PBH Due 4.4.13

Hi All,

Please do the following:

1.) Complete the vacation packet using the writing strategies I taught you in class. If the question asks you to argue your point, use the writing strategies I taught you for the sports argumentative essay using the modified testing writing strategies which is the Hook + Thesis, TEC (blending your evidence with your comments in one sentence, repeating it three times using quotation marks around the evidence) "The Bottom Line" method as your conclusion. If not, use the modified paragraphs for state tests which is the Hook + Thesis, TEC (blending your evidence with your comments in one sentence, repeating it three times using quotation marks around the evidence) and the SET dynamite conclusion strategy. Please refer to your notes. Due April 4, 2013.

2.) Class 8-421: Your sci-fi movie will be due on April 15, 2013. It will NOT be due when you return from vacation. However, I do need a draft of the script, neatly typed or handwritten, with all the stage directions/instructions, actions, etc. on April 8, 2013. The movie will be shown each day after you have taken the ELA test. This will be your "relaxation" break immediately after the test.

A rubric and outline for your sci-fi movie will be provided for you either via blogspot or in class when you return from vacation. Trust me your vacation packet will keep you busy. However, if you are working on your sci-fi movie and you need me to answer a question, email me.

3.) Class 8-401: your sci-fi graphic novel will be due April 25, 2013, which is the day you have Mr. Sillman for technology. The first draft of your neatly typed or handwritten script is due on April 8, 2013. You will be provided with an outline either via blogspot posting or when you return from vacation. Trust me your vacation packet will keep you busy. However, if you are working on your sci-fi graphic novel and you need me to answer a question, email me.

Email me if you have any questions at thereadingcafe@aol.com. Please don't wait until the last minute to ask questions. I want great work from you, not last minute work!

ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

Miss. Nicholson : )

PBH Due 3.19.13

Hello All,

Please do the following:

1.) Class 8-421 read all of  Part Two of Fahrenheit 451 and answer the following questions in clear and neat handwriting on loose leaf:

• What illusions and reality are the characters facing? Why? Provide three pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer. DUE TUESDAY!!

1a.) This is what the representative from iKids inventions website said: "We would be very happy to showcase your students’ work on the iKids site. Would that be possible? Interested students could provide us with a brief one paragraph bio and a description of their invention (including inspiration, process, challenges, etc.), along with photos of drawings of the invention, the invention, or examples of how the invention works. Videos are welcome. With students, to protect privacy, we will only use first names and the name of the state."

Please note that they need this by the end of March. It is due Friday, March 22, 2013. Check the blogspot for updates.

1c.) Most importantly, please complete the AP English Writing essay that you began in class on Friday. It must be typed 12 font, Times New Roman, double spaced, numbered pages with your last name on the top right hand corner (i.e. Nicholson 1) and block style heading. DUE MONDAY!!!

 
2.) Class 8-401
read "The Small Assassin" from The Vintage Collection of Ray Bradbury. Please answer the following question:

• How is the small assassin similar and not similar to Stewie from Family Guy? Provide three pieces of evidence from the story and one of Family Guy's episodes to support your answer.

Reminder

CPR training by Molloy College will be on March 22, 2013. The last day to sign up is on March 15, 2013. Please hand in your permission slip along with $27.50 in cash or money order on March 20, 2013. You must have exact change if you are bringing cash.


If you have any questions, please email thereadingcafe@aol.com or for other subjects call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3380.

Miss. N

PBH Due 3.11.13

Hello All,

Please do the following:

Class 421- please write a brief synopsis of your sci-fi movie. It should include a brief 2-3 sentences of what it is about, the message you want to send to mankind and how you will connect it to the messages/themes found in Fahrenheit 451. Please note that your mini-movie will be based on a response to the themes in Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.

Please continue to read part one to the end which begins on page 46. You will have a quiz by the end of next week.

Class 401- please write a brief synopsis of your sci-fi graphic novel. It should include a brief 2-3 sentences of what it is about, the message you want to send to mankind and how you will connect it to the messages/themes found in one of Bradbury's short stories. Please note that your graphic novel will be based on a response to one of the themes from one of the three selected short stories.

You must finish reading "The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit" by the end of the week. You will have a quiz by the end of next week.

Final product of sci-movie and sci-fi graphic novel will be due on April 4, 2013.

If you have any questions, please email me at thereadingcafe@aol.com or call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3380.

