For yet another entry I forget to make the post during my planning period, and just now am I doing it, after dinner. Here are your reminders.
Freshman Focus
You should begin to brainstorm your ideas for the This I Believe essays. Today I gave you the assignment sheet which goes over some ideas. Tomorrow in class we'll spend some time developing these ideas and planning.
AP English III
You all have your first big test coming up soon! Your Transcendentalism unit test. Tonight you should begin to study and prepare for the test on Friday. Remember that I will not give you a study guide or prepared review sheet. It is your responsibility to generate questions to ask during class on Wednesday/Thursday.
We'll begin our next novel soon, The Great Gatsby. We won't start reading until next week. Try to get yourselves a copy before next week. I'll have copies to check out the day of the test for you if you don't plan to get your own.
Lastly, today was really the last day of bootcamp you may want to begin revising. The window for revisions is only open for the next few weeks.
English IV
At the end of the week you all will be having your first test on book one of 1984. You should begin studying now. Know your vocabulary words very well as there will be part of your test asking you to apply these words. The test will be open book, but you still need to be ready. One part of the test will be closed book.
You should also do work on your propaganda assignment. We will work on these more next class after we watch the first part of the film version of 1984.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
I remembered that word!
AP Juniors - The opening to a letter is called a salutation. Use that word instead of the lame word I used in class because I blanked.
I enjoyed the seminar a lot today. I hope you all did too. Any comments?
B-day kids. Bring it tomorrow.
I enjoyed the seminar a lot today. I hope you all did too. Any comments?
B-day kids. Bring it tomorrow.
Homework for the Weekend - 9/27 and 9/28
And with that it's the end of September. Onward to October, the end of the first nine weeks, and eventually Thanksgiving break.
Freshman Focus
You all don't have any homework over the weekend but you will want to make sure that you've read the two articles I gave you and thought about the overall questions for each article. If you didn't get a chance to answer the overall questions, then you'll want to have those answered before walking in on Monday/Tuesday.
AP English III
Over the weekend I want for all of you to do some reading for me. First, I want you to read E.B. White's "Once More to the Lake." This piece can be found in 50 Essays or at this link. Remember to read and annotate carefully. Try to make links between this piece and many of the other Transcendental pieces we've studied. In addition, I'd like for all of you to reread the final chapter of Grapes of Wrath - I think that after all of this Transcendentalism discussion you'll understand what Steinbeck is doing at the end of the novel. Take a second look and let me know what you think.
Finally, be aware that we will be having our first unit test very soon. The unit test will be on Grapes of Wrath and Transcendentalism. It would be a good idea to begin reviewing and studying now.
English IV
For the weekend I would like for you all to spend some time preparing for your Book One exam. You should study vocabulary from the vocabulary list and review chapters one through eight. By this point you should have notes on all of the chapters; if you're missing something, ask me or a classmate. Next week we will look at the Propaganda Project and we will begin watching the film version of 1984. I started rewatching it last night and saw some really interesting things. I'm looking forward to sharing this film with you all.
Lastly - progress reports went home today for A-day students. B-day students will get their reports tomorrow. Please get these signed and returned. AP parents should be aware of the fact that summer assignment grades will likely go up once students begin to revise their assignments.
Freshman Focus
You all don't have any homework over the weekend but you will want to make sure that you've read the two articles I gave you and thought about the overall questions for each article. If you didn't get a chance to answer the overall questions, then you'll want to have those answered before walking in on Monday/Tuesday.
AP English III
Over the weekend I want for all of you to do some reading for me. First, I want you to read E.B. White's "Once More to the Lake." This piece can be found in 50 Essays or at this link. Remember to read and annotate carefully. Try to make links between this piece and many of the other Transcendental pieces we've studied. In addition, I'd like for all of you to reread the final chapter of Grapes of Wrath - I think that after all of this Transcendentalism discussion you'll understand what Steinbeck is doing at the end of the novel. Take a second look and let me know what you think.
Finally, be aware that we will be having our first unit test very soon. The unit test will be on Grapes of Wrath and Transcendentalism. It would be a good idea to begin reviewing and studying now.
English IV
For the weekend I would like for you all to spend some time preparing for your Book One exam. You should study vocabulary from the vocabulary list and review chapters one through eight. By this point you should have notes on all of the chapters; if you're missing something, ask me or a classmate. Next week we will look at the Propaganda Project and we will begin watching the film version of 1984. I started rewatching it last night and saw some really interesting things. I'm looking forward to sharing this film with you all.
Lastly - progress reports went home today for A-day students. B-day students will get their reports tomorrow. Please get these signed and returned. AP parents should be aware of the fact that summer assignment grades will likely go up once students begin to revise their assignments.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Homework for 9/25 and 9/26
Students,
I'm out of the building tomorrow in observance of Yom Kippur. B-day students, I hope that you enjoy your day with the substitute. Below are your reminders of what you need to have accomplished before you enter class on Thursday/Friday.
Freshman Focus
For Thursday's class we will be seeing several presentations depicting your ideas of the second part of Family Man. On Thursday you'll have ten minutes to prepare and then we will go through our scenes. Remember that you need to have a copy of all three skits to turn into me. You also will want to have props and costumes for your characters as well as any backgrounds or music. Remember that everyone needs to have a role in the presentation in order to get credit. You'll be graded as a group on your scripts and then individually on your acting.
AP English III
On Thursday/Friday I'll be collecting your journals for this first nine weeks as well as your tone analysis assignments. Let me review for you a few of the important aspects of the tone assignment.
We will be finishing our discussion of Book One of 1984 on Thursday/Friday. Make sure that you've finished reading to the end of chapter eight to be ready for this. Also, you will want to make sure you've spent time studying your vocabulary lists. There will be a vocabulary section on your Book One test. Lastly, make sure your journals are in order and all the entries are finished as I'll be collecting those too.
Progress reports will go out on Thursday/Friday after I return.
I'm out of the building tomorrow in observance of Yom Kippur. B-day students, I hope that you enjoy your day with the substitute. Below are your reminders of what you need to have accomplished before you enter class on Thursday/Friday.
Freshman Focus
For Thursday's class we will be seeing several presentations depicting your ideas of the second part of Family Man. On Thursday you'll have ten minutes to prepare and then we will go through our scenes. Remember that you need to have a copy of all three skits to turn into me. You also will want to have props and costumes for your characters as well as any backgrounds or music. Remember that everyone needs to have a role in the presentation in order to get credit. You'll be graded as a group on your scripts and then individually on your acting.
AP English III
On Thursday/Friday I'll be collecting your journals for this first nine weeks as well as your tone analysis assignments. Let me review for you a few of the important aspects of the tone assignment.
- You're going to want to structure both an argument and a paragraph clarifying your argument.
- Your argument should pass the DADS test. Part of what I'm assessing is that you have embraced this idea.
- I will want to see clear explanation of details from the paragraph you've chosen to help support your argument. Remember to make connections and explain them.
- I'm looking forward to seeing how you all have begun to improve as writers from bootcamp.
We will be finishing our discussion of Book One of 1984 on Thursday/Friday. Make sure that you've finished reading to the end of chapter eight to be ready for this. Also, you will want to make sure you've spent time studying your vocabulary lists. There will be a vocabulary section on your Book One test. Lastly, make sure your journals are in order and all the entries are finished as I'll be collecting those too.
Progress reports will go out on Thursday/Friday after I return.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Apologies for Posting Late! Homework for 9/22 and 9/24
Again, apologies everyone! Here are your reminders for what you need to accomplish before our next class on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Freshman Focus
There is a very important thing you should all be aware of - progress reports are going out next week. Some of you are missing some assignments, including your Future Autobiography project. Make sure that you get these assignments done and turned in as soon as possible. Over the weekend you may want to spend some time working on your skits project. Consider props and costumes for your character to use during your presentation. You will have time to work on this more on Tuesday/Wednesday, but you should really attempt to be to the point where you are practicing with your group in class on Tuesday/Wednesday.
AP English III
For our next class I would like for you to begin putting our work from bootcamp into your composition. I would like for you to take a very close look at one of Dr. King's paragraphs from his "Letter" - take a special look at tone. Determine what King's tone is and then show me what King uses to develop and make his tone clear to the reader. Make sure to stay focused just on one paragraph and stay focused on tone. You should open your piece with an argument about what King's tone is and then prove that argument to be true using evidence from the paragraph under consideration. The idea here is to focus focus!
