Lets eat kids. Let's eat, kids. Punctuation saves lives!

Read, listen and review the concepts of punctuation. Copy at least 5 sentences from the Worksheet on Commas in #3 Section of your Interactive Notebook: ClASSWORK. Your station may work together.

A Quick Guide to Punctuation

https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/writing-center/wilmer-writing-center-online-writing-lab/grammar/a-quick-guide-to-punctuation/

Grade 8 Punctuation 11: Review Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bau5bwdVMWY

Worksheet on Commas

http://englishlinx.com/cgi-bin/pdf_viewer.cgi?script_name=%2Fpdf%2FAdding-Commas-3.pdf&x=106&y=37

Ed Tech Cafe: Digital Citizenship 8/22/18

Just as attending school requires courtesy, comportment and general rules of behavior--so does the  online community. Let's start with the Nine 'P's of Digital Citizenship.

What Your Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-citizenship-need-to-know-vicki-davis

Teacher’s Guide to Digital Citizenship

http://www.edudemic.com/teachers-guide-digital-citizenship/

1. Remember that everything you post online is permanent.
2. Give proper credits to sources.
3. Report cyberbullies to parents or teachers.
4. 4. Get Permission before sharing information about others.

It's Not Homework, But If You Wish To Take A Look At This...

How to Take Great Notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhRf3U50lM

Ancient Greek Myths, Stories and Legends

https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/myths/

High School Reading List of British Authors

https://classroom.synonym.com/high-reading-list-british-authors-5910602.html

10th (or 11th) Grade Reading List: American Literature

https://www.thoughtco.com/10th-11th-grade-reading-american-literature-740076

Help with Homework Week of 8/20/18

Until we have our textbooks and Chromebooks, please use these simple resources for your Read and Respond Questions.

Grade 12 Brit Lit

History of the English Language

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_English

Homework Read and Respond Questions

8/21/18 Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

Did Latin influence the English Language?

History of the English Language, Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_English

8/23/18 Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

The language of Shakespeare was transformative because of incorporating what languages?

History of the English Language, Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_English

Grade 11 American Lit

Beginnings of American Literature-Pre-Colonial and Colonial

American literature

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_literature#Colonial_literature

Homework Read and Respond Questions

8/21/18 Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

Why was English not the only language spoken in Colonial America?

American Literature

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_literature#Colonial_literature

8/23/18 Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

Describe the social status differences in the writers of this period.

American Literature

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_literature#Colonial_literature

Grade 10 and 9

World Literature

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_literature

8/21/18 Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

Read and Respond

What was one of the first inventions that took literature around the world quickly?

 World Literature

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_literature

Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

How many of these stories are very ancient? How many are modern?

The Top Ten Stories That Shaped The World

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180521-the-top-10-stories-that-shaped-the-world

Grades 7 and 8

What are Myths, Legends and Folktales

http://myths.e2bn.org/teachers/info311-what-are-myths-legends-and-folktales.html

Lesson Plan 8/23/18 Look over the top ten Greek myths.

8/21/18 Read and Respond Question

Write a succinct paragraph--8-10 sentences--in your own words.

Read and Respond

Of these genres, which two are you familiar with?

What are Myths, Legends, and Folktales?

http://myths.e2bn.org/teachers/info311-what-are-myths-legends-and-folktales.html

Read and Respond

In a succinct paragraph, write about two  Greek Myths you would like to read with the class.

5 Terrifying Greek Myths 

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/history/greece/greek-myths/

Looking for Outside Reading? Here are some suggestions:

20 Indispensable High School Reads

https://www.edutopia.org/article/20-indispensable-high-school-reads-stephen-merrill

Our Five Paragraph Personal Essay 8/15/18

Three Things I Want You To Know About Me

This is the first week of school, and this writing project serves to let the teacher know a little bit about each student, and giving student choice.

The writing strategies for this week include brainstorming, group discussion, outlining, and writing anecdotes.

Tomorrow, on Day 4, when the rough draft checks in as a homework assignment, this rubric will help writing strategies partners make suggestions and corrections. 

One Day 5 the students will write the final draft in class, using notes and rough draft. This will be pencil-written, so the teacher can also check for legibility.

Even though the objective is to write a five paragraph essay, the emphasis this week is less on technicalities and more on flow--the experience of using thought and feeling to bring verbal interactions and then written words in a natural, almost conversational experience. 

Technical corrections can come as a final task. Writing is not a task but an experience.

Not Homework, but if you wish, check these resources out..

Invite student choice and discussion through offering these resources for perusal. Students may have more buy-in to class activities.

Types of Discussion Techniques

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2018/08/types-of-discussion-techniques.html

HOW TO RUN A BOOK CLUB IN YOUR CLASSROOM (PART 1): THE BEST FORM OF CHOICE READING

http://www.readingandwritinghaven.com/run-book-club-classroom-best-form-choice-reading/

A Poetry Slam Cures the Blahs

https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/voice/voice069.shtml

10 Fresh Writing Prompts for High School English

https://www.weareteachers.com/writing-prompts-for-high-school/

Everyone Stand Up: A Lesson on Self-Humor

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/lesson-self-humor/

Poetry Slam

Serving the Lord Through Learning

This is the slogan I've created for my classes this year. Being a student is hard work: studying, collaborating, remaining courteous, focused and organized. It is a service to the Lord.

The scripture I have chosen as our theme is Philippians 2:14-16

Philippians 2:14-16 King James Version (KJV)

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Another way to think about our verse.

Philippians 2:14-16 The Message (MSG)

14-16 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.

