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.
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.
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!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Homework for Juniors - 2/17
English III:
For tonight you will need to complete your first vocabulary bookmark and three more vocabulary cards from the words on your bookmark. Remember the mistakes that you made on the first round of this and fix those mistakes for your next round of cards. I want to do nothing but see 100's on these assignments. Further, please get your website set up for our Catcher projects. Once you set up the website, be sure to share it with me and all of your groupmates. Get that done by the end of the day on Friday.
English I:
Your homework is in the previous post - make sure that your answers get in the box on the day that it's due.
For tonight you will need to complete your first vocabulary bookmark and three more vocabulary cards from the words on your bookmark. Remember the mistakes that you made on the first round of this and fix those mistakes for your next round of cards. I want to do nothing but see 100's on these assignments. Further, please get your website set up for our Catcher projects. Once you set up the website, be sure to share it with me and all of your groupmates. Get that done by the end of the day on Friday.
English I:
Your homework is in the previous post - make sure that your answers get in the box on the day that it's due.
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!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Homework - 14 February
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
English III:
In a moment of grace I've decided that you all don't need to do any reading tonight. It may be a good idea for you to begin looking over what you've already read with an eye toward your website project. Begin looking through the earlier information in an attempt to find quotes that explain your idea. Think consistently about author's purpose as you look at these passages.
Tomorrow we are going to spend some time reviewing what we've already read and then going forward into the last few sections of the novel. For tonight, you will definitely want to make sure that you're prepared for a good discussion tomorrow.
English I:
Today I gave you the outline and requirements for your film review of A Separate Peace. On Wednesday/Thursday we will be editing these in class to make sure that they are in good shape before final drafts are due. Final drafts will be due the 24th and 25th of February. I'm giving you this time so that you will have time to come and see me to get extra editing assistance. Also, please have your copy of A Separate Peace with you next class as I will be collecting these from you.
Lastly, Freshmen, if you are missing any assignments please see me as soon as possible to get them made up. The third nine weeks will pass by very quickly. Keep up with your work, don't fall behind!
English III:
In a moment of grace I've decided that you all don't need to do any reading tonight. It may be a good idea for you to begin looking over what you've already read with an eye toward your website project. Begin looking through the earlier information in an attempt to find quotes that explain your idea. Think consistently about author's purpose as you look at these passages.
Tomorrow we are going to spend some time reviewing what we've already read and then going forward into the last few sections of the novel. For tonight, you will definitely want to make sure that you're prepared for a good discussion tomorrow.
English I:
Today I gave you the outline and requirements for your film review of A Separate Peace. On Wednesday/Thursday we will be editing these in class to make sure that they are in good shape before final drafts are due. Final drafts will be due the 24th and 25th of February. I'm giving you this time so that you will have time to come and see me to get extra editing assistance. Also, please have your copy of A Separate Peace with you next class as I will be collecting these from you.
Lastly, Freshmen, if you are missing any assignments please see me as soon as possible to get them made up. The third nine weeks will pass by very quickly. Keep up with your work, don't fall behind!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Homework for the Weekend - 11 February
Juniors:
Over the weekend I'd like for you to spend some time reviewing chapters fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. We'll be discussing these in depth on Monday and I would like to make sure that you are all prepared for that. Also, I would like for you to take some time and read the Dostoevsky excerpt from the novel Crime and Punishment. As you read the excerpt, pay particular attention to similarities and differences between the excerpt and The Catcher in the Rye. There are some very interesting parallels.
Freshmen:
Don't forget that your poems are due on Monday/Tuesday to the box. If you haven't turned in your project yet, make sure it gets to me as soon as possible. Five points off for lateness per day, ten points off per class.
Over the weekend I'd like for you to spend some time reviewing chapters fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. We'll be discussing these in depth on Monday and I would like to make sure that you are all prepared for that. Also, I would like for you to take some time and read the Dostoevsky excerpt from the novel Crime and Punishment. As you read the excerpt, pay particular attention to similarities and differences between the excerpt and The Catcher in the Rye. There are some very interesting parallels.
Freshmen:
Don't forget that your poems are due on Monday/Tuesday to the box. If you haven't turned in your project yet, make sure it gets to me as soon as possible. Five points off for lateness per day, ten points off per class.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Homework - 10 February
Juniors:
Great job with the inside/outside circle today. I'd like to see more people engaging in the conversation when we do these things. Remember, your ideas get stronger when you discuss them and test them against your classmates. For tonight, I'd like for you to read chapters fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. Be sure that as you read, you are annotating. Furthermore, don't forget that vocabulary cards are due tomorrow. You'll need to submit two cards and I will be checking your bookmark. Follow all of the instructions.
Freshmen:
Over the weekend you have a creative writing activity to do for me. I would like for you to complete a poetic eulogy for Finny. The eulogy will need to be no less than fifteen lines for Standard students and no less than twenty-five lines for Honors students. Remember that a eulogy is meant to be in praise of the person - try to use interesting diction and imagery to make your poem more complete. These will need to be turned into the box on Monday/Tuesday.
Great job with the inside/outside circle today. I'd like to see more people engaging in the conversation when we do these things. Remember, your ideas get stronger when you discuss them and test them against your classmates. For tonight, I'd like for you to read chapters fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. Be sure that as you read, you are annotating. Furthermore, don't forget that vocabulary cards are due tomorrow. You'll need to submit two cards and I will be checking your bookmark. Follow all of the instructions.
Freshmen:
Over the weekend you have a creative writing activity to do for me. I would like for you to complete a poetic eulogy for Finny. The eulogy will need to be no less than fifteen lines for Standard students and no less than twenty-five lines for Honors students. Remember that a eulogy is meant to be in praise of the person - try to use interesting diction and imagery to make your poem more complete. These will need to be turned into the box on Monday/Tuesday.
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.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Forgot the Homework!
Students,
Sorry for the delay in posting. Here's what you need to get done over the weekend.
English I:
Your projects are due this week coming up. Thursday for A-day and Friday for B-day. Come and see me after school to go over the written part of your project. Remember that these projects will count as a test grade. Over the weekend you'll need to read chapter eleven. You may want to go ahead and finish the book after that.
English III:
Over the weekend you should complete the reading of chapters four through seven. Continue to annotate. Remember, look for patters and things that you find interesting in the reading. We've been doing a lot of discussion on point of view and narrator. These may be things to focus on. Don't forget that you have to have your book every day in class. Not being prepared in not acceptable.
Sorry for the delay in posting. Here's what you need to get done over the weekend.
English I:
Your projects are due this week coming up. Thursday for A-day and Friday for B-day. Come and see me after school to go over the written part of your project. Remember that these projects will count as a test grade. Over the weekend you'll need to read chapter eleven. You may want to go ahead and finish the book after that.
English III:
Over the weekend you should complete the reading of chapters four through seven. Continue to annotate. Remember, look for patters and things that you find interesting in the reading. We've been doing a lot of discussion on point of view and narrator. These may be things to focus on. Don't forget that you have to have your book every day in class. Not being prepared in not acceptable.
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.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Homework and Reminders - 2 February
English I:
Freshmen, I will try to have your tests graded and back to you by next week. They will definitely be on your progress reports. For tonight you do not have any homework that you need to complete, but you should move toward finishing A Separate Peace. You will need to have the book done next week. Your projects will be due at the end of next week. Thursday the 10th for A-day and Friday the 11th for B-day. If you need any assistance or want me to take a look at your projects, please come and see me for that. Next week we will wrap up our study of the novel and then move on to poetry!
English III:
Today in the library I hope that you were able to complete your research for your presentations tomorrow. Tonight, you will need to finish up any research that you need to complete your presentation/public speaking assignment tomorrow. I will be collecting bibliographies from you as part of your presentation grade. You will also be graded on your content and the way in which you present the information (good eye contract, volume, posture, and so forth). Also, tomorrow, we will begin our study of The Catcher in the Rye. Make sure that you have your copy of the novel with you in class. I will also be giving out your vocabulary assignment for the year.
As always, let me know if you have any questions. Assuming that I survive my swim tonight, I'll see you all tomorrow.
Freshmen, I will try to have your tests graded and back to you by next week. They will definitely be on your progress reports. For tonight you do not have any homework that you need to complete, but you should move toward finishing A Separate Peace. You will need to have the book done next week. Your projects will be due at the end of next week. Thursday the 10th for A-day and Friday the 11th for B-day. If you need any assistance or want me to take a look at your projects, please come and see me for that. Next week we will wrap up our study of the novel and then move on to poetry!
English III:
Today in the library I hope that you were able to complete your research for your presentations tomorrow. Tonight, you will need to finish up any research that you need to complete your presentation/public speaking assignment tomorrow. I will be collecting bibliographies from you as part of your presentation grade. You will also be graded on your content and the way in which you present the information (good eye contract, volume, posture, and so forth). Also, tomorrow, we will begin our study of The Catcher in the Rye. Make sure that you have your copy of the novel with you in class. I will also be giving out your vocabulary assignment for the year.
As always, let me know if you have any questions. Assuming that I survive my swim tonight, I'll see you all tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
English III Homework - 1 February
For tonight, I'd like for you to respond to the following prompt:
What is the distinction between lonliness and anlone? These two concepts are very close to each other, yet, they have a clear difference as well. What is this difference? In thinking of Prufrock, does he suffer from a case of lonliness or alone? Why?
Please respond using the Google group or respond to the prompt via e-mail. If you cannot do either of these, then a paper option will be accepted. Just make sure that you are thorough in your response. You may find it useful to reread "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" tonight - we'll be finishing up with him tomorrow and then moving on to Mr. Salinger.
What is the distinction between lonliness and anlone? These two concepts are very close to each other, yet, they have a clear difference as well. What is this difference? In thinking of Prufrock, does he suffer from a case of lonliness or alone? Why?
Please respond using the Google group or respond to the prompt via e-mail. If you cannot do either of these, then a paper option will be accepted. Just make sure that you are thorough in your response. You may find it useful to reread "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" tonight - we'll be finishing up with him tomorrow and then moving on to Mr. Salinger.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Homework for All Classes - 1/31
English I:
On Wednesday/Thursday you will have an exam on chapters six through ten of A Separate Peace. The test will have four sections. Section one will be matching. Section two will be multiple choice. Section three will be short answer. Section four will be different for the different sections: Honors students will have quote identifications, and Standard students will be asked to complete a character web. Thus, it's important for Standard students to focus in on characters (Who are they? Who are they connected to? What is important about them?)
In terms of studying, you are going to want to focus on plot events, literary devices, and the ways in which these literary devices are being used in the text to add meaning. Also, think about the major motifs and symbols that we have been discussing throughout this portion of the text (reality versus fantasy, childhood versus adulthood, maturity, the war, the school, and the relationship between Gene, Finny and Brinker.)
If you've been engaged with this novel and keeping up with your reading, then this will be an easy exam; if not, this will be very difficult for you.
Lastly, don't forget that your projects will be due next week.
English III:
For homework tonight you will need to complete your "Orientation Posting." Login to the Google Group and click on the discussion board called "Orientation Post," follow all of the directions. You will be asked to post three things in your posting. Make sure that this is done before you come to class tomorrow. The beginning of class is the cut off time for all discussion board postings. If you are having problems getting to the group, please come and see me or e-mail me so that we can resolve the issue. Please remember to check your Spam/Junk folder. Your invitation may be in this folder if you have strict Spam settings.
On Wednesday/Thursday you will have an exam on chapters six through ten of A Separate Peace. The test will have four sections. Section one will be matching. Section two will be multiple choice. Section three will be short answer. Section four will be different for the different sections: Honors students will have quote identifications, and Standard students will be asked to complete a character web. Thus, it's important for Standard students to focus in on characters (Who are they? Who are they connected to? What is important about them?)
In terms of studying, you are going to want to focus on plot events, literary devices, and the ways in which these literary devices are being used in the text to add meaning. Also, think about the major motifs and symbols that we have been discussing throughout this portion of the text (reality versus fantasy, childhood versus adulthood, maturity, the war, the school, and the relationship between Gene, Finny and Brinker.)
If you've been engaged with this novel and keeping up with your reading, then this will be an easy exam; if not, this will be very difficult for you.
