Homework for Wednesday/Thursday

For homework you will need to read the next two chapters in The Color of Water. After you finish reading, write in your journal about the ways in which you, the mother, and James have had similar or different school experiences.

Also, I think that since we're getting close to start review for the EOC. So, I am planning to have a wrapping up non-fiction quiz/test pretty soon. Just FYI!

Benchmarks

There is no homework tonight. Remember that rough drafts which were not turned in last Thursday/Friday will be collected no later than this Thursday/Friday.

Weekend Homework

For this weekend I need for you to do two things:

1. Review your notes for the benchmark. Any literary terms that you're not clear on or anything that you need further clarification on - please ask! Leave a comment on this blog entry and I'll do my best to answer.

2. Read to page seventy-eight (78) in The Color of Water. In your journal, write about what you think is the most significant difference between the mom's childhood and James's childhood. Write at least one full paragraph.

I want to try something...

I want to see what it would be like to have an online conversation about the book that we're reading.  So, I'd like for you to leave a comment about the following question.

I want to see what people think about the theme of identity that is developing in the text.  How are both of the main characters - the mother and James - developing their own identities?  How is each character's identity changing?

So - just leave a comment.  We'll see how this goes.

Homework

You will have two things to do before the next class. First, read in The Color of Water until page fifty-seven. I've heard that there is an interesting event in the next few chapters. Second, your rough drafts are due at the beginning of next class.

Next class we will be having an in class review for our final Benchmark. After that will be the Benchmark and then we will return to our study of non-fiction.

Extra Help

If you would like to see me about extra help on your poetry analysis assignment - please come see me tomorrow.  Also, please remember that tomorrow is the last day to finish the poetry test.  If you need to make it up because you were absent, you need to do this before Friday.

Book Club Homework - Weekend Edition

This weekend you will need to read to the end of chapter four in The Color of Water. In your journals, please answer the following questions in a short paragraph:

What is the best part of this book so far? Why? What is the the worst part? Why?

This will be journal entry number five. Also, expect a quiz on the first four chapters soon!

Book Club Homework

Tonight for homework you need to complete reading chapters one and two of The Color of Water. Pay close attention to how this book opens. What does the author do to draw you in as a reader at the beginning of the book? Is it effective? Why or why not?

Ideas for studying...

1. Instead of simply reading the definitions of the different literary devices in your textbook or online, write them out and then find examples of those devices and determine WHY that quote is an example of that literary device.

• For example: simile - a comparison between two things using like or as. "Love is like a rose." This is a simile because it compares love to a rose (two unlike things) by using like.

2. Write practice questions for poems (either multiple choice or short answer) and attempt to answer them. This is especially effective in preparing for short answer.

3. Review the poems that we have studied in class - make sure that you know some basic information on these. Perhaps you would want to use your notes sheet to take notes.

4. Review any notes from poems that you have.

5. Some people find it useful to study in groups - remember that if you choose to do this you should focus on being productive and discussing the poetry.

That should do it. Remember to bring a pencil, pen and paper to the test. My supplies are running low and I will not be able to lend things to anyone on the test day.

Next Class

For the next class I will be collecting your poetry projects AT THE END OF CLASS and we will be having our Poetry Slam. For the slam you can either present your own work or you can present something by someone else. I will be grading you on the following elements: your use of imagery, your style and rhythm and your clear speaking and eye contact. Practice!

Your poetry test will be on the 14th for A day and 15th for B day - you'll get a study guide next class.

Also...If I have not seen an outline for your poetry analysis, I need to see something by study hall on Monday. If you feel that you need help on your papers, come see me by Monday's study hall.