the world of e 146

creative writing -- may 5

2010-05-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today is our last day in the library for this school year. I know. It's sad.

Starting on Wednesday we will be meeting in Ms. Arbuckle's classroom, and we will just have to be squished and cramped and pretend like we love each other. Deal with it.

Today's assignment seems easy, but it's not as easy as it looks. I want you to look back on your writing from this semester and answer the following questions. As you answer each question you need to link to the posting you are referring to and give an explanation of your answer. This explanation should be at least several sentences long per question.

1. Of the pieces you have written this semester, which is your favorite? Why?

2. Which is your least favorite? Why?

3. Which was the easiest to write? Why?

4. Which was the most difficult to write? Why?

5. Which piece was the most personal? Why?

I really want you to think about this. Look back through your writing. Really reflect on what you have done. Have fun. Work.

See you on Wednesday,

Ms. Arbuckle

creative writing -- april 27

2010-04-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Write a story completely in dialogue.

First read the story, "The Hills Like White Elephants" by Earnest Hemmingway.

Now write a story that is almost completely made up of dialogue. Think about how people really talk. Make it seem natural. Reveal the action through the dialogue.

creative writing -- april 23

2010-04-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

For your last assignment, you were asked to do some descriptive writing. For this assignment you will be incorporating descriptive writing into a previous assignment. The things you add to the writing must be clearly new.

creative writing -- april 19

2010-04-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Descriptive Writing

All types of writing incorporates some sort of descriptive writing. You assignment today is to pick several things in the library, in your backpack, etc. and describe them in minute detail. Please remember to post these to your blog--we will be referring back to these in a later assignment.

creative writing -- april 13

2010-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Choose a genre of story that you normally do not write in (science fiction, realism, fantasy, etc.) and rewrite one of your short stories into that genre.

creative writing -- april 7

2010-04-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

You haven't had a poetry writing assignment in a while. Today you need to go find a poem that you like (there are many poetry books in the 800s--on the other side of the library).

In your blog post for today, identify the poem you have chosen. Then write your own poem inspired by this poem.

creative writing - april 5

2010-04-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Writing based on a visual arts.

Many pieces of writing are based on visual arts (paintings, sculptures, photographs). Choose a visual, add it to your blog (remember to cite where you got the visual from), and write something (a story, an essay, a poem, etc.) based on that visual.

If you want an example, there will be one on Ms. Arbuckle's blog (link in the sidebar).

creative writiting - march 25

2010-03-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last class period you wrote character profiles. How many did you write? You should probably have at least three.

This period you will be incorporating these character (or at least one of the characters) into a story. It doesn't have to be in a specific format--it could be a story, a poem, a play, a script, etc. For now, you may just want to outline a story.

creative writing - march 23

2010-03-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today you will be writing several character profiles. Look through the following links about how to create believable characters. But remember that in my experience the most believable characters are the ones derived from life. Observe people. Listen in on conversations in public places. I know it seems creepy, but it works. It's always easier to write about what you know, and this includes creating characters.

Also think about some of the characters in your favorite books and movies. What makes them interesting, beleivable, and compelling?

Creating a Character Profile
Creating Interesting and Believable Fictional Characters

creative writing -- march 8

2010-03-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

today you will be writing a review. First you need to find something you would like to write a review about. It may be a book you recently finished, a movie, a television show (episode or series), a short story, anything. Then you need to write the review. Remember you aren't telling us the story. You don't want to give away the plot. It is good? Why? Is it terrible? Why?

Here are some examples of reviews you will want to look at before you write your own review:
The best review I've ever read
Another super-awesome, though more complicated, review

creative writing assignment -- march 1

2010-03-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

I know that you all have a favorite song (or two or three or five million). Here's your chance to write asong of your own! Look up a few songs you like and even some songs you don't like. What make a good song? What elements do most of these songs have in common?

Now write your own song. Remember it must be school appropriate. You don't have to write the music to go along with it.

Have fun.

creative writing -- february 23

2010-02-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Today you will be writing (well, at least starting) a short story. Remember that a short story has to be fiction and should be under 50 pages (probably a lot shorter than that for right now).