Lastly, don't forget that your projects will be due next week.
English III:
For homework tonight you will need to complete your "Orientation Posting." Login to the Google Group and click on the discussion board called "Orientation Post," follow all of the directions. You will be asked to post three things in your posting. Make sure that this is done before you come to class tomorrow. The beginning of class is the cut off time for all discussion board postings. If you are having problems getting to the group, please come and see me or e-mail me so that we can resolve the issue. Please remember to check your Spam/Junk folder. Your invitation may be in this folder if you have strict Spam settings.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Homework over the Weekend - English III
Juniors:
Over the weekend you do not have any homework to be collected or checked, but you do have some things that you need to get done. First, we will begin our study of The Catcher in the Rye next week. Most likely toward the end of the week. Please take the time this weekend to get yourself a copy of the book. There are a few used bookstores in the area (my personal favorite being Nice Price Books on Broad Street) where you can get a copy, or you can buy it new. I only ask that you get the small copy with the red horse on the cover. This will ensure that we have the same page numbers. Second, I've sent an invitation to join our Google group to those of you who have given me an e-mail address. Please accept the invitation as next week you will have an assignment using this online resource.
Freshmen: Your homework is listed in the previous post.
Have a great weekend!
Over the weekend you do not have any homework to be collected or checked, but you do have some things that you need to get done. First, we will begin our study of The Catcher in the Rye next week. Most likely toward the end of the week. Please take the time this weekend to get yourself a copy of the book. There are a few used bookstores in the area (my personal favorite being Nice Price Books on Broad Street) where you can get a copy, or you can buy it new. I only ask that you get the small copy with the red horse on the cover. This will ensure that we have the same page numbers. Second, I've sent an invitation to join our Google group to those of you who have given me an e-mail address. Please accept the invitation as next week you will have an assignment using this online resource.
Freshmen: Your homework is listed in the previous post.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Homework/Notes - 1/27/2011
English I:
For homework over the weekend you have a few things to do. First, you should read chapter ten of A Separate Peace. As you read chapter ten, continue to pay attention to Gene and how he is changing in this chapter, again. Pay particular attention to his treatment of Leper. Also, you should complete the grammar worksheet on Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement. Remember that if the antecedent (thing that comes before) is singular, then the pronoun will also have to be singular. If the antecedent is plural, then the pronoun needs to be plural. It's all about matching. Lastly, you should be working on your final projects for A Separate Peace. Come and see me next week after school if you need any extra assistance.
Lastly, on February 2 (A day) and February 3 (B day) you will have an exam on chapters six through ten of A Separate Peace. You would do well to begin reviewing these chapters over the weekend. On Monday/Tuesday we will review chapter ten and then prepare for the exam.
English III:
I want to begin by saying that I was very impressed with the amount of engagement that I saw in our class discussion today. If we can work as hard as we did today every day, then we are going to have an amazing year. For tomorrow you have two things to do. First, you need to complete the final drafts of your "What is America?" essays. Please submit to me the final draft and the rough draft. Second, I want you to do an activity tonight called 1Q1P, to do this, you will need to select one sentence that you think is the most important sentence in the whole story. That is the 1Q (quote). After you have selected your sentence, you need to write your 1P (paragraph). As you write the paragraph you will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt why your selection is the best choice for the whole story.
Tomorrow, we will finish up with Oates by playing with the numbers a bit more and then we will move on to our next key piece. A piece of poetry...
Enjoy the evening, let me know if you've got any questions.
For homework over the weekend you have a few things to do. First, you should read chapter ten of A Separate Peace. As you read chapter ten, continue to pay attention to Gene and how he is changing in this chapter, again. Pay particular attention to his treatment of Leper. Also, you should complete the grammar worksheet on Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement. Remember that if the antecedent (thing that comes before) is singular, then the pronoun will also have to be singular. If the antecedent is plural, then the pronoun needs to be plural. It's all about matching. Lastly, you should be working on your final projects for A Separate Peace. Come and see me next week after school if you need any extra assistance.
Lastly, on February 2 (A day) and February 3 (B day) you will have an exam on chapters six through ten of A Separate Peace. You would do well to begin reviewing these chapters over the weekend. On Monday/Tuesday we will review chapter ten and then prepare for the exam.
English III:
I want to begin by saying that I was very impressed with the amount of engagement that I saw in our class discussion today. If we can work as hard as we did today every day, then we are going to have an amazing year. For tomorrow you have two things to do. First, you need to complete the final drafts of your "What is America?" essays. Please submit to me the final draft and the rough draft. Second, I want you to do an activity tonight called 1Q1P, to do this, you will need to select one sentence that you think is the most important sentence in the whole story. That is the 1Q (quote). After you have selected your sentence, you need to write your 1P (paragraph). As you write the paragraph you will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt why your selection is the best choice for the whole story.
Tomorrow, we will finish up with Oates by playing with the numbers a bit more and then we will move on to our next key piece. A piece of poetry...
Enjoy the evening, let me know if you've got any questions.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
English III Homework - 1/26
Tonight I would like for you to finish reading the story that we began reading today in class. As you read, read deeply and slowly. Pause after each paragraph and look for trends and patterns. Investigate the text through annotation. Tomorrow, we will spend a majority of our time discussing and unlocking the story in order to get at some really deep level things going on. Please prepare the questions at the end of the story as a jumping off point; do not limit yourself to just these questions. If you have your own questions or points to raise in the class discussion; please bring them tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to our first discussion.
Don't forget that your essays are also coming due soon. I will collect your rough drafts and final drafts from you on Friday.
Don't forget that your essays are also coming due soon. I will collect your rough drafts and final drafts from you on Friday.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Homework - 1/25/2011
Welcome back! I think it's going to be a great semester for all of us. Only ninety days to go until the end of the year and summer vacation! Let's get on to business:
English I:
For Thursday/Friday, you need to be sure that you've read and understand chapter nine of A Separate Peace. We'll be spending a lot of time working through the major conflict that is being established here in this last part of the novel. Furthermore, your projects on the novel will be due the week of February 7th. Be sure that you're working on these bit by bit as opposed to waiting until the last minute. Lastly, I do want to inform you that you will be having a test soon on chapters six through ten of A Separate Peace. Be ready!
English III:
This was a good first day. For your assignment tonight, you need to complete your writing diagnostic: a two page definition essay that answers the question "What is America to you?" Your answer in one sentence will be your thesis - I encourage you to use the brainstorming that we did today in class to begin this writing. Your body paragraphs should show me what these concepts mean; you'll want clear, concise examples from our world which support your opinions. Finally, make sure that you use the rubric to compose your assignments, that is how you will be graded.
Tomorrow we will do a Peer Editing workshop on these essays and begin our first piece of literature for the year, an absolutely fantastic short story by a woman named Joyce Carol Oates. Get excited for that. Don't forget to return your parent contact forms to me tomorrow.
Let me know if you've got questions!
English I:
For Thursday/Friday, you need to be sure that you've read and understand chapter nine of A Separate Peace. We'll be spending a lot of time working through the major conflict that is being established here in this last part of the novel. Furthermore, your projects on the novel will be due the week of February 7th. Be sure that you're working on these bit by bit as opposed to waiting until the last minute. Lastly, I do want to inform you that you will be having a test soon on chapters six through ten of A Separate Peace. Be ready!
English III:
This was a good first day. For your assignment tonight, you need to complete your writing diagnostic: a two page definition essay that answers the question "What is America to you?" Your answer in one sentence will be your thesis - I encourage you to use the brainstorming that we did today in class to begin this writing. Your body paragraphs should show me what these concepts mean; you'll want clear, concise examples from our world which support your opinions. Finally, make sure that you use the rubric to compose your assignments, that is how you will be graded.
Tomorrow we will do a Peer Editing workshop on these essays and begin our first piece of literature for the year, an absolutely fantastic short story by a woman named Joyce Carol Oates. Get excited for that. Don't forget to return your parent contact forms to me tomorrow.
Let me know if you've got questions!
Monday, January 24, 2011
3rd Nine Weeks/Semester II
We start brand new tomorrow!
Tomorrow's schedule will have you going to all of your classes like normal. You will have a new third and fourth period. Tomorrow will be an A-day. Tomorrow you'll be getting your essays back and we will discuss chapter eight. Make sure that you've finished reading the chapter and that you understand it thoroughly. If you have any questions about the reading; jot those down and ask them in class during our discussion.
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow after the semester break!
Tomorrow's schedule will have you going to all of your classes like normal. You will have a new third and fourth period. Tomorrow will be an A-day. Tomorrow you'll be getting your essays back and we will discuss chapter eight. Make sure that you've finished reading the chapter and that you understand it thoroughly. If you have any questions about the reading; jot those down and ask them in class during our discussion.
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow after the semester break!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Grades and Wrap Up...
Freshmen and Seniors:
For the most part, I have grades ready for you. Some of you have come to see me about redoing some final assignments to earn a few extra points. Some of you are missing a major assignment, and I have contacted a majority of you about this. Friday will be the last day to make anything up for this grading period. I'm also available on Thursday afternoon (12-2:30) if you would like to come then.
Tomorrow's schedule has me meeting after the 4th period exam with 3rd period for lunch, 1B and then 2B. This will provide a chance for Seniors, and B-day students to make up missing work, redo past assignments, or even play games. I'm bringing Apples to Apples. I know not all of you will be in class tomorrow; especially those of you exempt from your 4th period exam.
The next time that I will be seeing all Freshmen will be on the 25th of January. This will be an A day and the start of a new semester. I will be handing back your essays on this day, and I will inform you of some important changes for this quarter. You will begin your new classes for the second semester on this day: new third and fourth period. In A Separate Peace, I am expecting that everyone be finished with chapter eight. I encourage you to read ahead. The end of the novel moves pretty quickly, and once you see Gene leave Leper out there...you really just want to finish to see what's going to happen.
We will be picking up the pace with this novel as we move to its denoument. Don't forget that you have projects on A Separate Peace. This will be your first major test grade of the third nine weeks! Make it count!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Exam Preparation - English IV
Seniors:
The time has finally come. It's time for your final exam. The exam will have two portions: identifications and essay. For the identifications you will need to know the title and author for each thing, you will also need to explain the significance of the object/thing in the work as a whole. For the essay section, you will have two essays. One essay will ask you to analyze a piece of poetry or a piece of fiction; the other essay will ask you to respond to a prompt using your knowledge of one of the major pieces we studied.
I will be collecting final papers from ALL OF YOU on Tuesday. If you are not taking the exam, come in, drop off the paper, and then leave. If you are taking the exam, I will take the paper when you enter. I will not be accepting any assignments past the end of the final exam.
I will not be posting a list of exempt or non-exempt students. If you don't know, please show up and we can double check then. Don't assume you're fine and then get a phone call from me on Tuesday afternoon.
If you have any exam/class related questions, please let me know.
The time has finally come. It's time for your final exam. The exam will have two portions: identifications and essay. For the identifications you will need to know the title and author for each thing, you will also need to explain the significance of the object/thing in the work as a whole. For the essay section, you will have two essays. One essay will ask you to analyze a piece of poetry or a piece of fiction; the other essay will ask you to respond to a prompt using your knowledge of one of the major pieces we studied.
I will be collecting final papers from ALL OF YOU on Tuesday. If you are not taking the exam, come in, drop off the paper, and then leave. If you are taking the exam, I will take the paper when you enter. I will not be accepting any assignments past the end of the final exam.
I will not be posting a list of exempt or non-exempt students. If you don't know, please show up and we can double check then. Don't assume you're fine and then get a phone call from me on Tuesday afternoon.
If you have any exam/class related questions, please let me know.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Notes to prepare for 14 January
Freshmen:
I will be seeing all of you tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be playing a small game called Matchbox. All that you will need for tomorrow is something to write with as well as your vocabulary bookmarks. Vocabulary bookmarks will need to be turned into the box to receive a grade. I will be looking for entries from chapters one through eight when I check these assignments
Seniors:
Tomorrow, class will begin at around 1:00. I expect to see you all in costume for the Pub. I will collect your worksheets at the beginning of the period and then check your notes at the end of the period. The reflection of the activity will be collected electronically via Google Docs or you can hand it in to me at the final exam. Don't forget that final papers for my class are due on Tuesday the 18th.
