AP English III:
You have a few things to work on tonight as we move toward finishing the quarter. First, I would like to remind you to finish The Catcher in the Rye. We'll have probably our final discussion on the novel on Thursday/Friday before moving forward to begin our next major piece. In connection to finishing Catcher I'd like for you to read the piece called "Why Don't We Complain" by William F. Buckley. This can be found in 50 Essays or at the following link. Read this thoroughly and annotate it. Pay particular attention to the argument that Buckley presents and the way in which he goes about proving that argument.
Lastly, papers. I've been seeing a lot of you this week to conference. Please keep coming to see me. I like that I can see a lot of movement with these papers and from talking to a lot of you, it seems as though you're really getting into this new kind of academic writing. We will continue this type of writing with not a lot of pause as we will shortly begin working on our research papers.
English I:
On Thursday/Friday we will have our quarterly vocabulary quiz on words from Animal Farm - please use the list that I gave you last week to prepare for this. We will also be having our Animal Farm unit examination on Tuesday/Wednesday of next week. You should all begin preparing for this if you haven't yet done so. I'll be giving you a study guide on Thursday/Friday that you can use over the weekend to prepare.
As well for all of you, papers. Please keep writing and revising. A lot of you are coming to see me, which is a really good thing. I'll be collecting your final drafts next week. Don't miss an opportunity to show how your skills have improved this year.
Showing posts with label catcher in the rye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label catcher in the rye. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Homework for 1/6 and 1/9
A few things to accomplish over the weekend. Spend some time to get prepared and make sure that you're ending the quarter on a really good note.
AP English III:
You're all at very different places in the drafting process which is fine. You have all of the next two weeks to complete drafting. Remember that you have your rubrics that will be used to grade the essays. This should be by your side as you draft so that you know what you're going to be scored on. Please try to see me next week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) after school for conferencing on your papers.
Over the weekend you also need to finish reading The Catcher in the Rye - this should be a quick finish for you as the ending of the book moves quite rapidly.
Lastly, you need to know that you will have another timed writing soon. It will be an analysis. Please review your notes on crafting a good analysis so that you are prepared for this timed writing adventure.
English I:
Your biggest priority this weekend is to finish your propaganda homework assignment. This assignment is due on Tuesday/Wednesday. Remember that you need to turn in not only your poster but also your worksheet with all seven slogans on it. Also, Honors kids, remember that you have an additional writing assignment to complete with this poster as well. The other major priority you have to is to begin revising your essays. Remember that the essays will be due on the 19th (A-day) and 20th (B-day).
Next week you have your vocabulary quiz. This will happen on Thursday/Friday. We also have that Animal Farm examination. I know that there's a lot to get done here at the end of the quarter, but I'm sure that you all can rise to the challenge. Please be sure to see me after school to get help on your essays or anything that you're working on for me.
AP English III:
You're all at very different places in the drafting process which is fine. You have all of the next two weeks to complete drafting. Remember that you have your rubrics that will be used to grade the essays. This should be by your side as you draft so that you know what you're going to be scored on. Please try to see me next week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) after school for conferencing on your papers.
Over the weekend you also need to finish reading The Catcher in the Rye - this should be a quick finish for you as the ending of the book moves quite rapidly.
Lastly, you need to know that you will have another timed writing soon. It will be an analysis. Please review your notes on crafting a good analysis so that you are prepared for this timed writing adventure.
English I:
Your biggest priority this weekend is to finish your propaganda homework assignment. This assignment is due on Tuesday/Wednesday. Remember that you need to turn in not only your poster but also your worksheet with all seven slogans on it. Also, Honors kids, remember that you have an additional writing assignment to complete with this poster as well. The other major priority you have to is to begin revising your essays. Remember that the essays will be due on the 19th (A-day) and 20th (B-day).
Next week you have your vocabulary quiz. This will happen on Thursday/Friday. We also have that Animal Farm examination. I know that there's a lot to get done here at the end of the quarter, but I'm sure that you all can rise to the challenge. Please be sure to see me after school to get help on your essays or anything that you're working on for me.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Homework for 1/4 and 1/5
Sorry for not getting this up earlier for all of you. I had people with me after school and then I had to run immediately to my optometrist appointment. So, here's your homework for tonight.
AP English III:
The biggest priority for all of you is to really get drafting on those papers. You've got a workshop for your drafts on Friday (A-day) and Monday (B-day). I want you to have as much of your paper together as possible for this draft workshop. You should have at least your introduction and first body paragraph or two put together. I'll be available after school next week and Friday of this week for you to get some one-on-one help if needed. I would recommend that as many of you as possible come to see me to get some extra feedback.
I want to remind you all of something really key to this paper. This is an argument. You are creating your argument about whatever topic you see; then you use the literature to support your argument. Most of you are really strong at writing arguments. I think that some of you are losing that angle of this paper - keep that in mind and keep your argument at the forefront of your essay. Then you'll do really well.
