Walk Through the Forest

Close your eyes and visualize a forest. We are going to walk through the forest. Be aware of the sights, the sounds, the smells, the touch, and even the tastes.......everything around you. I will tell you what you need to write. Use complete sentences and keep writing until I move you to the next level. Use as much detail as possible. Do not worry about anything but writing at this point. Keep the word LIFE in mind as you write.

1. You have parked your car in the parking lot, strapped on your backpack, adjusted your hiking boots, and are ready to begin. You enter the forest. Describe the forest.
2. After you have walked a while, you see a key on the ground. Describe the key. Then, pick up the key and put it in your backpack.
3. Soon you spot a cup under a tree. Describe the cup.
4. All of a sudden you hear a noise. When you turn around, you see a bear. What do you do?
5. Once you and the bear part company, you resume your walk and you discover a lake. Describe the lake. Then, get to the other side of the lake.
6. Once you get to the other shore, you find a cave. Describe the cave.
7. At the end of your walk through the forest, you come upon a wall. Describe the wall.
8. Conclude your walk.

English Basics

ENGLISH BASICS

General Philosophy
I like to use the language arts as a medium to prepare you for life after high school. We will cover the basics of grammar and composition and use those principles to respond to a variety of literary works. You will write several compositions during the year and may be requested to rewrite or revise until you meet acceptable standards. I establish reasonable deadlines, which I expect you to meet. Any written assignment can earn ten points extra credit if it is typed; however, a handwritten rough copy with obvious revisions must be turned in at the same time. We will also complete various worksheets that accompany our texts. I don’t hold a formal tutorial but I am available after school until 4:00 whenever you need assistance.
Classroom Rules
Please…
…do not ask to leave class after the tardy bell rings unless it is a physical emergency.
…do not eat or drink in class. The school policy prohibits food or drink of any kind in the halls or classrooms.
…respect your instructor, your fellow classmates and yourself in all situations.
…be honest.
…be on time and if you enter after class has begun, enter quietly without inter-rupting. (Make sure you have the appropriate pass to enter.)
…be responsible for your make up work and your behavior.
…be prepared with your notebook, your pen, and paper or homework. Without being prepared, it sends the message that you are not willing to work.
…do not apply makeup, fragrance or lotion. (I have an allergy to some fragrances.)
…feel free to ask for help anytime. Let me know if you need after school help.

Mrs. Thomas’s Schedule
1st period…….. English III
2nd period A…. English III
2nd period B…. English III
3rd period……. English III
4th period……. Conference 903-839-5551
5th period A…. English III
5th period B…. English III
6th period……. English III
thomasa@whitehouseisd.org

List Yourself Exercise

Make columns on your paper for each category on the exercise and then list ten items for each category. We will use this for paragraph topics next week.

List Yourself

List all those pieces of our culture you would really want on your desert island.

List all the smells that evoke a strong response from you.

List what consistently worries you each day.

List what always makes you laugh.

List all the media experiences (TV, Movies, Internet, etc.) that touched you most.

List the best gifts you’ve ever been given.

List the things you would like to change about yourself.

List all the people you’ve hurt that you’d like to unhurt.

List the ideas you feel passionately about.

List all the things you’ve made or built by hand.

1st week

Just getting to know you this week and laying some foundation work for Power Writing.......

Make a list of 25 things you want me to know about you.
In class, we shared our lists with another person and then charted similarities and differences on a Venn Diagram. We then introduced our new friend to the class.
We made a name plate to put on our desks so Mrs. Thomas will learn our names more easily. It should include 5 or more pictures of items that help others make a connection with you. See the one on Mrs. Thomas' podium for an example.
We also talked about Mrs. Thomas' expectations in class.
Complete the "List Yourself" exercise. List 10 items for each category. We'll use these topics for writing assignments in the coming weeks.
Mrs. Thomas also went over the English 3 syllabus.
Make sure you pick up the vocabulary list for SAT bingo!!! We will play every Friday in the 50 minute classes and once a week in the block classes. Personalize your list so you can easily locate the words. Earn lots of candy!!!!!