Spring Semester, Week One (Jan. 4- 8)

Mon. Welcome back! We reviewed the final and practiced sentence combining.

Tues. Students composed some thoughts on CHANGE. The topic: "What needs to change?"
In order to do this, we brainstormed things on world, country, school, and home level. Then, a K-W-L chart helped us to identify what we know and what we want to know about our topic. Students then wrote 250 words in class on their topic.

Wed. Notes on building credibility (which you'll be quizzed on):
1. Use facts
2. Understand other points of view
3. have an approporiate focus (don't try to "do to much")
4. think about your audience ahead of time
5. "Say what you mean, mean what you say..."

Thurs. Class examined a letter to the editor and discussed credibility issues of the writer. Students identified at credibility issues in 4 of the 5 areas introduced in yesterday's class. After discussion, students wrote a rebuttal letter, keeping in mind the need to maintain their own credibility.

1st period was a little different: this class received notes on the persuasive methods of pathos, ethos, and logos. We then studied a poster and identified where the techniques were being used, how they interact, and how effective they were.

Fri. Students discussed cause and effect, and read Ray Bradbury's short story "Sound of Thunder."