Lastly, for Friday/Monday, be to the end of chapter twenty-three in Catcher. Your next reading check will be to finish the novel - some of you may want to just go ahead and finish it.
English I:
Alright - a few things for you all to get accomplished before our next class. Your first priority it to also finish your drafts of your definition essays. It seems from talking to a lot of you today that many of you have finished or nearly finished your essays. Very good work. On Friday/Monday we will also have a draft workshop and then we'll have chances after school next week for you all to come see me to get some extra help.
One reminder for all of you is to make sure that you always connect your examples clearly to your topic. From the drafts I've seen so far, a lot of you are leaving me to see the connection to your examples and the idea of leadership, for example.
The homework assignment that you have to complete builds on the idea of propaganda that we discussed today in class. Follow the instructions on your worksheet to the letter. When you turn in your poster, you will also need to turn in your worksheet on the slogans. Honors students, remember that you have an additional requirement to explain your symbolism. This poster assignment is due on Tuesday/Wednesday for all of you.
Finally, I gave you all your vocabulary list to prepare you for your quarter two vocabulary exam. Use that list to study and prepare for your vocabulary exam. You will have that exam next week - get ready over the weekend.
AP English III:
The biggest priority for all of you is to really get drafting on those papers. You've got a workshop for your drafts on Friday (A-day) and Monday (B-day). I want you to have as much of your paper together as possible for this draft workshop. You should have at least your introduction and first body paragraph or two put together. I'll be available after school next week and Friday of this week for you to get some one-on-one help if needed. I would recommend that as many of you as possible come to see me to get some extra feedback.
I want to remind you all of something really key to this paper. This is an argument. You are creating your argument about whatever topic you see; then you use the literature to support your argument. Most of you are really strong at writing arguments. I think that some of you are losing that angle of this paper - keep that in mind and keep your argument at the forefront of your essay. Then you'll do really well.
Lastly, for Friday/Monday, be to the end of chapter twenty-three in Catcher. Your next reading check will be to finish the novel - some of you may want to just go ahead and finish it.
English I:
Alright - a few things for you all to get accomplished before our next class. Your first priority it to also finish your drafts of your definition essays. It seems from talking to a lot of you today that many of you have finished or nearly finished your essays. Very good work. On Friday/Monday we will also have a draft workshop and then we'll have chances after school next week for you all to come see me to get some extra help.
One reminder for all of you is to make sure that you always connect your examples clearly to your topic. From the drafts I've seen so far, a lot of you are leaving me to see the connection to your examples and the idea of leadership, for example.
The homework assignment that you have to complete builds on the idea of propaganda that we discussed today in class. Follow the instructions on your worksheet to the letter. When you turn in your poster, you will also need to turn in your worksheet on the slogans. Honors students, remember that you have an additional requirement to explain your symbolism. This poster assignment is due on Tuesday/Wednesday for all of you.
Finally, I gave you all your vocabulary list to prepare you for your quarter two vocabulary exam. Use that list to study and prepare for your vocabulary exam. You will have that exam next week - get ready over the weekend.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Homework for Winter Break - Get it Done!
Here are your guidelines for Winter Break. You do not need to complete any of this work for Tuesday. On Tuesday we're going to have a nice relaxing day of films and review. A smooth transition to the break! Remember that it's a B-day when we get back. B-day students, we'll be having our movie day the first day back for a nice smooth transition.
AP English III:
You have two massive priorities for Winter Break: your term papers and your reading. Let's deal with the reading first and then the papers. By the end of Winter Break you need to be to the end of chapter twenty-one in The Catcher in the Rye. This is a good chunk of reading to get done over break, but it's not impossible. Some of you may even be able to finish this in the first few days of break. As you read, continue to develop your annotations and look closely at the deeper issues that we've begun discussing as a class. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with after Break.
Your other major goal for Winter Break is to complete a draft of your term paper using the Google document that you've shared with me. If you have yet to construct and share your document you are falling behind! This is not the type of paper that you can throw together in a weekend and expect to do well on. Once you've completed your brainstorming and gotten my approval, you should then begin your outline. Once I see that your outline is fully developed, then I will tell you to start drafting your essay. Remember the important steps of the outline process:
English I:
Over break you all have an essay to be working on as well. Hopefully by this point you've figured out what your introduction paragraph is and you've pulled out your nine examples that you'll discuss in the essay. Your rough drafts are also due on the 6th of January for A-day and the 9th for B-day. Please make sure that you're keeping everything focused on the novel Animal Farm and your concept and definition. Tie all of your examples back to your definition through your explanation. I will be available the first week that we get back for any individual conferencing that you may need.
I did also want to let you all know that you should expect an exam on Animal Farm in the second week after we get back from Break. Review the story and your notes over the break to make sure that you're prepared. This exam will also cover some of the concepts we've studied in the first semester, making it more of a midterm. It would be a good idea to also take a look at your earlier literature and writing notes to prepare for this exam.
