Weekend/Monday Night's Homework

Students - The homework is different for the different sections of the class.

Honors Students - You will need to read the handout with the poem "Ode to Duty" by William Wordsworth. Throughout the poem I made several notes to you that you may want to pay attention to. Also, there are several questions throughout the handout. Answer the questions thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Standard Students - You will need to compose your own ode to whatever you'd like. Your ode needs to be at least fifteen lines long. This could be a poem you later use for your poetry projects.

If you need help, come to study hall on Monday.

No Homework

I hope you all enjoyed having a night off this past night. I just want you all to be aware that we are starting fourth quarter and I am keeping my expectations high. If you need any help, at any time - remember to ask.

Homework for 23/24 March

Tonight's homework is to find a poem and bring in a copy of that poem to class. You will need to include the title of the poem and the author. The poem must be written by someone other than you.

After you find a copy of the poem, you need to write two paragraphs. In the first paragraph you need to summarize what is going on in the poem, and in the second paragraph you need to tell why you think the author wrote the poem. The paragraphs and the poem are due to the box!

Peer Editing

Today in class you were given another student's paper. These rough drafts of the definition essay are your homework for tonight. Your job is to go through each line of the paper, and mark it up. Give the writer suggestions as to how to improve their essay. Don't just focus on grammar mistakes - give comments on the overall strengths and weaknesses in the essay.

I recommend that you use the rubric on the assignment sheet to grade the essay and look for places to improve. You should give the essay back to the writer on Wednesday (A day) and Thursday (B day).

Do not lose your partner's paper. Protect it in the same way you would your own child. If you lose your partner's paper you will get a zero for your rough draft. If you don't get your paper back by Wednesday/Thursday - look at the roster posted on the wall outside my room to see who has your paper. Feel free to harrass them all you want.

Homework for the weekend

I really hate giving you homework over the weekend after a test - unfortunately, that's how the cards fell this month. Your homework is to finish your rough draft of your definition essay. Turn this into the box on Monday/Tuesday. You will be getting either a pass or fail grade for this assignment. If you turn in something - you pass. If you turn in nothing - you fail.

Also, we will have DPS Benchmark Exams on Monday and Tuesday. I, unfortunately, do not have a study guide for you. If you spend time reviewing your notes from the beginning of the year to now, you should be well prepared. This test will focus on reading comprehension and grammar. Be sure you study your warm-ups and literary terms!

Leave a comment if you have any questions.

OPEN THREAD

If while you are studying you come across any questions and you can't figure out the answer. Ask here. I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Homework for 6 and 9 March

Your homework tonight asks that you continue to work on your definition essays. For this assignment, you should use the outline format that I provided for you in class today to outline your essay. Use your prewriting assignment to help you get started. Please bring your outline with you to class on Tuesday/Wednesday as I will use this time to check over your outlines and give guidance about how to move forward with your drafts.

Unfortunately, I cannot post the proper format here on the blog because it messes up the spacing. Come see me for the format if you need help.

New Due Dates!

Because of the snow day earlier this week things are a little off. Here are the new due dates for upcoming tests and projects.

Shakespeare/Drama Projects - Friday the 6th (A day) and Monday the 9th (B day)

Shakespeare Test - Thursday the 12th (A day) and Friday the 13th (B day)

Rough Draft of Definition Essays and Benchmark Exam - Monday the 16th (A day) and Tuesday the 17th (B day)

Final Draft of Definition Essays - Tuesday the 24th (A day) and Wednesday the 25th (B day)

---------------
Tonight's homework is to finish your projects. I will collect these at the beginning of class on Friday/Monday.

Happy Snow Day!!!

It looks like Alaska outside today!

Enjoy your day off - use this day to get a lot of work done on your projects!

Homework/Reminders

First, the reminders. You have a quiz on Acts II and III on Tuesday the 3rd for A day and Wednesday the 4th for B day. You should be sure that you study this weekend for this quiz. Use your notes to review. Also, your projects are due on Thursday (A) and Friday (B). You should plan on spending time this weekend working on this project that you have had for a little more than a month. If you have questions about your projects this weekend, please leave a comment.

Finally, your homework:

Standard: Act III, Scene 5 shows the first real encounter between just Juliet and her parents – Does this remind you of a realistic interaction between a teenage girl and her parents? Why or why not? Perhaps you want to draw on personal experience or an example from TV or film to clarify your statement.


Honors: Answer the following question using evidence from what we’ve studied so far in Romeo and Juliet – you should be sure you have a clear thesis statement and clear examples from the text that clarify your thesis. Explain how the depiction of childhood or adolescence in Romeo and Juliet contributes to the meaning of the whole play. In order to clearly answer this question you need to tell me what the meaning of the play is.

Study for your quiz.

If you have questions about your homework, please leave a comment. This homework is due to the box on Tuesday/Wednesday.

Homework for 25/26 February

Your homework tonight goes in your journal. Respond to the following prompt:

What is your impression of Lord Capulet by the end of III.4? How has this changed? Why?

