Writing 1: CHAT Writing 1 Class Notes--Week 3 (1/30)

Hello, Dear Students!

Back with another action-packed and learning packed class!

We started out with a Quick Write on a very out-of-the-box subject: Yodeling!! In honor of National Yodel for your Neighbors Day today, we learned a few facts about this art from and then I asked the students to think of as many writing topics on this subject as possible. We also had some fun trying to “break” our voices into a yodel and listening to some experts.

This week’s Writing focus centers around a very powerful technique of persuasion used heavily in Animal Farm called propaganda. After watching a video on how propaganda was used in the novel, I introduced our next writing project. After learning more about specific common propaganda techniques through an assigned Edpuzzle video and quiz at home (GC), students will scour the internet for an advertisement to analyze. They will then write up a critique of the ad’s use of propaganda and rhetorical devices. They will post these critiques on GC where they must then read and comment on a classmate’s post. The analysis is due February 13 (Week 5.)

After that, we dove into a Grammar lesson on simple sentences. Since we haven’t had time in the past few weeks to focus on grammar, we took an extended amount of time to dig in and catch up. The topics were Subject-Verb agreement and Compound Subjects and Compound Predicates. In a series of mini-lessons, we worked through several examples where we practiced identifying subjects and predicates and made sure those two were in agreement, and looked at how to vary sentences by inverting that order. I gave them time to get a good, healthy start on their work during class and students should complete and correct their worksheets and hand them in next week.

In Literature, we had a check-in about the Animal Farm. We are getting momentum in the story now and we reviewed the ballad that was sung in chapter 1–”Beasts of England.” I asked them to skim the lyrics and notice how the song was filled with descriptive images, hope for a bright future of what life will be like when they finally get rid of the oppression of man. After that, we stood up and sang it to the tune of “O My Darling Clementine.” In true capitalist style, enthusiastic singers received a fabulous juice box prize. (In true communistic style, they ALL received one! ;) As homework, they are to read chapters 5 & 6 and complete 3 Study Guide questions.

That’s it! Keep up the good work, students!

Blessings,

Mrs. G

Homework

Propaganda techniques EdPuzzle and Quiz

About the Ad Analysis

Ad analysis (due Feb. 13–Week 5)

Read AF Ch. 5 & 6

Ch. 5 & 6 Discussion Questions–bring to class for 4 Square Discussion

Grammar

Subject-Verb Agreement

Complete Subj-Predicate & Inverted Order