I hope that you all have a lovely and restful break! Enjoy the time off but make sure that you get done what you need to get done. A-day kids, I'll see you on Tuesday. B-day kids, I'll see you in 2012!
AP English III:
You have two massive priorities for Winter Break: your term papers and your reading. Let's deal with the reading first and then the papers. By the end of Winter Break you need to be to the end of chapter twenty-one in The Catcher in the Rye. This is a good chunk of reading to get done over break, but it's not impossible. Some of you may even be able to finish this in the first few days of break. As you read, continue to develop your annotations and look closely at the deeper issues that we've begun discussing as a class. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with after Break.
Your other major goal for Winter Break is to complete a draft of your term paper using the Google document that you've shared with me. If you have yet to construct and share your document you are falling behind! This is not the type of paper that you can throw together in a weekend and expect to do well on. Once you've completed your brainstorming and gotten my approval, you should then begin your outline. Once I see that your outline is fully developed, then I will tell you to start drafting your essay. Remember the important steps of the outline process:
- Construct your argument. What is this essay going to prove? We used to call this your thesis, but I prefer to call it an argument. Make sure that as you construct your argument you make sure it's got DADS (debatable, analytical, defensible, specific).
- Pull out all possible quotes from your sources and group them together. As you do this, think about how you're going to organize your essay. What will you need to discuss first? What will you need to discuss second? And so on...
- After you've pulled out the quotes and examples, begin to connect them to your argument. How do these different quotations support and prove your argument to be true. Put this information under the examples and explain! Remember, you want to leave absolutely no doubt in my mind that your idea is valid.
English I:
Over break you all have an essay to be working on as well. Hopefully by this point you've figured out what your introduction paragraph is and you've pulled out your nine examples that you'll discuss in the essay. Your rough drafts are also due on the 6th of January for A-day and the 9th for B-day. Please make sure that you're keeping everything focused on the novel Animal Farm and your concept and definition. Tie all of your examples back to your definition through your explanation. I will be available the first week that we get back for any individual conferencing that you may need.
I did also want to let you all know that you should expect an exam on Animal Farm in the second week after we get back from Break. Review the story and your notes over the break to make sure that you're prepared. This exam will also cover some of the concepts we've studied in the first semester, making it more of a midterm. It would be a good idea to also take a look at your earlier literature and writing notes to prepare for this exam.
I hope that you all have a lovely and restful break! Enjoy the time off but make sure that you get done what you need to get done. A-day kids, I'll see you on Tuesday. B-day kids, I'll see you in 2012!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Today was the last Wednesday at school of 2011
It really puts things in perspective to think like that, I think. Here's what you need to do.
AP English III:
Your first priority is to continue working on your term papers. You should be checking in on the document that you shared with me nightly to see my comments. On Friday/Monday I'm going to walk you through how to construct an outline that works which will be your second step before you start drafting your paper. Think about what your argument is going to be. What are you trying to prove?
The other thing that you will need to do tonight is to read to the end of chapter nine in The Catcher in the Rye. Keep adding to your covers and keep annotating. Pay attention to a lot of the ideas that we're playing with in class. They're important.
Lastly, you have your quiz on the states on Friday/Monday.
English I:
For tonight I really want you to put a lot of work on your essays. After today's discussion you should feel a lot more comfortable moving forward and writing your body paragraphs. Remember the due dates that I discussed with you today in class. Please come see me if you want me to check what you're doing. The other major assignment for tonight is to finish reading Animal Farm - I think we'll have a great discussion on Friday/Monday about the ending of this novel.
Finally, don't forget that you have vocabulary bookmarks due on Friday/Monday. I'm looking for fifteen words with page numbers and definitions.
AP English III:
Your first priority is to continue working on your term papers. You should be checking in on the document that you shared with me nightly to see my comments. On Friday/Monday I'm going to walk you through how to construct an outline that works which will be your second step before you start drafting your paper. Think about what your argument is going to be. What are you trying to prove?
The other thing that you will need to do tonight is to read to the end of chapter nine in The Catcher in the Rye. Keep adding to your covers and keep annotating. Pay attention to a lot of the ideas that we're playing with in class. They're important.
Lastly, you have your quiz on the states on Friday/Monday.
English I:
For tonight I really want you to put a lot of work on your essays. After today's discussion you should feel a lot more comfortable moving forward and writing your body paragraphs. Remember the due dates that I discussed with you today in class. Please come see me if you want me to check what you're doing. The other major assignment for tonight is to finish reading Animal Farm - I think we'll have a great discussion on Friday/Monday about the ending of this novel.
Finally, don't forget that you have vocabulary bookmarks due on Friday/Monday. I'm looking for fifteen words with page numbers and definitions.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Getting ever closer to break...
Students - Below you will find your reminders and announcements for class. Remember to stay prepared and stay diligent in your work. You have a break coming up soon, but it's not here yet!
