Thursday, April 9th – ALL CLASSES

Keep moving forward. That means share MARK#1 for feedback and continue creating.  Consider MARK#2 due Monday, April 20th (EVERYONE) and use next week to get it done. Or whatever else gets you caught up (book talks, rhet-comp memory book shorts, research design, etc.).

TODAY is VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS.  Check you email for the invite and pop in sometime between 10am and 12noon to check-in, ask questions, get help in real-time.  Office hours are NOT required – just an option for you.  Email me if you didn’t get an invite.  (Same invite from before should get you in the meeting).

❤ Mrs. C = )

English 8 – Wednesday, April 8th

IMPORTANT:  IF you haven’t yet read Monday’s post titled BIG CHANGES! to see how it can make your school work easier (or more worth your time), please do so!  There are videos on the e8mg20 Flipgrid to help you navigate these new sheets.

ALSO: IF you have yet to get started on pretty much anything, expect an email today that will take you back to step one and help you get caught up.

  1. Indie read – 15 to 20 🙂
  2. Quickwrite #26: Using your MG topic as inspiration, let’s play with genre in our notebooks.  Create either a news-style article (real or fictional – who, what, when, where, why) or a dialogue between two characters (real or fictional) (if you run out of ideas for one genre, try the others).
  3. Keep writing.  It is ideal if you have 4 to 6 pages done by the end of today.  This 4 – 6 pages, to be clear, can be a variety of things adding up to 4 – 6 pages.  You can move, change, and rearrange it all later.  Just write it.  You are welcome to keep it all one document (that’s what I would do) or you could make several individual docs for now and combine them later if you want (that’s more work, but organize as you wish).
  4. UPDATED – Over the weekend, I noticed some outdated info on MG FAQs page – check it out for updates.  Click the tab at the top labeled “Multi-Genre FAQs” – for a question-answer format that might address or clarify questions you have about your project.
  5. Don’t give up.  Keep working at whatever step you are on. You can still make up anything you are missing.

Upcoming:  Once you have about 4 pages of your MG written, it’s time to get some WC group feedback.  There will be a new Flipgrid topic in your group Flipgrid titled “MARK#1” (this afternoon).  It’s there as a place to share your work.  FG recently added a screencast option, so you can put your paper on the screen as you talk through it instead of your face if you want.  OR members can still open your document in Dropbox and look at it there.  Notes on WC groups:  If your group prefers another way to meet with each other (like you want to just skype or three-way call or whatever) that’s cool.  Also, if NO one in your group is repsonsive and you want new people to connect with, I can make that happen and you can even request each other if you want.  And finally, if you want to use FG but don’t know your group flipcode, reach out and I can send it to you again.

Deadlines:

  • EXTENDED!! Mark #1 is 4 – 6 pages (your choice as to what that might include) – due end of day TUESDAY 4/7 WEDNESDAY 4/8 (TODAY)

Reminders:

  • Your MGIdeas & MGDesigns have some feedback – check it out by opening your doc in MSWord (I’ll be rechecking folders for progress today)
  • VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS again tomorrow from 10 – 12.  It was great to see some of you!  Stop by to ask questions, get feedback, or just check-in. 🙂 (Use the same invite in your email last week – if you need a new one, let me know)
  • BookTalk! There are some good ones posted (and I’m about to check who has booktalked to show complete in Skyward)

Rhetoric & Comp – Wednesday, April 8th

IMPORTANT:  IF you haven’t yet read Monday’s post titled BIG CHANGES! to see how it can make your school work easier (or more worth your time), please do so!  There are videos on the rcmg20 Flipgrid to help you navigate these new sheets.

TO BE CLEAR:  If you want an A for SWIC (to maintain the one you have OR to raise your grade) complete the original version (13 – 17 pages w/ 10 required bullet points) of the MG project (in the March 16th post).  If you just want to maintain your GCHS grade (and you don’t mind a B or lower for your SWIC grade, you can complete the new version (10 pages w/ 7 bullet points) found on yesterday’s BIG CHANGES post.  Either way I expect quality work & the nes schedule is for EVERYONE.

ALSO: IF you have yet to get started on pretty much anything, expect an email today that will take you back to step one and help you get caught up.