Homework 23/24 February

By the end of III.2 Juliet's attitude and use of language have confirmed our ideas about her character. How would you describe her? Use quotes and support your ideas with evidence from the text.

Homework 19/20 February

Your homework is to complete your prewriting worksheet. This is not only going to count as a homework grade but also as part of your paper.

Honors students - You also need to answer the following question: Who is to blame for the events of III.1? Why? When you answer the question be sure to use clear examples. You're making a case here against someone, you need to prove it!!!

Answering Ivan...

B-day students:

I will collect your homework (Board Games or Witness Statements) in class on Friday.

Homework!

See everyone again on Thursday! Hope that you enjoy the field trip!

Your homework is to work on your projects. A lot of people have been asking me about the translation project and I keep stressing that I want to see you work with slang. Remember that just having the characters speak in Modern English Vernacular isn't enough. They need to have a particular slang to use that keeps the meaning of the scene.

See me if you need help - don't forget about the help sessions on Thursdays!!!

Homework - 13/16 February

Your homework for tonight is to choose one side of the worksheet that you got in class and complete the assignment. Make sure that you follow the directions and keep your interpretations based on the text. You can use the online text that I posted a few weeks ago to help you accomplish the assignment.

Turn the assignment in to the box on Tuesday/Wednesday, remember to either type your work or write in pen!

Homework - 11/12 February

Your homework tonight is to study for your Wordskills Lesson 2 Exam. Be sure to use your review sheet to help you study for this exam as this sheet will be very similar to your exam. In addition, you may want to spend some time looking at the paper assignment that I gave you today. We will begin working on this next week and a bit of extra time spent this week may really pay off in the long run.

Finally, I would like to again stress the higher expectations that I am holding you all to this semester. The work is going to be more difficult, and there will be more of it - I know that all of you are capable of meeting these expectations.

Homework - 5/6 February

Your homework for the weekend is to complete the study questions for Act II. Remember to follow the instructions on the sheet. Honors students need to complete all ten questions, whereas Standard students need to only select five questions to complete.

HELP SESSIONS

While we're studying Romeo and Juliet, I'm going to make myself available for extra help. Feel free to come to me after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays for extra help. We can review notes, reading, discuss things in more depth, or clear up any questions that you have. Also, a lot of people have been coming to me for help on their projects - this would be a chance for you to get more help on your projects.

First help session is Wednesday 2/3. Assuming that we have school.

Homework for 3/4 February

Tonight's homework is a journal entry. The question is:

Now that we've seen Romeo and Juliet actually talk to each other, have your feelings changed abotu Romeo's sincerity? Are his feelings for Juliet different than those for Rosaline? Why?

Be sure that you answer in a complete paragraph with good details from the text to support your ideas.

Also, coming soon is a journal check. Be sure that you look through the blog to get all of your journal entries complete.

Weekend Homework...

Work on your projects! That's all you need to do. Remember that each night you should spend some time reviewing your notes and the reading. Use the online version of Romeo and Juliet in that post below...it's a great review!!!!

Awesome Link!

You all should check this link out:

http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/folio/folio.html

It's the complete text of Romeo and Juliet with added in extras. Check it out!

Homework for 28/29 January

Today in class I gave you a handout that I would like for you to complete for homework. Please follow the directions on the handout and turn it into the box for credit.

Honors students - if you do not have a copy of Romeo and Juliet at home you can use this excerpt to complete your assignment:

ROMEO
O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.
The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight!
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

Remember to continue to bring your books to class with you as we will be starting Act II of Romeo and Juliet next class.

Also - remember that if you are absent it is your responsibility to see me to get missing notes or missing work. If you are unprepared for a quiz due to the fact that you didn't get missing notes, I can't help you.

Work on your projects!!!!

Notes for B-day

We stopped discussion in 3B and 4B on page 813. Here is what you need to know about the last two pages of Romeo and Juliet.

1. Romeo and Juliet's first conversation.
* They speak to each other in a sonnet - check the rhyme scheme
* Fourteen line conversation.
* Romeo begins to speak in metaphors - he compares his lips to pilgrims
--- Note the religious imagery and tone.
* Juliet immediately picks up on this and responds in kind
--- Showing that the two of them have a connection and speak the same language.
* They kiss. Aww.

2. Romeo finds out that Juliet is a Capulet
* Remember the idea of Romeo being impulsive - he's getting the result of his behavior.
* Romeo says that his life now belongs to his enemy.
* Juliet then realizes that Romeo is a Montague
--- She has the same reaction as Romeo, "oh no!"
--- She hides this reaction from the Nurse

Questions to consider:
1. What is the effect of the give and take of Romeo and Juliet's conversation?
2. What do we learn when we see that Juliet knows that Romeo didn't dance?
3. What kind of literary device is on line 135?
4. Do you think that if they had known each other's identity before they met that they would have fallen in love and overcome their identity?

B4 - Remember to do the Who, Where, and When for I.5.

