English 1 - Revising

10 minutes - Students worked on their grammar and vocabulary homework and any questions or problems they had we tried to resolve.

40 minutes - Today we worked on elements of revision with an eye to improving style.  We discussed the nature of style and how it relates to writing, and we covered three important elements that need to be considered in revision to help improve a story's style:

• Description: Here we talked about how to make bland statements more descriptive.  We looked at sample paragraphs and tried to find ways to improve on the detail in the sentence.  Students should look at their own stories and try to change every general, vague word for a more vivid, descriptive word or phrase.
• Figurative Language: While this is similar to description, here we are looking at specifically adding language that will evoke a striking image in the reader's mind.  We discussed the definition of figurative language, looked at examples in a poem, created more examples, and reviewed the dangers of cliche.  Students will eventually need to have at least 5 examples of figurative language in their stories.
• First Sentences: Lastly, we looked at sample opening sentences, and talked about the purpose and importance of an opening sentence.  Students need to review their openings and try to create an opening sentence that is engaging, intriguing, and draws the reader in.

Homework and Reminders

• Revise your story for style.  Look specifically at your descriptions, your use of figurative language, and your opening sentence.
• Bring your AR book tomorrow.
• Bring your report card on Monday.

October 10 - Homecoming

Welcome

Welcome to Mr. Tsvirinko's English blog.  The purpose of this blog is to inform both parents and their students who are in my English classes about what it is that we do in class.  For the parents, this is intended to be a way to keep track of your child's learning and stay informed about assignments, projects, and other events.  For the students, this is a great way to refresh one's memory about what happened in class as well as stay updated when you miss a day.  I plan to post a new entry every day, shortly after class is over.  I will recap the main activities of the day, including homework and any reminders, and attach any handouts that were distributed in class.  I hope this will prove to be a great way to stay informed and up to speed, and I hope you will visit often.  If you have comments, questions, or suggestions, please leave your feedback in the comments section.  If you'd like to email me directly,  I check my school email regularly and do my best to return your emails promptly: atsvirinko@visalia.k12.ca.us

English 1 - Narrative Writing: Dialogue

15 minutes - Students read their AR books for the first 15 minutes.  It is important that students have an AR book and bring it every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, because AR reading is worth 10% of their grade.

30 minutes - Since conversation is the best way that anyone gets to know us, it is important to include lively dialogue in a short story for the main purpose of revealing a character's personality, attitude, and even cultural background.  We discussed the purpose of dialogue in storytelling, one important effects of which is to bring the story to life and help readers connect with what they are reading.  Students were then asked to create a dialogue between two people in a given scenario.  After writing for 8 minutes, we discussed proper formatting of dialogue and looked at a couple examples of published writers' use of dialogue.

Homework

Students are to finish a rough draft of their stories and make sure to include some dialogue.  Eventually, students will need to have at least 2 passages of dialogue in their stories.

Reminders

• Bring your AR book.
• If you haven't done so yet, make sure to bring your field trip money.

English 2 - Narrative Writing: Revision/Editing

15 minutes - Students read their AR books.  It is important that all students have an AR book that they are reading and bringing to class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  AR reading is worth 10% percents of the student's grade.

30 minutes - Students are finishing their short stories.  Some are further along than others.  Today we reviewed a few things to look for when revising, and also talked about editing.  We spent much of our time in the library either typing the stories or revising rough drafts.  While most students have made good progress and are close to finishing, some are barely starting.  On Monday, students will be given some time to edit their stories, after which we will begin a new unit.  Final drafts are due on Wednesday.

Homework

Students are to finish typing their stories and revise them using the checklist they were given today in class.

October 9

English 1

10 minutes - Since very few students did the homework to sketch a setting for their story, students had 10 minutes at the beginning to finish and add to their sketches.  Those who had the homework completed shared with a partner to help add more detail.

15 minutes - We moved on to plot today.  We discussed the five elements of plot structure: exposition, rising action, climax or turning point, falling action, and resolution.  We discussed examples of each in the recent stories that we've read.

25 minutes - Students began to write their stories.  They were given 5 minutes to write about each section of the plot.  While this interruption bothers some students, it ensures that everyone has at least something to work with.  Most students were able to generate some ideas.

Homework

Students are to finish their stories and weave together the five parts that we started in class.  Tomorrow they are to bring a working rough draft to class.  Since we will be working on dialogue, students should have at least one passage of dialogue in their stories.

Reminders

• Bring your AR book tomorrow.
• Bring your field trip money.
• Wear your Super Fan shirt.
• Go to Homecoming.

English 2

10 minutes - We began by discussing any issues that students are having with their stories.  I reviewed some story guidelines that students need to remember (length, language, content).

35 minutes - Students worked on revising their stories for concrete detail, figurative language, and dialogue.  They were to also work on opening sentences and closing passages.  Most students used this time to work and made some progress.  A couple students forgot their stories, which did not help them much.

Homework

Students are type out their working drafts.  Tomorrow we will edit for grammar and mechanics.  Final drafts will be due next Wednesday.

Reminders

• Bring your AR book tomorrow.
• Wear your Super Fan shirt.