Corrie Ten Boom's Hiding Place

As we work our way through Corrie Ten Boom's story I thought it might be helpful to post this video I found of the actual hiding place that was built in the Ten Boom's home. It is only thirty seconds long, but the student who filmed it got a good shot of the tiny little room that saved so many lives. Enjoy!

How Are Your Research Papers Coming?

Many of you are about half way through the process of getting your research paper finished, and should be in the middle of writing your rough drafts. I have already had writing conferences with students from sixth and seventh grade, and have been able to provide good feedback to a few of you. Remember, the writing conferences are for your benefit, to help ensure that you get the best grade possible on your final paper. Please be sure to bring whatever you have completed for your rough draft so that I can help you with it. It does not matter if you have one paragraph complete or are on the last page of your paper--bringing something is the most important thing. I will be doing writing conferences during class tomorrow, and throughout the rest of the week for those that need them.

Please use the blog to respond with questions, comments, or concerns. I'm am usually always able to respond in the evening to any questions or comments you post.

Happy writing!

Holocaust Survivor Presentation

Today in our last period English class I forgot to remind you that this Thursday we will be taking our trip to listen to the Holocaust survivor at St. Dominic School. I don't know what your thoughts are about the upcoming trip, but I am very much looking forward to it, and I hope you are too.

One of the things that we've been asked to do in preparation for the event is bring prepared questions with us. It helps the presenter if he/she has pre-written questions to choose from as opposed to asking for questions at random. It will also help you think through exactly what you would like to ask, and learn so that you can make the most of your time on Thursday.

I am hoping to carve out five minutes at the beginning of class tomorrow and dedicate it specifically to forming questions for the presenter. However, I know that your outlines are due tomorrow and that those five minutes may very well be taken up by something else. So, I've posted a link to some possible questions for you to consider. If you like them, use them. If you have one that you would like to ask and you don't see it then write it down, and hand it to me in class; I will keep for Thursday.

Possible Questions to Ask a Holocaust Survivor (This is a PDF file. You can download it and print it out)

What's In a Good Thesis Statement?

In preparation for your outline (due 4/20) and the drafting of your paper we talked about how to build a well constructed thesis statement. Below I've post the four important things to remember when putting together your thesis statement. Please use these, and the worksheets I've handed out to you in class. If you have any questions you know that I am always available. However, do not wait until the last minute to come to me with questions. For example, the day before the outline is due is not a good day to come to me and say, "Mr. C. I need help on my outline. I haven't started it yet." It will be much more difficult for me to give the help you need if you procrastinate as opposed to coming to me ahead of time.

What's in a good thesis statement?

1) A good thesis statement is no expressed as a question. Your thesis statement provides a one-sentence, declarative answer to your research question.

2) A good thesis statement is a preview of what the paper is about. (Do not begin with "The purpose of my paper is. . ." or " In this paper, I will be writing about. . .")

3) A good thesis statement controls the paper's content. Everything in your paper should provide support for your thesis statement. In other words, if it's not in your thesis statement it shouldn't appear in your paper.

4) A good thesis statement should sound confident. Avoid using words and phrases like probably, might, I think, seems, and it seems to me.

Happy writing!

The Pilgrim's Progress: Discontent and Shame and Talkative

Discontent and Shame and Talkative from Chapter 20 is posted below. Making a video of the audio chapter(s) is the only way I will be able to post the chapters so that you can listen to them. Uploading these is a bit time consuming so here is one for now. Happy reading!

Battle With Apollyon: Something To Think About

In our Monday Literature class we looked at Chapters 16 and 17 of The Pilgrim's Progress, and discussed Christian's battle with Apollyon. While we always have good and healthy discussions surrounding our reading in class I would also like to give you things to think about as you move on in the novel outside of class. Hopefully, this will help you relate to and understand Bunyan's allegorical story; many parts may even apply to your own lives.

1) Apollyon argues that many who start our following the King give up their pilgrimage and return to him. How have you been tempted to give up this week? Did you stand firm? If so, how were you encouraged to stand firm?

2)Looking back on your week, was there a time you used the "sword" that Christian used in his battle? If you did, when did you need it? If you didn't, when do you think you should've or could've used it?

Next class we will be looking at Chapters 19-20, and it would be wise to get a head start on at least Chapter 19 this weekend so that you are well prepared for any class discussion we have, as well as any class work or "Say Something" groups.

Happy reading!

Chapter 6 Writing and Grammar Exam (8th Grade)

There will be a Chapter 6 Writing and Grammar Exam for the 8th grade English class on Thursday April, 15th.

The exam will assess you on the following:

1) Identifying Adverbs in Sentences

2) Identifying the Different Questions Answered by Adverbs

3) Identifying the Word(s) Modified by an Adverb

4) Positive, Comparative, and Superlative Forms of Adverbs

There is also a Chapter 6 Review in the back of your books on p.443. I will go over this review in class, but it would be wise to get a head start on it so that you can bring any questions you might have to class with you.

Due Date for Growing Bibliography #3 Fast Approaching

The due date (4/13/10) for the final two sources of your Growing Bibliography will soon be upon us. All of your sources should be included, and in the proper format (MLA). Remember, having this completed correctly and handed in on time will only make completing your final research paper easier--you'll have one portion of it finished. Below I have posted links to the website I have on my board to make formatting for your bibliography easier, along with a one that gives you the guidelines for proper MLA format.

bibme.org

MLA Format (This is in PDF format and is printable.)

SAT Testing

Stanford Achievement Testing (SAT) will continue until Monday, April, 12th. Be sure to continue to get a good night's rest and eat a decent breakfast so that you are adequately prepared for testing.