Everyone should answer these questions in their notes. Your quiz is coming next class - review vocabulary, your reading and your notes.

Study hard - study often!

Homework for 26/27 January

There are a few things that you need to do tonight:

1. Review your notes and your reading. You should review all notes and all reading for Act I.

2. Review your vocabulary notes up to and including number fifteen.

3. Written homework due to THE BOX: What is each character feeling about the Capulet party and what are they expecting from it? Choose three of the following characters and answer the questions: Romeo, Juliet, Benvolio, Mercutio, Paris, Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, Tybalt, Nurse.

Each response should be about three to five sentences.

Study, study, study!!!

Next Week...

We're going to have a quiz on WordSkills and on what we've covered of Romeo and Juliet. You should be reviewing your notes nightly to prepare for this. Furthermore, A-day's schedule of recitations is off - I'll be rewriting this this weekend and giving you your new dates on Monday.

Keep bringing your books to class! Work on your projects this weekend!

Tomorrow!

TOMORROW IS AN A-DAY. YOU WILL HAVE ADVISEE TO GET YOUR NEW SCHEDULES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY!

Homework for after I.2

This homework assignment will need to be done after your class reads Act I, Scene 2. For all classes, this will be after Thursday. Thus, when we get back from our mini-break you should have this assignment done.

Your question is: Compare Romeo's and Benvolio's attitude toward love. Use quotes from the play to explain your ideas. As always, you should answer in a paragraph with at least five sentences. Honors students, I want you to answer an additional question - Why do you think that Shakespeare has two characters with contradicting viewpoints? What is the purpose of this?

Enjoy your mini-break! Work on your projects!!!

EDIT: Please put this entry in your journal. I'll look for this entry in your next journal check.

Homework for 9/12 January

Tonight's homework requires you to begin reading your outside play. As you're reading your play, if you find a speech that you would like to memorize - you may do this early, just come see me.

Tonight for homework you need to read in your play for about thirty minutes. You may read more if you'd like. After you read for thirty minutes answer one of the following questions in your journal based on the author of your play.

If you are reading Shakespeare your question is: How is the beginning similar or different to the beginning of Romeo and Juliet? Be specific and use examples. Answer in a five to sentence paragraph.

If you are not reading Shakespeare your question is: How does the author of your play grab you at the beginning. Be specific and use examples!

Homework for 1/7 and 1/8

Tonight for homework you will have another journal entry. Be sure that you have kept up with your journals and that all of the answers are complete! Tonight's prompt is: What are some parallels between the conflict that we see in I.1 and modern society. Explain the similarities and differences. You should answer in a five to seven sentence paragraph.

Also - remember that I will be asking you what your book is for your outside reading project. If you need me to help you get a copy, please let me know when I collect your titles.

Lastly, you need to study for your mid-term. That exam is quickly approaching.

What a day!

Does anyone else feel really tired? I do.

Lots of things to review about today:

Today we went over a lot of notes on Shakespeare and drama. Be sure that you review these notes so that you are prepared for your quiz on Wednesday/Thursday. The handout that I gave you about the Elizabethan stage is included in your notes and is fair game for your quiz.

On Friday (A day) and Monday (B day) you will have your semester one midterm. Use the study guide that I gave you to prepare for this exam. It will count as a major test grade and could count for two major test grades. Also, remember on Friday/Monday that you will have to tell me what play you are reading for your outside project. If you need help getting a book before Friday/Monday - please let me know.

Your homework for tonight is to write in your journals about Shakespeare. Answer the following questions in a 5-7 sentence paragraph:

What do you already know about Shakespeare?
Have you read anything by Shakespeare already?
Do you have any apprehension or fear about studying Shakespeare?


That should do it - don't forget to study for your first and second period exams!!!

Over the break...

All that you need to do is find your literature book and bring it to class with you on the first day back from break. There will be a book check when you get back.

Your only other homework is to have a peaceful and relaxing break. Read a book, eat some good food, and sleep in.

When we get back we will begin our study of Romeo and Juliet and other drama.

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!!!!

Homework for 16/17 December

Tonight you need to finish your paper! Be sure that you review all of your notes and your drafts. If you need to see me to get some feedback, that's fine - but you need to schedule an appointment with me.

Remember that when you turn in your paper you will need to turn in your rough draft, your viewing guide and your final draft. Don't forget to atttach your cover sheet to your essay and fill that out.

If you have any questions, leave a note!

Homework for the weekend!

Your homework this weekend is to finish your rough drafts of your essay. Your draft workshop will be on Tuesday for A-day and Wednesday for B-day. Be sure that you are using your writing notes to review what I am looking for in terms of these papers.

A-day students - I really liked what I saw from you today. If you need more assistance with writing your papers - come see me during study hall on Monday.

B-day students - Your first two paragraphs are due on Monday. I'll be conferencing with each of you about these paragraphs on Monday.

One week left til Break!!!!