AP English III:
I am so excited to be studying The Catcher in the Rye with all of you. For tonight, be sure that you've read and annotated until the end of chapter five in the novel. This book moves very quickly, if you would like to read ahead, please do so. I would also suggest that those of you thinking that you would like to write your term paper on Catcher do try to get ahead since you'll need to start digesting this book much faster than others.
On the topic of those papers - please be sure that you have shared that document with my gmail account that all of you are using. Those of you who have shared to my dpsnc.net account - please also add my gmail address. I want to see you starting to brainstorm more and get your ideas down on paper. In a few days we'll talk about how to attack and outline this sort of paper. I'm looking forward to seeing what all of you come up with for your first term papers.
Lastly, expect your states quiz this week. Don't say I didn't warn you :)
English I:
It's time for us to embark on our first essay assignment! Today we went over a lot of the basics of structuring a five-paragraph essay. For tonight, you need to complete your introduction paragraph. Please use your notes to complete the introduction, paying special attention to the order of the sentences and what a successful introduction has. You need to make sure that you bring these paragraphs to class with you on Wednesday/Thursday - so that we can peer edit.
Lastly, make sure that you've read chapter eight of Animal Farm - keep up with your vocabulary bookmarks as I'll be collecting them on Friday/Monday. Minimum of fifteen words for this round of checkins.
AP English III:
I am so excited to be studying The Catcher in the Rye with all of you. For tonight, be sure that you've read and annotated until the end of chapter five in the novel. This book moves very quickly, if you would like to read ahead, please do so. I would also suggest that those of you thinking that you would like to write your term paper on Catcher do try to get ahead since you'll need to start digesting this book much faster than others.
On the topic of those papers - please be sure that you have shared that document with my gmail account that all of you are using. Those of you who have shared to my dpsnc.net account - please also add my gmail address. I want to see you starting to brainstorm more and get your ideas down on paper. In a few days we'll talk about how to attack and outline this sort of paper. I'm looking forward to seeing what all of you come up with for your first term papers.
Lastly, expect your states quiz this week. Don't say I didn't warn you :)
English I:
It's time for us to embark on our first essay assignment! Today we went over a lot of the basics of structuring a five-paragraph essay. For tonight, you need to complete your introduction paragraph. Please use your notes to complete the introduction, paying special attention to the order of the sentences and what a successful introduction has. You need to make sure that you bring these paragraphs to class with you on Wednesday/Thursday - so that we can peer edit.
Lastly, make sure that you've read chapter eight of Animal Farm - keep up with your vocabulary bookmarks as I'll be collecting them on Friday/Monday. Minimum of fifteen words for this round of checkins.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Websites
Juniors:
Websites have been graded. You will see the grades/commentary on your progress reports which I will give to you tomorrow. This round of progress reports is more for you, but I do encourage you to keep your parents appraised of your progress. If you would like to work on improving your grade - please see me outside of class (during lunch or Monday afternoons).
Do you have any questions as you're studying for your exam? Been stretching your hands? I'm looking forward to seeing your summative ideas about Catcher. Remember to look over your writing rules tomorrow as well as your notes and annotations. Remember the stress on using specifics in your writing, you will be able to use your books - but only in the last ten minutes to check yourself. You will not be able to do well if you're relying on your notes too heavily.
Lastly, look at your vocabulary - try to integrate a few new words tomorrow: fallacious, lucrative, goad, supercilious, and so on...
If you have questions, consider the post open. Comment away!
Websites have been graded. You will see the grades/commentary on your progress reports which I will give to you tomorrow. This round of progress reports is more for you, but I do encourage you to keep your parents appraised of your progress. If you would like to work on improving your grade - please see me outside of class (during lunch or Monday afternoons).
Do you have any questions as you're studying for your exam? Been stretching your hands? I'm looking forward to seeing your summative ideas about Catcher. Remember to look over your writing rules tomorrow as well as your notes and annotations. Remember the stress on using specifics in your writing, you will be able to use your books - but only in the last ten minutes to check yourself. You will not be able to do well if you're relying on your notes too heavily.
Lastly, look at your vocabulary - try to integrate a few new words tomorrow: fallacious, lucrative, goad, supercilious, and so on...
If you have questions, consider the post open. Comment away!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Homework for All Classes - 2/24/2011
Tomorrow's FRIDAY! I feel that this week has really flown by, and we're getting a bit closer to a break, which is much needed. Here's your update for the day:
English I:
Today we took our Wordskills 2 Exam and began work on our Poetry Project. Remember the deal about the project - this is five grades rolled into one project. The memorization and paper will count as a quiz grade, the creative writing will count as a homework grade. All of those grades will then be averaged together to create a test grade. Thus, it is important that you not miss any part of this project. The project will be due the week of March 14th - specific dates will come closer to this week once I see what the schedule looks like. This means that you have three study halls before the project is due to meet with me. You must realize that you will not do well with this assignment if you wait until the last minute.
For tonight's homework I would like for you to answer the following question and put your response in the box on Monday/Tuesday.