  1. Indie read – 15 to 20 🙂
  2. Quickwrite #39:  Using your MG topic as inspiration, let’s play with genre in our notebooks.  Create either a news-style article (real or fictional – who, what, when, where, why) or a dialogue between two characters (real or fictional) (if you run out of ideas for one genre, try the others).
  3. BIG CHANGES – See the separate posts and/or Flipgrid videos at flipcode rcmg20 (MGoverview section) to see how these changes benefit YOU!
  4. If you have about 6 pages of your MG written, it’s time to get some WC group feedback.  There’s a new Flipgrid topic in your group Flipgrid titled “MARK#1.” It’s there as a place to share your work.  FG recently added a screencast option, so you can put your paper on the screen as you talk through it instead of your face if you want.  OR members can still open your document in Dropbox and look at it there.  Notes on WC groups:  If your group prefers another way to meet with each other (like you want to just skype or three-way call or whatever) that’s cool.  Also, if NO one in your group is repsonsive and you want new people to connect with, I can make that happen and you can even request each other if you want.  And finally, if you want to use FG but don’t know your group flipcode, reach out and I can send it to you again.
  5. Don’t give up.  Keep working at whatever step you are on. You can still make up anything you are missing.

Deadlines:

  • Share your progress w/ your WC group in the next couple of days
  • If you are on-track or working ahead, your next target is to have a complete draft by MONDAY 4/13 (basically, you have a week to add on the rest).

Reminders:

  • Your MGIdeas & MGDesigns have some feedback – check it out by opening your doc in MSWord (I’ll be rechecking folders for progress today)
  • VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS again tomorrow from 10 – 12.  It’s been so good to see you!  Stop by to ask questions, get feedback, or just check-in. 🙂 (Use the same invite in your email last week – if you need a new one, let me know)
  • BookTalk! There are some good ones posted (and I’m about to check who has booktalked to show complete in Skyward)
  • A total of 4 Memory Book one-pagers should be in a sub-folder in your Dropbox submissions folder.  (These are just hanging out waiting for Memory Book work in May. But if you haven’t written them, this would be a great time to do so.)  The Skyward checkmark is if you have ALL four in your SUBMISSIONS folder.

Tuesday, April 7th – ALL CLASSES

Reminder to check out the adjustments and/or options posted yesterday.  That means for English 8, I’ve reduced the parameters of your project and you have MARK#1 to hit by end of tomorrow.  And for Rhet-Comp – you have decisions to make – and keep writing to complete your draft by 4/13.  Or whatever else gets you caught up or keeps you moving forward.

TODAY is VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS.  Check you email for the invite and pop in sometime between 10am and 12noon to check-in, ask questions, get help in real-time.  Office hours are NOT required – just an option for you.  Email me if you didn’t get an invite.  (Same invite from before should get you in the meeting).

❤ Mrs. C = )

BIG CHANGES!! – Remote Learning Schedule & Assignment Adjustments

YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT THIS INFORMATION ON FLIPGRID – rcmg20 for Rhet-Comp students & e8mg20 for English 8 students.  There are videos where I read this letter and explain the details that follow.  Contact Mrs. C for any clarification you need. Find the adapted schedules & assignment overview/parameters in downloadable versions at the bottom of this post & with explanations on the Flipgrids.

Dear Seniors,

Learning at home, on your own, via the internet, is not the same as learning day to day in the classroom and I won’t even pretend that it is…or that we can accomplish all the same things in the same time frames, etc.  So, I’ve been thinking about what’s really important as we try to keep reading, writing, and thinking from a distance.

That said, I’m planning some changes to your learning that might make it more manageable and less overwhelming (with the understanding that work still needs to be done – it isn’t optional).

For those of you who are diligently working on your MG projects, I applaud you. And no worries, we’re still doing those.  I’m going to let you make a few more of the choices going forward though, shortening the scope of the project for some, and updating the end date (with flexibility for those who need more time to complete it).

For ALL of you, I plan on an optional reduction in page requirements, a slight adjustment in the required genres, and an earlier end date.  Then, we will shift class to a reading/writing format where you keep reading, with a weekly check-in, and keep notebook writing, at least 3 times per week.

If our time away from the physical school building goes beyond the end of April (this is likely but not known at this time), then the memory book (rhet-comp) and portfolio assignments (English 8 & rhet-comp) will also be adjusted to reflect our digital capacities, and that’s what we’ll work on in May along with reading & writing.

With understanding,

Mrs. C = )

DETAILS:

RHET-COMP STUDENTS:

Take a look at your grade before we physically left school.