Homework for 10/11 December

Tonight's homework is to finish your introduction paragraph and your first body paragraph of your essay. On Friday/Monday - I will be grading you for your thesis statements as well as your organization and the beginning of your essays. If you have questions while you're working - please leave a question. Bring your writing with you to class - do not turn this in to the box.

Homework - 8/9 December

Your homework tonight is to write three sample thesis statements for your essay. You will need to use your handouts about thesis statements and your essay checklist to help you write your thesis statements.

Bring these to class with you - please do not put them in the box. We will revise these in class.

Practice Benchmark

Your Benchmark will happen on Monday and Tuesday of this next week. There will be grammar questions and there will be literature questions. To review for the literature section, you should study your notes on literary terms and any other notes that you have from class discussions. You will not see "The Odyssey" on this benchmark - but you should think about things like character development, theme, foreshadowing, etc. In addition, to prepare for the grammar section, you will need to review your warm-up journal. Looking at these practice exercises will be very helpful.

If you have any questions while you're studying, feel free to leave a comment.

Also, if you did not turn in your viewing guide today - you will need to turn that in on Monday/Tuesday.

Homework for 12/2 and 12/3

For tonight's homework, I want you to answer the following question. Which do you prefer - O Brother Where Art Thou, the film version of The Odyssey, or the book version of The Odyssey? Be sure that as you answer you use specific examples and tell me why the particular film/book is your favorite. I want to see thoughtful and developed paragraphs.

Also, remember the following things:

1. Any make-up work is due on Wednesday.
2. Study for your Vocabulary test!
3. If you haven't taken your test yet, you need to do that by Thursday.

Over Break...

All you should do is relax. If you've got a good book to read, go for it. Though, you may want to also look at your vocabulary notes and begin to study for your Vocabulary test.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Open Thread

If you have any questions about The Odyssey while you're studying - leave a comment and I'll try to get you an answer.

A day test on Friday 11/21. B day test on Monday 11/24. Remember that your book projects are also due on the day of your test.

Review Session!

After school on Thursday we will have a review session for your test on The Odyssey. I am not giving you extra credit for attending, but I can say that attending will help you a lot.

(Note: A lot is two words, not one)

Homework for 11/17 and 11/18

Tonight's homework will be a journal entry. I want you to think over all of the adventures that Odysseus has been on and answer the following question:

What do you think has challenged Odysseus the most? Why?

Answer in a complete paragraph in your journal.

Book Projects

Don't forget that your book projects are due on the same day as your Odyssey test - the 21st for A day and the 24th for B day. Your project options are as follows:

1. You are to do a pamphlet for your book. I have samples that you can look at Requirements are as follows:
• a two-fold pamphlet (both sides of the pamphlet will be divided into thirds)
• cover should have title, artwork, author’s name, publishing company, price, etc…
• inside, on the first third, you should have a summary (don’t give away surprise endings)
• most of the inside (the other two-thirds) should be discussion points/questions
• the back should have an “about the author” section as well as recommended reading – books with similar themes, other books by this author.


2. You are to write a letter to the author of your book. Initiate a conversation with him/her. Ask questions; respond to the novel (characters, events, themes, symbols, etc.). Whatever you do, do not summarize the plot – the author already knows it. Show the author that you have read this book, that you have thought about the book, and that you are a very perceptive reader. You do not have to like everything about the book; you may even dislike aspects of it. Remember your audience, however; it is the author. Think of how you yourself would respond best to someone’s questions or dialogue.

Homework over the weekend

This weekend you will need to finish your creative essays concerning The Land of the Dead. Use the handout that I gave you to help guide you on your writing. I will be looking for thoroughness of thought in your essays and focus in you writing. If you have any questions while you're writing, please let me know by a comment.

I would recommend that you have a parent or friend read over your assignment so that you can catch some grammar mistakes - I will be looking at grammar in grading.

In addition, we will be going back to the textbooks on Monday. Bring your books to class.

Homework/Announcements

Students -

Your homework for tonight is to finish reading your packets - "The Land of the Dead." Make sure that you finish your study questions to go along with the story.

In addition, your Zeus projects are due on Thursday and Friday of this week. You should spend some time on your day off to work on these - make sure that you review your assignment sheets/rubrics.

If you have questions about anything, leave a comment.

Miller

Sorry about not posting

Hey all - Sorry that I forgot to post the homework for the weekend. I've been caught up with grading your Odyssey quizzes which you should be getting back later on in the week.

Anywho...your homework is to read your photocopied packet from "The Land of the Dead." While you're reading, feel free to make notes in the margins, highlight, underline, and otherwise annotate. Also, answer your study questions - these will need to be turned in to the box. Remember that if you try to answer the questions and I can see that you put some thought into your answer I'll give credit - if you don't try, or leave the question blank, you will get no credit. I know that this reading is difficult, but I just want you to put forth good effort.

See you for another shortened week :)

Homework for 11/3 and 11/5

Your homework for tonight is to study for your quiz. Use the study guide the I gave you today in class! Also, you need to work on your projects - you have a book project as well as your Dear Zeus project.