English III:
I think that we got off to a good start with today's presentations. I will be grading your websites this weekend, thus if there is anything not on the site that should be there you have until Sunday morning to make any edits or corrections. I will grade all of your sites on Sunday.
For tonight, you don't have anything that is due tomorrow. Those of you presenting tomorrow will want to be ready for that and those of you turning in redo vocabulary cards will want to have those. I would also spend some time looking over your notes to begin studying. I will give you some ideas for things to focus on tomorrow as you study; but you should know by now that I won't tell you everything. Don't forget - your exam on Catcher will be Monday.
Enjoy the rainy afternoon. See you tomorrow!!!
English I:
Today we took our Wordskills 2 Exam and began work on our Poetry Project. Remember the deal about the project - this is five grades rolled into one project. The memorization and paper will count as a quiz grade, the creative writing will count as a homework grade. All of those grades will then be averaged together to create a test grade. Thus, it is important that you not miss any part of this project. The project will be due the week of March 14th - specific dates will come closer to this week once I see what the schedule looks like. This means that you have three study halls before the project is due to meet with me. You must realize that you will not do well with this assignment if you wait until the last minute.
For tonight's homework I would like for you to answer the following question and put your response in the box on Monday/Tuesday.
Why did you choose the poem that you selected for this project?As you answer the question use details from the poem as well as your literary vocabulary: talk about figurative language, tone, and structure. Also, if you can find any information on your author, please include a few facts with a citation.
English III:
I think that we got off to a good start with today's presentations. I will be grading your websites this weekend, thus if there is anything not on the site that should be there you have until Sunday morning to make any edits or corrections. I will grade all of your sites on Sunday.
For tonight, you don't have anything that is due tomorrow. Those of you presenting tomorrow will want to be ready for that and those of you turning in redo vocabulary cards will want to have those. I would also spend some time looking over your notes to begin studying. I will give you some ideas for things to focus on tomorrow as you study; but you should know by now that I won't tell you everything. Don't forget - your exam on Catcher will be Monday.
Enjoy the rainy afternoon. See you tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Homework/Reminders - 2/23
It is the end of the day and I am feeling wiped out! Phew! Hopefully I can summon a bit of energy to enjoy this beautiful afternoon. Here's what you all need to get done tonight:
English I:
Tomorrow you have a Wordskills exam on Lesson 2 - it's all multiple choice and will focus mostly on prefixes. You should spend some time looking over the base words as well. Don't forget that the final drafts of your movie reviews are also due tomorrow/Friday. I like the fact that a good amount of you have seen me to review your drafts. Please turn in all of your drafts with your final draft on top.
English III:
Tomorrow we'll begin with talking a bit more about the excerpts that you all got today from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I especially want us to focus in on the idea of voice, authenticity, characterization, tone, and structure/point of view. We will also begin our presentations. I look forward to seeing what you all have come up with regarding these different topics in the novel.
Let me know if you have any concerns or questions!
English I:
Tomorrow you have a Wordskills exam on Lesson 2 - it's all multiple choice and will focus mostly on prefixes. You should spend some time looking over the base words as well. Don't forget that the final drafts of your movie reviews are also due tomorrow/Friday. I like the fact that a good amount of you have seen me to review your drafts. Please turn in all of your drafts with your final draft on top.
English III:
Tomorrow we'll begin with talking a bit more about the excerpts that you all got today from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I especially want us to focus in on the idea of voice, authenticity, characterization, tone, and structure/point of view. We will also begin our presentations. I look forward to seeing what you all have come up with regarding these different topics in the novel.
Let me know if you have any concerns or questions!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Homework - 2/22/11
Did anyone notice that if you divide the day and the month you end up getting the year? Crazy...
English I:
Next class you have two major things to be ready for. First, your movie reviews of A Separate Peace are due. Please make sure that you are following the guidelines that I gave you on the assignment sheet. Your first paragraph should provide a hook and then a clear thesis statement which presents your opinion on the film and why. Your second paragraph should be a review of the main moments in the film. The final paragraph is where you will speak to your thesis - showing me that scene or element which made or broke the film for you. Remember that you will need to keep everything on one page!
Also, next class you will have your Wordskills 2 Exam. Pay close attention to your prefixes!!! Knowing those prefixes will be key to being successful on the exam. Remember that you may see some information from lesson one - it would be a good idea to go back and review the last unit too.
On Thursday we will spend some time in the library getting started on our poetry project for the nine weeks. You may want to come to class with some change to make photocopies in the library.
English III:
Today was another very successful inside/outside circle discussion. A vast majority of you were participating in the circle discussion and I think that we were able to hit on a lot of major topics in the book. You may want to continue to consider and think about these ideas as we prepare for the exam on this book next week. For tonight, you will want to spend a lot of time working on your websites. Get your information uploaded and in the right place. Make sure that everyone in the group is pulling his/her weight. Tomorrow we will have about thirty minutes at the beginning of the period to meet and discuss as groups - I've gotten us a set of laptops from the library - but if you'd like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.