REMINDER

IF YOU HAVE BORROWED ANY OF THE Snitch, Homeboyz or Street Pharm books, PLEASE RETURN THEM. I HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THESE BOOKS WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO LEAVE THE ROOM. I AM TRYING TO KEEP THE BOOKS THAT STUDENTS MOSTLY READ INSIDE THE CLASSROOM SO THAT OTHERS CAN HAVE THE BENEFIT OF READING THEM TOO. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE SCHOOL DOES NOT GIVE ME MONEY TO BUY THESE BOOKS, I SPEND MY OWN MONEY AND IT COSTS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO BUY WHAT YOU SAW IN THE HOT PICKS SECTION. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO SPARE LIKE THAT. PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE AND RETURN IT!

LASTLY, THERE ARE SOME STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT RETURNED THE PROJECT LEND A HELPING HAND PASSES. ONCE AGAIN I SPENT MONEY TO BUY THOSE NECK CHAINS AND TAGS AND IT'S NOT CHEAP. PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE AND RETURN IT!

Miss. N

PBH Due 3.4.13

Hello All,

Please do the following:

1. Class 421 continue to read pp. 23-45 of Fahrenheit for next Monday. Use S.T.E.A.L. and other strategies you will learn this week during reading. For tomorrow and the remainder of the week, complete the chart that we began in class today for tomorrow's discussion.

2. Class 401 - Read each night five pages at a time. Complete your independent assignment that I will give you in class, however, you will not be able to begin it until you have completed the story. In class, some groups will write new context clues sentences using the complex vocabulary words found in the story while other groups will use those words to write a creative story, poem, narrative or short story. Either way, you will be demonstrating your understanding of the words through the use of incorporating context clues and using your vocab chart as a guide.

Final Project Brainstorming Ideas

Depending on your final project assignment for your class, please begin to think about what you would like your sci-fi graphic novel or mini sci-fi film to look like based on the Bradbury readings in class. If you are working on the mini sci-fi film, think about who you will be working with. There can be no more than 4 people. Please note that those who are working on the mini film, its duration should be no longer than 20 min.

Reminder - Both Classes

NYS Test Prep TEST on using the T-E-C method for short responses on March 1, 2013 for M.P.4. The last marking period is approaching, make it the best ever!!!!!

If you have any questions, please email me or call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3380.

Miss. N : )

PBH Due 2.25.13

Hi All,

I hope you all are enjoying yourselves during our 2-day vacation!

The following assignments will be due next Monday:

• Sci-fi Movie Review - Please scroll down to the previous homework for details. When writing this review, use the Hook-3-T, TEC and SET method. Think of the Walter Dean Myers unit when you had to identify a theme and prove it with evidence from his books and A Bronx Tale.  To be very clear for the sci-fi movie review, you will need an engaging introduction along with three sentences to explain the hook, ONE clearly stated theme for your thesis statement, three examples and comments in one body paragraph to support the theme you identified in your thesis statement and a very dynamite conclusion. Please reread your WDM essay for an example of how to write this movie review.
• 421 READ PAGES 1-22 IN FAHRENHEIT 451.
• 401 YOU WILL RECEIVE RAY BRADBURY'S SHORT STORIES ON MONDAY.
• 401 YOUR MARKING PERIOD 3 WORK AND THE SIGNED P.R. MUST BE IN ON MONDAY
• Blogspot Reading Log - Focus Question: What is the author's purpose? Use the sci-fi movie you watched and the TEC method to answer this question including three pieces of evidence and three comments.Reading log posts due no later than 7 pm Monday night. If you can't post it to this website, email it to me no later than 7 pm Monday night or write it and submit it the following day. However, if you email or write it you are still responsible for responding to someone before handing it in as homework.
• GREAT NEWS!! THE STRIKE IS OVER! TRIP TO AVIATOR SPORTS CENTER WILL BE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013. PLEASE HAVE YOUR PARENTS SIGN THE NEWLY DATED PERMISSION SLIP. DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 27, 2013.

Miss. N :)

PBH Due 2.20.13

Hello All,

Please do the following:

1. Word Wall Word Graphic Organizer including a picture to represent the meaning of the word.
2. Progress Report Assignments (missing work and work that was not submitted) due 2.15.13. Class 401 and 421, you know what to do with your progress reports, assignments and when it is due. Please adhere to deadlines as much as possible. Please remember that progress reports must be signed by a parent in order to receive credit for being responsible for your academic success.
3. 421 please make sure you have Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and read pages 1-22. Write down any questions you have about what you have read. For those of you who don't have the book as yet, please go to www.queenslibrary.org and type in the author and title to see which libraries have it available. If that does not work, go to your nearest Barnes and Noble, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ or www.amazon.com to purchase a used book.  I'm sorry if you have to buy it. The only next thing to do would be to photocopy the pages at your nearest Kinkos, Office Max, Staples, UPS store or Office Depot. Also there are other local stores (stationary stores) that make copies for .05 cents or .10 cents per copy.
4. Words to know for Friday's quiz: notoriety, fabricated, imperative, clandestine, in lieu of, contingency, euphoria. (please note that there may be more words)
5. Please ask your family and friends to check out http://www.donorschoose.org/we-teach/1496682.1017722535 and donate to this special project. I began this project last summer, however, I wanted to do this for a couple of years now. Although I have been keeping this little surprise from both of my classes, we can use all the help and support we can get in order for these books to fill some of the partially empty bookshelves. If you donate especially this week, donors choose will match your donation. Donors must enter HEART during check-out where it says "Match or gift code". Thank you in advance for your kind support! : )