Let me know if you've got any questions. I'm off to the gym to run away from today's horribly long day...
I will be seeing all of you tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be playing a small game called Matchbox. All that you will need for tomorrow is something to write with as well as your vocabulary bookmarks. Vocabulary bookmarks will need to be turned into the box to receive a grade. I will be looking for entries from chapters one through eight when I check these assignments
Seniors:
Tomorrow, class will begin at around 1:00. I expect to see you all in costume for the Pub. I will collect your worksheets at the beginning of the period and then check your notes at the end of the period. The reflection of the activity will be collected electronically via Google Docs or you can hand it in to me at the final exam. Don't forget that final papers for my class are due on Tuesday the 18th.
Let me know if you've got any questions. I'm off to the gym to run away from today's horribly long day...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Schedule for Tomorrow - Seniors
According to the schedule for Thursday and Friday, assuming that Thursday and Friday are both full days, we will have two more meetings of third period before the final exam.
Tomorrow, after the first period exam, we will have a normal third period. Then there will be an extended second period for exam review.
On Friday, we will have the second period exam, fourth period, and then a lengthened third period for exam review.
I think that it would be better if we held the Pub on Friday to end the day. It would also give more people time to prepare and the longer period will allow us more time for the activity. It won't feel as rushed.
Tomorrow, we would have a normal class. Looking at the media's depiction of Hamlet through The Simpsons and focusing on the treatment of the ending in South Park, the Branaugh and Gibson versions of Hamlet. I'd also like to ask your opinions on the This American Life story posted a few days ago. We could end the class with a bit of exam review.
How does this sound for everyone? Seniors, leave your comments below!
Freshmen - As soon as I know the schedule for you, I will tell you. I would come prepared to have all of your classes tomorrow except 4th period. B-day students: I will be collecting essays from you. A-day students, you should have read chapter eight and made any vocabulary bookmark entries.
If there are any changes/clarifications with the schedule for tomorrow, I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Well, that was a good idea
Looks like the pub is closed due to ice. Lame. I was really looking forward to the pub with all of you. Any ideas for where to go from here?
Snow Day - 2011
Lots of time off this winter. I would have preferred a lot of snow to the sleet that we got instead. As of now we've got a two-hour delay for tomorrow. But, things can change. Tomorrow's schedule is as follows:
Period 2: 9:30 - 10:42
A Lunch: 10:42 - 11:12
Period 3: 11:18 - 12:24
Period 1: 12:30 - 2:30
Seniors:
The Beehive Pub will be open tomorrow! Come in the morning, before class, or during lunch to drop off supplies. If you haven't signed up for food yet and don't know what to bring we could use some decorations to help create more of a British pub feel. We don't have any vegetables yet. Is that lame to ask for vegetables and dip? Or fruit? Pretzels? Anyway...
You'll need to be in costume and on time when class starts; I don't want us to waste any time getting ready outside of the introduction. I'll be collecting your worksheets as you come in to class; I'll check your notes from the interactions as you leave class. You'll need to use those notes to write the reflection. The reflection can be submitted to me electronically via Google Docs.
I hope that you've spent today working on your drafts for your Hamlet papers. I will be available tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday after school to look at drafts. The final draft is due the day of the final exam, or earlier, which is currently scheduled for next Tuesday. A review session will most likely be offered this Friday.
If you're missing any assignments, they need to be submitted/made-up by this Friday. Also, please look around for checked out school books you used during this class. Please return these as soon as possible.
Freshmen:
Tomorrow I will be collecting papers from 1B and 2B. Anyone who has not yet submitted a paper, in B day should have it ready tomorrow. I will also be giving out progress reports for B day and A day students. A day students will get them from either Ms. Kaneko or Mr. Brosnan. When you see your progress report, it is important that any assignments missing a grade and not marked as exempt be made up before next Friday.
We will be discussing certain elements of chapter seven tomorrow. Be ready for a meaningful discussion.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Homework - 10 January
Freshmen:
In looking at your warm-up checks today, it seems like some of you either aren't reading or you aren't reading as closely as you need to. Tonight, for homework you'll need to read chapter eight of A Separate Peace. It may be a good idea for some of you to go back and reread chapter seven before moving on to chapter eight. Make sure that you pay attention to vocabulary and keep up with your bookmarks as you're reading.
Seniors:
Tonight for homework I would like for you to listen to this episode of This American Life. As you listen, make note of things that are interesting to you. I'd like to start class on Tuesday by discussing this piece with you. If we don't have class until Wednesday, then we'll just have the Pub activity.
With this post, I'd like for you to comment with what you're bringing for the Pub activity. I'm bringing cups, plates, and napkins as well as tea for everyone to drink. If you'd like something other than tea, bring some soda for the group. When you're cooking/shopping, remember that you need to bring enough for 34 people.
Keep up with this to know what the schedule is. As of now, it looks like we'll have school tomorrow. But who knows...
In looking at your warm-up checks today, it seems like some of you either aren't reading or you aren't reading as closely as you need to. Tonight, for homework you'll need to read chapter eight of A Separate Peace. It may be a good idea for some of you to go back and reread chapter seven before moving on to chapter eight. Make sure that you pay attention to vocabulary and keep up with your bookmarks as you're reading.
Seniors:
Tonight for homework I would like for you to listen to this episode of This American Life. As you listen, make note of things that are interesting to you. I'd like to start class on Tuesday by discussing this piece with you. If we don't have class until Wednesday, then we'll just have the Pub activity.
With this post, I'd like for you to comment with what you're bringing for the Pub activity. I'm bringing cups, plates, and napkins as well as tea for everyone to drink. If you'd like something other than tea, bring some soda for the group. When you're cooking/shopping, remember that you need to bring enough for 34 people.
Keep up with this to know what the schedule is. As of now, it looks like we'll have school tomorrow. But who knows...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A teaser for Monday night's homework.
Seniors,
A small teaser for you. Happy work on the Hamlet papers...Come and see me Monday afternoon for help. 3:00-4:00 pm. Assuming the weather cooperates. Wednesday afternoon works too.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Homework for the Weekend - 1/7
Seniors:
Over the weekend I expect that each of you will use this time to put together a full rough draft on Hamlet. Then, you can come and see me next week either after school or during 4th period or A lunch to have me review it before the final drafts are due. Please remember what I said last week, this is your last paper of your high school English career, thus I expect it to be the best. Also, this weekend, you'll want to spend some time preparing for our British Pub activity next Wednesday. If you weren't in class today, come see me on Monday to get ready for the Pub activity.
On Monday we will finish our study of Hamlet. The bodies are going to start hitting the floor.
Freshmen:
Over the weekend you all will read chapter seven of A Separate Peace. Pay very close attention to the way that the school is organized socially. We're going to start seeing a new side of the Devon School in these chapters. Further, remember that if you didn't turn in your essay on the first due date, it will need to be handed in to me on Monday/Tuesday to avoid late penalties.
If you've got questions, please ask!
Over the weekend I expect that each of you will use this time to put together a full rough draft on Hamlet. Then, you can come and see me next week either after school or during 4th period or A lunch to have me review it before the final drafts are due. Please remember what I said last week, this is your last paper of your high school English career, thus I expect it to be the best. Also, this weekend, you'll want to spend some time preparing for our British Pub activity next Wednesday. If you weren't in class today, come see me on Monday to get ready for the Pub activity.
On Monday we will finish our study of Hamlet. The bodies are going to start hitting the floor.
Freshmen:
Over the weekend you all will read chapter seven of A Separate Peace. Pay very close attention to the way that the school is organized socially. We're going to start seeing a new side of the Devon School in these chapters. Further, remember that if you didn't turn in your essay on the first due date, it will need to be handed in to me on Monday/Tuesday to avoid late penalties.
If you've got questions, please ask!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Homework - January 6th
Freshmen: Over the weekend I expect that you will read chapter seven and complete any vocabulary entries for words in this chapter. I don't want you all getting complacent at this point in the year. Things are only going to get more complicated, and my expectations for all of you are only going up. Furthermore, if you didn't complete your essay and turn it in today, you will need to be sure that it's ready to be turned in on Monday or Tuesday.
Seniors: Tomorrow we're going to finish looking at Act IV and begin the study of Act V. Things are moving quickly to the end of the year. Tomorrow I will also give you the instructions and assignments to prepare for your final assignment. Over the weekend, I would suggest that you all work on your drafts and come in next week with these drafts to be checked by me.
Please let me know if you need any help or have any questions.
Seniors: Tomorrow we're going to finish looking at Act IV and begin the study of Act V. Things are moving quickly to the end of the year. Tomorrow I will also give you the instructions and assignments to prepare for your final assignment. Over the weekend, I would suggest that you all work on your drafts and come in next week with these drafts to be checked by me.
Please let me know if you need any help or have any questions.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Homework - 5 January
Freshmen:
Your homework is posted in the previous post. Please be sure that you're working on your papers and vocabulary bookmarks. Come and see me for extra help!
Seniors:
Your final papers on Hamlet will be due no later than the day of the final exam. Our final exam will be held on January 18th. Please be sure that you see me as you are working on these papers so that they really will be the best thing you've ever written. For tonight, keep working. Tomorrow we are going to work through Act IV and then move on in to Act V.
Your homework is posted in the previous post. Please be sure that you're working on your papers and vocabulary bookmarks. Come and see me for extra help!
Seniors:
Your final papers on Hamlet will be due no later than the day of the final exam. Our final exam will be held on January 18th. Please be sure that you see me as you are working on these papers so that they really will be the best thing you've ever written. For tonight, keep working. Tomorrow we are going to work through Act IV and then move on in to Act V.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The First A-day of the New Year
The first A-day of the year brings with it literary three by three games and a long lecture on syntax. A few things to work on tonight for Freshmen and Seniors.
Freshmen: Today I gave you the due date for your essays. The first due date for essays is 1/6 and 1/7. The second due date for essays is 1/10 and 1/11. Students who would like to opt for the second due date should come and see me to request an extension to the second due date. I'll be available after school on Wednesday and Friday. I would recommend that you come and see me if you are having any problems with your essays; even if you're not having problems, I'd recommend bringing me a draft to read through.
There's no reading homework for tonight. If you would like to read ahead, please do so. I do encourage rereading of chapters and passages so that it is fresh in your mind. If today's discussion was difficult for you to participate in, please reread the chapter for our next meeting.
Seniors:
I threw a lot at you today in terms of syntax and syntactical analysis. I'm not going to recount everything, but I would like to stress a few things. First, remember that syntax is a component amongst many used by an author to create meaning. You can't simply discuss syntax (well, you can, but it's wonky), but it's best to use syntax as another part along with diction, imagery and other literary devices. It's all about showing how the author creates the meaning. Those of you working on a literary analysis will want to include a discussion of syntax. It really tends to round out and create depth in your analysis.
Tomorrow we're going to the library to work on papers. We'll be in there the whole period. I'll be conferencing with each of you about your progress in the course, your website work, and your papers. Be prepared to work hard tomorrow.
Lastly, we've not spent any time talking about Act IV - I apologize for that. We will review it Thursday before beginning Act V.
Let me know if you've got any questions or comments!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Homework - 1/3/2011
Happy New Year! It was really great seeing all of you today in class. I've been looking forward to today for a few days now. Anyway, here's what you need to do tonight.
Seniors:
You have only about seven more classes. All of your energy for the next few days should be directed at your final papers. I expect that you'll be working about an hour to two hours a night on this assignment. I'll be checking in with you all on Wednesday about your papers. Please come with drafts, outlines, notes, or any other preparation. Tomorrow we will be spending most of our time working through Act IV to understand the plot before moving on to Act V.
Freshmen:
Your essays are coming due soon. For tonight, revise and edit your essays. Come and see me this week to conference if you need to. Some essays will be collected as early as the end of this week. Be sure that you're prepared.
Seniors:
You have only about seven more classes. All of your energy for the next few days should be directed at your final papers. I expect that you'll be working about an hour to two hours a night on this assignment. I'll be checking in with you all on Wednesday about your papers. Please come with drafts, outlines, notes, or any other preparation. Tomorrow we will be spending most of our time working through Act IV to understand the plot before moving on to Act V.
