Welcome to Mr. Chappell's most excellent blog. If you attend Derby Middle School in the 7th grade, you have found the right place!
GRADING: For this unit will comprise of journal entries, vocabulary sheets, a comprehension test, and a vocabulary test.
JOURNALS: Remember the composition book you were supposed to get at the beginning of the year? Well, we will be using this book for writing every day. For each chapter you are expected to write complete, thoughtful response to each question posted. The next day the journal is due at the beginning of class. Your journal will be returned to you at the end of class.
VOCABULARY SHEETS: Remember the Voc/Sum sheets we used for reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry? Well, these new ones are similar and can be found here. The vocabulary will be collected at the end of the unit after the vocabulary test.
CHAPTER I - JOURNAL WRITING PROMPTS:
1) What information do you know about each character upon their arrival? What information provided is obvious, and what can be inferred?
2) Which character had “the list?” What do you think was the point of the list?
3) Was each character invited to the island by the same person? If not, who was invited by whom? What was the reason they were invited?
CHAPTER 1 - VOCABULARY: Semitic, Guineas, Pacifically, Bedouin, Scrutinize
ACTIVITY: Watch the following short video in order to get acquainted with the concept of blogging.
*EXTRA CREDIT: There was a video game made for the PC and for the Nintendo Wii based upon the novel we are reading, And Then There Were None. Check out the trailer.
If you have access to a PC or a Wii and are interested in playing, just create a gaming log (similar to our reading log) and a write up once you are done for some fun extra credit. NOTE: The video game is similar but not the same as the novel. There are differences and those differences might inadvertently cause some confusion for the comprehension test.
That's it! If you care to comment on the new blog, please keep it constructive and appropriate.
See-yah!
That's it. The vocabulary words and the new vocab pdfs are updated. Good luck everybody!
ReplyDeleteEach chapter starts with a black box and the roman numeral inside of it. The chapter does not start in the middle of the page with just the roman numeral.
ReplyDeleteThat's correct, Sam. The roman numerals in the black boxes are the chapter headings. The other roman numerals are there to show a change in scene. Great comment!
ReplyDeleteMr. Chappell would you please put the words for the chapter of the day on the board, it is a lot easier to find them if you know them in advance.
ReplyDeleteThat'a great idea. I'll put them up at the beginning of the hour if someone reminds me. As a back up, I'll also keep them on the blog for your reference at home.
ReplyDeleteMr. Chappell,
ReplyDeleteThe word guineas is used many times on multipe pages, which one should we use for our vocabulary sheet?
Another great question. I recommend you use the vocabulary word's first appearance, if anything for consistency. If you don't use the first one, that's okay.
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to a website where you can download the AND THEN THERE WERE NONE game for $6.99:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/2197/agatha-christie-and-then-there-were-none/index.html
Mr Chappell,
ReplyDeleteCould you possibly put the vocabulary words for the chapters on the blog, just in case we don't write them?
Sorry, I just noticed you had them up there. Nevermind.
ReplyDeleteSweet link! Thanks to whomever was on the ball. I'm assuming it is the PC version that can be downloaded, not the Wii.
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a link for game on the Wii at your nearest Gamestop. Just type in your zip code to find the nearest store:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=68656
Looks like there is one 30 minutes from Birmingham.
Will you give us a vocab. sheet and a sheet with questions tomorrow like you did with ROTHMC?
ReplyDeleteFor the video game log, do our parents need to sign it?
ReplyDeleteAre you going to give us the voc/sum sheets in class?
ReplyDeleteThere is a Gamestop at Somerset Mall if you want to get the Wii version.
ReplyDeleteReally good questions Mr. Chappell, they really get you thinking. Atr first i didn't notice some things but after answering questions on them i found things i hadn't before!
ReplyDeleteFor the video game, do you want us to make our own blogs to track the information?
ReplyDeleteMr. Chappell,
ReplyDeleteIs the extra credit 5 points, or more?