Read through these websites for some guidelines and tips for writing:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Short-Story
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative/shortstory/
http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/shortstorywriting/a/shortstoryrules.htm

You should also go to the shelves in this library and read some of the amazing short stories housed here.

Have fun with this assignment. I can't wait to read what you write!

creative writing assignment -- february 2, 2010

2010-02-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today you will be writing a personal essay.
Here is some information about the personal essay:
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=5384
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138

This is one of the most effective types of writing if you do it well. Spend some time with this. Don't rush through it.

creative writing assignment -- january 27

2010-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Today you will be writing a How To Article and posting it on your blog.

Read the articles listed below for directions on how to write a How To. Choose your topic and begin writing! Remember it needs to be school appropriate. And remember this is Creative Writing class so you can be as creative and different as you would like to be!

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-How-to-Article
http://www.knowledgehound.com/khhow2s/write_how_to.htm
http://forrest.apache.org/docs_0_70/howto/howto-howto.html
http://www.copyblogger.com/how-to-write-a-killer-how-post-that-gets-attention/

Have fun with this assignment!

Fall Creative Writing Blogs

2010-01-12T08:48:00.001-08:00

A Plane to Oklahoma
All Aboard the Writing Boat
Books of E 146 (teacher)
Cheese
Creative Writing
Creative Writing 2009
Creative Writing 2009
Discover the Unseen
Fistful of Blood
Hugo-totheblog
HYSTER!A
J I V E
My Lyrics are Bottomless..
Naihtaprac Tserof
Out of a top hat
Peep's Daily Prophets
Pucca's Blog
quizlibet
SILLY GOD DISCO
Some kind of weird thought portal
Sparkle Pony's DOMAIN
super awesome fun time
The Giant Superhero
The Hobo's blanket
the mini superhero
The Undercroft
WHAT DECEDANT AUDACITY

creative writing assignment -- nov. 30

2009-11-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

You need to post at least one new blog post today and comment on at least three others' blogs. See you on Wednesday!

english ii -- nov. 30 assignment

2009-11-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

Choose one of the aspects you did a small amount of research on and write about how that aspect is important in the book. How does it affect the story, characters, setting, etc.?

This essay should be typed and is due on Wednesday at the beginning of the period. If you finish early and have nothing to do, you should be reading your book club books. If you have finished your book club book, you should read another book.

examples of reviews for creative writing

2009-11-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some examples of reviews you may want to look at before you write your own review:
The best review I've ever read
Another super-awesome, though more complicated, review

english ii in class assignment -- nov. 23

2009-11-23T06:37:00.001-08:00

Choose one of the aspects you did a small amount of research on and write about how that aspect is important in the book. How does it affect the story, characters, setting, etc.?

english iii ib -- homework due november 24

2009-11-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Homework:
In addition to reading this book, you need to choose one of these discussion questions and write at least a page answering the question.

What do the colors the women wear represent?

How does this story tie to historical events and other literature?

What is the significance of the flashbacks in the book?

Why were the handmaids' names taken away?

creative writing assignment for monday

2009-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend you need to either read a book you've been wanting to read or watch a movie that you have been wanting to watch. You will be writing a review on Monday.

english ii -- homework

2009-11-19T07:07:00.000-08:00

Writing Assignment (Homework)
Choose the archetype that you think is the most interesting in this novel. Write about that archetype how it works in the novel.
You writing should be at least a page long.

SAT Prep -- November 16, 2009

2009-11-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

Take some time to explore Ms. Martin's web site. Explore the financial aid section. Also, pay particular attentiont o the career section and the college sections. Find at least three colleges to apply to (write them down and hand in to the sub). Begin applying. Take screen shots and paste them in a Word document. Email the document to Ms. Arbuckle.

If you don't know how to take a screen shot, click here.

This is due before the beginning of class on Wednesday.

wiki and blog registration

2009-11-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

Many of you in English II and Creative Writing haven't sent me your information. Please see the previous posts for your class and send me the information I need. Thanks!

