Good morning and happy Monday! For today's warm-up, let's reflect back to our conversation on Friday. We talked about societal expectations based on gender. Staying on that topic, think of a time you went against the norm--it could be that you're a boy whose favorite color is pink or maybe you're a girl who is a huge football fan. Write about the situation, how you felt, how others reacted, and anything else you find pertinent.

Ready, set... WRITE!
 
First, find your new seat!  Yay!  We are going to spend a few minutes getting to know the people around you.  Introduce yourself and provide the following information:  your name, any hobbies or activities, and your favorite cereal!

Next, we will do a quick write over our week's activities:
     Why do you think that Ben Franklin's autobiography is relevant for this time?  
     What lessons or ideas will you take away from it?  
     What have you learned from this exercise?
     As we move into the Declaration of Independence, what do you remember about it?
     If you were to declare yourself free of something, what would it be?

 
Word on the street is that many of you haven't finished using your vocabulary words to tell a story or write a description.  In order to help you out a little bit, Miss Lamb is giving you 10 minutes to work on this project.  If you finish early, continue working on your Ben Franklin Autobiography.  We will continue it and begin studying the Declaration of Independence today.

Ready, set...VOCAB!
 
Happy New Year and New Semester to each and every one of you!  I am sorry that I  couldn't be with you  yesterday, but we will kick off the semester today instead.  Grades start over now--well, starting yesterday--so remember that as you make sure to turn in everything assigned!  No last minute scrambling this semester!

Now, onto your first warm-up of the new semester!  At this time of the year, so many people are talking about resolutions.  Some of you probably have some and are sticking to them, while others may have already abandoned your new projects.  What I want you to think and write about today is why we are on a never ending quest to change our lives around.  Why do you think new year's resolutions are such a big deal?  Why don't people resolve to change on June 3rd or December 16th?  What is it about the new year?  

The expectation is that you will write for AT LEAST 5 minutes straight.  I'll set the timer and then you may begin (or continue!).  As high school juniors, approaching your senior year, 5 minutes should produce more than 1 or 2 sentences.  You should be able to write AT LEAST half a page!  Again, remember that if you get stuck, you should just write the same thing again until something new comes to you!

Ready, set...WRITE!