Room 312 - A View into the Vortex

Room 312 - Authentic Learning in Student Generated Podcasts

room312 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:58:10 +0000

Student Persuasive Podcast Projects

The following is one of the handouts that were given to guide the student projects. In the podcast, I share the student examples.

The Introduction to the Project

To: The Alpha Research Group

From: The Department of Homeland Security

The following information is classified and should not be discussed outside your research group. There have been enough reports coming in about an “alien threat” that we would like an initial risk assessment. The crank reports have been sorted and thrown out, and the following documents have been deemed valid enough to warrant further investigation.

Your team is to read the reports and document the facts using the reading strategies we studied in training (Hot) (Dok). Your team is to present a 2 – 5 minute picture/audio podcast assessing the reality of the threat (SC) (S3A) at the conference we will be holding titled “Is the Threat Real?”

Thank you for your time and commitment to keeping the homeland safe!

Directions for the Podcast Script

Script Instructions

Before you start your script, you need to come to an agreement based off the information your read and gathered, and decide whether we are at risk of alien invasion or not. Are these aliens visiting us a threat? Your opinion of the matter or whether you even believe in aliens is NOT important. Remember, you are basing your stance on the information you have gathered. Lay it all out before you and look which side has the most evidence.

Once you have come to a decision, begin writing your script. It needs to be set up like a script and should be structured as if you are actually talking about it. Remember the script need to be 2 – 5 minutes long. Everyone must have a speaking part.

Example”

Part 1:

Scott: Hello. We are Alpha Research Group 16 also known as ARG. We are a subdivision of the Department of Homeland Security

Kim: In our group we have Scott Tattleburg, Laura Ingles, and myself, Kimmy Johnson.

Laura: After looking at various credible documents, examining the evidence, ARG has come the conclusion that we are NOT at risk from alien invasion.

Here are the segments you need in your script:

The script:

* Part One: - Introduce the name of group - Introduce members - Introduce stance

* Part Two: - Evidence to support your stance - Use specific references to articles your read

* Part Three - Why might people argue against you? What arguments might they use? - How will you answer these arguments?

* Part Four - Recap your position - Sign off

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Than/Then and Joss Whedon’s Serenity (mp3)

room312 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:57:54 +0000

THAN

Unlike then, than is not related to time. Than is used in comparative statements.

EXAMPLES:

~Another pair of words that I see misused far more often than not is than and then.

~He is taller than I am.

~Other than the interest on a small inheritance, he had no income.

~Today’s students certainly do seem to read less than students in previous generations did.

~We learned more on the playground than we did in the classroom.

~Despite their lack of flavor, the hothouse tomatoes cost far more than those from the farmers’ market.

THEN

Then is used either as a time marker or with a sequence of events.

EXAMPLES:

~I took all of the exams in the morning, and then I spent the rest of the day catching up on sleep.

~Back then we knew what was expected of us.

~I bought apples from this orchard last summer, but I seem to remember paying more for them then.

~Look over the study guide first, and then if you still have questions bring them up in class.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Than/Then and Joss Whedon’s Serenity

room312 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:57:27 +0000

Room 312 - Parallel Structure Part 2

room312 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:00:21 +0000

#education

Parallel Structure

Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

For more information about sentence structure, see our workshop on this topic at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_sentclar.html.

Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as “and” or “or.” (For more information on coordinating conjunctions, see our handout at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_clause.html.

1. Words and Phrases

With the -ing form (gerund) of words:

Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.

With infinitive phrases:

Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. OR Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.(Note: You can use “to” before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)

For more information on gerunds and infinitives, see our handout at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_verbals.html.

Do not mix forms.

Example 1

Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

Example 2

Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.

Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.

Example 3

Not Parallel: The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.

Parallel: The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.

2. Clauses

A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.

Example 1

Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.

Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.

– or —

Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.

Example 2

Not Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive)

Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.

3. Lists after a colon

Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.

Example 1

Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.

Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Proofreading Strategies to try:

Skim your paper, pausing at the words “and” and “or.” Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel.
If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel.
Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of “-ing” words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel.

The following information must remain intact on every handout printed for distribution.

This page is located at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/print/grammar/g_parallel.html.

Copyright ©1995-2004 by OWL at Purdue University and Purdue University. All rights reserved. Use of this site, including printing and distributing our handouts, constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use, available at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/lab/fairuse.html.

Room 312 - Parallel Structure Part 2 (mp3)

room312 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:59:47 +0000

#education

Room 312 - Parallel Structure Part 1

room312 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:46:44 +0000

Parallel Structure

Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

For more information about sentence structure, see our workshop on this topic at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_sentclar.html.

1. Words and Phrases

With the -ing form (gerund) of words:

Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.

With infinitive phrases:

Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. OR Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.(Note: You can use “to” before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)

For more information on gerunds and infinitives, see our handout at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_verbals.html.

Do not mix forms.

Example 1

Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

Example 2

Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.

Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.

Example 3

Parallel: The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.

2. Clauses

Example 1

Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.

Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.

– or —

Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.

Example 2

Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.

3. Lists after a colon

Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.

Example 1

Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.

Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Proofreading Strategies to try:

Skim your paper, pausing at the words “and” and “or.” Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel.
If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel.
Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of “-ing” words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel.

The following information must remain intact on every handout printed for distribution.

This page is located at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/print/grammar/g_parallel.html.

Room 312 - Parallel Structure Part 1 (mp3)

room312 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:46:28 +0000

Room 312 - There, Their, They’re (Live!)

room312 — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:01:55 +0000

Their, There, or They’re?

Their is a possessive pronoun. It always describes a noun.

Note the spelling of their. It comes from the word they, so the e comes before the i.

There is an adverb meaning “that location.” It is sometimes used with the verb to be as an idiom. It is spelled like here which means “this location.”

