We did work on HELPING VERBS. We will take a test the end of next week on verbs. We handed back papers. Homework is to read Huck Finn chapter 35.

Nov. 3, 2009

Today we talked about writing and differentiating between some of the terms we use with writing essays and addressing prompts. The students wrote a thesis and three body paragraphs and I read all of them and gave them feedback/evaluation on them. Huck Finn chapter 34 is homework for reading.

Oct. 30, 2009

We started today doing several interactive exercises with verbs. We then did an assignment identifying helping verbs. Finally, the students had questions for Huck Finn assigned and chapters 31-33 assigned to read.

Oct. 29, 2009

Today we took a test to demonstrate competency in writing an introduction for an essay. The students were given a prompt and asked to only write the introduction for the prompt. Most of the students seemed to do a nice job. Chapters 29 and 30 in Huck Finn were also assigned as overnight homework.

Oct. 27, 2009

Today we took vocabulary 4 quiz. We then worked on how to write the support paragraphs for an essay. The students had to use a previously written thesis and then write the supporting paragraphs for it. Chapter 28 in Huck Finn is assigned as homework along with the supporting paragraphs if I didn't see it in class. Thursday is our introduction writing test.

Oct. 26,2009

Today we started with a noun game. We then went over vocabulary 4. That needs to be turned in before the quiz for any credit. We did some verb exercises of simply identifying the verbs. The students are to read Huck Finn chapter 27 for next class and be ready for their vocabulary quiz on Tuesday. Also, there will be a writing test on Thursday for students to write an introduction as they've been taught so far this year.

Oct. 22, 2009

Today we started with some verb variation activity. We also had chapters 25 and 26 assigned in Huck Finn. The students then spent time writing introductions and thesis statements for a prompt that I gave them about high school curfews.

Oct. 20, 2009

Today we did Huck Finn Jeopardy, defined vocabulary 4, and talked about verb variation in the students' writing. The students are to read chapter 22 in Huck Finn. Vocabulary has to be complete. The words for vocab 4 are: appliance, arsenal, appropriate, apprehend, apt, arbitration, artificial, aspect, approval, arch, approximate, application, ascertain, arbitrary, and armament. Mr. Annen will be at a conference on Wednesday and the students have been informed of this already. Their homework on Wednesday will be to read chapters 23 and 24 of Huck Finn as well as completeing questions from the chapters. Their vocabulary quiz will be Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Oct. 19, 2009

Today we started with some Huck Finn jeopardy through chapter 15. STUDENTS NEED TO KEEP UP WITH THEIR READING PLEASE! We defined vocabulary 4. We are taking that quiz on Friday and Monday. The students are to read chapter 22 in Huck Finn for homework as well as finish defining the words that might not have been finished in class.

October 16, 2009

Today we took vocabulary quiz 3. We also had a worksheet that was due that the students had three days to complete. The students need to really work on getting homework done on time and ready to turn in when it's due. This doesn't apply to all of the students, but homework is a nice way to help grades. We did some verb work from the book as well as listen to the beginning of chapter 20. The homework is to read chapter 20 and 21 in Huck Finn.

Oct. 14, 2009

Today we did a pretest for verbs to see what the kids know. We then did a verb variation exercise where the kids had to come up with different versions of the word "said" and then I would say a sentence using their words... It was very effective:) Next we talked about thesis statements and what one is and what it looks like. We also looked at a sample introduction and how it is exactly as I've been teaching them. The students are to read chapter 19 in Huck Finn and finish their chapter questions. We also have had a palindrome contest going on for two weeks and the longest palindrome that is original wins a prize on Friday.

Oct. 13, 2009

Today we took a test over nouns and pronouns. The students are also to read chapter 18 in Huck Finn as well as keep answering their packet of questions on the reading. We will have vocabulary quiz 3 on Friday.

October 9, 2009

Today we started with a pronoun game on the whiteboard. We corrected vocabulary 3. We corrected the students' grammar homework. We talked about Huck Finn. The students are to study for a grammar test next Tuesday over nouns and pronouns. Huck Finn chapters 16-17 has been assigned as have some questions over their reading.