Early Reminder: Due 2.25.13
I have changed your book review that is due on the 25th from nonfiction book reading to watching a science fiction movie flick. You will use the Hook-3-T, TEC and Dynamite conclusion essay structure when discussing one important theme that the film producer wanted the audience to directly or indirectly learn. Think of your WDM essay when writing this assignment. In addition, you can respond to the film for the reading logs on the blogspot and don't forget to respond to your classmates too. Please refer to last week's PBH KWL assignment that asked you to research past and present sci-fi films in order to select an "old school", "new school" or "in between" sci-fi movie. However, please make sure your parents will allow you to watch it. Make it a movie night and make it fun. Don't forget the popcorn and 3-D glasses if necessary. ENJOY YOUR SCI-FI EXPERIENCE!

Please check the blogspot for updates this week, email me if you have any questions and call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3380 for support in other subject areas.

Miss. Nicholson : )

PBH 2.11.13

Hello All,

Welcome to our new unit, Science Fiction. The wealth of discussion we had in class today was phenomenal! You all have such wonderful and intellectual minds. As we continue our discussions this week, I would like you to think about how you will demonstrate your understanding of illusion vs. reality in nonwritten form.

Using our discussions, thoughts and the youtube videos shown in class, please select one of the following nonprint choices to explain and explore the idea and concept of the essential question: How are our perceptions of the world influenced by illusion and reality?





Please note that this must be in a nonprint format that explores or suggests a certain topic, concern or disturbing issue in our society, a message to mankind, etc. Although imagery is an effective literary device used to illustrate through creative word choice, as for now, imagery through pictures plays a big role in how effectively you demonstrate illusion vs. reality in our world. If you would like to incorporate into your nonprint response music as a background, voice over, or words here and there to make a point, please do so. However, your response to what we discussed and viewed in class cannot be saturated and inundated with many words and paragraphs. The purpose is to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, BE CREATIVE AND DEMONSTRATE THE SOMEWHAT COMPLEX IDEA OF ILLUSION VS. REALITY! Please remember use the working definitions we discussed and the world around you as a guide to your nonprint response to this intriguing topic.

Ways to demonstrate understanding:

• create a mini video clip (use the clips we viewed in class as a reference or check out youtube for yourself and type in "illusion and reality" or "illusion vs. reality")
• create a powerpoint presentation using images, animations, timing that you programmed into the presentation. It must be presented without you standing in front of the class.
• a collage using personal drawings or google, magazine or newspaper cut outs. Please note that this must be on 8 X 11 paper and there should be no empty white spaces. An idea I presented in class was to use black and white images mixed or separated by colored images to explain how life can be seen in black and white in the eyes of one person while in living color to another person. However if you choose this, think about whose reality is it and the individuals perception of it as you select the images.
• you can create a 3-D art graphic design model of something unusual. This model can be something that stands up and provides an optical illusion.

The possibilities are endless but these are the choices you can work with. However, bring in something that is stellar work! If you are not an artist, maybe powerpoint or cut out art collages will be the way to go. Be neat and supercreative!

Reminders:

1. SAT test next week Friday. Study all the words from where we last left off.
2. Word Wall due 2.18.13
3. The Reading Cafe Blogspot reading log due 2.25.13 no later than 7 p.m. Focus is nonfiction ONLY! In addition respond to another student.
4. Book Review due 2.25.13. Focus is nonfiction ONLY! Use the Hook-3-T, TEC and Dynamite Conclusion method for your essay.
5. The first EXTRA POINTS that you select from the THE READING CAFE MENU is due 2.11.13.
6. There are still some girls who have NOT RETURNED THE LEOTARDS!
7. Lastly, Class 421 go to the library to take out Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Speak to Chigozie or Rochel if you need help. Books have arrived at East Elmhurst, Queens Libray. YOU MUST HAVE IT WITH YOU ON MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please check the blogspot for updates, email me if you have any questions and contact Dial-A-Teacher if you need further assistance in other subjects @ 212.777.3380.

Miss. N : )