1. Just like we practiced and did several examples together yesterday, students were given an activity sheet / test with eight topics related to the novel, Of Mice and Men. For example: P. 80 The author visually shows the fear Crooks has for Curley’s wife. Or P. 94 Whether it has been unclear until now, the author clearly lets the reader see George’s true thoughts regarding their dream of owning a farm. The students then had to find part of a sentence to support that topic and create their own sentence integrating it.
   For example: George admits he knew “from the very first … [they would] never do her [but Lennie] usta like to hear about it so much”(P. 94).
   Another example: Crooks stares “hopelessly at her, and then [sits] down … and [draws] into himself” (P. 80) because he is fearful of the threat Curley’s wife poses.
2. We’ll see for tomorrow’s class whether we move on or whether we spend more time on developing and strengthening this skill.

Side Note:

I’ve been reminding them a lot lately of monitoring their own focus during class. Since we’ve been working on learning, reviewing, and developing skills lately, it leaves some students open to more talking or falling out of focus. They are getting better at it and have maintained a positive attitude about it, despite my constant prodding. But…

I mentioned to them today that in talking with a friend recently I’ve come to look at it a little differently. I used to know someone who would walk so painfully slow that it was annoying. This friend pointed out the other person failed to  “walk with purpose”. In the same light as this, though, I challenged these students to come to class… “with purpose”. They will not be able to learn and retain what we’re discussing here if they simply attend class – it will not sink in through osmosis! Instead, they need to come to class with a purpose – to pay attention, to listen carefully, to avoid conversations, to make Ms. Waldner proud!! (Most likely!) I tried to make the distinction that, for some, the biggest difference between themselves and another peer who maybe has a higher mark in class is that purpose, not skill.

We’ll see if this will translate into some changes in behaviour. I hope!!