They’re is a contraction of they are. Note the spelling: The a from are is replaced by an apostrophe.

Examples: Their dog has fleas. (possessive of they)

I put the collar right there. (that location)

There are five prime numbers less than ten. (with to be)

They’re 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. (contraction of they are)

Room 312 - There, Their, They’re (Live!) mp3

room312 — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:01:22 +0000

The Truth is Here; The Results are In

room312 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:09:36 +0000

Ok, here are the results of the two polls I ran. You can tell quickly which things people thought I lied about. If you want to find out which one was the actual lie, listen to the podcast!

Try this audience polling system at Poll Everywhere

Make your own poll voting question with Poll Everywhere

The Truth is Here; The Results are In (mp3)

room312 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:09:14 +0000

Room 312 - Two Truths; One Lie

room312 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:58:09 +0000

Make a live audience poll at Poll Everywhere

Room 312 - Two Truths; One Lie - mp3

room312 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:57:38 +0000

Room 312 - The Fireside Book Chats are Changing…

room312 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:51:29 +0000

Please visit http://firesidebookchat.podbean.com. We are switching the Fireside Book Chats to their own channel. Before they were mixed in with the mini-lessons of the Room 312 Podcast. In this transition, you will still some of the Fireside Book Chats here in Room 312. Eventually they will be moved to their own channel at http://firesidebookchat.podbean.com.

Room 312 - The Fireside Book Chats are Changing… (MP3)

room312 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:50:43 +0000

The MP3 file.

Just A Note

room312 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:59:52 +0000

This is just a note to our subscribers that we are starting a new feed and page for our Fireside Book Chats. This has been done to clean up our podcast so that the Room 312 Podcast will focus on mini-English lessons and the Fireside Book Chat, located at http://firesidebookchat.podbean.com, will focus on teen book reviews.

Room 312 (Enhanced) - Extra Credit with Jack Bauer (24) and Battlestar Gallactica

room312 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:36:40 +0000

Extra Credit:

Combine the following sentences correctly in as many ways possible. Do not combine EC 1 and EC 2 together. I will award one extra credit point for every combination you can provide. For those of you who do not have me in class, I will award one virtually point for each correct combination and will mention you on the show. All answers due by January 12th.

EC 1:

1. Jack Bauer led the children through the woods. His friend, Carl, dies due to a land mine explosion.

EC 2:

Lieutenant Gaeta is sent off in a Raptor with a handfull for strangers. One of them mysteriously dies.

Please e-mail me the response at room312@rocketmail.com, place them on Twitter at Hertzog, post the answer to this post, or bring them to class if you have me for class.

Simple, Compound, Complex and a little blurb on Compound-Complex

room312 — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:33:23 +0000

Sentences: Simple, Compound, and Complex

A common weakness in writing is the lack of varied sentences. Becoming aware of three general types of sentences–simple, compound, and complex–can help you vary the sentences in your writing.

The most effective writing uses a variety of the sentence types explained below.

1. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought.

Examples of simple sentences include the following:

Joe waited for the train. “Joe” = subject, “waited” = verb
The train was late. “The train” = subject, “was” = verb
Mary and Samantha took the bus. “Mary and Samantha” = compound subject, “took” = verb
I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. “I” = subject, “looked” = verb
Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived. “Mary and Samantha” = compound subject, “arrived” and “left” = compound verb

Tip: If you use many simple sentences in an essay, you should consider revising some of the sentences into compound or complex sentences (explained below).

The use of compound subjects, compound verbs, prepositional phrases (such as “at the bus station”), and other elements help lengthen simple sentences, but simple sentences often are short. The use of too many simple sentences can make writing “choppy” and can prevent the writing from flowing smoothly.

A simple sentence can also be referred to as an independent clause. It is referred to as “independent” because, while it might be part of a compound or complex sentence, it can also stand by itself as a complete sentence.

2. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember if you think of the words “FAN BOYS”:

Examples of compound sentences include the following:

Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived.
Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before I arrived.
Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus station.

Tip: If you rely heavily on compound sentences in an essay, you should consider revising some of them into complex sentences (explained below).

Coordinating conjunctions are useful for connecting sentences, but compound sentences often are overused. While coordinating conjunctions can indicate some type of relationship between the two independent clauses in the sentence, they sometimes do not indicate much of a relationship. The word “and,” for example, only adds one independent clause to another, without indicating how the two parts of a sentence are logically related. Too many compound sentences that use “and” can weaken writing.

Clearer and more specific relationships can be established through the use of complex sentences.

3. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected to it. A dependent clause is similar to an independent clause, or complete sentence, but it lacks one of the elements that would make it a complete sentence.

Examples of dependent clauses include the following:

because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon
while he waited at the train station
after they left on the bus

Dependent clauses such as those above cannot stand alone as a sentence, but they can be added to an independent clause to form a complex sentence.

Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Below are some of the most common subordinating conjunctions:

after
although
as
because
before
even though
if
since
though
unless
until
when
whenever
whereas
wherever
while

A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.

The dependent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the independent clause, as in the following:

Tip: When the dependent clause comes first, a comma should be used to separate the two clauses.

Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station.
While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late.
After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station.

Conversely, the independent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the dependent clause, as in the following:

Tip: When the independent clause comes first, a comma should not be used to separate the two clauses.

I did not see them at the station because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon.
Joe realized that the train was late while he waited at the train station.
Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station after they left on the bus.

Complex sentences are often more effective than compound sentences because a complex sentence indicates clearer and more specific relationships between the main parts of the sentence. The word “before,” for instance, tells readers that one thing occurs before another. A word such as “although” conveys a more complex relationship than a word such as “and” conveys.

The term periodic sentence is used to refer to a complex sentence beginning with a dependent clause and ending with an independent clause, as in “While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late.”