English IV
We are going to get into the final bit of Book One of 1984. Some very exciting things happen to Winston, especially as we get ready to get into Book Two. We're going to start focusing on a lot of the literary elements of the text and focus in on writing as we move forward. Continue finding ways to get interested in this text. Many of you are doing very well in understanding what Orwell is creating in this book. Read chapter six and seven of 1984 and we will discuss them on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Freshman Focus
There is a very important thing you should all be aware of - progress reports are going out next week. Some of you are missing some assignments, including your Future Autobiography project. Make sure that you get these assignments done and turned in as soon as possible. Over the weekend you may want to spend some time working on your skits project. Consider props and costumes for your character to use during your presentation. You will have time to work on this more on Tuesday/Wednesday, but you should really attempt to be to the point where you are practicing with your group in class on Tuesday/Wednesday.
AP English III
For our next class I would like for you to begin putting our work from bootcamp into your composition. I would like for you to take a very close look at one of Dr. King's paragraphs from his "Letter" - take a special look at tone. Determine what King's tone is and then show me what King uses to develop and make his tone clear to the reader. Make sure to stay focused just on one paragraph and stay focused on tone. You should open your piece with an argument about what King's tone is and then prove that argument to be true using evidence from the paragraph under consideration. The idea here is to focus focus!
English IV
We are going to get into the final bit of Book One of 1984. Some very exciting things happen to Winston, especially as we get ready to get into Book Two. We're going to start focusing on a lot of the literary elements of the text and focus in on writing as we move forward. Continue finding ways to get interested in this text. Many of you are doing very well in understanding what Orwell is creating in this book. Read chapter six and seven of 1984 and we will discuss them on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Homework for 9/19 and 9/20
Happy middle of the week, everyone! A few assignments and pieces for you to consider tonight to prepare for Friday/Monday.
Freshman Focus
You all have two things due for Friday/Monday. First, you will need to be sure that you complete the Family Man viewing guide and have all questions thoroughly answered. This will count as a larger classwork grade, so be sure that it reflects your best work. The second thing to complete is your Future Autobiography Comic Assignment. Follow the instructions on the planning guide. On Friday you will have approximately twenty minutes to put any finishing touches on your work and then we will present. Each member of the class will be expected to present one comic strip and explain how it shows your personal definition of success. The presentation will count as a part of your overall grade on the assignment.
AP English III
I want all of you to remember that we are starting a hard journey today. The journey to improve your writing, which is one of the most important things I can do for all of you. Remember that I'm always here on Monday and Wednesday afternoons to give personal assistance or guidance if you need it. Next class we are going to spend some time discussing arguments/thesis statements and then we will go into the King piece thoroughly.
To add some depth to our discussion of Dr. King I'd like for you to read another piece by Thoreau which can be found here. This piece is heavily excerpted, but you should be able to do the following: read it, annotate it, uncover his argument, and compare his piece to that of Dr. King. Understanding Thoreau will help you to make some leaps to Transcendentalism, which is of course important.
English IV
As we are beginning to explore some of the more significant elements of 1984, I want you tonight to take a bit of time to reflect on what you've learned today about North Korea. In a one paragraph response I want you to explain to me (1) what is most surprising to you about North Korea, and then (2) explain why that element is so surprising to you. As we move to Friday/Monday we will begin our first project on propaganda and continue reading to the next section of the book.
As always, if you have questions - please ask!
Freshman Focus
You all have two things due for Friday/Monday. First, you will need to be sure that you complete the Family Man viewing guide and have all questions thoroughly answered. This will count as a larger classwork grade, so be sure that it reflects your best work. The second thing to complete is your Future Autobiography Comic Assignment. Follow the instructions on the planning guide. On Friday you will have approximately twenty minutes to put any finishing touches on your work and then we will present. Each member of the class will be expected to present one comic strip and explain how it shows your personal definition of success. The presentation will count as a part of your overall grade on the assignment.
AP English III
I want all of you to remember that we are starting a hard journey today. The journey to improve your writing, which is one of the most important things I can do for all of you. Remember that I'm always here on Monday and Wednesday afternoons to give personal assistance or guidance if you need it. Next class we are going to spend some time discussing arguments/thesis statements and then we will go into the King piece thoroughly.
To add some depth to our discussion of Dr. King I'd like for you to read another piece by Thoreau which can be found here. This piece is heavily excerpted, but you should be able to do the following: read it, annotate it, uncover his argument, and compare his piece to that of Dr. King. Understanding Thoreau will help you to make some leaps to Transcendentalism, which is of course important.
English IV
As we are beginning to explore some of the more significant elements of 1984, I want you tonight to take a bit of time to reflect on what you've learned today about North Korea. In a one paragraph response I want you to explain to me (1) what is most surprising to you about North Korea, and then (2) explain why that element is so surprising to you. As we move to Friday/Monday we will begin our first project on propaganda and continue reading to the next section of the book.
As always, if you have questions - please ask!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Homework for the Weekend 9/13 and 9/14
We've finally started to hit our stride a bit this year. At least I feel like I have finally gotten back into the swing of school. Here are some reminders for all of you this weekend.
Freshman Focus
Over the weekend you should spend some time working on your first project grade, your future autobiography comic strip assignment. As we went through the instructions today it's important that you realize that each moment of success needs to have its own comic strip. All together, these comic strips will create your future autobiography. You're not going to be graded on your artistic skills, but I do want to see that they're neat, colorful, focused on your moments of success, and that you're showing me the process which leads to your moment of success in each strip. You'll have some time to work on these assignments in class on Wednesday/Thursday. They'll be due on Friday/Monday.
English IV
Over the weekend you will need to read to the end of chapter five in preparation for your first quiz on 1984. I'm going to ask you questions about the major moments of the plot, the characters, some interpretation questions about important quotes, and your opinion on some of the major issues that this book as raised in class. There may also be some questions related to the article we read in class about the government's surveillance center. The quiz will be open book and open note. Remember that my goal is not to trick you but to see what you know and think about this book.
Make sure that over the weekend you read to the end of chapter five which happens around page fifty-five.
AP English III
I hope that all of you in all of these conversations that we're having in class are starting to see connections between the different elements of the philosophy of Transcendentalism and the different pieces of literature we've been studying. Over the weekend I want you to read an annotate Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham City Jail" - it can be found in 50 Essays or at this link. As you read, look for the elements of the philosophy which we've been discussing in class. Use those as your anchors and notice as well what Dr. King's argument is and how he goes about proving his argument. We will not discuss this piece until Wednesday/Thursday, but do have it prepared.
I think that's all. Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Freshman Focus
Over the weekend you should spend some time working on your first project grade, your future autobiography comic strip assignment. As we went through the instructions today it's important that you realize that each moment of success needs to have its own comic strip. All together, these comic strips will create your future autobiography. You're not going to be graded on your artistic skills, but I do want to see that they're neat, colorful, focused on your moments of success, and that you're showing me the process which leads to your moment of success in each strip. You'll have some time to work on these assignments in class on Wednesday/Thursday. They'll be due on Friday/Monday.
English IV
Over the weekend you will need to read to the end of chapter five in preparation for your first quiz on 1984. I'm going to ask you questions about the major moments of the plot, the characters, some interpretation questions about important quotes, and your opinion on some of the major issues that this book as raised in class. There may also be some questions related to the article we read in class about the government's surveillance center. The quiz will be open book and open note. Remember that my goal is not to trick you but to see what you know and think about this book.
Make sure that over the weekend you read to the end of chapter five which happens around page fifty-five.
AP English III
I hope that all of you in all of these conversations that we're having in class are starting to see connections between the different elements of the philosophy of Transcendentalism and the different pieces of literature we've been studying. Over the weekend I want you to read an annotate Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham City Jail" - it can be found in 50 Essays or at this link. As you read, look for the elements of the philosophy which we've been discussing in class. Use those as your anchors and notice as well what Dr. King's argument is and how he goes about proving his argument. We will not discuss this piece until Wednesday/Thursday, but do have it prepared.
I think that's all. Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Homework for 11/12 September
All classes have something to accomplish outside of class before we see each other again, feel free to ask any questions about the assignments in a comment or via e-mail.
Freshman Focus
I would like for all of you to spend some more time thinking about your values and the values of the people around you. For the Values Venn Diagram assignment I would like to see you compare and contrast your values to those of your Parent/Guardian and one of your friends. Ask then what they value and then consider any similarities or differences. Remember that for each person you must consider a minimum of five values. There are ideas on that sheet as well as other values which we've discussed earlier in the week.
English IV
For homework tonight I would like for you to continue reading Book One of 1984. This will take you to page thirty-four in our editions. As you read, continue to be on the lookout for new vocabulary words to learn and new insights about Winston's society. I was pleased with what you all were noticing today in class and the connections that you were able to make. I look forward to seeing what other observations you make as we move forward. Also be aware of the fact that we will have a quiz on this opening part of the book next week. It would be a good idea to prepare by reviewing.