Homework!

Welcome to second quarter!

Tonight's homework is in your journal. What I want you to do is to read in your supplemental novel for thirty minutes. Then, I want you to construct a double entry diary. First, make a chart that is divided into two columns. Then, write down two or three quotes that stuck out to you in some way on the left. On the right, I want you to write a brief (2-3 sentence) reflection on the quote.

Consider: Why did you write this quote down? What drew you to this quote? Do you like the imagery in this quote? Do you like the words? How does this quote fit in to the story?

You don't have to answer these questions - but you may want to think about them to help you write your reflection.

P.S. - We haven't had a journal check in awhile...you should expect one.

Homework for B-day students...

Tonight's homework will go in your journal. I want you to think about the concept of fate or destiny and answer the following question:

Do you believe in fate? Why or why not?

Answer the question in at least five sentences. Remember, if I can tell that you didn't put much time into your work, I may choose to not give you credit.

Announcements...

As we finish up the first quarter I just want to remind you of a few things.

1.  Your outside novel projects are due on the 20th and 21st of October November.  

People have been asking me about this a few times and I wanted to clarify that.

2.  You are going to have a quiz on the first half of The Odyssey on October November 6th and 7th.  

3.  You should be bringing your literature books to class with you everyday.  I'm going to be a lot stricter on this for the new nine weeks. 

Enjoy the long weekend!!!!!!

Update: Looks like I just love October - notice the updates!

Tonight/This Weekend Homework

B-day students!  I'm going to miss you since we won't see each other for a really long time.  So - I'll see you all on Wednesday.

A-day students, you have homework!  What you need to do is write in your journals about fate.  Do you believe in fate?  Why or why not?  How do you define fate?

Also - everyone, make sure you're reading in your supplemental novels.  Projects are due around November 15th.

Some information for you all...

First - I figured that I would tell you about the extra credit.

Extra Credit Project – 1st Nine Weeks

The choice is as follows. This project will add as many as six points to your test average.

1. To earn two points you will need to read the stories “Liberty” and “An American Story” in your text book. You will then need to answer questions one through five for each story.

2. To earn four points you will need to read “Liberty,” “An American Story,” and “Exile” in your text book. You will need to answer the following question as a three paragraph answer with a brief introduction and a brief conclusion: How do these pieces of literature show the immigrant experience in America.

3. To earn all six points you will need to read “Liberty,” “An American Story,” and “Exile” in your text book. You must write two things. First, a three paragraph response in which you tell me how each story influenced or impacted your opinion of immigration. After this, you will then need to write a POSITION PAPER in which you discuss your opinion on immigration with three outside sources. You must cite all of your sources.


Now your homework -

For homework you will need to read in your supplemental novel for thirty minutes. After you read you will need to tell me why the author of your book gave that book that title. This is a pure opinion question. I want you to write at least five sentences. Please put this in your journal.

Homework - 17/20 October

Tonight there are two different assignments - one for Honors and one for Standard.

For Honors: You will need to read the poem "The Lotos-Eaters" by Tennyson. After you read the poem you will need to write a two paragraph compare/contrast assignment. You will be comparing/contrasting the depiction of the lotus eaters from the poem and from The Odyssey. Think about imagery, language use, tone, perspective, the characterization of Odysseus - or any topic of your choice. No matter what your topic you will want to be sure that you are using specific details from the poem (quotes are effective.)

For Standard: You will need to complete the RAFT activity on the handout. Be sure that you're really getting into the character that you are writing from. Be creative, but make sure that what you are saying and the way that you are describing your character can be supported from the story.

If anyone needs help, come to study hall on Monday. This assignment is due to the box on Tuesday for A-day and Wednesday for B-day.

Homework for 10/15 and 10/16

Tonight's homework is another journal entry. Be sure that you are keeping all of your journals together in one space! While I was checking journals today I didn't like the fact that many of you were keeping notes in your journal. Anyway, your prompt is:

If you were Odysseus, would you stay with Calypso or would you go set out to go home? Use specific examples that make your ideas clear.

If you would like to rewatch the section of The Odyssey that we watched today, here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjKHvAnJt0k

To Do - Monday Night and Tuesday Night

Students - you have several things that you need to do for homework tonight. To begin, you need to make sure that you study for your quiz on the introduction to The Odyssey. This quiz will concern many of the topics that we covered today in class. In addition, I want to be sure that you read in your novels. Furthermore, be ready for a journal check - you should have warm-ups and journal prompts about your novel ready to be checked next class.

In addition, those of you that didn't complete a Breakdown or Honors Enrichment part of your project you will need to turn this in late. Put it in my box by Wednesday (A-day) or Thursday (B-day). You will get late credit, which is better than no credit.

Breakdown - Following the story, you are expected to give a critique of your story. It should include such things as: what is the critical incident, what is the nature of the conflict, what is the climax of the story, etc., etc.