Periodic sentences can be especially effective because the completed thought occurs at the end of it, so the first part of the sentence can build up to the meaning that comes at the end.

Beginning Sentences with “And” or “Because”

Should you begin a sentence with “and” or “but” (or one of the other coordinating conjunctions)?

The short answer is “no.” You should avoid beginning a sentence with “and,” “or,” “but,” or the other coordinating conjunctions. These words generally are used to join together parts of a sentence, not to begin a new sentence.

However, such sentences can be used effectively. Because sentences beginning with these words stand out, they are sometimes used for emphasis. If you use sentences beginning with one of the coordinating conjunctions, you should use these sentences sparingly and carefully.

Should you begin a sentence with “because”?

There is nothing wrong with beginning a sentence with “because.”

Perhaps some students are told not to begin a sentence with “because” to avoid sentence fragments (something like “Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon” is a sentence fragment), but it is perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with “because” as long as the sentence is complete (as in “Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station.”)

Independent/Dependent Clauses Part II

room312 — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:12:17 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Connecting Independent/Dependent Clauses

Independent and Dependent Clauses (Definitions)

Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

When you want to use commas and semicolons in sentences and when you are concerned about whether a sentence is or is not a fragment, a good way to start is to be able to recognize dependent and independent clauses. The definitions offered here will help you with this.

This handout will:

define independent and dependent clauses
explain proper ways to punctuate sentences that use them
note some common errors to avoid

Definitions

Independent Clause (IC)

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.

Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. (IC)

Dependent Clause (DC)

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word.

Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz . . . (DC)

Dependent Marker Word (DM)

A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.

Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, it was very noisy. (DM)

Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

Connecting dependent and independent clauses

There are two types of words that can be used as connectors at the beginning of an independent clause: coordinating conjunctions and independent marker words.

1. Coordinating Conjunction (CC)

The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting words at the beginning of an independent clause are and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet. When the second independent clause in a sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction:Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise. (CC)

2. Independent Marker Word (IM)

An independent marker word is a connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause. These words can always begin a sentence that can stand alone. When the second independent clause in a sentence has an independent marker word, a semicolon is needed before the independent marker word.Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz; however, it was hard to concentrate because of the noise. (IM)

Some common independent markers are: also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, and therefore.

Proper Punctuation Methods

This table gives some examples of ways to combine independent and dependent clauses and shows how to punctuate them properly.

IC. IC.	I went to the store. I didn’t buy any bread.
IC; IC.	I went to the store; I didn’t buy any bread.
IC, CC IC.	I went to the store, but I didn’t buy any bread.
IC; IM, IC.	I went to the store; however, I didn’t buy any bread.
DC, IC.	When I went to the store, I didn’t buy any bread.
IC DC.	I didn’t buy any bread when I went to the store.

Some Common Errors to Avoid

Comma Splices

A comma splice is the use of a comma between two independent clauses. You can usually fix the error by changing the comma to a period and therefore making the two clauses into two separate sentences, by changing the comma to a semicolon, or by making one clause dependent by inserting a dependent marker word in front of it.

Incorrect: I like this class, it is very interesting.Correct: I like this class. It is very interesting.

(or) I like this class; it is very interesting.

(or) I like this class, and it is very interesting.

(or) I like this class because it is very interesting.

(or) Because it is very interesting, I like this class.

Fused Sentences

Fused sentences happen when there are two independent clauses not separated by any form of punctuation. This error is also known as a run-on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences.

Incorrect: My professor is intelligent I’ve learned a lot from her.Correct: My professor is intelligent. I’ve learned a lot from her.

(or) My professor is intelligent; I’ve learned a lot from her.

(or) My professor is intelligent, and I’ve learned a lot from her.

(or) My professor is intelligent; moreover, I’ve learned a lot from her.

Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragments happen by treating a dependent clause or other incomplete thought as a complete sentence. You can usually fix this error by combining it with another sentence to make a complete thought or by removing the dependent marker.

Incorrect: Because I forgot the exam was today.Correct: Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn’t study.

(or) I forgot the exam was today.

Related Materials on OWL

Run-Ons, Comma Splices, Fused Sentences (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_sentpr.html)

Sentence Variety (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_sentvar.html)

Using Commas (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html)

The following information must remain intact on every handout printed for distribution.

This page is located at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/print/grammar/g_clause.html

To contact OWL, please visit our contact information page at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/lab/contact.html to find the right person to call or email.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Indpendent/Dependent Clauses; Book reviews

room312 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:52:48 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Independent/Dependent Clauses
Book Reviews: - Lucky T - Sticks and Stones

Independent and Dependent Clauses (Definitions)

Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

This handout will:

define independent and dependent clauses
explain proper ways to punctuate sentences that use them
note some common errors to avoid

Definitions

Independent Clause (IC)

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.

Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. (IC)

Dependent Clause (DC)

Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz . . . (DC)

Dependent Marker Word (DM)

A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.

Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, it was very noisy. (DM)

Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

Turkey Facts

room312 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:14:46 +0000

Fun Turkey Facts

The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.

The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.

A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.

The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.

Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.

Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity.

Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clucking noise.

Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.

Turkeys have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

A large group of turkeys is called a flock.

Turkeys have poor night vision.

It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Concluding Paragraphs; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:42:25 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Concluding Paragraphs
Fireside Book Chats: - The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon - Identical

Concluding Paragraphs:

Again, because I teach ninth graders, I use a fairly formulaic approach when teaching them how to write a conclusion to a five paragraph essay. The conclusion is structured in three parts:

Restatement of the thesis
Restatement of the major arguments/points of the paper
Call to action/parting thought (depends on the purpose of the paper)

Example:

Clearly The Dark Knight stands head and shoulders above the rest of the movies of 2008. Christian Bale’s Batman is cleverly acted, heath ledger’s Joker performance is stunning, and Chris and John Nolan’s scriptwriting superb. If you didn’t see this in theaters, this is a must see on DVD.