AP English III
For tonight I want you to continue chewing on Transcendentalism and read one of the most important pieces in this movement. Tonight you'll read "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" by Thoreau. This is in 50 Essays and can be found at this link. Please read and annotate the text and then answer question four from 50 Essays. The question asks you to consider something like the railroad from Thoreau's text (an object created to be useful but which actually creates a burden in our lives). I want you to think of a similar object and consider the reasons why this object is burdensome instead of helpful. Written responses to this question should be no longer than a page (typed, double spaced) and should be ready to be collected at the beginning of class.
Freshman Focus
I would like for all of you to spend some more time thinking about your values and the values of the people around you. For the Values Venn Diagram assignment I would like to see you compare and contrast your values to those of your Parent/Guardian and one of your friends. Ask then what they value and then consider any similarities or differences. Remember that for each person you must consider a minimum of five values. There are ideas on that sheet as well as other values which we've discussed earlier in the week.
English IV
For homework tonight I would like for you to continue reading Book One of 1984. This will take you to page thirty-four in our editions. As you read, continue to be on the lookout for new vocabulary words to learn and new insights about Winston's society. I was pleased with what you all were noticing today in class and the connections that you were able to make. I look forward to seeing what other observations you make as we move forward. Also be aware of the fact that we will have a quiz on this opening part of the book next week. It would be a good idea to prepare by reviewing.
AP English III
For tonight I want you to continue chewing on Transcendentalism and read one of the most important pieces in this movement. Tonight you'll read "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" by Thoreau. This is in 50 Essays and can be found at this link. Please read and annotate the text and then answer question four from 50 Essays. The question asks you to consider something like the railroad from Thoreau's text (an object created to be useful but which actually creates a burden in our lives). I want you to think of a similar object and consider the reasons why this object is burdensome instead of helpful. Written responses to this question should be no longer than a page (typed, double spaced) and should be ready to be collected at the beginning of class.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Homework for the Weekend and Monday
A few notes and reminders for all of you as we move to the weekend.
Freshman Focus:
You all don't have any homework this weekend. Please remember that if you haven't turned in your signed rules and policies sheet then you will need to get that to me Tuesday/Wednesday.
English IV:
We've been thrown off a bit what with being moved to a new class and then with the senior class meetings with guidance which have fallen during our class these last few days. When we get together again on Tuesday/Wednesday I would like to make sure that all of you have read the first chapter of Orwell's 1984. We will do work with this first chapter on Tuesday/Wednesday to understand what ideas Orwell is setting up for us at the beginning of this novel.
AP English III:
You all have Ralph Waldo Emerson's "The Over-Soul" to read and annotate. As I said in class, this piece is difficult namely because it is a piece of philosophy and that it was written in the 1800's. The sentence structure is hard to follow and some of the vocabulary may be over your head. I want you to keep coming back to Jim Casy as you go through this piece and work for understanding. Try to find the similarities between Emerson's philosophy, concept of the over-soul, and Jim Casy's guiding philosophy. This piece is integral in understanding one of Steinbeck's main points in the text.
We will be having a seminar on Tuesday/Wednesday on this piece. Come with thorough annotations as well as any questions that you would like to raise with the group.
Have a lovely weekend!
Freshman Focus:
You all don't have any homework this weekend. Please remember that if you haven't turned in your signed rules and policies sheet then you will need to get that to me Tuesday/Wednesday.
English IV:
We've been thrown off a bit what with being moved to a new class and then with the senior class meetings with guidance which have fallen during our class these last few days. When we get together again on Tuesday/Wednesday I would like to make sure that all of you have read the first chapter of Orwell's 1984. We will do work with this first chapter on Tuesday/Wednesday to understand what ideas Orwell is setting up for us at the beginning of this novel.
AP English III:
You all have Ralph Waldo Emerson's "The Over-Soul" to read and annotate. As I said in class, this piece is difficult namely because it is a piece of philosophy and that it was written in the 1800's. The sentence structure is hard to follow and some of the vocabulary may be over your head. I want you to keep coming back to Jim Casy as you go through this piece and work for understanding. Try to find the similarities between Emerson's philosophy, concept of the over-soul, and Jim Casy's guiding philosophy. This piece is integral in understanding one of Steinbeck's main points in the text.
We will be having a seminar on Tuesday/Wednesday on this piece. Come with thorough annotations as well as any questions that you would like to raise with the group.
Have a lovely weekend!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Homework for All Classes - 5/6 September
Today was a bit of a first day of school for me. Meeting new groups of students and starting with some new classes. I'm excited to get going with all of you. Here are your reminders to prepare for Friday/Monday.
Freshman Focus
I would like for all of you to turn in your parent contact forms on Friday. This is your only homework assignment for tonight.
AP English III
For our next class I'd like for you to review chapters three and four of The Grapes of Wrath. I really want you to focus in on Jim Casy and understand his philosophy. This way of thinking is going to be very important to the way that we study the rest of the text. Furthermore, I'd like for you to read chapters five, seven, and eight. As you read those chapters, focus on the characters, the idea of irony, the American Dream, any symbolism, and the comparison of people to animals. All of these things are important elements of Steinbeck's writing.
Furthermore, remember that you have writing assignments due on Friday/Monday. I really appreciate the fact that so many of you have come to see me for extra feedback.
English IV
Tonight I want you to finish reading the first chapter of 1984 by George Orwell. As you read, remember to continue to add to your character list, noting the name of the character, the page number, and any notes that you got about that character from the page. Also, continue to make note of new words, we will spend some time on Friday/Monday working through those new words and developing our vocabulary.
Also, I need your parent contact form returned.
I think that'll do it for all of us, see you Friday/Monday.
Freshman Focus
I would like for all of you to turn in your parent contact forms on Friday. This is your only homework assignment for tonight.
AP English III
For our next class I'd like for you to review chapters three and four of The Grapes of Wrath. I really want you to focus in on Jim Casy and understand his philosophy. This way of thinking is going to be very important to the way that we study the rest of the text. Furthermore, I'd like for you to read chapters five, seven, and eight. As you read those chapters, focus on the characters, the idea of irony, the American Dream, any symbolism, and the comparison of people to animals. All of these things are important elements of Steinbeck's writing.
Furthermore, remember that you have writing assignments due on Friday/Monday. I really appreciate the fact that so many of you have come to see me for extra feedback.
English IV
Tonight I want you to finish reading the first chapter of 1984 by George Orwell. As you read, remember to continue to add to your character list, noting the name of the character, the page number, and any notes that you got about that character from the page. Also, continue to make note of new words, we will spend some time on Friday/Monday working through those new words and developing our vocabulary.
Also, I need your parent contact form returned.
I think that'll do it for all of us, see you Friday/Monday.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Homework for the Long Weekend
As we move forward it's important that you try to get yourselves ahead of the curve as opposed to playing catchup. The work is going to start picking up starting now. Put your noses to the grindstone and power through.
AP English III:
For the weekend you have two reading assignments and a writing assignment to prepare. Let's review the reading first. I'd like for all of you to reread the first four chapters of Grapes of Wrath. Now that we've begun reading and annotating as a class, I hope that you will revisit your preliminary notes and start to go deeper into the text. I would also recommend that you try to connect the reading assignment from Steinbeck to the first two pieces that we've read together as a class. Seeing connections is always important.
Secondly, I want you to reread the chapter called "Harvest of Shame" from Shipler's The Working Poor. Again, revisit your annotations, delve deeper and make connections. I especially want you to continue looking for the author's argument and how the author supports that argument.
Lastly, you have a writing assignment due soon, your introductions. Take your notes from peer editing and make any revisions that you see as necessary. I'll be available on Wednesday and Thursday for conferences. Make an appointment and let me know if you're planning to come. Remember that this will count as a major grade.
I'm looking forward to studying Steinbeck with all of you and building bridges to other periods of American literature and writing. Be prepared for Wednesday/Thursday!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Homework and Reminders 8/29 and 8/30
AP English III:
We did not get a chance to get to our peer editing of the introduction assignments. Please make sure that you bring these back with you next class. We will begin our work together with editing. You may want to take this additional time to go over your draft and make some edits of your own. Secondly, for our next class I'd like for you to read and annotate Lars Eighner's "On Dumpster Diving" - you can find it in 50 Essays or at this link. It's a longer piece, so take your time to read it. Lastly, please bring your copy of The Working Poor to class on Friday/Tuesday so that we can begin to look at this text and make connections to some of the other pieces that we've studied.
We did not get a chance to get to our peer editing of the introduction assignments. Please make sure that you bring these back with you next class. We will begin our work together with editing. You may want to take this additional time to go over your draft and make some edits of your own. Secondly, for our next class I'd like for you to read and annotate Lars Eighner's "On Dumpster Diving" - you can find it in 50 Essays or at this link. It's a longer piece, so take your time to read it. Lastly, please bring your copy of The Working Poor to class on Friday/Tuesday so that we can begin to look at this text and make connections to some of the other pieces that we've studied.