If you have an A that you want to maintain or you have a grade you’d like to improve, complete the MG project as originally assigned—CHANGE NOTHING**.  As long as you turn in a “quality” project (this means your best work, not just completing pages of random whatever – you know what I mean here), you will still have an A or be eligible to improve your grade (can’t hurt your grade as long as you are working, trying, and completing the project—if it’s “good” it will likely raise you a letter grade overall; impress me).

** OK.  Change 4 things: (FOR EVERYONE) 1. One-on-one conferencing will be optional, not required (stop into virtual office hours or email Mrs. C for a time that works better for you) 2. Presentations will be via Flipgrid (details TBA) 3. The schedule is condensed for everyone (with less WRITE CLUB & no class days for conference times & omission of some in-class lessons) & 4. No collection of sources at the end – just cite responsibly, people.

If you don’t necessarily care about maintaining the A or you are satisfied with the B or C you have currently (again, depends on your grade when we left), you may choose the reduced/revised assignment and with a “quality” project (this means your best work, not just completing pages of random whatever – you know what I mean here), your grade will adjust as follows:  A’s will become B’s (for SWIC grading) and other grades (at GCHS) will remain constant (e.g. a B will stay a B, C will stay a C etc.)

IF YOU ARE PURSUING CREDIT w/SWIC:  Note that the SWIC class continues online and you must complete work to earn credit.  Uncompleted coursework could result in forfeiture of your FREE college credit.

MG overview 2020 covid 19 adapted ENG 102

Research Schedule 2020 MG ENG102covid adapted (2)

ENGLISH 8 STUDENTS:

See the reduced/revised assignment (for your respective class) and adjust your work accordingly.  As long as you turn in a “quality” project (this means your best work, not just completing pages of random whatever – you know what I mean here), you will maintain or improve your grade.  If it’s “good” it might even raise you a letter grade overall; impress me). That said, it is okay to go beyond the reduced parameters or to complete the project as originally assigned, just not required.

MG Overview English 8 covid19 adapted

Research Schedule ENG 8 covid adapted 2020 MG

EVERYONE—A note on earlier due dates:  Because the projects are adjusted for the online format (which honestly cuts out some things that are just difficult to do online and streamlines our work into a shorter time) and the minimum page requirements are reduced (for many of you), the due dates are earlier.  HOWEVER, there will be no penalty for turning in these projects up until the final dates listed at the bottom of each schedule, provided you are working, moving forward, touching base with Mrs. C and such.  We might not all arrive at finished products at the same time, and that’s OKAY.  If you can stick to this schedule, GREAT!  It means you’ll get a break while we read & write before heading into the last part of the year. If you can’t, you’ll have about 2 additional weeks to finish up your project while we get back to reading & writing.

ALL STUDENTS:  Note that uncompleted coursework could result in an incomplete for the course, which means no credit in a required high school course.  Share this info with your friends who think school is over.

English 8 – Monday, April 6th

IMPORTANT:  See today’s extra post titled BIG CHANGES! to see how it can make your school work easier (or more worth your time).

  1. Indie read – 15 to 20 🙂
  2. Quickwrite* #25:  Using your MG topic as inspiration, let’s play with genre in our notebooks.  Create either a text conversation between two people (real or fictional) or a Top 10 list (with or without reasons) (if you run out of ideas for one genre, try the others).  *A new video is available at the e8mg20 Flipgrid that talks through how these quickwrites work and what they are “for” – check it out if you need clarification on what you should be doing here.
  3. BIG CHANGES – See the separate posts and/or Flipgrid videos at flipcode e8mg20 (MGoverview section) to see how these changes benefit YOU!
  4. It’s time to start writing.  Where will you begin?  That is up to you.  First mark:  you will need minimum 4 pages (not counting your title page) complete.  You might start with your research piece – or maybe poetry – or dear reader – or even extra genres that you have in mind (use your notebook for inspiration here – you might have something recent worth developing further).  This 4 pages, to be clear, can be a variety of things adding up to 4 pages.  You can move, change, and rearrange it all later.  Just write it.  You are welcome to keep it all one document (that’s what I would do) or you could make several individual docs for now and combine them later if you want (that’s more work, but organize as you wish).
  5. UPDATED – Over the weekend, I noticed some outdated info on MG FAQs page – check it out for updates.  Click the tab at the top labeled “Multi-Genre FAQs” – for a question-answer format that might address or clarify questions you have about your project.
  6. “Ideals” sheet – this is NOT a rubric, but just a quick guide on what you might be going for in any of the “required” genres of your paper.  Check it out here: MG Ideals Rubric ENG 8 version
  7. Don’t give up.  Keep working at whatever step you are on. You can still make up anything you are missing.