Honors Enrichment: You are also expected to analyze two elements of your story (setting, character, point of view, tone) and tell me in one paragraph for each how this adds or increases the effect of your story. If you need help, leave a comment with your e-mail address.

Weekend Homework

This weekend you will be reading more in your supplemental novel. You will need to read for thirty minutes and then in your journal you will need to make three predictions as to what will happen in your novel. Your predictions can be about whatever you like. As you are making your predictions, however, I would like for you to tell me why you think each prediction will happen.

Remember - as you're reading, try not to read ahead. You'll have assignments with your reading log throughout the next few weeks. If you do read ahead in your book, you will still be responsible for the journal assignments.

Finally - remember to start bringing your books to class with you every day starting on Monday/Tuesday.

Before I go watch the debate!

Your homework will be in your journal, and will involve your supplemental novel that you got from the Library today.  You first need to read for thirty minutes in your supplemental novel.  Don't stop.  Don't get interrupted.  Just read for a solid thirty minutes.

After you do this, reflect on the following question in your journals:

Is the author grabbing your attention in the first section that you read?  If so, how?  What are specific examples (quotes) of ways that he/she grabbed your attention?  If the author hasn't grabbed your attention?  Why not?

I'll be checking journals next week sometime - be prepared.  You should have this entry, your entry about the three books you've read and then the past two warm-ups.  The warm-ups are excused if you were absent.

Homework 10/3 and 10/6

Tonight's homework is a journal entry. I am going to be relying more on journal entries during this unit on The Odyssey - so, be prepared. The question I would like for you to respond to is:

What are the last three books you've read? What was your opinion of them? What kind of books do you like to read, in general?

Homework for 10/1 and 10/2

The only homework that you have for tonight is to finish your short stories! Bring in your final drafts to class. Also, if you're in Honors you need to bring in your Honors Enrichment assignment too!

This coming weekend...

At the Carolina Theatre there's a show going on called "History of the Word."  The show is Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 pm.  The tickets are five dollars for students.  I don't know if you need to have a student id or not.  

The website is at:   http://www.historyoftheword.com  - Click on Media Gallery and then you can see some sample videos.  See if you like it.

Open Thread

This is a place for you to ask questions, post comments, and get feedback.  If any questions come up while you're studying, put them up here and we'll try to get them answered.

Homework for 9/23 & 9/24

This is the final homework for our unit on Short Stories. Your homework is to complete your worksheet on "The Survival of the Fattest" and to write the compare/contrast assignment. You must turn in both the worksheet and the paragraph for full credit. The worksheet can be done in pencil, but the paragraphs must be typed or written in ink.

In addition, be sure that on Thursday/Friday you have your rough drafts of your short stories. You will get a grade of either 100 or 0 on this day. One hundred percent if you have your draft, zero if you do not.

Finally, here's the link for the clip of The Simpsons - feel free to watch as often as you need to.

http://www.tubearoo.com/player/FullScreen.aspx?file=http://www.tubearoo.com/videocodes/89326/data.xml&item=1&timestamp=0&id=89326

Have fun!

Homework for 9/19 & 9/22

For homework you will need to finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game." After you finish reading the story everyone will need to complete questions three and five. Honors students will also need to finish quesion eight. Remember to do your homework in pen and then turn it in to the box.

In addition, as you're reading the story I want to be sure that you are taking notes on elements of foreshadowing nin the story as well as examples of diction that you find interesting.

I keep forgetting!!!!

Tonight's homework.  Sorry ya'll.

You'll need to provide me a 3-4 sentence synopsis of your short story and then plan out the events on a plot diagram.  Turn this into the box.

Also bring your textbooks next class!

Important!!!

B-day students!

Please bring your books to class tomorrow!

- Miller

Homework (9/15 and 9/16)

For homework tonight, it depends on what story you read over the weekend:

If you read "Thank You M'am," you will need to complete the writing activity on the back of your handout.  Remember to select one row of the chart and complete that assignment.

If you read "The Scarlet Ibis," you will need to finish your packet and turn it into the box.  This packet will count as TWO homework grades.

Also - don't forget to review your notes on any short stories that we have read so far and your notes on short story structure from the beginning of the unit.

Homework over the weekend (9/11 & 9/12)

Over the weekend there are two separate homework assignments for the different sections of English I:

Honors students need to read the story "The Scarlet Ibis" on page 343. After you read the story, complete questions 6-9 and turn them in to my box.

Standard students need to read the story "Thank You M'am" on page 86. After you read the story, complete questions 2-4 and turn then in to my box.

I hope that you enjoy the reading over the weekend!

I just remembered!

Sorry everyone!  I was just sitting down to watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann and I realized that I hadn't posted the homework.

So - here it is:

I want you to tell me about a time when somebody wronged you.  I want you to tell me about what happened, how you responded to being wronged, and how the situation was resolved.  If you need to change names to protect the innocent - go for it.

This needs to be done in your journals - and you should expect a journal check next week sometime.