Technorati Profile

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Supporting Paragraphs; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:02:55 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Supporting Paragraphs
Fireside Book Chats: - Stealing Bradford - Lush - Weapon - Maximum Ride: School’s Out Forever - Babysitter IV - Bluford High: A Matter of Trust - Call Waiting

Supporting Paragraphs:

I tell my ninth and tenth graders to initially structure their supporting paragraphs in a formulaic manner. They always have the liberty mess with the formula and alter it after they learn it. The basic formula is this:

Topic Sentence - links to the thesis
Introduction to the Evidence
Evidence/Quote
Explanation of the evidence

Example:

Early on in his life, James Siberian Kirk embodies the quote “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Nothing demonstrates this more than when Kirk is a young kid. At one point in the 2009 movie trailer, we see Kirk furiously outrunning a cop, skidding his car off the cliff, and barely keeping himself from following. He is unshaken and confidently answers the cop. We see from the way he handles this situation and what he did that he has the making of a leader. He is a risk taker and is not afraid to answer for the risks he has taken.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Referring to Something You Read; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:38:17 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introductory Paragraphs: Referring to Something You Read
Fireside Book Chats: - Make Lemonade - Final Grade

Introductory Paragraph: Referring to Something You Read

Mentioning a certain reading to your essay can help you take a stand on an issue, if you agree or don’t agree.

Example:

According to the Intergalactic Medicine Show, science fiction is a taste acquired at a young age. This, along with many other factors, result in the sci-fi market claiming only 6% of all readers. There are many ways we can bolster the reading of science fiction.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Quoting; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:42:13 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introductory Paragraphs: Quoting
Fireside Book Chats: - Diary of a Teenage Girl: Sold Out - Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain

Introductory Paragraphs: Quoting

Starting with a quote, even if it is not one that is widely known, will make the reader feel you are knowledgeable about your writing.

“May the Force be with you” is one of Starwars most famous lines. It has permeated our popular culture and has shown up in everything from comic strips to political campaigns. George Lucas’s idea of the force draws on spirituality from many religions.

Room 312 - SPECIAL: A Fireside Book Chat Exclusive 3

room312 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:40:56 +0000

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Shocking/Surprising Statement; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:17:13 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introductory Paragraphs: Shocking/Surprising Statement
Fireside Bookchat: - Four Summer Romances - The Cheater - The Switcher - Hit and Run

Introductory Paragraphs: Shocking/Surprising Statement

By beginning with a surprising or shocking statement, a reader’s attention will be caught right from the start. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, Gattaca, and THX1138 have in common? Both Gattaca and THX1138 feature the Marin County Civic Centre in California which Frank Lloyd Wright built. His work being incorporated in such monumental Sci-fi movies is a testement to the futuristic look of Wright’s work.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Questioning; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:19 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introduction Paragraphs: Questioning
Fireside Book Chats: - Seventeenth Summer - Harsh Pink - Perfect - The Bourne Identity - Diablo: My Dream Horse - Goosebumps: The Barking Ghost

Introduction Paragraphs: Questioning

By asking a question, you can raise curiosity in a reader and they will want to read more.

Have you ever considered what it would be like to be stranded in an unfamiliar place? Have you ever wondered what extremes you would go to in order to survive? The movie the Time Machine paints such a picture.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Describing; The Mailbag; Fireside Book Chats

room312 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:40:29 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introduction Paragraph: Describing
The Mailbag
Fireside Book Chats

Describing

Describe the person, place or thing you are going to write about to get the reader’s interest

Example: In The Bourne Identity, Jason Bourne KO’s two Swiss police men, almost as an after thought. The Oracle tells Neo that he is not there to make the choice but to understand why he made it. Jason Bourne’s struggle to understand why he is able to do what he does mirrors Neo’s Quest in the second Matrix.

From the mailbag:

This comes from Linda at http://www.you-can-teach-writing.com

Do you go from the oral argument to a written argument? If so, do you discuss the differences between oral and written argument? Are you working with a class that includes a wide range of abilities, or a specialized group?

First, I am teaching career prep English, the lowest level at our high school, at the ninth and tenth grade level. So while they have had paragraph and writing experience, they are stilling struggling many time and are in the learning process of writing a five paragraph essay.

I always introduce the persuasive essay orally. I talk about how we try to convince parents to get money, friends to go see a certain movie, etc. I’ve used some fictive scenarios to set up some lessons. I’ve found the approach either was a huge success or a huge failure. What has been your experience?

Depends on the students I have. It has been a mixed bag. My more analytical students struggle with it. My creative student excel in it.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Narrating; Student Projects: Persuasive Podcasts

room312 — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:16:31 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introductory Paragraphs:Narrating
Student Persuasive Podcast Projects

Introductory Paragraphs: Narrating

This is the second of many possible introductions you can use to structure the introduction for your essay. Narrating begins with telling a brief story about yourself or someone you know to set up the main idea of the paper, to draw the readers in. In my example below, I wrap up the introduction with a thesis statement.

Bilbo was an ordinary hobbit. He took walks in the Shire. He never meddled in other people’s business. He would have tea in the mid-afternoon. One visit from Gandalf changed all that. Bilbo’s exciting journey to the Lonely Mountain shows how being pushed out of one’s comfort zone can change a person for the better.

Student Persuasive Podcast Projects

For more information on this, see the prior podcast.