Monday, August 27, 2012
First Day of School 2012/2013
Welcome Back Students!
I had a great day today getting to know all of you and beginning our work together. I wanted to remind you of a few things to do tonight in order to prepare for tomorrow.
AP English III:
Tonight for homework I would like for you to complete the rough draft of your "Introduction" assignment. Remember to put it in MLA format and to be creative. The goal is not to copy the original piece, but to adapt it to your own life and experience. Remember to have fun as you begin this work.
Also you will need to fill out the parent contact form, and return that to me. Lastly, there is a piece to read tonight for homework called "On Compassion". If you've already purchased 50 Essays you can find it there or you can find it here. Please print, read, and annotate the handout. Be prepared to discuss.
English II:
Tomorrow we will continue with the work we started today. For tonight, I would like for you to finish your Parent Contact form and return that to me. Also, you may want to get your supplies together so that we can begin working in earnest on Tuesday.
One day done, 179 left to go!
I had a great day today getting to know all of you and beginning our work together. I wanted to remind you of a few things to do tonight in order to prepare for tomorrow.
AP English III:
Tonight for homework I would like for you to complete the rough draft of your "Introduction" assignment. Remember to put it in MLA format and to be creative. The goal is not to copy the original piece, but to adapt it to your own life and experience. Remember to have fun as you begin this work.
Also you will need to fill out the parent contact form, and return that to me. Lastly, there is a piece to read tonight for homework called "On Compassion". If you've already purchased 50 Essays you can find it there or you can find it here. Please print, read, and annotate the handout. Be prepared to discuss.
English II:
Tomorrow we will continue with the work we started today. For tonight, I would like for you to finish your Parent Contact form and return that to me. Also, you may want to get your supplies together so that we can begin working in earnest on Tuesday.
One day done, 179 left to go!
Friday, June 1, 2012
The Requisite End of the Year Post
All,
It's been a lot of fun this year. I'll be seeing some of you next Friday for the Freshman Academy trip to King's Dominion. Some of you I won't see until August. Some of you I may never see again. Whichever category you find yourself in, know that I had a good time this year and enjoyed working with all of you.
If you will be at Jordan next year, come and visit. You know where I'll be.
Enjoy your summer!
It's been a lot of fun this year. I'll be seeing some of you next Friday for the Freshman Academy trip to King's Dominion. Some of you I won't see until August. Some of you I may never see again. Whichever category you find yourself in, know that I had a good time this year and enjoyed working with all of you.
If you will be at Jordan next year, come and visit. You know where I'll be.
Enjoy your summer!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Character Cafe Reflections B1
One of the joys of A/B scheduling is that when I do something really fun for A-day, I get to do the exact same thing with B-day. Thanks for making the last day of class start off on a great note B-day kids. Here are our group text photos. Remember to post your reflection in the comment thread below and attach your name to your comment. Your reflection should cover the following:
- What did you learn about the individuals present and who impressed you the most?
- What was your core statement? What idea would people come away with if they interacted with you?
And now the pictures:
The Great Gatsby and Virginia Woolf
The Grapes of Wrath
Sojourner Truth and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Catcher in the Rye and Arnold Friend from "WAYG? WHYB?"
The Things They Carried
Invisible Man
Friday, May 25, 2012
Character Cafe Reflections A1
I had so much fun this morning with all of you. Here are our group text photos. Remember to post your reflection in the comment thread below and attach your name to your comment. Your reflection should cover the following:
Invisible Man and Plato
Remember your reflections are due here in 24 hours! Those of you taking the exam, I'll see you Wednesday morning!
- What did you learn about the individuals present and who impressed you the most?
- What was your core statement? What idea would people come away with if they interacted with you?
Virginia Woolf, the spider and the wasp
The Great Gatsby and the turtle from Grapes
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Catcher in the Rye
Invisible Man and Plato
The Things They Carried
Remember your reflections are due here in 24 hours! Those of you taking the exam, I'll see you Wednesday morning!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
And this is it...almost
We've only got one more day of class ahead of us, there's the final exam ahead of you except for those Juniors who happen to be exempt. Below are your final reminders to get you ready for LDOC (last day of class).
AP English III:
None of you are coming to class for LDOC - instead I expect to see Huck, Jim, Rinehart and all of the other characters that we've met this year. Please come in costume and in character. We'll follow the procedure given to all of you today in class on the handout called "The Lavender Room." As an entry ticket, you must have completed your "Character Bone Structure Sheet" so that I can see that you've thoroughly prepared your character. Remember to answer all questions on the sheet.
Also, don't forget to bring your food item for the class to share. Don't be late to class on Friday/Tuesday - we're going to need all 90 minutes to do this well. I'll be announcing which of you are exempt from the exam on Friday/Monday during class.
English I:
On Friday/Tuesday we've got two big things ahead of us, a second matchbox and the presentation of our poetry projects. We'll begin class with the poetry projects. Each of you will come to the front of class, turn in your work to me and present your poem. Then you'll get mad snaps. Remember to follow the instructions on the assignment sheet thoroughly and have all four required elements. Each part will contribute to the overall 100 point test grade. Each particular item is worth twenty-five points. Failure to turn in an element will earn you a zero, automatically for that element and bring down your overall score.
Also, remember that no late work will be accepted past the last day of class. My grades are locked after that day and I have no intention of changing them - if you've missed an opportunity to make up work, it's too late now. Spend your time completing what you have left and doing it well.
See you on Friday/Tuesday. B-day students, hopefully you'll see me a bit more relaxed after a long weekend at the beach.
AP English III:
None of you are coming to class for LDOC - instead I expect to see Huck, Jim, Rinehart and all of the other characters that we've met this year. Please come in costume and in character. We'll follow the procedure given to all of you today in class on the handout called "The Lavender Room." As an entry ticket, you must have completed your "Character Bone Structure Sheet" so that I can see that you've thoroughly prepared your character. Remember to answer all questions on the sheet.
Also, don't forget to bring your food item for the class to share. Don't be late to class on Friday/Tuesday - we're going to need all 90 minutes to do this well. I'll be announcing which of you are exempt from the exam on Friday/Monday during class.
English I:
On Friday/Tuesday we've got two big things ahead of us, a second matchbox and the presentation of our poetry projects. We'll begin class with the poetry projects. Each of you will come to the front of class, turn in your work to me and present your poem. Then you'll get mad snaps. Remember to follow the instructions on the assignment sheet thoroughly and have all four required elements. Each part will contribute to the overall 100 point test grade. Each particular item is worth twenty-five points. Failure to turn in an element will earn you a zero, automatically for that element and bring down your overall score.
Also, remember that no late work will be accepted past the last day of class. My grades are locked after that day and I have no intention of changing them - if you've missed an opportunity to make up work, it's too late now. Spend your time completing what you have left and doing it well.
See you on Friday/Tuesday. B-day students, hopefully you'll see me a bit more relaxed after a long weekend at the beach.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Homework for 5/21 and 5/22
Students,
As we move toward the final two classes of the year it's important that you not miss due dates and that you complete everything to your best ability. Remember that when the final day of classes comes, that's it. No more late work and no more extensions. Work hard and you'll be rewarded. Here are your more specific reminders:
AP English III:
You all have two big things left to complete for the year. First, on Wednesday and Thursday we will be having your final on The Things They Carried. It will pull specifically from the stories which I assigned you and that we studied as a whole class. Remember to have your annotations ready as I will be checking your books on this day as well. On Friday/Tuesday (LDOC) we will be having our character cafe. Please remember to bring your item for the party and to bring your personality (whoever that may be.) I look forward to finishing the year with you all and celebrating your growth as students.
English I:
Today in class you all received your EOC review sheet as well as your EOC retest letter. It's important that you fill out the retest letter and get that turned into me as soon as possible. You probably won't need it, but it's best to be prepared. On Wednesday/Thursday we will be completing another Matchbox and going over the review sheet. That usually works best (the review) if you've generated questions about the terms, so spend some time doing that tonight.
Also, don't forget that your poetry projects are due on Friday/Tuesday. This is the last day of class (LDOC) so you won't really be able to turn in these late. You've had a lot of time to work on these, so my ability to accept your excuses will be non-existant. We will likely also do another Matchbox on LDOC to finish preparing.
Lastly, Honors students, if you did not finish your test essay during the class period I expect that you finish it tonight so that it can be submitted at the beginning of class on Wednesday/Thursday.
Study hard, work hard, relax in a few weeks.