Homework 5/8 September

Thanks for all the great birthday wishes today! It was nice to have you all sing to me today. Over the weekend I want you all to read one of my favorite short stories by Edgar Allen Poe, "The Cask of Amontillado." The story is located on page 173. Read the whole story, including the box on page 178. After you read the story you may want to read about the biography of Edgar Allen Poe on page 180. In your journals, I would like for everyone to answer question number eleven on page 181 - Honors students need to also answer question ten.

Remember to bring your textbooks to class next week on Tuesday/Thursday for A day and Wednesday/Friday for B day.

Have a good weekend - enjoy Tropical Storm Hanna.

Homework - 3rd and 4th of September

Tonight your homework needs to be done in your journal. This means that you WILL NOT turn it in to the box.

What you need to do is write a new ending to the story "The Necklace." Your new ending can either be in the form of a poem, a script, or a short story. I may ask a few people to present their responses in class. Have fun with this and be creative. But make sure that your ending is still plausable (believable).

Homework! 29 August/2 September

Students!

Over the weekend you will need to finish reading the story "The Necklace" by Guy DuMaupassant. I would like for you to answer the following questions:

1. For which character do you feel the most sympathy? Why?
2. What is the point of view in this story? Does it work for you? Why or why not?
3. Do you think that du Maupassant is particularly feminist? Why or why not? Use quotes from the story to prove your point.

Standard and Honors students need to answer questions one and two. Honors students need to also answer question three. Please answer in a few sentences. For sentence three, answer in a complete paragraph with a topic sentence.

Welcome and 1st day Homework (25/26 August)

Hello Students!

I think that this is going to be a really great year. I've got some fun things planned for us throughout the year for us to accomplish. I hope that you're learning your way around the school and not getting too lost.

Today in class we reviewed my policies and procedures as well as a quick overview as to how to write a paragraph. Tonight for homework you need to accomplish the following tasks:

• Finish your opening paragraph. Make sure that it's written in pen! Turn in your paragraph to the box in Mrs. Phillips's room - 214.
• Have your parents complete your information sheet completely!
• Make sure that you have your materials for class!

That's it! Have a great afternoon!

This is the end...this is the end, my friends...

Dear Students,

It's been a great year. I think that this blog is going to go into retirement for the summer because I'm going to be too busy or too lazy to update this thing. I've had a truly wonderful year with all of you.


Thank you,

Miller

Wrapping up the end of the year...

1. Guys and Gals - Work on your review sheets. You should be able to define all of those literary devices and you should be able to recognize them when you see them in an example. You may have noticed that from the matchboxes we have done in class, that there are a lot of questions about these devices. Study. Study. Study!!!!!!!

2. After school on Tuesday and Wednesday I will be having study/review sessions. Remember that after school busses will not run. You need to provide your own transportation.

3. In class on Tuesday/Wednesday we will be finishing TKAM and finishing up our writing portfolios to get them ready to move up to next year. Also you can bring questions from your review sheets.

4. I've had a lot of fun with you all this year. I'm really looking forward to the last few classes.

Tonight's Homework

For tonight I want you to take the list of themes and conflicts from The Color of Water and think about the following questions:

1. How are the themes and conflicts seen in both The Color of Water and To Kill A Mockingbird. Basically, what are some examples of these themes and conflicts?

2. Why are these themes/conflicts important in each work?

I want you to organize your answers to these question in either a venn diagram, chart, or a paragraph. For the paragraph you need to write six to ten sentences and for the chart/diagram you should have six to ten examples. Put this in your journal.

Weekend Homework

For this weekend you will need to read chapters nineteen through twenty-one in The Color of Water. In your journals I want you to answer the following question: "Do you think that James is always a reliable narrator? Are there times when you don't believe him? Why or why not is James reliable?"

Things to do...

For the next class we will be having our quest/tiz (whichever you want to call it) on Non-Fiction.  Here are the things that you will need to review:

1.  Information on The Color of Water

2.  The articles on Albert Einstein from the textbook

3.  The different kinds of non-fiction that are available.  You should be able to tell what each of these things are and how they are different from each other.

4.  The definitions of different literary devices.

5.  The rules of debate - the process and vocabulary about debates.

Also - your poetry paper will be due.  You need to turn in everything (analysis log, outline, rough draft and final draft) tomorrow.

After our next class we will start reviewing for the EOC - and we'll finish up The Color of Water.

Homework for 6/7 May

For tonight you need to do a few things:

1. Get your parents and anyone else that you know who is registered to vote, to vote!
2. Read the next two chapters of The Color of Water.
3. Begin your position paper.

Your position paper will be no more than one page long and will concern your current topic. In the first sentence of your paper you will clearly state what your position is on the topic and why you feel that way. In the body paragraph you will give specific reasons why you feel the way you feel about your topic. Your conclusion will wrap up your argument in one sentence.

I'll give you more guidance on this next class.