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Introductory Paragraphs: Selecting; Student Projects: Persuasive Podcasts

room312 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:58:06 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Introductory Paragraphs: Selecting
Student Persuasive Podcast Projects

Introductory Paragraphs: Selecting

This is just one of many possible introductions you can use to structure the beginning of your essay. Selecting begins with a statement and then adds brief, specific examples. In my example below, I wrap up the introcution with a thesis statement.

“There are many great science fiction movies. Both IGN and IMDb rates StarWars Episode 5 as the top movie. Austarnet touts Bladerunner as the ultimate scifi experience. However, one of the best science fiction movies of all time is Contact.

Student Persuasive Podcast Projects

The following are the handouts that were given to guide the student projects. In the podcast, I share the student examples.

The Introduction to the Project

To: The Alpha Research Group

From: The Department of Homeland Security

Your team is to read the reports and document the facts using the reading strategies we studied in training. Your team is to present a 2 – 5 minute picture/audio podcast assessing the reality of the threat at the conference we will be holding titled “Is the Threat Real?”

Thank you for your time and commitment to keeping the homeland safe! Directions for the Podcast Script

Script Instructions

Example”

Part 1:

Scott: Hello. We are Alpha Research Group 16 also known as ARG. We are a subdivision of the Department of Homeland Security

Kim: In our group we have Scott Tattleburg, Laura Ingles, and myself, Kimmy Johnson.

Laura: After looking at various credible documents, examining the evidence, ARG has come the conclusion that we are NOT at risk from alien invasion.

Here are the segments you need in your script:

The script: * Part One: - Introduce the name of group - Introduce members - Introduce stance

* Part Two: - Evidence to support your stance - Use specific references to articles your read

* Part Three - Why might people argue against you? What arguments might they use? - How will you answer these arguments?

* Part Four - Recap your position - Sign off

Room 312 - (Enhanced) Thesis Statements; Goosebumps

room312 — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:04:48 +0000

This is my first enhanced podcast with chapters, photos, and links built into the podcast itself. Podcast Breakdown:

Thesis Statements
Book Review: Monster Blood by R.L. Stine

Thesis Statements:

Defines your position and the scope of your position. Occurs at the end of the introduction.

Example: The most sinister TV villain of the 1990s was Cancer Man, also known as Cigarette Smoking Man, from the hit show The X-files.

Scope: 19902 TV villains

Position: Most sinister is Cancer Man

Room 312 - SPECIAL: A Fireside Book Chat Exclusive 2

room312 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:01:04 +0000

Book Reviews:

Night Shift by Stephen King
Wrong Number 2 by R.L. Stine
The Ghost Next Door by R.L. Stine
Up Country by Alden R. Carter
Left Behind: The Vanashings by Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye

Room 312 - The Personification and Hyperbole Throw Down; Book Review: Weekend

room312 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:18:40 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Personification
Hyperbole
Book Review: Weekend by Christopher Price

Room 312 - Use Your Allusion; Book Reviews

room312 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:58:16 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Cinematic Allusion
Biblical Allusion
Historical Allusion
Classical Allusion

Book Talk: TTFN by Lauren Myracle

Room 312 - Alliteration/Assonance; Book Reviews

room312 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:54:34 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Alliteration
Assonance
Book Reviews: * Go Ask Alice * The Happening

Room 312 - Similes and Metaphors

room312 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:39:56 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

Similes
Metaphors
Book Review: Fighting Ruben Wolfe by Mark Zusak

Room 312 - Story Mapping, Book Reviews

room312 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:01:35 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

The reading strategy of story mapping the problem.
Book Review: The Babysitter 5 by R.L. Stine

Room 312 - SPECIAL: A Fireside Book Chat Exclusive

room312 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:54:08 +0000

Book Reviews:

The Cheat
Say Cheese and Die
Bluford High: Secrets in the Shadows
Bluford High: Lost and Found
Finding Katie

Room 312 - KWL’s and Light Sabers, Plus Book Reviews

room312 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:35:49 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

KWL’s and Lightsabers
Fireside Book Chats on the following books: - The Forbidden Door - Kim Empty Inside - Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Hip Hop High School

*******************

KWL’s

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/kwl.pdf

*************************

Fireside Book Chat:

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

Forbidden Doors: The Society by Bill Myers

Tell us a briefly what the book is about (summary of the book.)

This book is about two kis who had just moved to this new school and they are trying to get through their father’s death. Well, the one kid finds out that his dad is a live as a spirt and its not him and also the girl finds out there these things that a group of kids wearing round there necks and its one of these deamon worshiper thing.

What was your favorite scene? Describe.

My favorite scene in the story is when the boy goes into one of these rooms at the bookstore and they are playing a game and he almost gets hit by a game piece and its from a spirt.

In your opinion, was the book an easy or hard read?

Easy because I thought there wasn’t that many big words.

If you could meet your favorite character in this book somewhere, who would you meet, where would you meet them and why?

I would like to meet becka because shes been through a lot and she seems cool and i would meet her at the park because she likes running and walking.

Was there anything about this book that you didn’t like? If so, what was it?

Nope I liked it all.

Would you recommend others read this book? Why?

Yes because it’s a good book and yo would enjoy it as much as I did.

Out of a 5 star rating with 5 being the highest, how would you rate this book.

5 stars

********************************

Fireside Book Chat:

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

Kim Empty Inside by Beatrice Sparks

Tell us a briefly what the book is about (summary of the book.)

Its abot this girl who thinks she is fat, so she eats and then purges. She does not tell anyone until she ends up in the hospital and they call her mom.She mets this really nice guy named lawrence who she ends up dating and all along hew knew about her eating disorder, but he does not care.Kim broke up with him but they go out again like a week after.

What was your favorite scene? Describe.

I liked the scene where Lawrence and Kim go to the beach and Lawrence tells Kim that he knows about her eating disorder. But yet he does not care so they go out again.