As we move toward the final two classes of the year it's important that you not miss due dates and that you complete everything to your best ability. Remember that when the final day of classes comes, that's it. No more late work and no more extensions. Work hard and you'll be rewarded. Here are your more specific reminders:
AP English III:
You all have two big things left to complete for the year. First, on Wednesday and Thursday we will be having your final on The Things They Carried. It will pull specifically from the stories which I assigned you and that we studied as a whole class. Remember to have your annotations ready as I will be checking your books on this day as well. On Friday/Tuesday (LDOC) we will be having our character cafe. Please remember to bring your item for the party and to bring your personality (whoever that may be.) I look forward to finishing the year with you all and celebrating your growth as students.
English I:
Today in class you all received your EOC review sheet as well as your EOC retest letter. It's important that you fill out the retest letter and get that turned into me as soon as possible. You probably won't need it, but it's best to be prepared. On Wednesday/Thursday we will be completing another Matchbox and going over the review sheet. That usually works best (the review) if you've generated questions about the terms, so spend some time doing that tonight.
Also, don't forget that your poetry projects are due on Friday/Tuesday. This is the last day of class (LDOC) so you won't really be able to turn in these late. You've had a lot of time to work on these, so my ability to accept your excuses will be non-existant. We will likely also do another Matchbox on LDOC to finish preparing.
Lastly, Honors students, if you did not finish your test essay during the class period I expect that you finish it tonight so that it can be submitted at the beginning of class on Wednesday/Thursday.
Study hard, work hard, relax in a few weeks.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Work for the Weekend and Reminders
My last post was number 666, thankfully the website is less evil today with post number 667.
AP English III:
I hope that all of you who took the exam felt confident and well prepared. Remember, it doesn't matter what the score is that you get in July. The point is that all of you have grown and accomplished a lot. I'm proud of you and you should be proud of yourselves. A-day students, you'll be finishing your discussion circles on Monday. B-day students, you're going to finish these on Friday. I was very impressed with both classes and your work in groups one through four. I look forward to being equally impressed as we move forward.
Finally, you'll be having your final exam on The Things They Carried on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. I will be checking your annotations on the whole book this day - so be ready.
English I:
All of you have due next week what I refrenced in the last post. Be sure that you are meeting those goals and finishing strong here at the end of the year. As a final reminder, any and all missing assignments must be made up by 4:00 on Monday the 21st. Failure to make up any assignment by this point will result in that assignment being locked in as a zero. You've had all quarter, and it's time for me to start wrapping up my grades for the year. Lastly, the final day to turn in extra credit is tomorrow - Friday the 18th. Make sure that if you're doing this assignment you get it turned in.
AP English III:
I hope that all of you who took the exam felt confident and well prepared. Remember, it doesn't matter what the score is that you get in July. The point is that all of you have grown and accomplished a lot. I'm proud of you and you should be proud of yourselves. A-day students, you'll be finishing your discussion circles on Monday. B-day students, you're going to finish these on Friday. I was very impressed with both classes and your work in groups one through four. I look forward to being equally impressed as we move forward.
Finally, you'll be having your final exam on The Things They Carried on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. I will be checking your annotations on the whole book this day - so be ready.
English I:
All of you have due next week what I refrenced in the last post. Be sure that you are meeting those goals and finishing strong here at the end of the year. As a final reminder, any and all missing assignments must be made up by 4:00 on Monday the 21st. Failure to make up any assignment by this point will result in that assignment being locked in as a zero. You've had all quarter, and it's time for me to start wrapping up my grades for the year. Lastly, the final day to turn in extra credit is tomorrow - Friday the 18th. Make sure that if you're doing this assignment you get it turned in.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Homework for English I - 5/15 and 5/16
English I:
The date that all of you should be focusing on is 5/21 (A-day) and 5/22 (B-day). These are the days when your vocabulary assignment will be due as well as our final poetry quiz for the year. The poetry quiz is going to cover the following poems. We've studied the first three already, the fourth one will be read and studied in class on Thursday/Friday. The poems for the quiz are:
Also, you have your vocabulary assignment due on the 21st/22nd - the NEOLOGISMS assignment. Let me review the important elements of this assignment.
Honors - Create FIVE neologisms using at least FOUR wordparts.
Standard - Create THREE neologisms using at least THREE wordparts.
For each neologism you must do the following:
I think that does it!
The date that all of you should be focusing on is 5/21 (A-day) and 5/22 (B-day). These are the days when your vocabulary assignment will be due as well as our final poetry quiz for the year. The poetry quiz is going to cover the following poems. We've studied the first three already, the fourth one will be read and studied in class on Thursday/Friday. The poems for the quiz are:
- "in Just-" ee cummings
- "Fire and Ice" Robert Frost
- "Once by the Pacific" Robert Frost
- Ballad of Birmingham Dudley Randall
Also, you have your vocabulary assignment due on the 21st/22nd - the NEOLOGISMS assignment. Let me review the important elements of this assignment.
Honors - Create FIVE neologisms using at least FOUR wordparts.
Standard - Create THREE neologisms using at least THREE wordparts.
For each neologism you must do the following:
- the new word (neologism)
- a breakdown of the word with its wordparts and their meaning
- an actual definition of the word that makes sense
- a sentence using the word in context (I should understand the meaning of the word from reading the sentence)
- an image or picture to go along with the word
I think that does it!
The Day Before The AP Exam
Alright Juniors, the day is finally here. Tonight you've got your last night before you go in tomorrow for three hours of fun. Here are some final reminders for you all as you're reviewing and studying tonight.
1. Get a good night's sleep. Bedtime: no later than eleven pm. No all nighters. You need to be fresh in the morning.
2. Get a good breakfast in the morning. There's nothing worse than trying to write an essay on an empty stomach.
Study Tips:
Yeah, someone wrote that for their AP exam. Good luck. Come see me tomorrow and let me know how it went!
1. Get a good night's sleep. Bedtime: no later than eleven pm. No all nighters. You need to be fresh in the morning.
2. Get a good breakfast in the morning. There's nothing worse than trying to write an essay on an empty stomach.
Study Tips:
- look over all of the multiple choice practices that I've given you - focus on the questions that you've been getting wrong and understand why the correct answer is the correct one.
- focus on reviewing rhetorical devices and tone words - there are plenty of online resources for you to use for this - I posted some for you a few posts back - here's another link for you of good devices to know
- remember the three types of writing: synthesis, analysis, and argument - remember what you need to do in each one
Yeah, someone wrote that for their AP exam. Good luck. Come see me tomorrow and let me know how it went!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Apologies that this post is late...
With my first period class being a bit out of whack with AP Exams, I completely forgot to post the homework for the weekend. Here we go:
AP English III:
We're still in a period of the year where B-day is ahead of A-day due to the schedule. Tomorrow (Monday the 14th) B-day students will be doing their discussion circle groups for the first four sets of stories. Make sure that all members of your group are prepared to lead a dynamic conversation about the story or stories. I look forward to seeing how you all teach the class and create knowledge for yourselves. Make sure that you have your finalized outline, learning objectives and essential questions, as well as your multiple choice questions ready for the discussion groups.
A-day students, I'll be seeing you on Tuesday for our discussion of "The Lives of the Dead" - please have this read and annotated before class on Tuesday morning.
Wednesday is the AP Exam, first thing in the morning. I'll be holding a review session/preparation session on Tuesday afternoon. I think that this would also be a great time to take our class photo. Please plan on coming to my room right at 2:30 so that we can take our photo. You can then leave or stay for the study session.
English I:
This week coming up you all have extra credit assignments due for me. Remember that there are two options for the extra credit: the extra credit journals as well as the pamphlet/letter. The journals will factor in as a homework grade and the pamphlet/letter will factor in as a test grade. I hope that all of you complete at least one portion of this to improve your standing in class. Remember, extra credit can only help you.
For the weekend, you should be focused on your poetry projects and your extra credit projects. The poetry projects are coming due soon and I haven't seen that many of you for feedback. Please come and see me this week during lunch to get my review of your poems and written work. Also, make sure that you've been practicing your memorized poem for our poetry slam.
Lastly, you all have your progress reports. There are only a few days left in the quarter. If you're missing something, the time is now to get it taken care of. No late/make-up work will be accepted past the 21st of May. This means you have one week.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
AP Resources
I wanted to share this website with all of you. I just learned of it today from Ms. Baker and wanted to pass it on soon.
http://appass.com/home
You can calculate what you need to make on each portion of the exam and fidget with the numbers a bit. There are also a few study aids.
Remember to think abut when we can do our class picture. I'm here Monday and Tuesday afternoon.
See ya tomorrow.
http://appass.com/home
You can calculate what you need to make on each portion of the exam and fidget with the numbers a bit. There are also a few study aids.