I need this ASAP! And you need to do this so you will get a grade!

english ii book clubs

2009-11-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

We will be starting book clubs today. See our class wiki for more details!

creative writing assignment

2009-11-05T01:30:00.000-08:00

For this assignment you will be creating a blog as a place to publish your creativity. We will use these blogs as a place to read and comment on each other's writing as well as a place to hold ourselves accountable for quality writing.

Over the course of this project you will be given several assignments as well as the opportunity to write whatever you would like.

Follow the following steps to begin:

Creating a blog

For this we will use blogger.com.

1. Create your account with blogger.com. For this you can use whatever email you already use. You don't need a gmail account, just a google account. If you don't already have an email address, you need to create one now.

2. Name your blog. This should be something interesting, easy to remember, and something that won't reveal too much about you. This is permanent and cannot be changed--it is what goes in the URL of your blog. It must be school appropriate.

3. Choose a template. You can always go back and choose a different one if you want to.

For more information on creating a blog, see this.

Registering your blog

To get credit for this assignment, you must register your blog. Please email the following information to kelly.arbuckle@springbranchisd.com:

1. Blog name/title of your blog

2. Your name as you are known in your blog

3. Your name as you are known on my roster

4. Your blog address (the URL of your blog)

Important safety information

Remember that any idiot on the internet can see your blog. Please be careful about what you post about yourself. The only person who needs to know who owns your blog is me. And that's only because I am grading you. I'm assuming everyone in the class will know whose blog is whose, and that is fine. But someone trolling the internet doesn't need to know who you are. Remember that just because they say they are someone, it doesn't mean they are telling the truth. It's just as easy for them to hide their identity as it is for you to hide yours.

Also, do not publish your email address on your blog. We know how to contact you if we need to. People on the internet don't need to know how to contact you.

Here are some safety guidelines to follow (provided by http://www.isafe.org/):

1. Password-protect your blog. Make sure that no one other than your parents know your password.

2. Do not include personal and detailed information (places you hang out, malls, etc.) in your blog.

3. Do not complete a profile or include name, address, phone number, school, zip code, email address, or screen name in your blog. This is exactly the ind of information a predator is looking for so don't provide it.

4. Do not release any personal information about anyone else you know. Doing so would be like telling a predator, "I'm not interested in speaking with you, but my best friend, ____, would be more than happy to."

5. Pretend that you are a predator. Read your writings, and see if you can pick out details that lead to revealing personal information about you. If you come across anything objectionable, change is so that it is less identifying to the unknown and potentially dangerous reader.

6. Do not include photos of yourself or others in your blog.

7. Do not leave your blog page open or your computer unattended. Someone could step in and write something as you.

8. Do not spread gossip or slander about your classmates.

Kite Runner Presentations

2009-10-29T06:55:00.001-07:00

Here are the ideas you came up with in 5th period:

And here is the list created by 8th period:

Remember: If you think of any more ideas and you post them here as comments, you will get extra credit.

english ii -- memoir

2009-10-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

English II, remember that your memoir is due on Friday, October 9 for five extra points or Wednesday, October 14 for full credit.

You memoir must have all drafts attached and must be typed, double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.

story of a girl

2009-10-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr. I was surprised at how much I liked it. The main character, Deanna, is trying to live down a the gossip about her from three years ago. She goes on a mental journey that many young women go through at that age. While the writing isn't as wonderful as many other writers for this age group, the story is good and the characters are interesting.

The book was recommended to me by a student, and I thank her for introducing me to this lovely book.

B -- Recommended for grade 9+

english ii -- september 15

2009-09-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

The second draft of your memoir (personal narrative) is due on Monday, September 21.

first project: children of karatu meeting

2009-09-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

The first Project: Children of Karatu meeting will be next Tuesday, September 8 after school in Ms. Arbuckle's room. Everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your ideas!

english ii -- reminder

2009-09-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sophomores,

Remember that I check your Independent Reading Log every Friday that we meet. You need to be reading for at least 15 minutes everyday, including weekends.

I will be checking your reading log this Friday.

Also remember that your SSR projects are coming up before you know it! You should be thinking about which project you are going to do this six weeks.

Enjoy your book!