October 8, 2009

Today we did vocabulary 3 and a noun pronoun review to prepare for our test next Tuesday. The students are also to read chapter 15 in Huck Finn.

Oct. 6, 2009

Today we played pronoun jeopardy. We attempted to do some drawing poetry about Huck Finn. We learned how to write an introduction for a formal essay. And, we had chapter 14 in Huck Finn assigned.

Oct. 5, 2009

Today we discussed the ACT and learned how to write a thesis and how it relates to the writing of an ACT prompt. We took a short reading quiz over the first 12 chapters of Huck Finn. Finally we did some pronoun practice to see how we are learning our pronouns and identifying them in sentences and I was pleased to see the progress that the students are making. The studetns are to read chapter 13 in Huck Finn and continue to study their pronouns.

UPCOMING TEST/QUIZ

Be prepared for a Huck Finn quiz coming up. Also, in the next week to week and a half, we'll be having a test over pronouns and nouns. Please be learning your pronouns!!!

October 1, 2009

Today we started off identifying pronouns on the whiteboard together. We have a lot to learn. The students copied down an alphabetical list of pronouns that they are to learn. We also talked about Huck Finn. The students wrote thesis statements and did a nice job for their first time. We listened to Huck Finn chapter 10. The students are to read 10-12 in Huck Finn.

September 30, 2009

Today we started with a noun game on the interactive whiteboard. We took vocabulary quiz 2 next. We did some pronoun practice as well as some pronoun games on the whiteboard. We talked about chapter 8 in Huck Finn. The students are to read chapter 9 in Huck Finn for next class.

September 28, 2009

Today we did a pronoun game on the whiteboard to start class. We went over pronouns and learned that we have a lot to learn about pronouns. We talked about Huck Finn a little. Pages 348-353 in textbooks should be studied to learn (not memorize) pronouns. Homework is to read chapter 8 and to be prepared for vocabulary 2 quiz for next class.

Sept. 24, 2009

Mr. Annen had to get allergy tests done on Thursday. Please be sure and read chapter 6 and 7 of Huck Finn for Tuesday.

Sept. 22

Today we had rushed classes. With the fog delay, we needed to get through some material to keep the kids/classes on schedule. We did some pronoun work and the students received a worksheet that is due next class and we talked about Huck Finn and assigned chapter 5 which is also due next class. We check vocab 2 and still have some student who are not completing simple tasks. Keep up on the homework. It's easy points much of the time.

September 21

Today we discussed two chapters of Huck Finn. We answered some questions and we talked about issues the students had with the reading and tried to keep it clear. We also defined vocabulary 2 and had chapter 4 assigned for homework. Please remind students to complete reading and vocabulary 2.

Huck Finn

If a student forgets his/her book at home. The following site contains the entire book Huck Finn.
http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/Twa2Huc.html

September 17, 2009

Today we did a short summary of chapter 1 of Huck Finn. We discussed what words the students had trouble with in the reading. We took a vocabulary quiz. The homework is to read chapters 2 and 3 of Huck Finn.

September 16,2009

Today we started with a noun/proper noun word game and the students seem take to it immediately! We moved into a discussion on racism and the "n-word" and where it comes from and why it is never appropriate to use. The kids really did a nice job with this. They did a free write about their feelings following this talk and could write and/or draw about what they feel about racism and the use of that word. We then went over vocabulary 1. They have the definitions that will be on the quiz. And, finally, I assigned the first chapter of Huckleberry Finn.

Extra Credit

Students may earn extra credit by finding noun/pronoun mistakes anywhere. The mistakes can be anywhere: in print, on tv, or any other medium you may find.

September 14, 2009 Freshman English

Today we started off discussing what makes up a sentence and the kids could draw a picture, make up a formula, or come up with another creative way to demonstrate this. We then had our first homework issue. Several students did not complete vocabulary lesson one. Please remind students to complete homework especially now that we have a blog reminding of all homework. We completed our introductory noun check and then started to talk about the times of Huck Finn as well as why it might be a controversial book.