In your opinion, was the book an easy or hard read?

It was really easy to read.

If you could meet your favorite character in this book somewhere, who would you meet, where would you meet them and why?

I would want to meet Kim, at the college, so I can see how hard it is.

Was there anything about this book that you didn’t like? If so, what was it?

I liked everything about this book.

Would you recommend others read this book? Why?

Yes because it’s a really good book and some people can relate to this.

Out of a 5 star rating with 5 being the highest, how would you rate this book.

5 stars

***************

Fireside Book Chat:

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

Douglas Adams Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Tell us a briefly what the book is about (summary of the book.)

Its about the earth being destroyed and only one man from eath alive that has a friend who he thought was from earth but is an alien and they ecape before the eath is destroyed

What was your favorite scene? Describe.

When author and Ford(the alien) get picked up by the space ship named the Heart of Gold

In your opinion, was the book an easy or hard read?

easy

If you could meet your favorite character in this book somewhere, who would you meet, where would you meet them and why?

auther dent on the heart of gold

Was there anything about this book that you didn’t like? If so, what was it?

Would you recommend others read this book? Why?

yes if you like fantasy

Out of a 5 star rating with 5 being the highest, how would you rate this book.

5 stars

****************************************

Fireside Book Chat:

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

Hip Hop High School

By: Alan Lawerce Sitomer

Tell us a briefly what the book is about (summary of the book.)

Hip Hop High School is about a girl name Thersea who is in highschool in the city. She wants to go to the college USC . She also gets sidtracked with drama. Her best friend turns out to be pregnant. She also gets in trouble for going to a party with drugs and achahol. She also falls in love with her friend Devon and actually goes to the college she wants to.

What was your favorite scene? Describe.

My favorite scene is at the beginning of the book on the first day of school when theresea and her friend cee saw get in touble for passing notes. It was my favorite because it reminds me of when me n my friends always got caught passing notes in middle school

In your opinion, was the book an easy or hard read?

Easy

If you could meet your favorite character in this book somewhere, who would you meet, where would you meet them and why?

I would meet theresea because she sunds cool. I would meet her at the either the mall or the movies because i always go there with my friends.

Was there anything about this book that you didn’t like? If so, what was it?

No I liked everything except that someone that’s important to her gets shot.

Would you recommend others read this book? Why?

Yes because it is a very good book. I think a lot of people my age would enjoy its funn sad and happy all in one book and it deals with drama were all have a lot of drama in our life too.

Out of a 5 star rating with 5 being the highest, how would you rate this book.

5 stars

Room 312 - Exploring Setting; Book Review: Martha Brooks, R.L. Stine

room312 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:28:18 +0000

Today’s Agenda:

Exploring Setting as Writers
Fire Side Book Chats: The Confessions of a Heartless Girl & The Wrong Number 2

*********

Setting

Think about where the bulk of your story will take place. This might be a city, a forest, a house, etc. Create a setting that shows.

In what time period is your story set?

Copy and paste the information below for each major setting in your short story. So if your short story takes place in three locations, you need to copy and paste this three times and answer each question for that specific setting. Please do not have more than three settings.

Setting Location:

Describe how the setting looks.

Describe the sounds of the settings.

What tastes are involved in the setting?

What smells are in the setting?

Describe what the setting feels like to the touch. This could could involve physical feeling or a sense or something felt in the air.

Fireside Book Chat:

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

I read the book The Confessions of a Heartless Girl. By Martha Brooks.

Tell us a briefly what the book is about (summary of the book.)

Well there was this girl named Noreen and she was living with her mom and her dad. Her dad abused

her so she went to go live with her aunt Gladys. She lived there till she was 17 and then she went off

with her boyfriend which she was with ever since since the 9^th grade. She was 17 and living with her

boyfriend Wesley. She has just noticed that he was pregnant and couple of weeks ago. But, she has

been with another guy before Wesley. She was about 2 weeks into her pregnancy. And she left Wesle

y and went with Del. So it was 8 and a half months that passed and he has been having pains in her

stomach so Del took her to the hospital and she went into labor ad 7 and a half hours Del went in to

see how she was and she went in seeing a beautiful baby BOY (:

What was your favorite scene? Describe.

My favorite scene was when Noreen had her baby and how he was happy with herslef for doing

something good.

In your opinion, was the book an easy or hard read?

It was kinda hard because it was going back and forth threw the story from Del to Noreen to Wesley

and all of the characters.

If you could meet your favorite character in this book somewhere, who would you meet, where

would you meet them and why?

I would meet Noreen and I wold meet her at her work because she is always there.

Was there anything about this book that you didn’t like? If so, what was it?

Nope I liked everything.

Would you recommend others read this book? Why?

Yes, It tells young girls to finish school and not to get pregnant at 17 years old.

Out of a 5 star rating with 5 being the highest, how would you rate this book.

5 stars

*********************

Fireside Book Chat:

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

I read The Wrong Number 2 and R.L. Stine wrote it.

Tell us a briefly what the book is about (summary of the book.)

Its about 2 girls who are trying to find out why this guy tried to kill them one summer ago and they

get a phone call from what it sounds like him but he’s in jail .

What was your favorite scene? Describe.

My favorite scene is when they are tied up in the basement of the guy’s house and they try to untie the

rope. They finally get it before they get caught on fire.

In your opinion, was the book an easy or hard read?

I thought it was a easy read.

If you could meet your favorite character in this book somewhere, who would you meet, where

would you meet them and why?

I would meet one of the girls and her name is Jade. I would like to meet her at the mall because she

likes shopping.

Was there anything about this book that you didn’t like? If so, what was it?

Nope I liked it all.

Would you recommend others read this book? Why?