~Ms. Arbuckle

english iii ib -- september 1 homework

2009-09-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

“The Things I Carry” Reflexive Essay:
In your notebook write at least one page in the style of Tim O’Brien in “The Things They Carried” (Chapter 1 of The Things They Carried) in which you list and describe the things you carry.

This may be in first or third person, past or present tense. BUT pick one and stick with it!
Remember that in the chapter O’Brien does not merely list items, he also give anecdotes that reveal character and he adds unexpected items to keep reader interest and reveals character.

The first draft of this paper is due on Thursday, September 3.

You need to finish the first half of The Things The Carried by Tuesday, September 8.

english ii --- august 31

2009-08-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Your homework is to write a paragraph (at least 7-10 sentences) or more finishing this idea:

"You Begin" is a poem about ____.

Choose one word and try to prove your point.

HINT: Use evidence from the poem -- use your color marking and annotation from class.
Remember to show me your thinking, not what you think I'm thinking.
Feel free to take a risk.

This is due at the beginning of the period Wednesday. If you have not completed it, you will be assigned Homework Hall.

august 27 -- creative writing

2009-08-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

We started our portfolios today. Remember that your portfolio needs to represent you and your writing. There should be a written component included on your portfolio.

We will present the portfolios to the class on Friday, September 5.

august 27 -- english ii

2009-08-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's official. Independent Reading Logs were passed out in class today. You are officially required to read every day outside of class and record the pages in your log. When you fill up a log, new logs will be provided. Keep them together so you can see what you've read this year!

You should use your log as a bookmark so you remember to record!

Remember that I will be checking your logs every Friday that I see you.

sat prep course overview

2009-08-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

SAT Prep/Fundamentals of College Applications
Ms. Arbuckle – Fall 2009

What is SAT Prep?

SAT Prep is a course offered by SBISD. In this course you will prepare for the SAT and will learn the fundamentals of college applications. We will work through several strategies for the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing portions of the test, and we will work on applying successfully to college.

How does the class work?

During the first two weeks of school we will be completing an SAT practice test. This test will be administered like an SAT, and we will receive your scores approximately one week after we complete the test.

We will work toward a goal SAT administration—the date will be announced in the first week of school. We will work thought the books and practice the strategies.

Will there be Homework?

There will be quizzes and homework for each section. You will be expected to have your homework ready at the beginning of the class period. We will try to finish the homework in class the day before.

How will I be graded?

˜ Students are expected to come to class prepared.
˜ Students are expected to take an active role in their learning—this is for you and your future.
˜ Students are expected to participate in all class activities.

Anything else I need to know?

˜ You will need to bring a calculator and pencil to each class.

I expect that we will have a good time at the same time that we are learning!

Upper School Late Work Policy:

All work is due at the beginning of class. If work is turned in after this time, it is considered late and the following penalties will be accrued:
30% off 1st school day
Maximum grade given after 2 or more school days (not class periods) will be a 50%. Assignments will not be accepted, and will be recorded as a zero in the grade book, once a 3-weeks grading period has ended (the teacher grade entry deadline for progress reports or report cards).

Homework Hall Information:
SBISD has developed a new homework policy that requires homework to “promote high quality student learning and achievement. Homework is an out-of-classroom learning experience assigned by a teacher to enhance student learning.” Because homework is designed to help the student become a successful and independent learner, it is imperative that each student complete all of his/her homework. WAIS has created homework hall to help students meet this goal of completing all homework. Homework Hall is provided Monday – Friday from 3:05-4:05 p.m. A late bus is provided that takes students to the elementary school closest to their home.
Students who do not turn in homework on time will be assigned homework hall on the day the work was due. The teacher will enter the assignment in the computer system, including the assignment that needs to be completed.
The students will call their parents to inform them about the homework hall assignment. A classroom phone log could record the call. The WAIS call out system will also call parents about the homework hall assignment.
Students who are unable to attend an assigned homework hall will be required to make up their assignments on Saturday from 9 am - 12 pm. Homework Hall is not optional.

creative writing course overview

2009-08-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Creative Writing
Ms. Arbuckle – Fall 2009

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is a language arts course which earns ½ to 1 state elective credit. Students in creative writing use the writing process to explore various types of writing—short stories, poetry, essays, plays, satire, etc. The purpose of this class is to give students a place where they can practice the craft of writing, have critical feedback on their writing, and publish their finished work.