English 9: September 11

Today we started with a film on Mark Twain for our introduction into Huckleberry Finn. The students wrote on the whiteboard things that were important from the film and I highlighted what was really important. We concluded concluded class with our first vocabulary lesson and that is due when we meet next.

You can follow my twitter for homework updates as well if you'd like. You can do a search for Mr. Annen and I'll try to remember to post homework on twitter.

Have a great weekend!

Syllabus

I'm pasting my syllabus in here. This is something that is changing a bit this year so I'll try to update when I make changes.


ENGLISH 9
Mr. Annen
The primary goal of the ENGLISH 9 course is to develop your abilities in grammar and usage. You will broaden your vocabulary as we embark on a weekly vocabulary quiz schedule. Grammar lessons, vocabulary, and reading assignments will comprise your English homework.
General Course Objectives
To expand your knowledge of our language and its correct use in the written form.
To broaden your vocabulary through projects and quizzes.
To expose you to classic literature and keep you accountable for reading that literature.
Tentative 1st Semester schedule of literature:
Huck Finn
Romeo and Juliet
Grammar and vocabulary throughout (approximately 7-9 units of grammar and 16-18 units of vocab)
Tentative 2nd Semester schedule:
The Odyssey
Grammar and vocabulary throughout (approximately 7-9 units of grammar and 16-18 units of vocab)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Grading
Grading will be based on a straight scale and will consist of the following:
weekly vocabulary quizzes
reading quizzes
tests/projects
Extra Credit: I am not a big fan of this, but if you are passing, you may earn extra credit through various movies, plays, and/or other sources of modern media that I assign as being so.
Note: If your grade should fall into or below the “D” range, a phone call OR email will be made/sent to your home to inform your parents of your progress.
Class Rules
Show respect
My name is Mr. Annen or Coach Annen… please address me as one of those, and I shall return the courtesy to you
You will be verbally warned before any detentions are handed out. If you are a problem in class, you will not continue to remain in this class.
Please listen when others speak.
Please follow directions the first time they are given, and if you don’t understand, please, by all means, raise your hand and ask for clarification
DO YOUR WORK!
Most of the problems that arise in English 9 are a result of students not completing homework. Do it, and most times you will pass. Don’t do it, and you will surely fail.
If you do not do your work, you will be penalized but I expect you to do all of your work. WE will work together to get your work finished and correct.
Keep all handouts in a folder just for this class, and please bring all books to every class unless otherwise informed.
Please bring a writing utensil to class each and every day. You will be expected to use a pencil or a blue or black pen. NO RED PENS WILL BE USED EXCEPT BY ME. Thank you in advance
Follow school enforced rules
All school rules apply to this and every classroom… please don’t ask me to bend or break them for you… thank you.
If you are absent, you must come see me for make-up work otherwise it will be late. You will of course have the same amount of time that you were absent to make it up.
Please be on time to class.
Cheating on any homework or quizzes will result in a zero, a phone call home, and a detention from me.
TURN YOUR CELL PHONES OFF. I WILL CONFISCATE THEM IF I SEE THEM.
f. Hall passes will only be issued when you have YOUR OWN planner and will not exceed those in your planner.
No food or soda in the classroom… NO EXCEPTIONS

Day 2

Great classes today! We went over our syllabus and talked about how the grades are divided up in English classes. Assessments are 50%, writing is 30%, and assignments are 20%. We also talked about a writing prompt concerning the possibility of extending high school to five years instead of four. The students did a great job with this! We finished class by starting our grammar dealing with nouns.

Day 1

Day one was as positive experience. My classes shared summer experiences and personal preferences when it comes to reading, movies. and personal activities. Day two will be an interesting day of more freshmen as well as p.e. and seminar. Parents should have given personal email addresses to students so that I can send out newsletters as well as updates on individual students.

Welcome to Mr. Annen's Class

This is the first post in a long list of posts. I will post on twitter as well as on here with homework or other information that can make your year a positive experience for both English 9 and AP English Literature. Feel free to ask questions and post suggestions for me to consider as we work on this blog this year.