Also, tomorrow, don't forget that I'll be checking annotations across the whole novel. Spend some time tonight getting those ready for me.
I think that'll do it. Tomorrow's Wednesday - halfway to Friday!
English I:
Next class you have two major things to be ready for. First, your movie reviews of A Separate Peace are due. Please make sure that you are following the guidelines that I gave you on the assignment sheet. Your first paragraph should provide a hook and then a clear thesis statement which presents your opinion on the film and why. Your second paragraph should be a review of the main moments in the film. The final paragraph is where you will speak to your thesis - showing me that scene or element which made or broke the film for you. Remember that you will need to keep everything on one page!
Also, next class you will have your Wordskills 2 Exam. Pay close attention to your prefixes!!! Knowing those prefixes will be key to being successful on the exam. Remember that you may see some information from lesson one - it would be a good idea to go back and review the last unit too.
On Thursday we will spend some time in the library getting started on our poetry project for the nine weeks. You may want to come to class with some change to make photocopies in the library.
English III:
Today was another very successful inside/outside circle discussion. A vast majority of you were participating in the circle discussion and I think that we were able to hit on a lot of major topics in the book. You may want to continue to consider and think about these ideas as we prepare for the exam on this book next week. For tonight, you will want to spend a lot of time working on your websites. Get your information uploaded and in the right place. Make sure that everyone in the group is pulling his/her weight. Tomorrow we will have about thirty minutes at the beginning of the period to meet and discuss as groups - I've gotten us a set of laptops from the library - but if you'd like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.
Also, tomorrow, don't forget that I'll be checking annotations across the whole novel. Spend some time tonight getting those ready for me.
I think that'll do it. Tomorrow's Wednesday - halfway to Friday!
Monday, February 21, 2011
In review of the websites...
I hope to see a lot of serious movement on these websites tonight and tomorrow. After just checking in, it seems as though only a few people have really done anything. I will be checking you against the template, I'm expecting to see thorough pieces of work.
Be aware that everything must be cited, properly. Failure to do so will constitute plagiarism.
Please come and see me during lunch tomorrow and Wednesday if you or your group need assistance.
Junior Homework - 2/21
Juniors:
This week we're going to be wrapping up our study of The Catcher in the Rye. In order to facilitate this, tomorrow we will be having an inside/outside circle discussion on the final chapters of the novel. Come prepared with points to share with the group so that we can begin to unlock these final chapters and discover Salinger's meaning for us as readers.
Further, you may find it helpful to review the thesis building/prompt breakdown that we did today in class. Remember that the idea with these timed writing sessions is to do more with less. Don't tell me about every example, instead explore an example thoroughly to show me how it connects to something greater.
Annotations will be checked on Wednesday. Be ready for that!
This week we're going to be wrapping up our study of The Catcher in the Rye. In order to facilitate this, tomorrow we will be having an inside/outside circle discussion on the final chapters of the novel. Come prepared with points to share with the group so that we can begin to unlock these final chapters and discover Salinger's meaning for us as readers.
Further, you may find it helpful to review the thesis building/prompt breakdown that we did today in class. Remember that the idea with these timed writing sessions is to do more with less. Don't tell me about every example, instead explore an example thoroughly to show me how it connects to something greater.
Annotations will be checked on Wednesday. Be ready for that!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Apologies Juniors!
I didn't get the homework up on Friday. Had an appointment and the blog completely slipped my mind, especially with all the beautiful weather.
This weekend you're to finish reading Catcher. Finish up your annotations. Remember that as we come to the end of the novel it's important to realize how the author is tying up the numerous threads that he/she has created throughout the work. What is Salinger's message to us as readers? What has his purpose been?
We're coming up on a very busy week - keep abreast of all of the upcoming deadlines. I'll deliver those on Monday!
This weekend you're to finish reading Catcher. Finish up your annotations. Remember that as we come to the end of the novel it's important to realize how the author is tying up the numerous threads that he/she has created throughout the work. What is Salinger's message to us as readers? What has his purpose been?
We're coming up on a very busy week - keep abreast of all of the upcoming deadlines. I'll deliver those on Monday!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Homework - English I and III, 2/16
English III:
I hope that you all enjoyed walking around Manhattan today during our "field trip." Unfortunately the computers don't always do what we want them to, but I think that it's important to attempt these types of explorations in order to get a better understanding of the setting and perspective in this novel. For tonight, I would like for you to read and annotate chapters twenty-one and twenty-two. Tomorrow we will have an in-class presentation from Guidance and then we will work through chapters eighteen through twenty-two. It would behoove you to review your notes and annotations on these chapters as well. We're nearly done with this novel - continue to think about your website project and topic as you move through the final chapters.