Yes I would, because I thought it was a really good book.

Out of a 5 star rating with 5 being the highest, how would you rate this book.

5 stars

Room 312 - Creating Character, Book Reviews

room312 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:39:44 +0000

The show is about:

1. Literature Concept: Creating a compelling character for your own short story.

2. Book Review: The Insiders by J. Minters

Creating Your Protagonist/Antagonist

The first part in creating any short story is to create a memorable character you want to write about. This questionnaire should help. Don’t just flippantly fill in the answers. Remember, that every decision you make now will affect how your story will feel and end up. All characters must be school appropriate. While you will probably not use all this information, it is helpful to get a real feel for your character by thinking through these things and writing them out.

The Basics:

• What is your character’s name? Does the character have a nickname?

• What is your character’s hair color? Eye color?

* What does the character wear?

• Who are your character’s friends and family?

* Who does he/she surround herself with and who are the people your character is closest to? (confidante)

* Describe the confidante.

* Where does he/she call home?

• Where does your character go when he/she is angry?

• Does he/she have a secret? Can the antagonist/protagonist exploit it?

• What is in your character’s refrigerator right now?

* On her bedroom floor?

* On her nightstand?

* In her garbage can?

* Does your character have any habits?

Room 312 - Point of View II, Book Reviews

room312 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:11:13 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

1. Literature Concept: The 3rd POV

2. A Book Review of Coach Carter and The Death Collector

POINTS OF VIEW Sharon Sorenson

Selecting Point of View

Because readers identify with the point of view from which the story is told, how you tell your story will determine its message. The cliché “There are two sides to every story” is accurate only as far as it goes. Actually there are as many “sides” as there are people involved. Even someone outside the conflict will have a perspective from which he or she can relate the details, but his or her perspective will necessarily omit the personal reactions of those actually involved in the conflict. He or she has no way of knowing these reactions.

Defining Point Of View

Point of view is the place from which, or way in which, something is viewed. Semantically, that means that there can be three points view:

1. my point of view,

2. your point of view, and

3. other people’s points of view.

Language textbooks refer to these as

1. first-person,

2. second-person, and

3. third-person points of view.

In terms of a short story, the point of view is the perspective from which the story is told.

The short story is traditionally written from either first-person or third-person point of view. (Only rarely is any story written from second-person point of view.) Within the third-person point of view, however, short-story writers recognize three distinct perspectives:

1. third-person,

2. limited third-person, and

3. omniscient third-person.

The following explanations and examples illustrate each of perspectives. Your task will be to select the point of view from you can best tell your story.

Examining Points Of View

First-Person Point of View

The first-person point of view uses “I,” “me,” “my,” and “our. It permits the author to tell the story from the point of view of a narrator or of one of the characters in the story, major or minor. Only those feelings, observations, and reactions which that narrator or character experiences can appear in the story. The advantage of first-person point of view, of course, is that it puts readers close to the action.

Example of first-person POV:

I stood there contemplating the stack of sales records we had to compile before we could call it quits for the day. I just wanted to go home, be with the kids, watch the ball game.

I hesitated. “Well, Krista,” I began, hoping she wouldn’t be her usual grouchy self, “what do you want me to do first!”

She frowned. “Why don’t you sort the reports by department code?”

She sounded cross. I thought I heard her stomach growl. I guessed she must be hungry.

Third-Person Point of View

Third-person point of view uses “he,” “she” “they, “them,” and “their” as well as people’s names. A narrator tells the story, but he is more removed from the story than if he is using the omniscient point of view. In fact, he tells the story from only one character’s point of view, only as that character can observe.

Example of third-person POV:

She stood there contemplating the stack of sales records they had to compile before they could call it quits for the day. She just wanted to go home, have a quiet dinner with Tom, and curl up with a good book. She looked at Jerod.

“Lazy rat,” she thought, “he doesn’t even know how to enter the basic data.”

“So what do you want me to do first!” he asked.

Krista thought he sounded almost willing to help. She hesitated, looked at him again, frowning, unsure why he seemed so helpful. “Why don’t you sort the reports by department code?” she suggested. Silently she added, “And we’ll see if you have any idea what you’re doing.”

Limited Third-Person Point of View

Similar to third-person point of view, the limited third person uses (the,” “she,” “they,” and “them.” The significant difference is that this third-person narrator is not part of the story and cannot read any character’s mind.

Example of Limited Third-Person Point of View:

She stood there looking at the stack of sales records they had to compile before they could call it quits for the day. She looked at Jerod. It was not a friendly look.

“So what do you want me to do first!” he asked.

She hesitated, looked at him again, frowning. “Why don’t you sort the reports by department code?” she suggested.

Omniscient Third-Person Point of View

The all-knowing, all-seeing point of view is almost always that of the author-narrator. Only the author knows all, sees all, understands all. Only he or she can tell what each character thinks, knows, feels.

Example of Omniscient Third-Person Point of View:

Jerod and Krista stood contemplating the stack of sales records to be compiled before they could call it quits for the day. Neither wanted to work late; that was understandable. But Jerod liked to ease back and let Krista assume the real burden. He hoped she’d make quick work of it tonight. Little did he know that Krista resented his mere presence.

“Lazy rat,” she thought. “He doesn’t even know how to enter the basic data.” Her stomach growled.

