English: On Wednesday students quickly 'threw together' an essay about something they cared about deeply. I took them home and tried to 'deconstruct' their essays into their main ideas. It is like reverse engineering. Based on what they wrote, I came up with a list of their main ideas. Then on Thursday we took a step back to discuss what makes a good, powerful, well-organized essay. After that, I returned their essays and asked them to determine if it was indeed as strong as it could be. On Friday we will 'reverse engineer' the students' essays. Students will be required to create a usable outline for their rewrite, and then use their laptops (Issued on 9/15) to type up a great new draft of their essay about something (or someone) they care about deeply. HOMEWORK: THURSDAY: Consider ways to improve your essay.
Social Studies: This week we spent a great deal of time looking at examples of history in the world around us. Students were able to recognize different 'turning points' in American history and even learn about some great historical sites nearby like Battery Steele on Peaks Island off of Portland and Fort Gorges in Casco Bay. I encouraged students to look into raising money to go on the WASHINGTON D.C. trip later in the year. (See Mrs Potvin for more details.) Then we looked at some questions that I hope students will be able to share their thoughts on this Friday such as "What is history," and "Why study history?" HOMEWORK: THURSDAY: Organize your thoughts about these two questions so you will be able to express your answers in your own words. Finally, I expect to give students their USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS for the online textbook found at http://my.hrw.com this Friday. Students should keep this information handy (stored in 3 places) so that they can access the online text any time.
NOTE: This Saturday 9/17, is Open Lighthouse day and many lighthouses throughout Maine will be open to the public. I intend to go to Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth to see if I can get to the top of Portland Head Light. (Open from 9-3, but come early to improve your chances of getting in!) Look online for more details at:
http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/sightseeing_tours/lighthouse/lighthouse-day/
Or just 'Google" Open Lighthouse Day