Remember to think abut when we can do our class picture. I'm here Monday and Tuesday afternoon.
See ya tomorrow.
Homework for May 9 and 10 - English I
English I:
Tonight for homework I want you all working on your poetry and extra credit projects. Remember that your poetry projects are coming due very soon - at the end of the month. I've seen some of you with drafts of your work and given you some feedback about the work. Make sure that you're continuing to revise and rewrite as you contiue to work.
If you're doing the extra credit assignment then you'll be working on question seventeen for everyone and Honors students are going to also answer question number eighteen. Remember to answer the questions thoroughly and draw on the text as you create your answers. Write good paragraphs to create these responses.
We'll be wrapping up our poetry unit very soon. Be sure that you're prepared with your reading and writing skills so that you're totally ready for our final assessment.
Tonight for homework I want you all working on your poetry and extra credit projects. Remember that your poetry projects are coming due very soon - at the end of the month. I've seen some of you with drafts of your work and given you some feedback about the work. Make sure that you're continuing to revise and rewrite as you contiue to work.
If you're doing the extra credit assignment then you'll be working on question seventeen for everyone and Honors students are going to also answer question number eighteen. Remember to answer the questions thoroughly and draw on the text as you create your answers. Write good paragraphs to create these responses.
We'll be wrapping up our poetry unit very soon. Be sure that you're prepared with your reading and writing skills so that you're totally ready for our final assessment.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
AP English Homework - 5/8 and 5/9
AP English III:
For right now B-day students are actually ahead of A-day students. Today and Wednesday (A-day) will be normal classes in which we continue to work and prepare for our exam next week through our study of The Things They Carried. Friday's class will be a bit strange due to the AP US History exam, so that will throw the A-day students off a bit. Here are your notes and reminders to preapre for our next class.
First, please read "The Lives of the Dead" and have it heavily annotated for a class discussion on the final story in the collection. B-day students will work through this story on 5/10 and A-day students will work through it on 5/15. I would recommend that you have thorough cover annotations when you walk into class this day, too.
Secondly, we will be having a discussion group workday next class (5/10 and 5/15). In order to prepare for this I want for someone in your group to e-mail me your discussion outline as it stands now no later than the beginning of class for Thursday/Friday. This will give me a chance to give feedback to each group when you meet and speak to each other. Don't forget that you're leading a fifteen minute discussion. You don't need to go through the whole story (heck, we can't even get through a whole story in an hour) but I do want to be sure that whatever you have is thorough and well-considered. Discussion groups 1-4 will lead class on 5/14 (B-day) and 5/17 (A-day). Discussion groups 5-8 will lead class on 5/18 (B-day) and 5/21 (A-day).
Please come see me if you need help with your group preparations, or anything else.
For right now B-day students are actually ahead of A-day students. Today and Wednesday (A-day) will be normal classes in which we continue to work and prepare for our exam next week through our study of The Things They Carried. Friday's class will be a bit strange due to the AP US History exam, so that will throw the A-day students off a bit. Here are your notes and reminders to preapre for our next class.
First, please read "The Lives of the Dead" and have it heavily annotated for a class discussion on the final story in the collection. B-day students will work through this story on 5/10 and A-day students will work through it on 5/15. I would recommend that you have thorough cover annotations when you walk into class this day, too.
Secondly, we will be having a discussion group workday next class (5/10 and 5/15). In order to prepare for this I want for someone in your group to e-mail me your discussion outline as it stands now no later than the beginning of class for Thursday/Friday. This will give me a chance to give feedback to each group when you meet and speak to each other. Don't forget that you're leading a fifteen minute discussion. You don't need to go through the whole story (heck, we can't even get through a whole story in an hour) but I do want to be sure that whatever you have is thorough and well-considered. Discussion groups 1-4 will lead class on 5/14 (B-day) and 5/17 (A-day). Discussion groups 5-8 will lead class on 5/18 (B-day) and 5/21 (A-day).
Please come see me if you need help with your group preparations, or anything else.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Homework for English I - 5/7 and 5/8
AP Students - Your homework will be posted tomorrow. A-day did not have a real class today due to the AP Environmental Science and AP Chemistry examinations. Remember that timing and pacing is strange for all of us right now. Keep up with class and the website to stay on top of all of your work during AP Exams.
English I:
I hope that all of you enjoyed the poetry tournament today. Tonight, I want you to continue working on these poems as you build and develop your writing skills. For homework I want you to take the poem which won for your group and compose a writing assignment.
Standard students must compose a three-part thesis which clearly identifies the title and author, the three most significant literary devices, and the theme of your poem as you interpret it. After you've written your thesis you'll then outline your first body paragraph. Put your topic at the beginning and then pull out three significant quotes or examples of that device. Under each example give me some explanation which clarifies how this particular example leads to the theme of the poem as you interpret it. As you write the explanation, you really want to show me your thinking process.
Honors students are going to complete this same assignment but instead of writing an outline of the paragraph you will actually compose the paragraph as if you were writing a full essay. Furthermore, you'll need to write a transition sentence at the end of your first body paragraph which would then set up the next body paragraph seamlessly.
This assignment is due to the homework box or to me before school starts on Wednesday/Thursday morning.
English I:
I hope that all of you enjoyed the poetry tournament today. Tonight, I want you to continue working on these poems as you build and develop your writing skills. For homework I want you to take the poem which won for your group and compose a writing assignment.
Standard students must compose a three-part thesis which clearly identifies the title and author, the three most significant literary devices, and the theme of your poem as you interpret it. After you've written your thesis you'll then outline your first body paragraph. Put your topic at the beginning and then pull out three significant quotes or examples of that device. Under each example give me some explanation which clarifies how this particular example leads to the theme of the poem as you interpret it. As you write the explanation, you really want to show me your thinking process.
Honors students are going to complete this same assignment but instead of writing an outline of the paragraph you will actually compose the paragraph as if you were writing a full essay. Furthermore, you'll need to write a transition sentence at the end of your first body paragraph which would then set up the next body paragraph seamlessly.
This assignment is due to the homework box or to me before school starts on Wednesday/Thursday morning.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Homework for the Weekend - 5/3 and 5/4
AP English III:
I won't be seeing most of you A-day students until Wednesday due to the fact that many of you have an AP exam on Monday morning. We'll end up being a day behind B-day, which is fine because we'll meet up on the other side. For the weekend be sure that you've read and annotated the following stories from The Things They Carried: "Speaking of Courage," "Notes," "In the Field," and "The Ghost Soldiers." This only leaves one more story that we will read as a whole group - if you want to go ahead and finish the book, I invite you to do so. My goal is that B-day students will work through these four stories on the 8th and A-day students will do these stories on the 9th. I should then see all of you in B-day on the 10th and again, barely any of you for A-day, on the 11th because of the AP US History exam.
Be sure that you keep up with your assignments during this time. Get plenty of sleep and avoid stress. Remember that cramming before an exam is not always the best idea.
English I:
Over the weekend I would like for all of you to continue working on your poetry projects. At this point you should have at least one of your own poems written. I want you to spend this weekend working on your mini-essay. I'll be available next week after school to take a look at drafts of this assignment to give you extra feedback. The presentations for these projects will be on the 25th (A-day) and the 29th (B-day) make sure that you're prepared especially with your memorization. I hope that by this point most of you have the majority of your poem memorized.
The other work that I'd like for you to do this weekend relates to your extra credit project. The projects will be collected the week of the 14th. For the weekend, answer question fifteen in your reading journals. Make sure to answer the question thoroughly by writing at least two complete paragraphs in response to the question.
Enjoy your weekend everyone! My neighborhood is having a block party this weekend called "Cinco de Blocko" - should be a fun time :)
I won't be seeing most of you A-day students until Wednesday due to the fact that many of you have an AP exam on Monday morning. We'll end up being a day behind B-day, which is fine because we'll meet up on the other side. For the weekend be sure that you've read and annotated the following stories from The Things They Carried: "Speaking of Courage," "Notes," "In the Field," and "The Ghost Soldiers." This only leaves one more story that we will read as a whole group - if you want to go ahead and finish the book, I invite you to do so. My goal is that B-day students will work through these four stories on the 8th and A-day students will do these stories on the 9th. I should then see all of you in B-day on the 10th and again, barely any of you for A-day, on the 11th because of the AP US History exam.
Be sure that you keep up with your assignments during this time. Get plenty of sleep and avoid stress. Remember that cramming before an exam is not always the best idea.
English I:
Over the weekend I would like for all of you to continue working on your poetry projects. At this point you should have at least one of your own poems written. I want you to spend this weekend working on your mini-essay. I'll be available next week after school to take a look at drafts of this assignment to give you extra feedback. The presentations for these projects will be on the 25th (A-day) and the 29th (B-day) make sure that you're prepared especially with your memorization. I hope that by this point most of you have the majority of your poem memorized.