English I:
Today we began really studying poetry in some depth. The next few weeks will serve as our transition from the world of prose (short stories and novels) to the realm of poetry. For tonight's homework read pages 472 to 474 in your textbook. It will be important to pay attention to the literary devices defined for you before the poem in order to answer the questions at the end. You may find it necessary to read the poem several times in order to understand it fully. When you finish the poem by Pat Mora please answer questions 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Make sure as you answer these questions to base your answers solely on the poem and to follow good writing rules as you will be discussing literature. Make sure that your answers get to the homework box before the start of the day on Friday (A-day) or Monday (B-day).
If you have any questions, please ask.
I hope that you all enjoyed walking around Manhattan today during our "field trip." Unfortunately the computers don't always do what we want them to, but I think that it's important to attempt these types of explorations in order to get a better understanding of the setting and perspective in this novel. For tonight, I would like for you to read and annotate chapters twenty-one and twenty-two. Tomorrow we will have an in-class presentation from Guidance and then we will work through chapters eighteen through twenty-two. It would behoove you to review your notes and annotations on these chapters as well. We're nearly done with this novel - continue to think about your website project and topic as you move through the final chapters.
English I:
Today we began really studying poetry in some depth. The next few weeks will serve as our transition from the world of prose (short stories and novels) to the realm of poetry. For tonight's homework read pages 472 to 474 in your textbook. It will be important to pay attention to the literary devices defined for you before the poem in order to answer the questions at the end. You may find it necessary to read the poem several times in order to understand it fully. When you finish the poem by Pat Mora please answer questions 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Make sure as you answer these questions to base your answers solely on the poem and to follow good writing rules as you will be discussing literature. Make sure that your answers get to the homework box before the start of the day on Friday (A-day) or Monday (B-day).
If you have any questions, please ask.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Homework - 2/15
English III:
Tonight for homework you will need to read chapters eighteen, nineteen and twenty. As you read, continue to pay attention not only to your group's focal point, but also the other ideas that we have been talking about in the novel. As we move toward the end of the novel, it's important to think about what messages Salinger is sending us about these different ideas.
You will also want to go ahead and set up your group's website for your project. Follow the instructions that I gave you in class. I'm including the project mock-up at this link. Once you create the page, make sure that you've shared it with your group members as well as with me. Follow the formatting guidelines here. These projects will not be due until after we finish reading the novel, but you will want to be sure that you are spending some time thinking about your ideas over the next few days.
English I:
Your movie reviews are due tomorrow for editing. Bring it with you to class. We will also begin our study of poetry in depth by looking at some interesting pieces of poetry by Robert Frost and Billy Collins. Don't forget, you may want to start looking at all of your literary devices that we've covered this year. Quizzes are coming up on these things!
Tonight for homework you will need to read chapters eighteen, nineteen and twenty. As you read, continue to pay attention not only to your group's focal point, but also the other ideas that we have been talking about in the novel. As we move toward the end of the novel, it's important to think about what messages Salinger is sending us about these different ideas.
You will also want to go ahead and set up your group's website for your project. Follow the instructions that I gave you in class. I'm including the project mock-up at this link. Once you create the page, make sure that you've shared it with your group members as well as with me. Follow the formatting guidelines here. These projects will not be due until after we finish reading the novel, but you will want to be sure that you are spending some time thinking about your ideas over the next few days.
English I:
Your movie reviews are due tomorrow for editing. Bring it with you to class. We will also begin our study of poetry in depth by looking at some interesting pieces of poetry by Robert Frost and Billy Collins. Don't forget, you may want to start looking at all of your literary devices that we've covered this year. Quizzes are coming up on these things!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Homework for Juniors - 9 February
Today's class flew by! Phew. Tonight, I'd like for you to complete a few different tasks:
1. Tomorrow we will be having an inside/outside circle discussion. I will be staying in the outside circle and observing the whole time and will not prompt the discussion unless absolutely necessary. I want you all to be prepared to lead the discussion. Tonight, review chapters eight through eleven to prepare for this. You may want to make a list of topics for discussion or questions that you would like to bring to the group. You can also raise anything that you don't understand. The inside circle will consist of ten students, the outside circle will consist of twenty students. Tomorrow will provide all of you a chance to earn some participation points.
2. I would like for you to read and annotate chapters twelve, thirteen, and fourteen. Continue to play with some of the ideas that were raised in today's discussion/lesson especially the Madonna/Whore Complex, sexuality, innocence and corruption.
3. Lastly, if you did not finish your preparation on your group's female character. Please have that done for tomorrow. The important thing to consider is this character's function in the text. Why is she here? What is Salinger trying to accomplish or show by including her?
Don't forget about vocabulary cards on Friday!
1. Tomorrow we will be having an inside/outside circle discussion. I will be staying in the outside circle and observing the whole time and will not prompt the discussion unless absolutely necessary. I want you all to be prepared to lead the discussion. Tonight, review chapters eight through eleven to prepare for this. You may want to make a list of topics for discussion or questions that you would like to bring to the group. You can also raise anything that you don't understand. The inside circle will consist of ten students, the outside circle will consist of twenty students. Tomorrow will provide all of you a chance to earn some participation points.