Freshmen:
Your essays are coming due soon. For tonight, revise and edit your essays. Come and see me this week to conference if you need to. Some essays will be collected as early as the end of this week. Be sure that you're prepared.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Last Minute Stuff...
Make sure that you have done what you need to have done for tomorrow.
Seniors: Be sure that you've read Act IV of Hamlet - and by read it, I mean it. This may mean that you read it twice or three times with a high degree of annotation. Also, I hope that you spent some time working/thinking about your final papers. Things will move fast in these last few days of class. Don't fall off the wagon...
Freshmen: Tomorrow is a B-DAY. B-Day students should have their completed drafts for a workshop in class. A-day students, read chapter six and revise those essays. Essays will be due NEXT WEEK for all students. If you want to see me this week, find a time to do that!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Homework over the Break!
Freshmen:
Over break you should read chapter six of A Separate Peace. You will want to keep up with your vocabulary assignment as you are working through the book. The first exam showed me that a lot of people are having problems with vocabulary - so I will be collecting bookmarks when we get back from break to check in on your progress with this. Also, A-day students, take the feedback from today's workshop to improve your drafts. Use the rubric to make them really good. Please come and see me when we get back from break to go through your essays and get some more commentary.
Seniors:
Over break you will need to read Act IV of Hamlet. You will want to annotate and keep track of things as you work through this section of the text. We will come back, review the material, and then move on to Act V. Also, you will want to spend some time working on your final papers - Rough Draft workshop will happen on the Wednesday when we get back from break. If you have any questions about papers, please e-mail me over the break.
That's all! Enjoy the time off.
Over break you should read chapter six of A Separate Peace. You will want to keep up with your vocabulary assignment as you are working through the book. The first exam showed me that a lot of people are having problems with vocabulary - so I will be collecting bookmarks when we get back from break to check in on your progress with this. Also, A-day students, take the feedback from today's workshop to improve your drafts. Use the rubric to make them really good. Please come and see me when we get back from break to go through your essays and get some more commentary.
Seniors:
Over break you will need to read Act IV of Hamlet. You will want to annotate and keep track of things as you work through this section of the text. We will come back, review the material, and then move on to Act V. Also, you will want to spend some time working on your final papers - Rough Draft workshop will happen on the Wednesday when we get back from break. If you have any questions about papers, please e-mail me over the break.
That's all! Enjoy the time off.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
SNOW DAY!
Hopefully we'll have school tomorrow. If not, happy early Winter Break.
Seniors: Keep polishing your websites. We will present all websites tomorrow. Be sure that you check yourselves against the mock-up. If you have questions, please e-mail me. I'll respond throughout the day. Hopefully we have enough time for a bit of a surprise before we head out. Today would also be a good day to spend working on your paper. Collect quotes, organize, begin to formulate an outline.
Freshmen: You should keep working on your drafts. If we have school tomorrow it will be an A-day. A-day students should be prepared with their drafts. B-day students, I won't be looking at yours until after break. If you'd like to see me tomorrow afternoon to conference, I'm more than happy to do that.
Enjoy the day off. I know I will!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Reminders for 12/15
So - is it going to snow? We shall see.
Seniors: I don't think that I need to tell you what to do. Work on your websites. Groups with chapters in the forties will definitely present tomorrow. We may get to the first set of chapters from the fifties. The later fifties groups will be presenting on Friday. If we don't have school tomorrow we will have all presentations on Friday. If we don't have school both days, we'll see about that.
Please also be aware that you should begin working on your final paper. Those of you wishing to explore the eight to ten page option will want to sit down with me to discuss how to attack this.
Freshmen: Rough drafts of your essays, in full, are due next class. Do not put them in the homework box, bring them to class. We will begin workshopping these tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Homework - 12/14
Only a few days left to go for break. Keep working all the way to the end!
Seniors:
Seniors:
Tomorrow we will be going to the library to begin working on our final papers. Some of you will need to begin looking at criticism, some of you may need to do some outside research. All of you will need to get deeply into the text to find meaning and find support for your ideas. As you're thinking, continue to refine and clarify your ideas. Outlining is always a good idea.
Presentations of websites will be on Thursday and Friday. We will go in chronological order of the chapters. Make sure that you have your copies of Great Expectations with you on Thursday/Friday! Keep working on your websites tonight!
Freshmen:
Rough drafts! In full! All five paragraphs. Now, those of you needing help on conclusions, I would point you at this resource. The main thing to do is to restate your thesis, review your main points, and then end with the "artful ending" - the sentence that brings the essay to a logical conclusion and give the reader the final idea on your topic that you want them to have. Make sure to add no new information in the conclusion, just review what you've already told me.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Homework - 12/13
Homework for tonight is as follows:
Seniors:
I'm not assigning you reading in Hamlet because I want you to be focused on your website projects. Continue to work together and hold each other accountable for their required work. Continue to also support and guide each other. I will probably give you a few mintues tomorrow to meet together and check-in with each other. Tomorrow we will finish looking at Act III as well as do a bit of overall discussion with the play.
I also remind you that there will be a final paper when we get back from break. Many of you will want to start working on this sooner as opposed to later. Don't be a procrastinator...wait, you're Seniors...don't procrasinate too much.
Freshmen:
Next class you will have your exam. Be ready. On Thursday/Friday, you will need to bring your rough drafts of your assignments with you to class.
Let me know if you've got questions!
Seniors:
I'm not assigning you reading in Hamlet because I want you to be focused on your website projects. Continue to work together and hold each other accountable for their required work. Continue to also support and guide each other. I will probably give you a few mintues tomorrow to meet together and check-in with each other. Tomorrow we will finish looking at Act III as well as do a bit of overall discussion with the play.
I also remind you that there will be a final paper when we get back from break. Many of you will want to start working on this sooner as opposed to later. Don't be a procrastinator...wait, you're Seniors...don't procrasinate too much.
Freshmen:
Next class you will have your exam. Be ready. On Thursday/Friday, you will need to bring your rough drafts of your assignments with you to class.
Let me know if you've got questions!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Freshman Study Guide
Freshmen:
Your A Separate Peace test will be on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. It will cover information in chapters one through five. Below you'll find some ideas for things to study - this list doesn't cover everything, but is intended to get you started. Remember to be active as you study, study in bursts, not all at once.
- bildungsroman notes - You should know about the different stages of bildungsroman as well as important literary devices that we went over in this powerpoint
- literary devices - As you saw on the benchmark, a lot of questions relate to identifying literary devices and how they're used in a text. We've gone over a lot of these this year - everything is fair game.
- characters/plot events
- motifs/symbols/themes
- VOCABULARY- You will see vocabulary on this exam directly from the book. Be sure that you are looking over your vocabulary bookmarks as well as going back to those pages to reexamine how the vocabulary is used.
Lastly, there will be writing on the exam. As we have really been doing a lot of writing practice lately I am expecting that your skills will be a lot stronger. I expect clear topic sentences in your writing as well as good use of examples. There will be short answers about topics we've spent some time discussing in class as well as quote identifications for Honors students. Honors students - you will have to identify the speaker, context, and importance of the quotes I give you.
If you want extra help getting ready, please come and see me on Monday.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Weekend Homework - 12/10
Seniors:
I'm not giving you any reading this weekend in the hopes that you will use this time to get a lot done with your Great Expectations websites. I'll be checking in on these over the weekend - watching just like Big Brother. Please let me know of any problems or concerns as soon as they occur so that we can deal with them.
Next week we will finish Act III of Hamlet. I'll be giving you a lot of work back on Monday including your paper topics and your Act I tests. There are a lot of interesting ideas floating around in the malestrom that is Honors English IV - I'm happy to see you all really wrestling with these.
Freshmen:
On Tuesday/Wednesday you will have your exam on the first five chapters of A Separate Peace. Don't forget also that your rough drafts of your essays are due on Thursday/Friday. Use the feedback that I gave you on your first paragraphs to complete the rest of your papers. If you need help, please come and see me Monday afternoon during study hall.
Quick note: The chapter five worksheet asks about the conversation between Gene and Finny on page fifty-seven. This is the conversation that the two boys have while they are in the hospital, before Finny leaves Devon School.
I'm not giving you any reading this weekend in the hopes that you will use this time to get a lot done with your Great Expectations websites. I'll be checking in on these over the weekend - watching just like Big Brother. Please let me know of any problems or concerns as soon as they occur so that we can deal with them.
Next week we will finish Act III of Hamlet. I'll be giving you a lot of work back on Monday including your paper topics and your Act I tests. There are a lot of interesting ideas floating around in the malestrom that is Honors English IV - I'm happy to see you all really wrestling with these.
Freshmen:
On Tuesday/Wednesday you will have your exam on the first five chapters of A Separate Peace. Don't forget also that your rough drafts of your essays are due on Thursday/Friday. Use the feedback that I gave you on your first paragraphs to complete the rest of your papers. If you need help, please come and see me Monday afternoon during study hall.
Quick note: The chapter five worksheet asks about the conversation between Gene and Finny on page fifty-seven. This is the conversation that the two boys have while they are in the hospital, before Finny leaves Devon School.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Seniors - Quick Reminder
I forgot to mention the fact that I would suggest you all use GOOGLE DOCS for your paper ideas. This will allow us to collaborate a bit more effectively. If you would like to do this - please be sure that you share your document with me and give me editing privledges.
Homework - 9 December
Seniors:
Tomorrow in class I will be collecting your paper topics. This will allow me to see what you're thinking for your final paper and give me some ideas as to how I can assist you. In my mind, I've already given you all the tools that you will need to accomplish these papers. This second round will be very hands off - I ask that you work hard and ask for any help you may need. I will have these topics back to you on Monday with commentary. Also, I will be handing back your Hamlet Act I tests on Monday as well.
The last thing that I should see from all groups is your Group Overview section. This should be completed by 6:00 on Friday evening. In the overview, be sure that you state what chapters you are studying in your group, what each person is doing in the group, and all of the members of your group. I especially want to know who is responsible for what content.
Looking forward to tomorrow's class as we move deeper into Act III.
Tomorrow in class I will be collecting your paper topics. This will allow me to see what you're thinking for your final paper and give me some ideas as to how I can assist you. In my mind, I've already given you all the tools that you will need to accomplish these papers. This second round will be very hands off - I ask that you work hard and ask for any help you may need. I will have these topics back to you on Monday with commentary. Also, I will be handing back your Hamlet Act I tests on Monday as well.
The last thing that I should see from all groups is your Group Overview section. This should be completed by 6:00 on Friday evening. In the overview, be sure that you state what chapters you are studying in your group, what each person is doing in the group, and all of the members of your group. I especially want to know who is responsible for what content.
Looking forward to tomorrow's class as we move deeper into Act III.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Homework - 8 December
Seniors:
Tomorrow we will begin by finishing our discussion of "WAYG? WHYB?" - we're going to focus on the musical qualities and talk a bit more about the character names and the numbers. Be ready for that. We're also going to finish watching II.2 of Hamlet and begin our study of the third act. Please remember that paper topics are due to me on Friday. Also, I would like for you to finish the group overview section of your website by Friday.
Freshmen:
Be sure that your chapter five worksheets and your copy of the script get to the box on Friday/Monday morning. Next class we will begin by presenting our scenes, going through chapter five, and then reviewing for your exam on chapters one through five. Also, don't forget that your essays due on the last day of class before break are now ROUGH DRAFTS, not final drafts. I will read these over the break and give you feedback to prepare for your final drafts.
Let me know if you've got questions!
Tomorrow we will begin by finishing our discussion of "WAYG? WHYB?" - we're going to focus on the musical qualities and talk a bit more about the character names and the numbers. Be ready for that. We're also going to finish watching II.2 of Hamlet and begin our study of the third act. Please remember that paper topics are due to me on Friday. Also, I would like for you to finish the group overview section of your website by Friday.
Freshmen:
Be sure that your chapter five worksheets and your copy of the script get to the box on Friday/Monday morning. Next class we will begin by presenting our scenes, going through chapter five, and then reviewing for your exam on chapters one through five. Also, don't forget that your essays due on the last day of class before break are now ROUGH DRAFTS, not final drafts. I will read these over the break and give you feedback to prepare for your final drafts.