The other work that I'd like for you to do this weekend relates to your extra credit project. The projects will be collected the week of the 14th. For the weekend, answer question fifteen in your reading journals. Make sure to answer the question thoroughly by writing at least two complete paragraphs in response to the question.
Enjoy your weekend everyone! My neighborhood is having a block party this weekend called "Cinco de Blocko" - should be a fun time :)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Homework for the First and Second of May
Welcome to May! Happy May Day! С днем первого мая!
Today was a really productive day for all classes. Below are your reminders about what you have left to do before we see each other again.
AP English III:
We're about to enter into a very strange time called AP Exams. Scheduling and lessons are going to be a bit off over the next few classes until we meet back on the other side. Pay attention to alterations and assignments. Today in class we went over policies and expectations regarding AP Exams. Follow that handout and those guidelines to the letter. The major thing is to remember where to go, when to get there, and what parts of the school day you have to attend. Also, always remember to plan for the worst when it comes to food. Have a back-up lunch ready in case you can't get somewhere between your exams if you have two in one day.
For homework tonight, your first priority is to take a look at your previous synthesis notes and prepare for our final timed writing - another synthesis essay. I think the prompt is a pretty interesting one. In terms of reading, get through the next three major stories. Annotate them heavily (like ya do) and then start to consider how this collection is being woven together. What are those "truth threads" that O'Brien is using.
In the previous post is where I put those links to AP vocabulary - by the way. Take a look and print if you feel so inclined. Lastly, I think that I may hold a review/study/prep session next week after-school. Let me know if you'd be interested in attending.
English I:
I hope that you all enjoyed reading ee cummings' "in Just-". Tonight you need to practice these same skills of close reading an analysis as you take a look at Haki R. Madhubuti's "Back Again Home." Read the piece carefully and then answer the assigned questions at the top of the sheet. Make sure that you do the questions assigned to your class and section. Answer the questions thoroughly continuing to work on your adherence to good writing rules.
Also, you now have the date for your poetry projects - the 25th and the 29th of May. Extra Credit projects are due the week of the 14th. Remember that these two things are meant to be completed mostly on your own time. See me for help if you need it.
Today was a really productive day for all classes. Below are your reminders about what you have left to do before we see each other again.
AP English III:
We're about to enter into a very strange time called AP Exams. Scheduling and lessons are going to be a bit off over the next few classes until we meet back on the other side. Pay attention to alterations and assignments. Today in class we went over policies and expectations regarding AP Exams. Follow that handout and those guidelines to the letter. The major thing is to remember where to go, when to get there, and what parts of the school day you have to attend. Also, always remember to plan for the worst when it comes to food. Have a back-up lunch ready in case you can't get somewhere between your exams if you have two in one day.
For homework tonight, your first priority is to take a look at your previous synthesis notes and prepare for our final timed writing - another synthesis essay. I think the prompt is a pretty interesting one. In terms of reading, get through the next three major stories. Annotate them heavily (like ya do) and then start to consider how this collection is being woven together. What are those "truth threads" that O'Brien is using.
In the previous post is where I put those links to AP vocabulary - by the way. Take a look and print if you feel so inclined. Lastly, I think that I may hold a review/study/prep session next week after-school. Let me know if you'd be interested in attending.
English I:
I hope that you all enjoyed reading ee cummings' "in Just-". Tonight you need to practice these same skills of close reading an analysis as you take a look at Haki R. Madhubuti's "Back Again Home." Read the piece carefully and then answer the assigned questions at the top of the sheet. Make sure that you do the questions assigned to your class and section. Answer the questions thoroughly continuing to work on your adherence to good writing rules.
Also, you now have the date for your poetry projects - the 25th and the 29th of May. Extra Credit projects are due the week of the 14th. Remember that these two things are meant to be completed mostly on your own time. See me for help if you need it.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Homework for the Weekend and Monday
Here are your reminders as we move forward into May!
AP English III:
Tonight for homework I want you to continue with your reading of The Things They Carried by reading "The Man I Killed". It's a relatively short story, but there's a lot of really dense meaning packed within a few short paragraphs. Read it carefully and annotate it heavily as we'll be working through this piece on Tuesday. Also, you should begin to prepare yourself for a Synthesis timed writing soon. I don't think it's going to be on Tuesday because I think we have a few other things to work on for Tuesday, so it'll most likely happen on Thursday/Friday. Review synthesis, argumentation, and analysis. Start studying and preparing for your AP Exam which is coming up a lot sooner than you may think.
Also, on the subject of the exam, start working on your rhetorical vocabulary. I've found this site and this one which has commonly used rhetorical devices on the AP Exam. Most of them we've gone over in class, some we haven't (can't teach everything) - If you're starting to ramp up your studying I'd use this site as a resource to see what you know and what you don't. Focus on those new terms to get stronger at multiple choice!
English I:
At this point everyone has their progress reports! We will finish the poetry quiz on Tuesday/Wednesday by looking at and completing the short answer questions. Over the weekend I would like for you to put forth a lot of effort on your poetry projects as well as your extra credit projects. For the extra credit projects you need to answer question number 11, and then either 12 OR 13. Remember to keep all of your journals together. These extra credit projects will be due in approximately two weeks.
For the poetry projects I would like to set you the goal that you get one of your writing pieces done this weekend. Remember especially with the continuation that you need to follow to the letter the original poem's format and content. I'll be looking closely to make sure you do this.
Oh, and lastly, girls in the dance concert - amazing work on Friday night. It was great seeing so many of you on stage having fun and dancing beautifully. Enjoy the weekend!
AP English III:
Tonight for homework I want you to continue with your reading of The Things They Carried by reading "The Man I Killed". It's a relatively short story, but there's a lot of really dense meaning packed within a few short paragraphs. Read it carefully and annotate it heavily as we'll be working through this piece on Tuesday. Also, you should begin to prepare yourself for a Synthesis timed writing soon. I don't think it's going to be on Tuesday because I think we have a few other things to work on for Tuesday, so it'll most likely happen on Thursday/Friday. Review synthesis, argumentation, and analysis. Start studying and preparing for your AP Exam which is coming up a lot sooner than you may think.
Also, on the subject of the exam, start working on your rhetorical vocabulary. I've found this site and this one which has commonly used rhetorical devices on the AP Exam. Most of them we've gone over in class, some we haven't (can't teach everything) - If you're starting to ramp up your studying I'd use this site as a resource to see what you know and what you don't. Focus on those new terms to get stronger at multiple choice!
English I:
At this point everyone has their progress reports! We will finish the poetry quiz on Tuesday/Wednesday by looking at and completing the short answer questions. Over the weekend I would like for you to put forth a lot of effort on your poetry projects as well as your extra credit projects. For the extra credit projects you need to answer question number 11, and then either 12 OR 13. Remember to keep all of your journals together. These extra credit projects will be due in approximately two weeks.
For the poetry projects I would like to set you the goal that you get one of your writing pieces done this weekend. Remember especially with the continuation that you need to follow to the letter the original poem's format and content. I'll be looking closely to make sure you do this.
Oh, and lastly, girls in the dance concert - amazing work on Friday night. It was great seeing so many of you on stage having fun and dancing beautifully. Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Homework for B-Day Students - 4/26
Students,
Not much has changed between A and B day. There are a few alterations, but not many.
AP English III:
We finished the notes sheet on Orwell together in class for tonight focus on "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong" (a real place, I googled it) and your conversation group preliminary work.
English I:
Nothing has really changed for you all either. You still have your quiz next class, which is what you really need to prepare for. Take your time to study and review both the poems and vocabulary. You did get progress reports today; show them to your parents/guardians tonight. Some of you have some good things to celebrate. Some of you need to make up some work.
See everyone on Monday, enjoy your weekend and work hard!
Not much has changed between A and B day. There are a few alterations, but not many.
AP English III:
We finished the notes sheet on Orwell together in class for tonight focus on "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong" (a real place, I googled it) and your conversation group preliminary work.
English I:
Nothing has really changed for you all either. You still have your quiz next class, which is what you really need to prepare for. Take your time to study and review both the poems and vocabulary. You did get progress reports today; show them to your parents/guardians tonight. Some of you have some good things to celebrate. Some of you need to make up some work.
See everyone on Monday, enjoy your weekend and work hard!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Homework for A-day Students - 4/25
This is one of those situations where I'll need to make two postings: one for A-day classes and one for B-day.
A-day Students -
Due to the fact that today was a PLC day we were cut a bit short. Let me review for all of you what I'm expecting when you walk in on Friday.