Mr. Chappell,
ReplyDeleteIf we did not get some of the vocab., should we consult our fellow students, or would it be on this blog?
Mr. Chappell,
ReplyDeleteDo we have to write the Question and then the awnser or just the awnser.
For the game download in the link above, it is only available for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (all for PC). It is NOT available on Windows 7 and is NOT available on a MAC.
ReplyDeleteThere's a Gamestop on 13 mile. And if you could download the Wii version off of the internet, it's probably pirated... (illegal copy made by hackers)
ReplyDeleteAre we going to be graded on our response journals or are they going to be just a make sure you did it kind of thing?
ReplyDeleteWow! Talk about being "most excellent students!" You guys are on fire tonight. I'm so proud to be your teacher.
ReplyDeleteOkay, let me address one question at a time.
Q: For the video game log, do our parents need to sign it?"
A: Nope. I trust you. We'll go on the honor system as you guys have shown much, much integrity.
Q: Are you going to give us the voc/sum sheets in class?
Sure, if you want. I was hoping to move you guys toward becoming more independent. In some of the classes today, several students showed initiate and leadership and used our classroom computers to print out voc/sum sheets for themselves and others. If you want me to print them out for you, I can. But it's pretty easy to do it at home or in school for yourself.
Comment: Really good questions Mr. Chappell, they really get you thinking. Atr first i didn't notice some things but after answering questions on them i found things i hadn't before!
Response: Thank you! It's nice to be appreciated. I really do believe this is a cool book. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.
Q: For the video game, do you want us to make our own blogs to track the information?
A: That'll work. The videogame extra credit is just for fun, so let's keep it informal and put our best energies into the novel itself.
Q: Is the extra credit 5 points, or more?
A: I'm thinking more, depending upon how much you do with it. I never let extra credit make up more than 10% of your grade for a particular unit.
Q: If we did not get some of the vocab., should we consult our fellow students, or would it be on this blog?
A: I'm assuming you meant if you don't get the words (as opposed to the definitions). Either source would be good, but the blog would be more direct.
Q: Do we have to write the Question and then the answer or just the answer?
A: Rewriting the questions are optional. I would do it, if only to make sure that I fully answered it -- but hey, that's me. If you want to leave it out just number your answers.
Q: Are we going to be graded on our response journals or are they going to be just a make sure you did it kind of thing?
A: Yes, you will absolutely be graded on your response journals. I'm thinking the grades will likely be 75 points for all 16 response journals, 100 points for the comprehension test, 50 points for the vocabulary test, and 25 points for the vocabulary sheets. So that's a total of 250 points.
I'll make each journal worth 5 points. With 16 that's really 80 possible points, but I'll allow you to erase your lowest score. Everybody has an off day sometimes. So really, 75 points for the journals.
Again, great comments and questions everyone.
Also a shout out to our swimmers! I hope you're not having to stay up too late.
March 15, 2010 6:15 PM
Here is a link to the definition of sine qua non (found on page 7.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sine_qua_non
ReplyDeleteMr.Chappell, if we are having trouble printing the vocab. sheets at home, so can I turn in chapter 1 vocab. words on the same day as the chapter 2 vocab. words? I am going to do the journal for chapter 1 tonight.
ReplyDeleteGreat follow up on "Sine qua non." That's the kind of attention to detail and caring that truly outstanding students do!
ReplyDeleteQ: Mr.Chappell, if we are having trouble printing the vocab. sheets at home, so can I turn in chapter 1 vocab. words on the same day as the chapter 2 vocab. words? I am going to do the journal for chapter 1 tonight.
A: The journal for Chapter 1 is all that I'm collecting tomorrow. Sorry your printer is having trouble.
Q: Is General Macarthur the same general from World War 2
ReplyDeleteA: Nope. No relationship, as this was written almost twenty years prior to WWII. Great observation, though! If you end up playing the game, you'll notice that they renamed the General character. I'm guessing that it was probably for this very reason.