Let me know if you've got questions!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Homework - 7 December
Seniors
Tonight you need to make it your priority to read the short story "Where are you going? Where have you been?" by Joyce Carol Oates. Take a look at the questions at the end of the story first - these will give you some key points to read for as you go through the story. There are, in my opinion, several connections between this story and Hamlet as well as some other things that we've studied. This is a story with multiple layered meanings, and it's probably one of my favorite short stories ever written. I hope that tomorrow's discussion is productive.
Furthermore, you should be considering your final papers - I will be asking for topics soon. Also, continue working on your websites. Editing should be enabled for all of your group members. Try to get your Group Overview done by Thursday evening.
Enjoy the Oates!
Tonight you need to make it your priority to read the short story "Where are you going? Where have you been?" by Joyce Carol Oates. Take a look at the questions at the end of the story first - these will give you some key points to read for as you go through the story. There are, in my opinion, several connections between this story and Hamlet as well as some other things that we've studied. This is a story with multiple layered meanings, and it's probably one of my favorite short stories ever written. I hope that tomorrow's discussion is productive.
Furthermore, you should be considering your final papers - I will be asking for topics soon. Also, continue working on your websites. Editing should be enabled for all of your group members. Try to get your Group Overview done by Thursday evening.
Enjoy the Oates!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Homework for 12/6
Only NINE more days until Winter Break begins!
Freshmen:
Those of you that I did not have a chance to meet with today will get your first paragraphs back on Wednesday/Thursday. The biggest issue that I am seeing in your writing is that you are not explaining everything thoroughly AND/OR you are not really connecting your ideas back to your thesis. Remember to be clear in your writing. The idea here is that you want me to understand the story in the same way that you do. Continue working on these essays. Final drafts will be due on 12/16 and 12/17.
For reading homework tonight you have to read chapter five of A Separate Peace as well as complete the worksheet. The worksheet should go to the box by Friday/Monday morning. Make sure that it's complete.
Lastly, don't forget about your websites. The next deadline will be Thursday! By Thursday you should have the Group Overview for your page done.
Seniors:
Tonight you should finish your reading of Act II. Be sure that you're using the annotation guide which I gave out last week to understand the goings on of Act II. Tomorrow we will discuss Act II in a lot of depth before moving on to one of my favorite short stories ever written. There are a lot of interesting connections between the short story, Hamlet, and a few books of the Bible. Some strange things are going on here - and I look forward to investigating them with you all.
Let me know if you've got any questions or concerns.
Freshmen:
Those of you that I did not have a chance to meet with today will get your first paragraphs back on Wednesday/Thursday. The biggest issue that I am seeing in your writing is that you are not explaining everything thoroughly AND/OR you are not really connecting your ideas back to your thesis. Remember to be clear in your writing. The idea here is that you want me to understand the story in the same way that you do. Continue working on these essays. Final drafts will be due on 12/16 and 12/17.
For reading homework tonight you have to read chapter five of A Separate Peace as well as complete the worksheet. The worksheet should go to the box by Friday/Monday morning. Make sure that it's complete.
Lastly, don't forget about your websites. The next deadline will be Thursday! By Thursday you should have the Group Overview for your page done.
Seniors:
Tonight you should finish your reading of Act II. Be sure that you're using the annotation guide which I gave out last week to understand the goings on of Act II. Tomorrow we will discuss Act II in a lot of depth before moving on to one of my favorite short stories ever written. There are a lot of interesting connections between the short story, Hamlet, and a few books of the Bible. Some strange things are going on here - and I look forward to investigating them with you all.
Let me know if you've got any questions or concerns.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Weekend Post - Seniors
I wanted to start off by sharing a really funny grammar link with you. It's the story of "ALOT" - I think it's hilarious. I invite you to read it.
Seniors:
Your mock-up is due by Sunday. There doesn't need to be content, but you should have the frame up; also, be sure that I and your group can edit the site. You should be done reading Great Expectations - I invite those of you mulling over the end of this book to see me and discuss. There are a lot of really good papers in there and interesting ideas to work out. On Monday you will have your test on Act I of Hamlet. The test will focus on characters, the introductory notes, motifs, and you will be asked to read and analyze an excerpt. The excerpt is one that we have discussed in class. You even saw one of them today in the film.
Today in class I gave you a reading/annotation guide for Act II. Use this to guide you to some of the larger ideas that are being worked out in the play. Feel free to add your own annotations. I do enjoy when you all bring me new points to consider when discussing the text. We will not discuss Act II until Tuesday. But I thought that some of you may want to start now.
Lastly, as we begin moving toward the end of the year I remind you that you will have a final paper on Hamlet. It will be from the ABC option sheet. Remember that you cannot repeat the same project from our study of 1984. I'll be asking you for paper topics before we leave for Winter Break. Those of you graduating early, this is required of you.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Reminders
I don't really see the point of posting the homework for tonight. I'm just going to remind everyone that you all have something major coming up.
Seniors, you have your Great Expectations websites. As of now I've seen two mock-ups. This is one of your last major grades in the class. Make sure that it gets the time and attention that it deserves. Please see me for any help with this. The last major grade that you will have is your Hamlet paper. You may want to begin thinking about a topic and planning now. Some of you were interested in the eight to ten page option - you will want to especially come see me in developing a topic.
I'm in the midst of your poetry explications. I'll have these back to you on Monday. We will be having a Act I test on Monday. Think about characters - this will be a large portion of the exam. Also, go back and review the opening notes; that content will also be there. You will also have an annotation/writing portion based on a passage from Act I. Some important hints about which passages will be revealed tomorrow in class as we watch the film. We will first finish Act I, Scene 5 and discuss some of the big ideas that Shakespeare is establishing - motifs, symbols, themes, and such...
Freshmen, you've got your first essays. Progress reports will go out next week; once I have your Benchmark scores. As you are working on your essay assignment, please come and see me to look at drafts or for extra help. I've got time on Friday afternoon as well as Monday.
Lastly, I get the feeling that some of you may be behind in your reading. Let me be clear and state that by Monday/Tuesday - I expect that you will have read to the end of chapter four and kept up with your vocabulary bookmark assignment.
That's all - one week down, two to go til Winter Break.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Homework - 12/1
Happy Hanukkah!
Tomorrow and Friday, Freshmen will have their benchmark exam. Come prepared with a pencil and your head full of literary terms and grammar knowledge. Your homework from the last post will be due on Monday/Tuesday. Don't forget that it's the introduction and first body paragraph as well as reading chapter four of A Separate Peace.
Seniors - I saw some productive conversations going on at the end of class today for your group projects. Make sure that the group's website mock-up is live by Sunday. You don't need to have any content in the pages, but you should have the empty frames which you will then fill in later. The example site that I made is linked to this blog. If you go back to the posts in November, you should be able to find it. Making a site is very intuitive. Just begin from the blank template at Google sites and you will go from there. Make sure that you share the site with me and all the members of your group. I would recommend getting some headway done on this this week as next week you will have Hamlet reading to complete on your own.
Last note for the Seniors - stay awake in class. Putting your heads down is not only rude, but you're missing content. That's going to come back and bite you when we start having assessments on Hamlet.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Senior Homework - 11/30
I hope that you all are starting to get into Hamlet. It's especially important to notice how characters are connected to each other at this point of the play and the major motifs that Shakespeare is establishing.
For tonight, you should continue to work on your Great Expectations websites as well as finishing the text. Also, don't forget that your poetry explications are due tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've come up with in your poems.
Homework - 30 November
Freshmen:
Next class we will be having our Benchmark Test. Please be sure that you come to class with two pencils. If you'd like to study for this exam, look over grammar and literary terms. Don't concern yourself with other things.
Now, for Monday and Tuesday you should come to class with your introduction paragraph and first body paragraph for your first essay. Use the tips and strategies that we went over in class today to write your body paragraphs. Be sure that you're using your outlines to complete this part of the assignment.
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/paragraphs.shtml
This website provides good information on topic sentences and writing body paragraphs. It also contains those transition words which I referenced earlier.
Other than writing, you should also read chapter four of A Separate Peace. I hope that you're noticing how things are changing in this text, especially with Gene.
Seniors:
Your explications are due tomorrow! Use the rubric and other information that we've gone over to craft a well-written piece of poetic criticism. The biggest thing to remember about this assignment is that you are trying to prove to me that the meaning is created throughout the whole piece. Be sure that you take me through all of the poem as you write your explication. I will collect these from you tomorrow at the beginning of class.
Also, don't forget that you should finish Great Expectations this week!
Next class we will be having our Benchmark Test. Please be sure that you come to class with two pencils. If you'd like to study for this exam, look over grammar and literary terms. Don't concern yourself with other things.
Now, for Monday and Tuesday you should come to class with your introduction paragraph and first body paragraph for your first essay. Use the tips and strategies that we went over in class today to write your body paragraphs. Be sure that you're using your outlines to complete this part of the assignment.
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/paragraphs.shtml
This website provides good information on topic sentences and writing body paragraphs. It also contains those transition words which I referenced earlier.
Other than writing, you should also read chapter four of A Separate Peace. I hope that you're noticing how things are changing in this text, especially with Gene.
Seniors:
Your explications are due tomorrow! Use the rubric and other information that we've gone over to craft a well-written piece of poetic criticism. The biggest thing to remember about this assignment is that you are trying to prove to me that the meaning is created throughout the whole piece. Be sure that you take me through all of the poem as you write your explication. I will collect these from you tomorrow at the beginning of class.
Also, don't forget that you should finish Great Expectations this week!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Homework - Welcome back!
Today is the 29th of November - we have fourteen more days of school until Winter Break! Things will move pretty quickly before break, make sure that you're keeping up with EVERYTHING that we have going on. There will be a lot of deadlines for you to meet.
So, let's review.
Seniors:
You will want to be sure that you finish Great Expectations by the end of this coming weekend. I would actually suggest that you finish it by Friday. You will not have any Hamlet reading this week, but this weekend and next week, you will. You will not have vocabulary cards due this week.
Now, don't forget that you have that website project due before we leave for Winter Break. First check-in on this is coming. I want there to be a mock-up shared with me and all group members live by this Sunday. Your group has a task. Today, at the end of class when we had free time - I hope that you were speaking to your group members about this.
Lastly, your poetry explications are due on Wednesday of this week. Remember what I said about taking things late with this project. I have a rubric and will share it with you tomorrow. Feel free to see me before or after class with drafts.
Freshmen:
For Wednesday/Thursday - You will want to be sure that you have read chapters one through three. Keep up with your notes, and keep thinking about some of these big ideas that we're bringing up. Those of you with your own books should take notes in your book as you read. Be sure that you also have your vocabulary bookmarks done. Don't forget the page number and definitions.
We have Benchmarks coming up on Thursday/Friday. For Thursday/Friday - just come to class with pencils. You can read when you're done with the test, but you have to remain quiet.
On Wednesday/Thursday, we will be taking the next step forward with our essay assignments. These will be due before Winter Break! If you need help, see me as soon as you realize the problem.
Onward!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Homework over Thanksgiving Break
A-day Freshmen:
Over the break you'll need to read chapter three of A Separate Peace. Make sure that as you read you keep up with your vocabulary. We will have a vocabulary check in the coming days.
B-day Freshmen:
Over break you'll need to finish reading chapter two. Please keep up with the vocabulary assignment.
All Freshmen: You will have your first benchmark exam on December 2nd and 3rd. Feel free to review your grammar warm-ups and grammar notes as well as important literary devices. Don't spend a lot of time studying; I want to see what you know and where you don't understand things.
Seniors:
Over the break you should make it a priority to finish reading Great Expectations. You've got fourteen chapters left in the text to finish Book Three. If you don't finish it over break, you'll want to finish it in the week that we begin Hamlet, after break. Also, over break, you'll want to get your copy of Hamlet. You can get just the Shakespearean version, but I recommend the No Fear Shakespeare - it will help with understanding the plot!
Everyone! Have a great Thanksgiving! Eat lots of food!
Over the break you'll need to read chapter three of A Separate Peace. Make sure that as you read you keep up with your vocabulary. We will have a vocabulary check in the coming days.
B-day Freshmen:
Over break you'll need to finish reading chapter two. Please keep up with the vocabulary assignment.