Fret Not Yourself (New School Year? Be Calm and Carry On)

and don't forget to delight thyself in the Lord!

fret not
do good
commit thy way
rest
wait
cease from anger
wait upon the Lord
the meek shall inherit the earth
the Lord upholds the righteous
show mercy
the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
depart from evil do good
speak wisdom

The Holy Bible (KJV) _ Psalms 37 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0onzQNZkQ6w 

It is a new school year--it is going to be great! Promise! MzT 8/11/18

Greetings! It's A New School Year!

Let me introduce myself. I am Melanie Taylor, M.A.--longtime teacher, writer, gardener, mom and, most importantly, a follower of Jesus Christ. I am so excited to teach English Literature and Composition at Victor Valley Christian School. I first started teaching in Christian schools, now I'm back, and English is my first love. We will have such fun!

But first, some housekeeping. Here are links for information on how our class will run, and how we can communicate

Melanie Taylor, M. A.

English Literature, Language and Composition

August 10, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians, Family, and Students,

  How exciting! We have a new school year and I am so pleased to be
included in the educational process here at Victor Valley Christian School,
and in a subject I really love. We have a busy year planned developing
powerful writing skills, increasing digital knowledge and confidence, and,
best of all, experiencing great literature to love and appreciate for a lifetime.
This is a solid college prep program.

We will participate with Google Classroom, as well as use my regularly
updated classroom website:  MzT’s Classroom https://www.mzteachuh.com/  
There is a matching blog, too, with pertinent information about our English program
that is also regularly updated-- MzT’s Classroom https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/  
These online resources post nothing personal about the students, but general
information about the English program, homework, and activities. If you want more
information on Reading Teams, Book Club, Writer’s Workshop, Station Rotation,
or what to study for the next test, check the website or blog.

 Courtesy and full focus on our work are the hallmarks of our classroom.
We can collaborate on classwork, discuss grading and behavior, and be assured
we have open communication and mutual support. Our class syllabus has details
about grading, classroom rules and routines, reading lists, and needed materials.
This syllabus is also online at the Mzt’s Classroom site, and blog.

 Please communicate with me through Google Classroom, or email
Melanie Taylor mtaylor@vvcs.org , call the School Office 760-241-8827,
and when I get my new smartphone, I will give you a number you can call or text.
I don’t respond during class, if you have an emergency, call the Front Office 760-241-8827.
My goal is to get back to you within a day. My Office hours are Tuesday and
Thursday  3:00-4:00 p.m..
I am generally on the run, so if you wish to speak to me in person or have a conference,
please schedule one. I don’t want to miss you!

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Sincerely,

Melanie Taylor, M.A.

Syllabus: English Literature, Language and Composition

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/07/syllabus-english-literature-language.html

MzT's Outside Reading

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/08/mzts-outside-reading.html

Our Digital Classroom/Ed Tech Cafe

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/08/our-digital-classroomed-tech-cafe.html

MzT's Writer's Workshop

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/08/mzts-writers-workshop.html

Back-To-School Night Parent's Letter

Melanie Taylor, M. A.

English Literature, Language and Composition

August 10, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians, Family, and Students,

  How exciting! We have a new school year and I am so pleased

to be included in the educational process here at

Victor Valley Christian School, and in a subject I really love.

We have a busy year planned to develop powerful writing skills, to

increase digital knowledge and confidence, and, best of all, to experience

great literature to love and appreciate for a lifetime.

This is a solid college prep program.

 We will participate with Google Classroom, as well as use my regularly

updated classroom website:  MzT’s Classroom https://www.mzteachuh.com/  

There is a matching blog, too, with pertinent information about our English program

that is also regularly updated-- MzT’s Classroom https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/  

These online resources post nothing personal about the students, but general

information about the English program, homework, and activities. If you want more

information on Reading Teams, Book Club, Writer’s Workshop, Station Rotation,

or what to study for the next test, check the website or blog.

 Courtesy and full focus on our work are the hallmarks of our classroom.

We can collaborate on classwork, discuss grading and behavior, and be

assured we have open communication and mutual support. Our class syllabus

has details about grading, classroom rules and routines, reading lists, and

needed materials. This syllabus is also online at the Mzt’s Classroom site,

and blog.

 Please communicate with me through Google Classroom, or email

Melanie Taylor mtaylor@vvcs.org, the School Office 760-241-8827,

and when I get my new smartphone, I will give you a number you can call or text.

I don’t respond during class, if you have an emergency, call the Front Office

760-241-8827. My goal is to get back to you within a day. My Office hours are

Tuesday and Thursday  3:00-4:00 p.m.. I am generally on the run, so if you wish

to speak to me in person or have a conference, please schedule one.

I don’t want to miss you!

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Sincerely,

Melanie Taylor, M.A.

Our Digital Classroom/Ed Tech Cafe

Our Digital Classroom

Our classroom will have Chromebooks as a digital writing

and resource tool (though not exclusively), and Google Classroom

as a communication aid. Every week we will have Ed Tech Cafe to

learn more about becoming responsible Digital Citizens and capable

digital users.

We are a digital classroom with spaces to be rearranged for

Ed Tech Cafe, research teams, and rotation stations using tech.

The tone of our digital activity is encouraging and nurturing,

emphasizing boldness with innovation and tenacity with roadblocks.

Our class uses Google Classroom therefore communication

and feedback is clear and quick. Students, teacher and parents

can collaborate on projects and learning choices.

Ed Tech Cafe is a weekly activity that discusses current topics

of digital citizenship, learns new digital innovations, teaches skills,  and

designates time for varied use of the Chromebook.