Deadlines:

  • EXTENDED!! Mark #1 is 4 – 6 pages (your choice as to what that might include) – due end of day TUESDAY 4/7 WEDNESDAY 4/8

Reminders:

  • Your MGIdeas & MGDesigns have some feedback – check it out by opening your doc in MSWord (I’ll be rechecking folders for progress today)
  • VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS again this week Tuesday & Thursday from 10 – 12.  It was so good to see some of you this week!  Stop by to ask questions, get feedback, or just check-in. 🙂 (Use the same invite in your email last week – if you need a new one, let me know)
  • BookTalk! There are some good ones posted (and I’m about to check who has booktalked to show complete in Skyward)

Rhetoric & Comp – Monday, April 6th

IMPORTANT:  See today’s extra post titled BIG CHANGES! to see how it can make your school work easier (or more worth your time).

  1. Indie read – 15 to 20 🙂
  2. Quickwrite #38:  Using your MG topic as inspiration, let’s play with genre in our notebooks.  Create either a text conversation between two people (real or fictional) or a Top 10 list (with or without reasons) (if you run out of ideas for one genre, try the others).
  3. BIG CHANGES – See the separate posts and/or Flipgrid videos at flipcode rcmg20 (MGoverview section) to see how these changes benefit YOU!
  4. Keep writing.  It is ideal if you have 6 to 8 pages done by the end of today.  This 6 – 8 pages, to be clear, can be a variety of things adding up to 6 to 8 pages.  You can move, change, and rearrange it all later.  Just write it.  You are welcome to keep it all one document (that’s what I would do) or you could make several individual docs for now and combine them later if you want (that’s more work, but organize as you wish).
  5. UPDATED – Over the weekend, I noticed some outdated info on MG FAQs page – check it out for updates.  Click the tab at the top labeled “Multi-Genre FAQs” – for a question-answer format that might address or clarify questions you have about your project.
  6. “Ideals” sheet – this is NOT a rubric, but just a quick guide on what you might be going for in any of the “required” genres of your paper.  Check it out here: MG Ideals Rubric
  7. Don’t give up.  Keep working at whatever step you are on. You can still make up anything you are missing.

Deadlines:

  • EXTENDED!!! Mark #1 is 6 to 8 total pages (your choice as to what that might include) – we’re going to push this due date to SUNDAY 4/5 MONDAY 4/6
  • If you are on-track or working ahead, your next target is to have a complete draft by MONDAY 4/13 (basically, you have a week to add on the rest).

Reminders:

  • Your MGIdeas & MGDesigns have some feedback – check it out by opening your doc in MSWord (I’ll be rechecking folders for progress today)
  • VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS again this week Tuesday & Thursday from 10 – 12.  It was so good to see some of you this week!  Stop by to ask questions, get feedback, or just check-in. 🙂 (Use the same invite in your email last week – if you need a new one, let me know)
  • BookTalk! There are some good ones posted (and I’m about to check who has booktalked to show complete in Skyward)
  • A total of 4 Memory Book one-pagers should be in a sub-folder in your Dropbox submissions folder.  (These are just hanging out waiting for Memory Book work in May. But if you haven’t written them, this would be a great time to do so.)  The Skyward checkmark is if you have ALL four in your SUBMISSIONS folder.

English 8 – Friday, April 3rd

  1. Indie read – make some time for reading this weekend
  2. It’s time to start writing.  Where will you begin?  That is up to you.  First mark:  you will need minimum 4 pages (not counting your title page) complete.  You might start with your research piece – or maybe poetry – or dear reader – or even extra genres that you have in mind (use your notebook for inspiration here – you might have something recent worth developing further).  This 4 pages, to be clear, can be a variety of things adding up to 4 pages.  You can move, change, and rearrange it all later.  Just write it.  You are welcome to keep it all one document (that’s what I would do) or you could make several individual docs for now and combine them later if you want (that’s more work, but organize as you wish).
  3. ANOTHER PLACE FOR HELP on the MG:  click the tab at the top labeled “Multi-Genre FAQs” – you’ll find a question-answer format that might address or clarify questions you have about this project.
  4. Don’t give up.  Keep working at whatever step you are on. You can still make up anything you are missing.