All Freshmen: You will have your first benchmark exam on December 2nd and 3rd. Feel free to review your grammar warm-ups and grammar notes as well as important literary devices. Don't spend a lot of time studying; I want to see what you know and where you don't understand things.
Seniors:
Over the break you should make it a priority to finish reading Great Expectations. You've got fourteen chapters left in the text to finish Book Three. If you don't finish it over break, you'll want to finish it in the week that we begin Hamlet, after break. Also, over break, you'll want to get your copy of Hamlet. You can get just the Shakespearean version, but I recommend the No Fear Shakespeare - it will help with understanding the plot!
Everyone! Have a great Thanksgiving! Eat lots of food!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Homework - 11/22
Seniors:
Tonight you should be able to finish reading book two of Great Expectations. Tomorrow we're going to finish reviewing some of the main concepts from book two to give you some things to think about as you finish reading Great Expecations on your own.
Also, when we get back from break we will begin studying Hamlet. I would recommend buying a copy of No-Fear Shakespeare Hamlet - this will provide a great aid to help you understand Shakespeare's language.
Freshmen:
You should finish reading chapter two of A Separate Peace. Be ready for good discussion tomorrow!
Tonight you should be able to finish reading book two of Great Expectations. Tomorrow we're going to finish reviewing some of the main concepts from book two to give you some things to think about as you finish reading Great Expecations on your own.
Also, when we get back from break we will begin studying Hamlet. I would recommend buying a copy of No-Fear Shakespeare Hamlet - this will provide a great aid to help you understand Shakespeare's language.
Freshmen:
You should finish reading chapter two of A Separate Peace. Be ready for good discussion tomorrow!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Weekend Homework - 11/19
Freshmen (A-day):
This weekend you need to read chapter two of A Separate Peace. As you read, be sure that you're keeping up with the vocabulary bookmark assignment. Jot down the words that are new to you with the page number, after you complete the reading assignment, look up the word and - on the bookmark - write a personal, one or two word definition of the new word. Reading is important because it builds vocabulary!
Also, as you read, pay attention to the ideas that we're raising in the class discussions. Especially in this opening bit of the text you want to really pay attention to the characters of Gene and Finny. Their similarities, their differences, and the relationship between them.
Freshmen (B-day): You've got to finish reading chapter one. Don't forget about the vocabulary bookmark.
Seniors:
You've got memorized poems to present on Monday and Tuesday. This should be your priority for the weekend. As I suggested earlier, try recording the poem and then listen to it again and again. Another good memorization technique is to write the poem again and again until you've literally etched it into your mind. We're also going to get back into discussing Great Expectations in these last two classes before we leave for Thanksgiving break. On Monday we'll be discussing chapters thirty, thirty-one, and thirty-two. Be prepared to discuss areas of these chapters in some depth on Monday.
Lastly - all of you come to the game tonight! HUP FALCONS!!!!
This weekend you need to read chapter two of A Separate Peace. As you read, be sure that you're keeping up with the vocabulary bookmark assignment. Jot down the words that are new to you with the page number, after you complete the reading assignment, look up the word and - on the bookmark - write a personal, one or two word definition of the new word. Reading is important because it builds vocabulary!
Also, as you read, pay attention to the ideas that we're raising in the class discussions. Especially in this opening bit of the text you want to really pay attention to the characters of Gene and Finny. Their similarities, their differences, and the relationship between them.
Freshmen (B-day): You've got to finish reading chapter one. Don't forget about the vocabulary bookmark.
Seniors:
You've got memorized poems to present on Monday and Tuesday. This should be your priority for the weekend. As I suggested earlier, try recording the poem and then listen to it again and again. Another good memorization technique is to write the poem again and again until you've literally etched it into your mind. We're also going to get back into discussing Great Expectations in these last two classes before we leave for Thanksgiving break. On Monday we'll be discussing chapters thirty, thirty-one, and thirty-two. Be prepared to discuss areas of these chapters in some depth on Monday.
Lastly - all of you come to the game tonight! HUP FALCONS!!!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Homework - 11/18
Seniors:
For tonight make sure that you get your vocabulary cards taken care of. I will be collecting these from you tomorrow. Tomorrow we'll also have a timed writing on poetry. Try to use some of the things that we've been talking about lately in class about writing for tomorrow. Also, think about the sample essays that we analyzed today in class. Be more like a nine, and less like a two.
Lastly, you should be reading two chapters of Great Expecations each night. Tonight you'll need to read chapters thirty-four and thirty-five. I know that some of you are behind, please take the weekend to get yourself caught up. Don't forget about memorized poems on Monday and Tuesday.
Freshmen:
Tonight you all need to finish reading chapter one of A Separate Peace. As you're reading, continue to pay attention to your vocabulary bookmark assignment as well as your motif and character lists. Note important quotations as you read as well to bring up in the class discussion.
See you all tomorrow. Happy Friday!
For tonight make sure that you get your vocabulary cards taken care of. I will be collecting these from you tomorrow. Tomorrow we'll also have a timed writing on poetry. Try to use some of the things that we've been talking about lately in class about writing for tomorrow. Also, think about the sample essays that we analyzed today in class. Be more like a nine, and less like a two.
Lastly, you should be reading two chapters of Great Expecations each night. Tonight you'll need to read chapters thirty-four and thirty-five. I know that some of you are behind, please take the weekend to get yourself caught up. Don't forget about memorized poems on Monday and Tuesday.
Freshmen:
Tonight you all need to finish reading chapter one of A Separate Peace. As you're reading, continue to pay attention to your vocabulary bookmark assignment as well as your motif and character lists. Note important quotations as you read as well to bring up in the class discussion.
See you all tomorrow. Happy Friday!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Homework - 11/16
Seniors: Your number one priority should be the dramatic reading presentation. You also have reading to do tonight, chapters thirty and thirty-one, but we probably won't get to these chapters until later this week. Make sure that you're prepared for the Dramatic Reading!
Freshmen: See the previous post for your reading assignment. Be ready to discuss these opening pages tomorrow in class.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Homework - 11/15
Seniors:
Tonight for homework you have to read chapter twenty-nine. The story is beginning a bit of a turn. Pay attention to Estella very carefully in the chapter. We'll work on understanding key areas of the text tomorrow in class. Come with good annotations.
Also, don't forget that you have your dramatic presentations on Wednesday and Thursday. Feel free to see me in the morning or during lunch to get some extra help on this. The key here is tone. Also, be sure that you're fluency is high. You shouldn't stumble through.
Lastly, think about your writing skills. We're working on our final push for writing. If there are specific skills you really would like to focus on here at the end - please raise those during these next few days.
Freshmen:
Tonight you will begin reading A Separate Peace. One of the biggest downfalls of this novel is the opening. It's dry. And it takes a bit of opening up to really get into the text. Remember the importance of narrator and setting. Knowles has got to establish these things before the story can continue. For tonight, read in chapter one up until the point when Gene goes back in time. You should recognize this moment fairly easily.
As you read, make sure that you keep track of your motif list on the back cover, your character list on the front cover, and your vocabulary bookmark. These are meant to be done as you read. Wednesday/Thursday, we will begin talking about annotations.
Lastly, don't forget about outlines.
To all of you:
Enjoy the reading! As always, ask questions if you have them.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Weekend Homework - 11/12
Freshmen:
You have the personal reflection about friendship due on Monday and Tuesday - please make sure that these get into the box. Furthermore, if you did not turn in your outline to the box yesterday or today, you will want to make certain you attend study hall on Monday or see me at A-lunch. These outlines are very important, not submitting them is getting you far behind in your essay.
Seniors:
Your homework for the weekend is to read/annotate chapters twenty seven and twenty eight. Also, I gave you back your annotated poems today - use these to begin planning for your dramatic readings next week. Dramatic readings will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't forget that the timed writing will happen on Friday and the memorized poem presentations will be on the 22nd and 23rd. We will be signing up for presentation slots on Monday of next week.
You have the personal reflection about friendship due on Monday and Tuesday - please make sure that these get into the box. Furthermore, if you did not turn in your outline to the box yesterday or today, you will want to make certain you attend study hall on Monday or see me at A-lunch. These outlines are very important, not submitting them is getting you far behind in your essay.
Seniors:
Your homework for the weekend is to read/annotate chapters twenty seven and twenty eight. Also, I gave you back your annotated poems today - use these to begin planning for your dramatic readings next week. Dramatic readings will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't forget that the timed writing will happen on Friday and the memorized poem presentations will be on the 22nd and 23rd. We will be signing up for presentation slots on Monday of next week.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Seniors - Reminders
https://sites.google.com/site/dickensprojectmockup/home
Just reminding you of the mock-up for the Dickens project. We'll probably go to the computer lab sometime next week to set up the templates and do a bit of training with Google sites.
On the topic of Google, how many of you haven't been able to access your gmail accounts on the school computers? I was noticing this with a few people today, and it really held back the activity.
Handing back annotations for you on Friday. We'll spend some time discussing those then; overall, you all did very well.
Hope that you enjoy meeting Bentley...
Homework - 11/10 - 9th and 12th Graders
Freshmen:
I want you to continue thinking about the idea of "friendship/brotherhood" which was raised in the story "The Scarlet Ibis." This idea is going to be really important as we start getting into our novel A Separate Peace next week. Over the weekend, I want you to write about this idea. Please answer the following questions in a personal response. Note that since this is personal, writing rules don't apply.
Your prompt:
Describe the perfect friendship. What are important qualities to a good friendship? Why do these qualities matter? What causes friendships to fail?
Be as thorough as possible in your answer. You may want to draw on examples from your own life or from literature, television, or films. Please put your responses in the box on Monday/Tuesday.
Seniors:
I will have your anntotated poems back for you on Friday. You'll need to use these to prepare for your dramatic readings next week. I've changed the date for the dramatic readings: these are now going to be on the 17th and 18th of November. In terms of homework, you will need to read chapters twenty-five and twenty-six of Great Expectations. Furthermore, your vocabulary cards are due on Friday!
You may want to start discussing in your groups who is going to do what for the website. Divide and conquer!
I want you to continue thinking about the idea of "friendship/brotherhood" which was raised in the story "The Scarlet Ibis." This idea is going to be really important as we start getting into our novel A Separate Peace next week. Over the weekend, I want you to write about this idea. Please answer the following questions in a personal response. Note that since this is personal, writing rules don't apply.
Your prompt:
Describe the perfect friendship. What are important qualities to a good friendship? Why do these qualities matter? What causes friendships to fail?
Be as thorough as possible in your answer. You may want to draw on examples from your own life or from literature, television, or films. Please put your responses in the box on Monday/Tuesday.
Seniors:
I will have your anntotated poems back for you on Friday. You'll need to use these to prepare for your dramatic readings next week. I've changed the date for the dramatic readings: these are now going to be on the 17th and 18th of November. In terms of homework, you will need to read chapters twenty-five and twenty-six of Great Expectations. Furthermore, your vocabulary cards are due on Friday!
You may want to start discussing in your groups who is going to do what for the website. Divide and conquer!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Senior Homework - 11/9
Tonight I'd like for you to continue forward in Great Expectations. Read chapters twenty-three and twenty-four tonight and annotate those chapters. Try to notice how Dickens is building on certain themes - especially the ideas of being a gentleman, the city of London, and the ideas of friendship. Also, pay attention to family and how we begin to pay attention to the family structure with the Pockets.
Tomorrow, I'm going to be sharing your final project on Dickens and Great Expectations - I'm putting you in groups for this assignment and will have you build a website. This assignment will also count as your major paper for Great Expectations. But more on that tomorrow...
Tomorrow, I'm going to be sharing your final project on Dickens and Great Expectations - I'm putting you in groups for this assignment and will have you build a website. This assignment will also count as your major paper for Great Expectations. But more on that tomorrow...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Great Expectations - Jaggers...Devil...Anti-Semitism
Totally just noticed that the Jew in chapter twenty calls Jaggers "Holy father." Now remember the thing about Jaggers being the Devil and you've got some extreme crazy stuff going on.
Would make a really good paper.
Would make a really good paper.