2. I would like for you to read and annotate chapters twelve, thirteen, and fourteen. Continue to play with some of the ideas that were raised in today's discussion/lesson especially the Madonna/Whore Complex, sexuality, innocence and corruption.
3. Lastly, if you did not finish your preparation on your group's female character. Please have that done for tomorrow. The important thing to consider is this character's function in the text. Why is she here? What is Salinger trying to accomplish or show by including her?
Don't forget about vocabulary cards on Friday!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Homework - 2/8
A good day was had by all, I think. Tomorrow's a PLC day - hooray for half days.
Freshmen:
Tonight you will need to finish reading A Separate Peace. On Thursday/Friday we will discuss the ending of the novel and begin our transition to poetry. Don't forget that your projects are also due on Thursday/Friday - a presentation of part of your project is required and will count toward your overall project grade.
Juniors:
Tonight you need to read chapters eight through eleven of The Catcher in the Rye. We are moving to a new section of the text - Holden's adventures in New York City. Pay attention to what stays the same with Holden and what changes. Furthermore, I'd like for you to take one of the words on your bookmark and create your first vocabulary card. This is a practice - but it will count toward your cards for the week. Thus, this Friday, you will only need two completed cards and ten words on your bookmark.
Enjoy the afternoon. See you all tomorrow!
Freshmen:
Tonight you will need to finish reading A Separate Peace. On Thursday/Friday we will discuss the ending of the novel and begin our transition to poetry. Don't forget that your projects are also due on Thursday/Friday - a presentation of part of your project is required and will count toward your overall project grade.
Juniors:
Tonight you need to read chapters eight through eleven of The Catcher in the Rye. We are moving to a new section of the text - Holden's adventures in New York City. Pay attention to what stays the same with Holden and what changes. Furthermore, I'd like for you to take one of the words on your bookmark and create your first vocabulary card. This is a practice - but it will count toward your cards for the week. Thus, this Friday, you will only need two completed cards and ten words on your bookmark.
Enjoy the afternoon. See you all tomorrow!
Monday, February 7, 2011
English III Homework - 2/7
Juniors:
Tonight for homework I would like for you to spend some time reviewing what you've already done. Take some of the major ideas that we discussed today in class (immaturity, living in the past, escape, etc.) and start tying these ideas to areas in the text. This will be very important as we begin moving through the rest of the novel to see how these ideas are developed and eventually what the message is about these ideas.
Make sure that your annotations on chapters one through seven are thorough. Also, be sure that you're keeping up with your vocabulary. I will be collecting cards and checking bookmarks on Friday.
Today's discussion was very productive, let's keepp it going all week.
Tonight for homework I would like for you to spend some time reviewing what you've already done. Take some of the major ideas that we discussed today in class (immaturity, living in the past, escape, etc.) and start tying these ideas to areas in the text. This will be very important as we begin moving through the rest of the novel to see how these ideas are developed and eventually what the message is about these ideas.
Make sure that your annotations on chapters one through seven are thorough. Also, be sure that you're keeping up with your vocabulary. I will be collecting cards and checking bookmarks on Friday.
Today's discussion was very productive, let's keepp it going all week.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
English III Homework - 3 February 2011
Juniors -
Today's presentations provided a lot of fodder for thinking, especially as we open up our study of The Catcher in the Rye. You should have particularly noted the culture of the 1950's - this is something that we will continue to discuss in the first few chapters of the novel. For tonight, you should read to the end of chapter three. As you read, keep track of your vocabulary and annotation assignment. If annotating as you read doesn't work for you, then read first - then go back and annotate. I think that it's a good idea to pause after every paragraph and then go back to reexamine what you just read. As you do this more, you'll get into the hang of it.
Tomorrow I'll be handing back your essays and we'll do a bit of talking about where I've found some general strengths and areas for improvement in what I read. I will also give you a lot of guidelines for improving your writing. After that, we will get into a discussion of Catcher. If you have any questions about the reading, we will begin with those. Raising questions is a great way to earn participation points.
Today's presentations provided a lot of fodder for thinking, especially as we open up our study of The Catcher in the Rye. You should have particularly noted the culture of the 1950's - this is something that we will continue to discuss in the first few chapters of the novel. For tonight, you should read to the end of chapter three. As you read, keep track of your vocabulary and annotation assignment. If annotating as you read doesn't work for you, then read first - then go back and annotate. I think that it's a good idea to pause after every paragraph and then go back to reexamine what you just read. As you do this more, you'll get into the hang of it.
Tomorrow I'll be handing back your essays and we'll do a bit of talking about where I've found some general strengths and areas for improvement in what I read. I will also give you a lot of guidelines for improving your writing. After that, we will get into a discussion of Catcher. If you have any questions about the reading, we will begin with those. Raising questions is a great way to earn participation points.
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