Deadlines:

  • MGDesign was due Wednesday 4/1  (See directions on Monday’s post & a template in Dropbox)
  • Check in in your WC Group Flipgrid to share your MGDesign
  • Mark #1 is at least 4 total pages (your choice as to what that might include) – due end of day TUESDAY 4/7

Reminders:

  • VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS again next week Tuesday & Thursday from 10 – 12.  It was so good to see some of you this week!  Stop by to ask questions, get feedback, or just check-in. 🙂 (Use the same invite in your email last week)
  • BookTalk! There are some good ones posted (and I’m about to check who has booktalked to show complete in Skyward)

Rhetoric & Comp – Friday, April 3rd

DUE DATES:  If you are looking strictly at the MG Schedule, you’ll see we are a day or two behind and that is okay.  Just check the website deadlines for when things are actually due – I’ve been building in extra time to let you get online feedback from each other in Flipgrid and to leave time for questions via email and such.

  1. Indie read – make some time for reading this weekend
  2. It’s time to start writing.  Where will you begin?  That is up to you.  You will need from 6 to 8 pages (not counting your title page) complete.  You might start with your research piece – or maybe poetry – or dear reader – or even extra genres that you have in mind (use your notebook for inspiration here – you might have something recent worth developing further).  This 6 – 8 pages, to be clear, can be a variety of things adding up to 6 to 8 pages.  You can move, change, and rearrange it all later.  Just write it.  You are welcome to keep it all one document (that’s what I would do) or you could make several individual docs for now and combine them later if you want (that’s more work, but organize as you wish).
  3. ANOTHER PLACE FOR HELP on the MG:  click the tab at the top labeled “Multi-Genre FAQs” – you’ll find a question-answer format that might address or clarify questions you have about this project.
  4. Don’t give up.  Keep working at whatever step you are on. You can still make up anything you are missing.

Deadlines:

  • EXTENDED!!! Mark #1 is 6 to 8 total pages (your choice as to what that might include) – we’re going to push this due date to SUNDAY 4/5 MONDAY 4/6

Reminders:

  • Your MGIdeas & MGDesigns have some feedback – check it out by opening your doc in MSWord
  • VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS again next week Tuesday & Thursday from 10 – 12.  It was so good to see some of you this week!  Stop by to ask questions, get feedback, or just check-in. 🙂 (Use the same invite in your email last week)
  • BookTalk! There are some good ones posted (and I’m about to check who has booktalked to show complete in Skyward)
  • A total of 4 Memory Book one-pagers should be in a sub-folder in your Dropbox submissions folder.  (These are just hanging out waiting for Memory Book work in May. But if you haven’t written them, this would be a great time to do so.)  The Skyward checkmark is if you have ALL four in your SUBMISSIONS folder.

IMPT Update: MGIdeas & Designs – ALL CLASSES

Wow… Has it been a long day.  But a rewarding one.  You all have SOOO many cool and interesting topics going on for this project!!  Anyway, I have been back through EVERYONE’S folders at some point today and I gave feedback to MGIdeas & MGDesigns that you have been working on.  Check it out by opening your doc in MSWord and hitting the review tab to show comments.  I also updated the checkmark grades in Skyward to show what you have completed.

If you are not caught up or just slow to start, IT IS NOT TOO LATE!!!  Begin at the beginning and start turning work in.  I need you to know that “grades can’t count against you” is NOT the same as “it’s okay to do zero work.”  You need to show you are moving forward or you run the risk of an incomplete.  Course credit can’t be given for course work that is not even attempted.  (The “not count against you” is to acknowledge that it’s harder to learn on your own like this and that shouldn’t be intimidating.  The semester is NOT over.)  If you have questions or want this clarified, please email.  There is a lot of conflicting info out there.  (P.S.  You might not need that elective credit, but you NEED your English class.  Help me help you.

❤ Mrs. C = )

TROUBLESHOOTING:  If you made a folder for your work – MULTI-GENRE 2020 (and MEMORY BOOK SHORTS for Rhet-Comp), but you didn’t put that folder inside the Drafts (and submissions, respectively) folder, I can’t see it.  Move it inside a folder we share, so I can access and give credit for your work. Thanks!

RHET-COMP only:  I also put up a checkmark to indicate whether you submitted your Memory Book shorts.  We have been working on these since January & they were due March 15 (before we were out for COVID-19). Right now your score is all or nothing.