Homework - 11/8
Freshmen:
Tonight for homework you have two things to do:
1. Finish reading "The Scarlet Ibis" and complete your dialectical notebook. Honors students should have anywhere from seven to ten entries; Standard students should have three to six entries. Do not turn these notebooks into the box, keep them for our class discussion.
2. Don't forget your outlines for your essays are due to the box on Wednesday/Friday! Work hard on these. Come see me if you need help!
Seniors:
Tonight you all need to read chapter twenty-two of Great Expectations. This chapter provides a lot of backstory on Miss Havisham. Pay close attention to what we learn about her. Keep up with your bookmarks and vocabulary cards, I'll collect those Friday. Finally, don't forget the first stage of your poetry project is due Wednesday. I will not accept this late.
Great conversation today in class. You all made me very proud.
Tonight for homework you have two things to do:
1. Finish reading "The Scarlet Ibis" and complete your dialectical notebook. Honors students should have anywhere from seven to ten entries; Standard students should have three to six entries. Do not turn these notebooks into the box, keep them for our class discussion.
2. Don't forget your outlines for your essays are due to the box on Wednesday/Friday! Work hard on these. Come see me if you need help!
Seniors:
Tonight you all need to read chapter twenty-two of Great Expectations. This chapter provides a lot of backstory on Miss Havisham. Pay close attention to what we learn about her. Keep up with your bookmarks and vocabulary cards, I'll collect those Friday. Finally, don't forget the first stage of your poetry project is due Wednesday. I will not accept this late.
Great conversation today in class. You all made me very proud.
Friday, November 5, 2010
English IV Homework - This Weekend
Seniors:
This weekend you should read chapters twenty and twenty one of Great Expectations. Welcome to London! As you read, pay attention to the city of London and Pip's attitude toward the city. Also, take note of new characters and what we begin to learn about existing characters. As we are getting into the reading again, you will want to get back to your bookmarks and vocabulary cards. I'll collect those next Friday.
Again, if you want to read ahead - please do so. Be prepared for conversation in class on Monday!
This weekend you should read chapters twenty and twenty one of Great Expectations. Welcome to London! As you read, pay attention to the city of London and Pip's attitude toward the city. Also, take note of new characters and what we begin to learn about existing characters. As we are getting into the reading again, you will want to get back to your bookmarks and vocabulary cards. I'll collect those next Friday.
Again, if you want to read ahead - please do so. Be prepared for conversation in class on Monday!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Homework for 11/4 - Seniors and Freshmen
Freshmen:
Over the weekend you all should be pulling together your outline for your formal essay. Remember to follow the formatting guidelines that I went over with you in class. Label everything and follow the guidelines about topic sentences and examples to include in the body paragraphs.
Seniors:
Tonight you need to do some time playing around with Google docs and finish the selecting of your poem for your project. Make sure that your posting in the last thread is done tonight.
Now, the Google docs stuff should be relatively easy for you based on the orientation we did today in class. Open your gmail/e-mail account that you set up for the Google group - you'll see that I shared a document with you. That document will include the instructions for tonight's assignment. Bring a paper copy of the response as a back-up just in case the internet fails. I'll be providing feedback in the document that you upload. Make sure that you share your document with me and that I can edit it!
Let me know if you've got questions. I'll be checking these tonight around 9:00 to see what you've all got.
Over the weekend you all should be pulling together your outline for your formal essay. Remember to follow the formatting guidelines that I went over with you in class. Label everything and follow the guidelines about topic sentences and examples to include in the body paragraphs.
Seniors:
Tonight you need to do some time playing around with Google docs and finish the selecting of your poem for your project. Make sure that your posting in the last thread is done tonight.
Now, the Google docs stuff should be relatively easy for you based on the orientation we did today in class. Open your gmail/e-mail account that you set up for the Google group - you'll see that I shared a document with you. That document will include the instructions for tonight's assignment. Bring a paper copy of the response as a back-up just in case the internet fails. I'll be providing feedback in the document that you upload. Make sure that you share your document with me and that I can edit it!
Let me know if you've got questions. I'll be checking these tonight around 9:00 to see what you've all got.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
English IV Homework - 11/3
For tonight you need to decide on a poem and a poet for your poetry project. Please respond to this post with the name of your poet and poem. This is due by Thursday evening. No repeats with this, if someone claims yours first - then that's it. Find another.
Also, you should be reading Great Expectations - get ahead on your reading before next week!
Also, you should be reading Great Expectations - get ahead on your reading before next week!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Seniors - A Special Note
http://teachers.schooldesk.net/content/2/2/6284/my%20files/Literary%20Periods%20of%20British%20and%20American%20Literature.doc
Copy this link into your browser and use the information to complete your homework tonight. Also, don't forget that only two of your poets can be singers.
Copy this link into your browser and use the information to complete your homework tonight. Also, don't forget that only two of your poets can be singers.
Homework - Beginning of the 2nd Quarter - 11/2
Did anyone notice that in my last post I wrote August instead of October? Anyway...
Freshmen:
Tonight for homework you will need to complete the first paragraph of your essay. Please follow your writing notes as you begin to write. Make sure that you have your thematic, attention grabbing opening. Then make your connection to the story. Finally, include your thesis. Bring these to class with you on Thursday/Friday as we will begin coming together and editing for strong beginnings to our essays.
Get off to a good start this nine weeks - 100% completing the assignment.
Seniors:
We are going to focus on poetry for a little bit because we've really neglected it. Tonight, to facilitate that, I would like for your to do some research for homework. Find four British poets who interest you in some way shape or form. Note the following information abouth them:
Freshmen:
Tonight for homework you will need to complete the first paragraph of your essay. Please follow your writing notes as you begin to write. Make sure that you have your thematic, attention grabbing opening. Then make your connection to the story. Finally, include your thesis. Bring these to class with you on Thursday/Friday as we will begin coming together and editing for strong beginnings to our essays.
Get off to a good start this nine weeks - 100% completing the assignment.
Seniors:
We are going to focus on poetry for a little bit because we've really neglected it. Tonight, to facilitate that, I would like for your to do some research for homework. Find four British poets who interest you in some way shape or form. Note the following information abouth them:
- Their name. Birth and death dates.
- Major works, poems of acclaim.
- Literary period to which they are connected.
- Reception by the British public - were they famous? obscure?
- Why does this poet interest you?
You can use Wikipedia for this, but you may want to double check to make sure that your information is sound. Don't walk in to class with faulty information tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Homework for 8/26
Seniors:
Tonight you are going to finish reading book one of Great Expectations. This is quite an accomplishment. As we discussed today in class, Pip is beginning to change. Pay attention to this change, because it is quite stark. Don't forget - vocabulary cards are due on Thursday! You only have to do three, for three days of reading homework.
If you were absent from class today, you will definitely want to see someone for the notes - there were some very good points brought up by many in the studio audience. Again, continue to pay attention to the tiniest details.
Finally, those of you interested in the 8-__ page paper option will want to begin thinking about a topic now. This is a very wide open assignment, and I will need to work with each of you individually in the beginning to help you decide on a topic. Please come and see me.
Freshmen:
Tonight you need to read "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. It's the first story in your literature books. Many of you, who have read The Hunger Games will appreciate a lot of the similarities between the plots. It's a really fantastic story that, I think, will satiate a lot of desire amongst you for a bit of a change of pace in the reading.
Furthermore, we will begin reading our novel A Separate Peace very soon. I would recommend that if you are, like me, a slower reader that you begin reading in advance. I'll be giving out novels very soon if you would like one to accomplish this. This coming weekend would be a great chance to try chapter one on for size...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Homework/Announcements for 10/25
Freshmen:
Tonight you should all be getting ready for your vocabulary exam. We will start class with this tomorrow and Wednesday. Also, if you are going to do the extra credit assignment - you need to get that turned in tomorrow for A-day and Wednesday for B-day.
Seniors:
Only students who need to resubmit their assignments for a new grade need to turn in their paper tomorrow. Other students don't necessarily need to do anything tonight - enjoy your night off.
Tonight you should all be getting ready for your vocabulary exam. We will start class with this tomorrow and Wednesday. Also, if you are going to do the extra credit assignment - you need to get that turned in tomorrow for A-day and Wednesday for B-day.
Seniors:
Only students who need to resubmit their assignments for a new grade need to turn in their paper tomorrow. Other students don't necessarily need to do anything tonight - enjoy your night off.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The 400th Post
Seniors:
Tonight/Over the weekend you will need to read and annotate chapters fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen of Great Expectations. We will be taking a small break from the text in the not too distant future, at the end of book one. Book one will end at the beginning of chapter twenty. Start paying attention to how things are changing in the text from the earlier chapters. Also, notice new conflicts and new developments.
Furthermore, if you need to resubmit your paper - please do this by Tuesday. Also, I am more than willing to go through your paper with you to explain your grade. Make an appointment to see me to do this.
Freshmen:
On Tuesday/Wednesday you will be having your Wordskills Unit 1 Exam. Use the guide I provided today in class to prepare for this examination. I will not collect this for a grade. Use it to study. Also, if you choose to complete the extra credit assignment, that will need to be turned in on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Tonight/Over the weekend you will need to read and annotate chapters fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen of Great Expectations. We will be taking a small break from the text in the not too distant future, at the end of book one. Book one will end at the beginning of chapter twenty. Start paying attention to how things are changing in the text from the earlier chapters. Also, notice new conflicts and new developments.
Furthermore, if you need to resubmit your paper - please do this by Tuesday. Also, I am more than willing to go through your paper with you to explain your grade. Make an appointment to see me to do this.
Freshmen:
On Tuesday/Wednesday you will be having your Wordskills Unit 1 Exam. Use the guide I provided today in class to prepare for this examination. I will not collect this for a grade. Use it to study. Also, if you choose to complete the extra credit assignment, that will need to be turned in on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Homework - 10/21
Seniors:
Tomorrow you will have your first major assessment on Great Expectations. You will need to focus on the information presented in chapters one through fourteen. Be sure that you understand the major plot events from these chapters. Also, you will be asked to make connections between 1984 and Great Expectations - be sure that you are putting some thought into these connections. We went over one today in class, you will want to think about others.
Another section of this assessment will focus on the use of satire. I will be giving you a small passage and you will need to annotate the passage and compose a brief essay on the elements of satire used in the passage. Be sure that you can use your literary vocabulary to discuss satire.
Lastly, remember that redone vocabulary cards will be due tomorrow. I will not be accepting these late. If you are going to do this, have them tomorrow.
Freshmen:
Tomorrow we are going to finish our Wordskills Unit One information in preparation for your exam next week. I would begin to study for this now. Also, you have an extra credit assignment due on Tuesday/Wednesday. Spend some time putting this together, I will not accept these assignments late.
Tomorrow you will have your first major assessment on Great Expectations. You will need to focus on the information presented in chapters one through fourteen. Be sure that you understand the major plot events from these chapters. Also, you will be asked to make connections between 1984 and Great Expectations - be sure that you are putting some thought into these connections. We went over one today in class, you will want to think about others.
Another section of this assessment will focus on the use of satire. I will be giving you a small passage and you will need to annotate the passage and compose a brief essay on the elements of satire used in the passage. Be sure that you can use your literary vocabulary to discuss satire.
Lastly, remember that redone vocabulary cards will be due tomorrow. I will not be accepting these late. If you are going to do this, have them tomorrow.
Freshmen:
Tomorrow we are going to finish our Wordskills Unit One information in preparation for your exam next week. I would begin to study for this now. Also, you have an extra credit assignment due on Tuesday/Wednesday. Spend some time putting this together, I will not accept these assignments late.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Freshman Extra Credit - 1st Nine Weeks
For extra credit, you have the opportunity to read an extra short story and answer some questions. This assignment will replace a zero, or add points to your overall average in the class. The story is called "Marigolds" by E. Collier, it is in the textbook. Read the story and answer questions 1, 5, 7, 9 and 11. The extra credit will be due on Tuesday/Wednesday of next week. I will not accept this late.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Senior Homework 10/19
Your dramatization assignments will be due on Thursday. I look forward to seeing good acting, good costumes, accents and props. Be sure that you practice as a group before the big show. Remember that for the group to get full credit I need a copy of your script at the beginning of class, typed.