ReplyDeleteheyy i think that the pome had something to do with the ten people. i love this book so far. its amazin!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think that this blog is very helpful. Thanks Mr. Chappell!
ReplyDeleteCan i work like maybe in the class romm like 15 minutes in the morning, or maybe 5 just to make sure i have every thing ready?
ReplyDeleteHeres some advice make sure the vocab definition matches the meaning that would most match the storys meaning.
ReplyDeleteMr. Chappel I cant find a4y of da words. I need help.
ReplyDeleteHe guys I found the game at blockbuster for $32.95
ReplyDeleteCan anyboby tell me were to get the vocabuary shets?
ReplyDeleteI think you should put on the website which defintions are right so that we know them. This will help everybody out because it would make it easier for us to study if we know we have the right defintions! Could you do that for us?
ReplyDeletePatrick -
ReplyDeleteThe vocab sheets are on the first blog with a link that says the word "here." If you need help, check with Mr. Ludke or come see me during rec.
Just to let you guys know, Big Fish (the site with the downloadable) is very ligit and NOT pirated AT ALL!
ReplyDeleteQ: I think you should put on the website which defintions are right so that we know them. This will help everybody out because it would make it easier for us to study if we know we have the right defintions! Could you do that for us?
ReplyDeleteA: Sorry, Rachel. I don't think that would be a good idea.
Is that a model of how you would do it in the real world? Nope. You'd have to actually think about it yourself.
Is being able to "choose which definition matches" a skill that makes you think and build your word knowledge and language skills? Yup. I'm absolutely sure of it.
I'm hoping that you can make those decisions for yourself instead having it done for you. Choosing which definition matches the sentence IS part of the challenge. I know you can do it!
If I just gave you the exact, correct definitions, what would be the point? I know you all can memorize. It would be "dumbing down" or "spoon feeding" the answers.
I believe you're all better than that.
Hi Mr. Chappell, I just want to tell you that from reading the first chapter I thought this was going to be a really boring book. But after reading the second chapter I'm hooked! That poem was so scary and I can't wait to see what happens next. This book is getting better and better with every chapter.
ReplyDeletePs: I would like to thank you for being a most excellent teacher. I like how you push use to do certain things that other teachers don't.
- Nyjae
What reading level is this book? Because I don't know if it is just me but I have like no idea what is going on. All of the words are above my comprehension level. This book is making me feel dumb. :...(
ReplyDeletehi i have a quick question are there any other game stores to get the game at such as a target or other store?
ReplyDeleteI have other things at school I have to do and I do read my book its just these questions are too long and take me awhile so then I am up really late at night. I no you said that the next day we should just risk a 0 but some of us depend on that grade to help us.
ReplyDeleteCOMMENT:
ReplyDeleteWhat reading level is this book? Because I don't know if it is just me but I have like no idea what is going on. All of the words are above my comprehension level. This book is making me feel dumb. :...(
RESPONSE:
First of all, don't feel dumb. None of my students are dumb. I know because I'm your English teacher. So don't be down on yourself.
According to this website:
http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:Hf_wN6etRD4J:www.sd68.k12.il.us/schools/orchard/lmc/mystery.htm+and+then+there+were+none+reading+level&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
The reading level listed is 5.7, so unless I'm mistaken that means that it is at the level of 5th grades, 7th month (about half way to 6th grade.
That said, I don't think there is any way that a typical 5th grader in March would be up for the challenge of this book.
What makes it hard is that the text is DENSE with information. Your reading mind is like a muscle, and this is some serious heavy lifting.
Don't quit. Don't give up. Just practice all those good habits you learned in elementary school like re-reading, looking at words in context, and don't forget the power of the almighty Google. I promise you, as someone who gets frustrated reading things sometimes too, it will get easier if you don't give up.
QUESTION:
hi i have a quick question are there any other game stores to get the game at such as a target or other store?
RESPONSE:
Good question. Why don't you call around and see, then let us know?