By way of summary, the following chart shows the four major points of view:

POINTS OF VIEW CHART

                   Character

Name               or Narrator     Characteristics            Pronouns

first person       either          speaker part of story       I, me, my,

                                   can observe all             mine, we, us

                                   characters but reveals      our(s)

                                   feelings and reactions

                                   only of self

third person       either          story told only as          he, him, his,

                                   one character can           she, her(s),

                                   observe                     they, them,

                                                               their(s)

limited third     narrator         narrator not part of        he, him, his,

person                             part of story,              she, her(s),

                                   cannot read any             they, them,

                                   character’s mind            their(s)

omniscient        narrator         narrator/author             he, him, his,

third person                       knows all and               she, her(s),

                                   sees all                    they, them,

                                                               their(s)

Room 312 - Point of View I, Book Reviews

room312 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:08:16 +0000

Today’s Podcast:

1. Literature Concept: The 1st and 2nd POV

2. The Word Pick Mix Up: Quite, Quiet

3. A Book Review of Speak

POINTS OF VIEW Sharon Sorenson

Selecting Point of View

Defining Point Of View

Point of view is the place from which, or way in which, something is viewed. Semantically, that means that there can be three points view:

1. my point of view,

2. your point of view, and

3. other people’s points of view.

Language textbooks refer to these as

1. first-person,

2. second-person, and

3. third-person points of view.

In terms of a short story, the point of view is the perspective from which the story is told.

1. third-person,

2. limited third-person, and

3. omniscient third-person.

The following explanations and examples illustrate each of perspectives. Your task will be to select the point of view from you can best tell your story.

Examining Points Of View

First-Person Point of View

Example of first-person POV:

I stood there contemplating the stack of sales records we had to compile before we could call it quits for the day. I just wanted to go home, be with the kids, watch the ball game.

I hesitated. “Well, Krista,” I began, hoping she wouldn’t be her usual grouchy self, “what do you want me to do first!”

She frowned. “Why don’t you sort the reports by department code?”

She sounded cross. I thought I heard her stomach growl. I guessed she must be hungry.

Third-Person Point of View

Example of third-person POV:

“Lazy rat,” she thought, “he doesn’t even know how to enter the basic data.”

“So what do you want me to do first!” he asked.

Limited Third-Person Point of View

Example of Limited Third-Person Point of View:

She stood there looking at the stack of sales records they had to compile before they could call it quits for the day. She looked at Jerod. It was not a friendly look.

“So what do you want me to do first!” he asked.

She hesitated, looked at him again, frowning. “Why don’t you sort the reports by department code?” she suggested.

Omniscient Third-Person Point of View

Example of Omniscient Third-Person Point of View:

“Lazy rat,” she thought. “He doesn’t even know how to enter the basic data.” Her stomach growled.

By way of summary, the following chart shows the four major points of view:

POINTS OF VIEW CHART

                   Character

Name               or Narrator     Characteristics            Pronouns

first person       either          speaker part of story       I, me, my,

                                   can observe all             mine, we, us

                                   characters but reveals      our(s)

                                   feelings and reactions

                                   only of self

third person       either          story told only as          he, him, his,

                                   one character can           she, her(s),

                                   observe                     they, them,

                                                               their(s)

limited third     narrator         narrator not part of        he, him, his,

person                             part of story,              she, her(s),

                                   cannot read any             they, them,

                                   character’s mind            their(s)

omniscient        narrator         narrator/author             he, him, his,

third person                       knows all and               she, her(s),

                                   sees all                    they, them,

                                                               their(s)

Room 312 - Sequence This, Baby…

room312 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:41:49 +0000

Reading Strategy Breakdown:

Sequencing:

This asks us to take a linear look at the events in the story, paying attention to signal words that indicate a shift in action and place. The reason this is a strategy is because it encourages us to focus on the core events of the story.

Work Pick Mix Up:

Threw: to hurl something through the air

Through: passing from one side to another; endure

Ex: This article was about bullying and what kids go

threw at school.

There: in, at, or to that place or position

Their: belonging to people previously mention

Ex: Kids are scared to go to school, and when it gets

bad, it effects there life.

Fireside Book Chat:

A look at one of the Bluford High School series books.

English Site of the Week:

Grammar Bytes at www.chompchomp.com

Fanboys, Mixed Up Words, and a Fireside Book Chat

room312 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:17:53 +0000

Today we have a different show:

Grammar Point:

Word Pick Mix Up:

Book Chat with one of my current students:

************

Grammar Point:

This is a common error. Starting a sentence with one of the Fanboys, more technically known as coordinating conjunctions.

* For

* And

* Nor

* But

* Or

* Yet

* So

Ex: And Tony Stark’s other name was the “Merchant of Death”.
Sound clip

Why is this wrong?

A CC is used to join two independent clauses together, that is to say they join two complete sentences. English teachers call these types pf sentences compound sentences.
CC are always preceded by a commas.
So if CCs are always joining sentence together and are preceded by a comma, then to place them first in a sentence is incorrect. After all what are they joining?

Some will say you start with one for effect. While this may be true, most teachers and professionals will still look down on it if you write that way.

Word Pick Mix UP:

Defiance movie clip

Defiant: (spell word) open resistance; bold disobedience

Definite: ( spell word) clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful

Fireside Book Chat: (Fireside sounds)

So what book did you read and who wrote it?

Tell a brief summary of the book.

Was the book an easy or hard read?

Tell me about a favorite character and why?

Was there anything about the story you didn’t like? If so what was it.

So what your recommendation.

Basic Elements of Plot Part II

room312 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:12:50 +0000

A continuation from the last episode that actually looks at the traditional structure of plot.

Basic Elements of Plot Part I

room312 — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:11:37 +0000

Introduces background elements to the plot structure.

Room 312 - General Reading Strategies

room312 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:48:23 +0000

Looks at the reading strategies of questioning, predicting, clarifying, connecting, and evaluating. English site of the week: http://ohiorc.org/adlit/strategy/

Examples from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings

Room 312 - Types of Characters

room312 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:39:16 +0000

Explores the 6 basic types of characterization used in story telling: flat, round, static, dynamic, spear carrier, and confidante.