For tonight, as well as the rest of the week, you should be reviewing, rereading (or perhaps reading for the first time) chapters 1-14 of Great Expectations in preparation for your exam on Friday. If you would like to redo one of your vocabulary card assignments for a new grade you can do that this week - you have to do new words from the first set, and I will not take redo's late.
Let me know if you've got any questions while you're reading. Looking forward to film day tomorrow. Be sure that you understand and have thought about chapter eight before class tomorrow.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Homework for October 18th
Freshmen:
You have a quiz coming up on short stories. Be sure that you can discuss in depth many of the elements in each of the short stories that we have read so far. Your quiz will focus on the stories of "The Lottery," "The Necklace," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "The Interlopers." As you are studying for these stories, you will want to pay attention to literary devices as well as the plot events of each stories. Below is a list to get you started with your studying, this is not everything - just a list to get you started. For each of the terms below you should be able to give an example from a story we've read as well as comment on the importance of the device in the story.
- irony (situational, verbal, dramatic)
- unreliable/reliable narrator
- first person narrator
- third person limited/omniscient narrator
- setting
- foreshadowing
- protagonist/antagonist
- mood
- tone
- climax
- suspense
- conflict
Your quiz will be forty multiple choice questions, short answer questions and quote identifications for Honors students. If you have any questions while studying, please leave a comment below!
Seniors:
I hope that you all enjoyed our character roundup today. I certainly enjoyed watching you all make links between the characters. Hats off to Mr. McGibney for the link between the convict and Joe Gargery. For tonight I would like for you to begin your review of chapters one through fourteen. You will have a sizeable assessment on Friday on this opening chunk of the book. Review your annotations, reread certain passages, and make sure that everything is clear. I will be offering a review session for this exam on THURSDAY after-school. As we work through the week we will have a bit more time to prepare for the exam. You may also tonight want to begin to think about your dramatization activity. I will be giving you the majority of class tomorrow to work on this assignment.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Homework for the Weekend
Seniors:
Read and annotate to the end of chapter fourteen in Great Expectations. This is going to be our first break in the text - we'll be spending the next few classes reviewing the information in chapters one through fourteen and really understanding the opening chapters to lay a foundation going forward.
Freshmen:
Be sure that you're reviewing your notes for your quiz next week! Also, be sure that you finish your movie poster and get it in the box for Monday/Tuesday.
Read and annotate to the end of chapter fourteen in Great Expectations. This is going to be our first break in the text - we'll be spending the next few classes reviewing the information in chapters one through fourteen and really understanding the opening chapters to lay a foundation going forward.
Freshmen:
Be sure that you're reviewing your notes for your quiz next week! Also, be sure that you finish your movie poster and get it in the box for Monday/Tuesday.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Quick Note:
When citing the TCLC or CLC you will have to cite the original source and the TCLC/CLC. You may want to see me in the morning for some last minute help. I'm also on Google chat if you need help from 7:40 - 8:30.
Useful Links for Seniors
Bibliographies for your papers:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&newstyle=1
**Be sure that you're citing everything that is not your original thought. Including images! I need to know where everything is coming from. Be sure that within your paper you are using parenthetical citations to show me any ideas, quotes, or paraphrases that are not your ideas. Don't plagiarize, even by accident!
For Vocabulary Cards:
http://dictionary.reference.com/
Using this page, you will insert the word in the search box at the top. For the word's entry find the information under Origin. This is the information that will provide you the etymology of the word. Be sure to look for the root of the word and its meaning.
http://www.merriam-webster.com
This is another good source for you. You may need to click on "show full entry" to get to all of the information. Again, look for the Origin information.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&newstyle=1
**Be sure that you're citing everything that is not your original thought. Including images! I need to know where everything is coming from. Be sure that within your paper you are using parenthetical citations to show me any ideas, quotes, or paraphrases that are not your ideas. Don't plagiarize, even by accident!
For Vocabulary Cards:
http://dictionary.reference.com/
Using this page, you will insert the word in the search box at the top. For the word's entry find the information under Origin. This is the information that will provide you the etymology of the word. Be sure to look for the root of the word and its meaning.
http://www.merriam-webster.com
This is another good source for you. You may need to click on "show full entry" to get to all of the information. Again, look for the Origin information.
Homework for 14 October
Freshmen:
Over the weekend you should begin to study for your short story quiz. Focus on the main aspects of the stories, literary devices apparent in the stories, and also the plot events in the stories. Also, you need to be sure that you complete your movie poster review activity. Be sure that on the poster you include the requried information of: title, image, quote, critic's quote, characters and what actors would portray the characters.
Be sure that your movie poster gets to the box on Monday/Tuesday.
Seniors:
You've got a few things to accomplish tonight:
Over the weekend you should begin to study for your short story quiz. Focus on the main aspects of the stories, literary devices apparent in the stories, and also the plot events in the stories. Also, you need to be sure that you complete your movie poster review activity. Be sure that on the poster you include the requried information of: title, image, quote, critic's quote, characters and what actors would portray the characters.
Be sure that your movie poster gets to the box on Monday/Tuesday.
Seniors:
You've got a few things to accomplish tonight:
- Complete your paper! I appreciate the fact that so many of you have come to see me to review these essays. Finish your papers and turn them in to me tomorrow.
- Complete your vocab cards and bookmarks. I'll be collecting these tomorrow too. Make sure that you take the time and get them completely finished.
- Watch an episode of The Simpsons tonight - we'll be looking at an episode in detail tomorrow to discuss satire. You will want to consider the elements of satire and how they are seen in episodes of The Simpsons.
See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Homework for All Classes - 12 October
Freshmen:
Tonight for homework you need to read the story "The Necklace" by Guy DuMaupassant. Be sure as you read that you read all of the related information connected to the story. Including the note on "Separate Spheres" and any important literary device information before the story begins. When you finish the story, try answering the questions to yourself. This is a great tool to see if you comprehended the story or not. "The Necklace" will be our last story before you have your first short story quiz next week.
Seniors:
Tonight you need to complete the reading of chapters eleven and twelve. We'll be slowing down the pace of the reading relatively soon to allow those of you a bit behind to catch up. Be sure that you're keeping up with vocabulary bookmarks, cards, and your annotations!
Tonight for homework you need to read the story "The Necklace" by Guy DuMaupassant. Be sure as you read that you read all of the related information connected to the story. Including the note on "Separate Spheres" and any important literary device information before the story begins. When you finish the story, try answering the questions to yourself. This is a great tool to see if you comprehended the story or not. "The Necklace" will be our last story before you have your first short story quiz next week.
Seniors:
Tonight you need to complete the reading of chapters eleven and twelve. We'll be slowing down the pace of the reading relatively soon to allow those of you a bit behind to catch up. Be sure that you're keeping up with vocabulary bookmarks, cards, and your annotations!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Homework for 10/11
Seniors:
Tonight your homework is to continue along with the reading of Great Expectations. Tonight you are to read chapters nine and ten. If you did not have a chance to finish reading chapter eight, I would highly recommend that you re-read it tonight. I would actually recommend that you reread it tonight because Miss Havisham and Estella are supremely important characters in this story and you'll want to pay attention to first meeting them.
I know that the reading has been at a relatively strict pace, we're going to scale it back in a bit, I just need to you to really get into the book before we can move on to some more specialized areas of focus.
Furthermore, you may want to take a minute to reflect on the Housman poem today. Go back and reflect on the poem later - you may find that you get a lot more out of it this way.
I look forward to class tomorrow before our mini-break on the 13th. I've got something special up my sleeve for when we get back on Thursday.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Homework for the Weekend - 10/8
Seniors:
Over the weekend you need to complete chapters seven and eight of Great Expectations. Be sure that you continue with your annotations and with your vocabulary bookmarks/cards. We have yet to have a reading quiz - be aware that we will have one or two during the time that we study this text.
Freshmen:
Your task over the weekend is to rewrite a portion of the story "The Cask of Amontillado" from the point of view of Fortunato. You can rewrite this in a variety of ways (Facebook statuses, journal, story, poem, text messages) - but I want to see that you're really getting into the head of Fortunato. Use creative language and have fun with this creative writing assignment. It will be due on Tuesday for A-day and Wednesday for B-day.
Over the weekend you need to complete chapters seven and eight of Great Expectations. Be sure that you continue with your annotations and with your vocabulary bookmarks/cards. We have yet to have a reading quiz - be aware that we will have one or two during the time that we study this text.
Freshmen:
Your task over the weekend is to rewrite a portion of the story "The Cask of Amontillado" from the point of view of Fortunato. You can rewrite this in a variety of ways (Facebook statuses, journal, story, poem, text messages) - but I want to see that you're really getting into the head of Fortunato. Use creative language and have fun with this creative writing assignment. It will be due on Tuesday for A-day and Wednesday for B-day.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Homework for 10/7
Seniors:
Tonight you need to complete the reading of chapters five and six. Make sure that you keep up with your annotations and your vocabulary assignment. Try to look for words that you can add to your working vocabulary and USE THESE WORDS! That way, you'll actually remember them. You'll be amazed how high your SAT Verbal score will go.
Freshmen:
Finish reading "The Cask of Amontillado" - we're going to discuss that in depth tomorrow.
Tonight you need to complete the reading of chapters five and six. Make sure that you keep up with your annotations and your vocabulary assignment. Try to look for words that you can add to your working vocabulary and USE THESE WORDS! That way, you'll actually remember them. You'll be amazed how high your SAT Verbal score will go.
Freshmen:
Finish reading "The Cask of Amontillado" - we're going to discuss that in depth tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Homework for 6 October
Seniors:
Tonight you will need to finish reading chapters three and four of Great Expectations. Remember as you read that you will need to keep up with your annotations and your vocabulary assignment. Vocabulary is always due on Friday. As you begin to move deeper into the book, look at the patters. Do you see any motifs developing in the text? Do you see a tone developing? Remember to focus on the details but keep an eye out for the bigger picture at the same time.
Furthermore, your papers will be due soon. Please come and see me to review your drafts so that I can give you some more guidance on these.
Freshmen:
Tonight you need to finish reading the story "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. The language in the story is relatively complex, please use your resources to define vocabulary words that you don't know so that you can understand the story.
Tonight you will need to finish reading chapters three and four of Great Expectations. Remember as you read that you will need to keep up with your annotations and your vocabulary assignment. Vocabulary is always due on Friday. As you begin to move deeper into the book, look at the patters. Do you see any motifs developing in the text? Do you see a tone developing? Remember to focus on the details but keep an eye out for the bigger picture at the same time.
Furthermore, your papers will be due soon. Please come and see me to review your drafts so that I can give you some more guidance on these.
Freshmen:
Tonight you need to finish reading the story "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. The language in the story is relatively complex, please use your resources to define vocabulary words that you don't know so that you can understand the story.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Homework for 10/5
Seniors:
Tonight you need to read the first two chapters of Great Expectations. Take your time getting through the first two chapters. Keep up with your vocabulary bookmarks and cards. Remember that vocabulary cards are due for all of you on Friday!
Also, tomorrow we will look at drafts of the ABC assignments. Bring the beginnings of your drafts!
Freshmen:
You don't have any homework tonight. Take the night to relax and get ready for tomorrow!
Tonight you need to read the first two chapters of Great Expectations. Take your time getting through the first two chapters. Keep up with your vocabulary bookmarks and cards. Remember that vocabulary cards are due for all of you on Friday!
Also, tomorrow we will look at drafts of the ABC assignments. Bring the beginnings of your drafts!
Freshmen:
You don't have any homework tonight. Take the night to relax and get ready for tomorrow!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Weekend Work for Seniors - 10/1
Seniors:
This weekend you should spend your time creating your rough drafts of your final assignment for 1984. Be sure that everything is clearly cited and that you have a thorough bibliography. I will not accept final assignments without these two elements.
Also, you may want to begin reading Great Expectations this weekend. We will begin our study of the text on Tuesday.
Enjoy the long weekend. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
This weekend you should spend your time creating your rough drafts of your final assignment for 1984. Be sure that everything is clearly cited and that you have a thorough bibliography. I will not accept final assignments without these two elements.
Also, you may want to begin reading Great Expectations this weekend. We will begin our study of the text on Tuesday.
Enjoy the long weekend. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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