COMMENT
I have other things at school I have to do and I do read my book its just these questions are too long and take me awhile so then I am up really late at night. I no you said that the next day we should just risk a 0 but some of us depend on that grade to help us.
RESPONSE
I think you can do it. Every year students have managed to succeed at this book if they don't give up. I can't imagine that you'd be an exception. If you are experiencing a lot of frustration, don't hesitate to come see me during Rec. I'm here to help.
The second chapter questions arent up on my computer, is it just my computer, or are they not up?
ReplyDeleteThey are. Make sure you click on the left column under "Feedback." If you're not familiar to blogs, every new entry will be a separate "posting." You can navigate between the pages on the left side of the screen at the top.
ReplyDeleteTo Nyjae and others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positivity. This can be frustrating, but so can learning to drive. But then again, who doesn't want to be able to drive? Similarly, who doesn't want to learn to appreciate and be able to smartly navigate a masterpiece of literature?
It's a great piece of art, really. One needs only to learn to hear the music...
Mr.Chappell,
ReplyDeleteare Mr.Davis and Mr. Blore the same person? i'm pretty sure that Mr. Blore is pretending to be Mr. Davis but im only about 70% sure.
QUESTION:
ReplyDeleteMr.Chappell,
are Mr.Davis and Mr. Blore the same person? i'm pretty sure that Mr. Blore is pretending to be Mr. Davis but im only about 70% sure.
ANSWER: Take a look on page 14, near the bottom. "South Africa," said Mr. Blore, "that's my line!"
Then look on page 23 at the top. Where does Davis say he's from again?
Uh-huh. That's some serious literary brainwork going on there.
You are SO smart. Nothing gets by you guys. Keep it up!
Your 70% should now be 100%.
Wow, I found the game for a way better price then 30 bucks on smashbeats.com, the price is $0.95.
ReplyDeletewhats 3e SD
ReplyDeleteI finished chapter 4 so should i just go on?
ReplyDeleteIf you really look at the plot so far you can make connections from clue and how the plots match each other in alot of ways.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone wants it, I got a few copys of the game from some of my budies that are video game betatesters and I can lend them out. By the way I found a software compatibility patch so the game can be played on Mac OS X. The patch is only compadible with Mac OS X leopard 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.9 and 10.11. The gaming quality is not as good and the program could stop responding. But that is very rare.
ReplyDeleteThe only bad thing about smashbeats.com is that it takes forever to download.
ReplyDeleteCOMMENT:
ReplyDeleteIf anyone wants it, I got a few copys of the game from some of my budies that are video game betatesters and I can lend them out. By the way I found a software compatibility patch so the game can be played on Mac OS X. The patch is only compadible with Mac OS X leopard 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and Mac OS Snow Leopard 10.9 and 10.11. The gaming quality is not as good and the program could stop responding. But that is very rare.
RESPONSE: You are the MAN, Tom. Way to be a team player!
When everyone dies, do they die referring to the Ten Little Idian Boy poem?
ReplyDeleteThis book is hard to understand
ReplyDeleteHang in there Patrick. Mr. Ludke has an audio book that might help.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus for this blog.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a really confusing book at the beggining. But it getting better and less confusing as the chapters go on.
ReplyDeleteHey guys, I know a lot of you are looking for that game. What ever you do dont try and download them from those open source sites. They have virus and hacking protections of a Gameboy. In simple words the sites are filled with hackers and viruses ect. So if you like your computer and you like it with no viruses just go out and buy the game.
ReplyDeleteOK!
ReplyDeleteHere are the rankings for who you think did the murders!
1. Emily Brent
2. Mr. Justice Wargrave TIED WITH Philip Lombard
3. Mr. Blore TIED WITH Mr. Rogers
4. Dr. Armstrong
5. Vera Claythorne
6. Mrs. Rogers
7. Tony Marston
8. General Macarthur and UNKOWN!!!
Wow Agatha Kriste really did a good job throwing us around with guessing who the murderer was.
ReplyDelete