Friday the 13th!

I won't be with you all today. I'm getting hand and ankle physical therapy, and I'll be back on Monday. Just so things are clear, here's the clean up plan for today:

Groups will finish up second draft conferencing. Remember, authors, it is up to you to get the help and feedback you need. After your paper is read, your team's written comments should be written on your draft. Either you take specific notes as your team shares, or your paper is circulated for written responses right on the paper, or both. This doesn't mean a simple signature and date (although that, too, is required). This means that your choice(s) of 6+1 traits are looked at closely, genre, point of view, additional detail - "show, don't tell" - are addressed. The table conversation needs to be QUIET and contained to the assignment: conferencing over the paper and revision. Side bar conversations are rampant and off task and will end up hurting participation. Please keep your team on task. Your performance in the class is dependent on that.

When your team is finished, and many teams already are, you may read SILENTLY while you wait (20 minutes or so) for the rest of the class to complete the conferencing process.

After conferencing, read the Reader's Digest article "Test Your Manners." Take the test after finishing reading, taking particular care with the third page, your weblog post response. Think about the responses you've read so far. Think about how you'd like yours to look, what kind of art or photo, link, comments, etc. You may "sketch" those in since you will be doing this on paper today.

With any remaining time you may continue in your independent reading books. Your second book response is due October 25th, and remember, we are starting To Kill A Mockingbird next week. You may want to be finished with outside reading before then.

Your third and final draft is due on Monday, along with your first draft (with conferencing notes) and your second draft (with conferencing notes). Take pride in your presentation. Use MLA format. Good luck. I'm anxious to read your work.


By the way, here's a link to a site on universal manners. Did you know, according to this site, it is proper manners for youth to stand behind their chairs until all adults are seated at the dinner table? Or how about this one? It is considered rude to make harsh comments when assessing a team member's work! You'll find manners at this site for all ages and all occasions. There's even a window which allows you to submit your own questions or comments. Interesting reading!

Have a nice weekend!