How does the class work? Will we be assigned lots of papers?

Students will be given the freedom to develop the kinds of writing projects in which they are interested. My job will be to act as a sounding board to help you improve as a writer. I will be doing mini lessons throughout the semester on various types of writing—some possibilities are how to write a sports article, the do’s and don’ts of writing poetry, how to write a one act play, and more. This class is an opportunity for students to write about what they want to write about and to experiment with new forms of writing.

How will I be graded?

˜ Students will be expected to participate every class period in some phase of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, conferencing, revising, editing, publishing.
˜ Students may be asked to take risks and experiment with forms of writing that are new to them.
˜ Students will also be expected to serve as an audience for their peers in conferences and read-alouds.
˜ Students will be expected to keep portfolios and journals and produce a body of work each six weeks.
˜ Students will be asked to publish finished pieces of work.

Anything else I need to know?

With freedom comes responsibility.
˜ You will need to produce a body of work and stay on task.
˜ You will have to take risks as a writer.
˜ You will have to learn to be a good editor and a fair evaluator of your peers’ work.

Upper School Late Work Policy:

All work is due at the beginning of class. If work is turned in after this time, it is considered late and the following penalties will be accrued:
30% off 1st school day
Maximum grade given after 2 or more school days (not class periods) will be a 50%. Assignments will not be accepted, and will be recorded as a zero in the grade book, once a 3-weeks grading period has ended (the teacher grade entry deadline for progress reports or report cards).

Homework Hall Information:
SBISD has developed a new homework policy that requires homework to “promote high quality student learning and achievement. Homework is an out-of-classroom learning experience assigned by a teacher to enhance student learning.” Because homework is designed to help the student become a successful and independent learner, it is imperative that each student complete all of his/her homework. WAIS has created homework hall to help students meet this goal of completing all homework. Homework Hall is provided Monday – Friday from 3:05-4:05 p.m. A late bus is provided that takes students to the elementary school closest to their home.
Students who do not turn in homework on time will be assigned homework hall on the day the work was due. The teacher will enter the assignment in the computer system, including the assignment that needs to be completed.
The students will call their parents to inform them about the homework hall assignment. A classroom phone log could record the call. The WAIS call out system will also call parents about the homework hall assignment.
Students who are unable to attend an assigned homework hall will be required to make up their assignments on Saturday from 9 am - 12 pm. Homework Hall is not optional.

english iii ib course overview

2009-08-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

English III IB
Ms. Arbuckle
Class Overview

The goals of this class:
Students will view literature from the dual perspective of a reader and a writer.
Students will understand and articulate both orally and in writing the purpose of a text and how the author achieved that purpose.
Students will be prepared for the battery of standardized tests (TAKS/PSAT/SAT/AP/IB) and writing assessments in the Junior and Senior year.
Students will study literature in a variety of genres and from a variety of countries.
Students will write in a variety of modes with different purposes and audiences.
Students will acquire the necessary skills as readers and writers to be successful in college level classes.
Additional specific goals will be discussed during the first two weeks of school.

The requirements of this class:
All IB courses are taught as college preparatory classes. Students need to know that they require a serious commitment in time and effort.
All assignments must be completed on time. There will be a window during which the assignment is due. Assignments will not be accepted after this time without prior approval from the instructor. On the rare occasions when student late work is accepted, it will receive a late grade penalty. See the Late Work Policy for more details.
Students will be required to keep a literary journal, writing folders and a student portfolio of all work done throughout the school year. See the explanation of the Reader’s-Writer’s Notebook below.
Students will be assigned outside reading which must be completed on time.
Students will be expected to participate actively in all discussions, projects, assignments. Choosing not to participate is not an option.
All student writing is based on process: major papers must show multiple drafts, revisions, conferencing and editing. Keep all drafts as these will be turned in and will be part of the assignment grade.
All students assignments must be their individual work; plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.
Students must come to class prepared with all assignments and with proper materials.

Classroom Principles:
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
All classroom rules stem from these two principles!