Reminders

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tomorrow/Wednesday I will be collecting two things at the beginning of class:

1. Your viewing guides to the show we watched on Friday/Monday.
2. Your humor paragraphs.

The paragraphs will go into your writing portfolios, the viewing guides will be checked. You will get a grade for both assignments.

Also, next class we will begin our research for our debates. Be ready!

Weekend Homework

For this weekend you need to finish your humor paragraph to turn in on Tuesday/Wednesday. In addition, you will need to read the next two chapters in The Color of Water - there's no journal entry for you to complete, just enjoy the reading.

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.

Homework

For homework you will need to write a description of the perfect poet. Your description should include at least five character traits and a brief explanation as to why that is an important trait for a poet. This will go IN YOUR JOURNAL and will be your tenth entry. I will check journals next class.

If you missed it...

Don't forget about the extra poem that we studied today - "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams. You can access the poem here.a

Remember also the notes about the modernist movement, imagists and haiku.

Homework

For homework you will need to read "Women's Work" and "Daily" in your text book.  I'm not sure of the page number, but it's in the poetry section.  You will need to answer questions one and two on page 412.  Honors students will need to also answer questions three through five.  Standard students will need to answer question three and four (answer question four as a Venn Diagram NOT A PARAGRAPH).

Extra Credit - Read Carefully

Poetry Scavenger Hunt/Research

Answer the following questions in complete paragraphs (at least five sentences) except where noted. If it is not a question, complete the task as directed. Cite all sources for information in correct MLA format. Failure to properly cite sources will result in no credit.

1. What is a poet laureate?
2. Who is the current poet laureate of the United States? (Answer in just one sentence.)
3. Read one poem by the current poet laureate of our country. Write the name of the poem and attach a copy of the poem with your final product.
4. Based on the rubric that we used with in class with the Sweet Sixteen tournament, decide if the poem is good (gets a high score). Attach your scorecard for the poem with your final product.
5. Why did you give the poem this score? Be specific.

The first four questions will be worth one homework grade. The last question is worth a quiz/project grade.

Rubric:
• Question one is all or nothing – 15 points
• Question two is all or nothing – 15 points
• Task three is all or nothing – 30 points
• Task four is all or nothing – 10 points
• Question five will be graded like a test essay with partial credit awarded. However, since you have more time than you normally would on a test, I am going to be more stringent. Your grade will be determined on the following fields:
• The use of evidence in your writing – 10 points
• The clarity of your argument – 10 points
• Grammar and usage – 5 points
• The level of focus in your writing – 5 points

Due Dates
This is due on the 24th (B day) or 25th (A day). I will not be available over the weekend via e-mail or blog. I will not answer any questions. If you need resources, ask the Media Center staff.

A final note
If your grade is lowered because of the grade on this assignment, I will not count it against you. No wikipedia for research. Your website sources must end with .gov, .org, or .edu.

Get crackin’,

Miller

18/19 March - Homework

For tonight's homework you will beed to write a description of an object of your choice. Make your description at least 100 words. Use rich, descriptive language. This will go in your journals.

Weekend Homework

This weekend you will need to read Haki Madhabuti's "Back Again, Home" and answer the questions on the worksheet. Honors students will need to answer all seven questions and Standard students will just answer the first four. Remember to attempt every answer. We will begin discussion next class by discussing this poem.

Also, let's remember Aisha's quote of the day:

"It's not a tongue twister, it's a mind twister."

Have a great weekend!

Today I forgot the homework...

Your homework for tonight/your last class was to respond to the following questions in your journals.

Why do poets write odes?  If you were to write an ode, what would you write about?  Why?

This will be journal entry number four - you can expect a journal check before spring break.

I forgot Sydney's Quote!

I was just sitting here at my computer and I realized that I forgot Sydney's quote.

"Well, I guess it's pretty awkward in hell."

Looking at the image on the left, I would imagine so.  This is an image of Bartolomeo's idea of what Dante's hell looked like.  I'm going to stop talking about it because I feel like I'm ruining it.

But, if you would like to know more, here are a few really interesting links to Dante's Inferno.

http://web.eku.edu/flash/inferno/

http://books.google.com/books?id=46_t4AwG0boC&printsec=frontcover&dq=dante%27s+inferno

http://www3.iath.virginia.edu/dante/

http://web.eku.edu/flash/inferno/

Homework for the weekend

A Day students:

Your homework will go in your journal. You need to respond to the following quote.

"Beauty is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, but rather a heart enflamed and a soul enchanted."

Remember that when you respond to the quote you need to write for a solid fifteen minutes. Take the idea in the quote and tell me what you think of it. Use this quote as a jumping off point for your own ideas on beauty.


B Day students:

Your job is to write your own "Love Song." For Honors students I am expecting at least twenty lines of poetry. For Standard students I am expecting at least fifteen. There is no upper limit.

Homework

Due next class:

You will need to bring in a poem that was written by someone other than you. Read the poem and then write a brief summary. After you write the summary, write a brief paragraph in which you discuss the author's purpose (why did the author write the poem).

This will be due to the box!!!