Reader’s-Writer’s Notebook
This notebook will be where you will write many of your reflections, notes, class activities, etc. The structure of the Notebook will become clearer as we begin to use it. This notebook will remain in the class room and will be one daily grade at progress report time and one major grade at report card time. Notebooks will not be provided for you.

Grading procedures:
Grades will be based on the instructor’s assessment of student writing, student participation, student class preparation and completed projects/assignments.
The following grade weighting is the department policy for IB and AP Classes:
Major Grades – 70%
Daily Grades – 30%

Late Work Policy
All work is due at the beginning of class. If work is turned in after this time, it is considered late and the following penalties will be accrued:
e 30% off 1st school day
Maximum grade given after 2 or more school days (not class periods) will be a 50%. Assignments will not be accepted, and will be recorded as a zero in the grade book, once a 3-weeks grading period has ended (the teacher grade entry deadline for progress reports or report cards).

Homework Hall
SBISD has developed a new homework policy that requires homework to “promote high quality student learning and achievement. Homework is an out-of-classroom learning experience assigned by a teacher to enhance student learning.” Because homework is designed to help the student become a successful and independent learner, it is imperative that each student complete all of his/her homework. WAIS has created homework hall to help students meet this goal of completing all homework. Homework Hall is provided Monday – Friday from 3:05-4:05 p.m. A late bus is provided that takes students to the elementary school closest to their home.
· Students who do not turn in homework on time will be assigned homework hall on the day the work was due. The teacher will enter the assignment in the computer system, including the assignment that needs to be completed.
· The students will call their parents to inform them about the homework hall assignment. A classroom phone log could record the call. The WAIS call out system will also call parents about the homework hall assignment.
· Students who are unable to attend an assigned homework hall will be required to make up their assignments on Saturday from 9 am - 12 pm. Homework Hall is not optional.

Make-Up Work (directly from the district grading expectations)
It is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed while absent from class. The following are general statements covering make-up work.

1. Students who miss class must make up the work. Students will receive credit for make-up work except in the case of a documented truancy (UT in SASI).
2. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with teachers for make-up work prior to or immediately upon returning to class.
3. Make-up work, especially tests, may be of an alternate version to more accurately measure what the student has learned.
4. Students who have pre-approved absences are expected to notify the teachers of the classes they will miss in advance and request assignments. The work is due at the first class meeting following return to school.
5. All make-up work from the prior grading period must be completed and a grade assigned before the next grade report (progress report or report card).
6. Whether a student is absent one or five days, make-up assignments and tests must be completed. Make-up assignments for absences will include the following schedule (unless prior principal approval is received):
1st day absence .........................day following return to class
2nd day absence ........................... 2 days after return to class
3rd day absence............................ 3 days after return to class
4th day absence ............................ 4 days after return to class
5th day absence ............................ 5 days after return to class
6th day absence .............................5 days after return to class, unless prior approval given by principal
7. Students absent for school activities should be prepared for class when they return and be prepared to complete work missed while absent from class.

Teacher/Student Communication:
IB Classes are rigorous. They are challenging and will require students to be willing to ask for help before they are in danger of failing. I am available before and after school and during tutorials. If you do not understand an assignment, are having difficulty meeting a deadline, or are experiencing difficulties of any kind in meeting the class requirements, you must conference with me before an assignment, project or report card/progress report is due.

How to contact me:
Email is best: kelly.arbuckle@springbranchisd.com
Also room E 146.
Phone 713-251-1800
http://kellyarbuckle.blogspot.com/

Conference periods:
A-Day: 2nd period 9:25-10:55
B-Day: 6th period 9:25-10:55

Supply List:
One notebook of your choosing
Regular ruled notebook paper
1 small box of crayons
scissors
2 highlighters
sticky notes
1 glue stick
Pens/pencils

*additional supplies may be needed as the school year progresses.

This is going to be a great year!

english ii course overview

2009-08-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

English II Pre AP/IB
Ms. Arbuckle
Class Overview

The goals of this class:
Students will view literature from the dual perspective of a reader and a writer.
Students will understand and articulate both orally and in writing the purpose of a text and how the author achieved that purpose.
Students will be prepared for the battery of standardized tests (TAKS/PSAT/SAT) and writing assessments in the Sophomore year.
Students will study literature in a variety of genres and from a variety of countries.
Students will write in a variety of modes with different purposes and audiences.
Students will acquire the necessary skills as readers and writers to be successful in college level classes.
Additional specific goals will be discussed during the first two weeks of school.

The requirements of this class:
All Pre AP courses are taught as AP preparatory classes. Students need to know that they require a serious commitment in time and effort.
All assignments must be completed on time. There will be a window during which the assignment is due. Assignments will not be accepted after this time without prior approval from the instructor. On the rare occasions when student late work is accepted, it will receive a late grade penalty. See the Late Work Policy for more details.
Students will be required to keep a literary journal, writing folders and a student portfolio of all work done throughout the school year. See the explanation of the Reader’s-Writer’s Notebook below.
Students will be assigned outside reading which must be completed on time.
Students will be expected to participate actively in all discussions, projects, assignments. Choosing not to participate is not an option.
All student writing is based on process: major papers must show multiple drafts, revisions, conferencing and editing.
All students’ assignments must be their individual work; plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.
Students must come to class prepared with all assignments and with proper materials.

Classroom Principles
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
All classroom rules stem from these two principles!

Reader’s-Writer’s Notebook
This notebook will be where you will write many of your reflections, notes, class activities, etc. The structure of the Notebook will become clearer as we begin to use it. This notebook will remain in the class room and will be one daily grade at progress report time and one major grade at report card time.

Grading procedures:
Grades will be based on the instructor’s assessment of student writing, student participation, student class preparation and completed projects/assignments.
The following grade weighting is the department policy for Pre-AP Classes:
Major Grades – 60%
Daily grades – 40%

Teacher/Student Communication:
Pre AP Classes are rigorous. They are challenging and will require students to be willing to ask for help before they are in danger of failing. I am available before and after school and during Homework Hall. If you do not understand an assignment, are having difficulty meeting a deadline, or are experiencing difficulties of any kind in meeting the class requirements, you must conference with me before an assignment, project or report card/progress report is due.

Late Work Policy
All work is due at the beginning of class. If work is turned in after this time, it is considered late and the following penalties will be accrued:
e 30% off 1st school day
Maximum grade given after 2 or more school days (not class periods) will be a 50%. Assignments will not be accepted, and will be recorded as a zero in the grade book, once a 3-weeks grading period has ended (the teacher grade entry deadline for progress reports or report cards).

Homework Hall
SBISD has developed a new homework policy that requires homework to “promote high quality student learning and achievement. Homework is an out-of-classroom learning experience assigned by a teacher to enhance student learning.” Because homework is designed to help the student become a successful and independent learner, it is imperative that each student complete all of his/her homework. WAIS has created homework hall to help students meet this goal of completing all homework. Homework Hall is provided Monday – Friday from 3:05-4:05 p.m. A late bus is provided that takes students to the elementary school closest to their home.
· Students who do not turn in homework on time will be assigned homework hall on the day the work was due. The teacher will enter the assignment in the computer system, including the assignment that needs to be completed.
· The students will call their parents to inform them about the homework hall assignment. A classroom phone log could record the call. The WAIS call out system will also call parents about the homework hall assignment.
· Students who are unable to attend an assigned homework hall will be required to make up their assignments on Saturday from 9 am - 12 pm. Homework Hall is not optional.

Make-Up Work (directly from the district grading expectations)
It is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed while absent from class. The following are general statements covering make-up work.

1. Students who miss class must make up the work. Students will receive credit for make-up work except in the case of a documented truancy (UT in SASI).
2. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with teachers for make-up work prior to or immediately upon returning to class.
3. Make-up work, especially tests, may be of an alternate version to more accurately measure what the student has learned.
4. Students who have pre-approved absences are expected to notify the teachers of the classes they will miss in advance and request assignments. The work is due at the first class meeting following return to school.
5. All make-up work from the prior grading period must be completed and a grade assigned before the next grade report (progress report or report card).
6. Whether a student is absent one or five days, make-up assignments and tests must be completed. Make-up assignments for absences will include the following schedule (unless prior principal approval is received):
1st day absence .........................day following return to class
2nd day absence ........................... 2 days after return to class
3rd day absence............................ 3 days after return to class
4th day absence ............................ 4 days after return to class
5th day absence ............................ 5 days after return to class
6th day absence .............................5 days after return to class, unless prior approval given by principal
7. Students absent for school activities should be prepared for class when they return and be prepared to complete work missed while absent from class.

How to contact me:
Email is best: kelly.arbuckle@springbranchisd.com
Also room E 146.
Phone 713-251-1800
http://kellyarbuckle.blogspot.com/

Conference periods:
A-Day: 2nd period 9:25-10:55
B-Day: 6th period 9:25-10:55

Supply List:
One notebook of your choosing
Regular ruled notebook paper
1 small box of crayons
scissors
2 highlighters
sticky notes
1 glue stick
Pens/pencils

*additional supplies may be needed as the school year progresses.
Students must come to class each day prepared to learn.

This is going to be a great year!

august 26 homework -- english iii ib

2009-08-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Due Friday, August 28, 2009

Color Mark and Annotate "The Word" in your Literary Journal.

Remember to use at least four colors and to write why each mark is significant.

ssr assessment -- period 3

2009-08-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

The SSR Assessment choices for 3rd period are:

Write a review for the book you read on http://www.amazon.com/ and email the link to Ms. Arbuckle.
Design a new cover for the book.
Write up an idea for a sequel.
Dress up as a character from your book and talk about the book from that character's perspective.
Write a reader's theater script.
Create a board game based on your book. The game may follow the plot of the book, be based on the setting, or may be thematically related to the book.
Make a sculpture or drawing based on the book.
Write a poem from diferent characters' perspectives.
Create a news story about the book.
Sign up for a conference with Ms. Arbuckle.
Make food related to and inspired by the book.
Make a movie poster of the book. Include a tag line. This may not be based on the cover of the book.
Make a sound track of the book. Turn the CD in with an explanation of your choices.

You must choose a different project each six weeks. Remember that you are proving to me that you have read the book. If you don't like one of these projects, don't choose it! Choose something that will be fun for you!

ssr assessment -- period 1

2009-08-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

The SSR Assessment choices for 1st period are:

Write a review for the book you read on www.amazon.com and email the link to Ms. Arbuckle.
Create a board game based on your book. The game may follow the plot of the book, be based on the setting, or may be thematically related to the book.
Draw your favorite scene and explain why this is your favorite scene.
Write a song inspired by the book and explain how the two are related.
Watch the movie and explain why the book is better. (This only applies if there is a movie based on the book you read.)
Write a Reader's Theater Script.
Create an animation inspired by the book and explain your inspiration.
Create a film inspired by the book and explain your inspiration.
Make a movie poster of the book. Include a tag line. This may not be based on the cover of the book.
Make a sound track of the book. Turn the CD in with an explanation of your choices.
Sign up for a conference with Ms. Arbuckle.
Create a graphic display to represent the book.

english iii ib books

2009-08-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

Juniors,

We will be reading the following books in IB English this year:

Fall Semester:

The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien

The Handmaid's Tale
by Margaret Atwood

The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini

Perfume
by Patrick Suskind

Remember to do some research on the above books and make a list, in order of preference, of the books you would like give your IB presentation over.

Spring Semester

Chronicle of a Death Foretold
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Thousand Cranes
by Yasunari Kawabata

Fathers and Sons
by Ivan Turgenev

Ms. Arbuckle's first semester schedule

2009-08-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

A Day

1st period English II Pre-AP

2nd period Conference

3rd period English II Pre-AP

4th period Creative Writing

B Day

5th period English III IB

6th period Conference

7th period SAT Prep.

8th period English III IB

welcome to another school year

2009-08-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to start another school year? I definitely am! I'm excited about all the fun things we will be doing!

This blog is where I will be giving you updates about everything from this classroom. I may even grace you with a book review here and there.

Please feel free to leave comments and ask questions. But remember everything must be school related or I will not approve the comment.

This is going to be a great year, and I'm exctied to work with each and every one of you!

~Ms. Arbuckle