AP English III:
Please begin tonight by reviewing the notes sheet that I intended for us to get to in class but we didn't. It has several questions for you to investigate regarding "Shooting an Elephant" - the main point of this assignment is to do what we were doing in class; focus on specific paragraphs and areas of Orwell's text in order to unlock his purpose. Very close level analysis. Make sure that you've dealt with each question as we'll begin Friday with this.
Furthermore, I'd like for you to read what is my favorite story in The Things They Carried - "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong." Annotate it heavily, look at the characters as symbolic in this story, and also think about the idea of "truth" from the previous story. I look forward to our work on this story on Friday.
Oh, lastly, touch base with your discussion groups. You'll have a bit of time on Friday to talk in class. But I want to see some movement on these projects before you walk in on Friday. Don't start the conversation on Friday, pick up from where you've already begun.
English I:
Today in class I gave you your final project for the year - your poetry project. After you finished your reading assessment you were supposed to use the internet or the books in the media center to select your poem and give me the title and author. If you didn't get your title and author approved by me in class, you must have this information on Friday.
On Friday you'll have your Wordskills Unit 2 Exam as well as your Poetry Quiz on the four poems we've been studying this week. Review the poems carefully. Study them intently. Know the literary devices at work in the play (we made a chart about this earlier this week). Pay special attention to tone. We'll be moving on to some different poems soon, perhaps on Friday with time permitting!
A-day Students -
Due to the fact that today was a PLC day we were cut a bit short. Let me review for all of you what I'm expecting when you walk in on Friday.
AP English III:
Please begin tonight by reviewing the notes sheet that I intended for us to get to in class but we didn't. It has several questions for you to investigate regarding "Shooting an Elephant" - the main point of this assignment is to do what we were doing in class; focus on specific paragraphs and areas of Orwell's text in order to unlock his purpose. Very close level analysis. Make sure that you've dealt with each question as we'll begin Friday with this.
Furthermore, I'd like for you to read what is my favorite story in The Things They Carried - "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong." Annotate it heavily, look at the characters as symbolic in this story, and also think about the idea of "truth" from the previous story. I look forward to our work on this story on Friday.
Oh, lastly, touch base with your discussion groups. You'll have a bit of time on Friday to talk in class. But I want to see some movement on these projects before you walk in on Friday. Don't start the conversation on Friday, pick up from where you've already begun.
English I:
Today in class I gave you your final project for the year - your poetry project. After you finished your reading assessment you were supposed to use the internet or the books in the media center to select your poem and give me the title and author. If you didn't get your title and author approved by me in class, you must have this information on Friday.
On Friday you'll have your Wordskills Unit 2 Exam as well as your Poetry Quiz on the four poems we've been studying this week. Review the poems carefully. Study them intently. Know the literary devices at work in the play (we made a chart about this earlier this week). Pay special attention to tone. We'll be moving on to some different poems soon, perhaps on Friday with time permitting!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Homework for 4/23 and 4/24
Let's just get right to the business.
AP English III:
Tonight for homework I'd like for you to read two things. From The Things They Carried, I'd like for you to read our next major story "How to Tell a True War Story" - continue to annotate heavily and notice how O'Brien is continuing to develop his characters, motifs, and specific themes. This is an especially interesting story to consider when thinking about our big issue of truth and honesty in a memoir.
I'd also like for you to read George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant." That essay is found in 50 Essays or at this link. As you read this, consider the idea of obligation and duty especially as we began discussing this idea today in our discussion of "On the Rainy River." How is Orwell like O'Brien here? How is their choice similar?
English I:
Tonight for homework I'd like for you to make some more entries in your extra credit reading journals. You are going to select either question six or seven, question eight or nine, and question ten to answer. Notice that you will answer three questions here. Make sure you pay attention to the details in the assignment as it's given to you.
Furthermore, I'd like for you to begin to prepare for your quiz that is coming this next Friday/Monday. Your assessments on Friday/Monday will cover Wordskills unit two and also the four poems that we've been studying this week. Please make sure that you're well prepared and that you've studied hard. I'll be giving out a review sheet for the vocabulary exam on Wednesday/Thursday in order to help you prepare.
As always, if you have questions, please ask!
AP English III:
Tonight for homework I'd like for you to read two things. From The Things They Carried, I'd like for you to read our next major story "How to Tell a True War Story" - continue to annotate heavily and notice how O'Brien is continuing to develop his characters, motifs, and specific themes. This is an especially interesting story to consider when thinking about our big issue of truth and honesty in a memoir.
I'd also like for you to read George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant." That essay is found in 50 Essays or at this link. As you read this, consider the idea of obligation and duty especially as we began discussing this idea today in our discussion of "On the Rainy River." How is Orwell like O'Brien here? How is their choice similar?
English I:
Tonight for homework I'd like for you to make some more entries in your extra credit reading journals. You are going to select either question six or seven, question eight or nine, and question ten to answer. Notice that you will answer three questions here. Make sure you pay attention to the details in the assignment as it's given to you.
Furthermore, I'd like for you to begin to prepare for your quiz that is coming this next Friday/Monday. Your assessments on Friday/Monday will cover Wordskills unit two and also the four poems that we've been studying this week. Please make sure that you're well prepared and that you've studied hard. I'll be giving out a review sheet for the vocabulary exam on Wednesday/Thursday in order to help you prepare.
As always, if you have questions, please ask!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
B-Day Multiple Choice Questions
B-Day Students. Please post your multiple choice questions and answer choices in this thread by posting a comment. Please include your name in your comment to be sure that you get credit.
A-Day Multiple Choice Questions
A-day students. Please post your multiple choice questions and answer choices in this thread by adding a comment. Make sure to include your name in the comment so that I can give you credit.
Homework for the Weekend - 4/19 and 4/20
AP English III:
Over the weekend you have two things that you need to take care of. First, you need to use the packet that I gave you on writing AP Multiple Choice questions and compose one question based on the section of "The Things They Carried" which you discussed in our inside circle discussion group. Use the question starters to get going and then fill in details and answer choices based on the text. If you're asking about a particular passage, please make sure that this is made clear in your question. Your question needs to be submitted via the class website (use the two threads above) before class begins on Monday/Tuesday. This will count as a homework assignment, so don't miss these points. Also, please read the next major story in The Things They Carried called "On the Rainy River." We will work through this story next week and do a bit of work on the anti-war movement.
English I:
Over the weekend I would like for you to continue thinking about the poems that you read by our four female authors. Based on the poem that you were assigned in your small groups I would like for you to answer two (Honors) or one (Standard) of the discussion questions at the bottom of your worksheet. Remember that you need to turn in this work to the box on Monday/Tuesday morning before the day begins.
Also, you will have two more class periods to work on our in-class assignment. One day will be spent working and one day will be presenting. Lastly, expect a Wordskills test next week. You should study your wordparts over the weekend.
Over the weekend you have two things that you need to take care of. First, you need to use the packet that I gave you on writing AP Multiple Choice questions and compose one question based on the section of "The Things They Carried" which you discussed in our inside circle discussion group. Use the question starters to get going and then fill in details and answer choices based on the text. If you're asking about a particular passage, please make sure that this is made clear in your question. Your question needs to be submitted via the class website (use the two threads above) before class begins on Monday/Tuesday. This will count as a homework assignment, so don't miss these points. Also, please read the next major story in The Things They Carried called "On the Rainy River." We will work through this story next week and do a bit of work on the anti-war movement.
English I:
Over the weekend I would like for you to continue thinking about the poems that you read by our four female authors. Based on the poem that you were assigned in your small groups I would like for you to answer two (Honors) or one (Standard) of the discussion questions at the bottom of your worksheet. Remember that you need to turn in this work to the box on Monday/Tuesday morning before the day begins.
Also, you will have two more class periods to work on our in-class assignment. One day will be spent working and one day will be presenting. Lastly, expect a Wordskills test next week. You should study your wordparts over the weekend.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Homework for 4/17 and 4/18
Welcome back everyone. There are very few classes left before the end of the year - it'll be important that you all stay focused and on track as we move toward the end of the year. Here we go with your reminders and notes for tonight.
AP English III:
Students, there are approximately ten classes left before your AP English Language and Composition exam. Don't freak out! We'll work on building in some review as we work through our final text The Things They Carried. What you need to do tonight is finish reading the story "The Things They Carried" - as you read remember that you need to annotate heavily: look for motifs, symbols, and characters. Remember to really pay attention to the characters and keep track of where they are, how they're connected to others, and if they're alive or dead.
Don't forget that your motif projects are due on Thursday/Friday. Be ready and prepared. I've appreciated the fact that many of you have asked for outside help with this. Keep coming and asking questions if needed.
English I:
Tonight for homework you all are going to read four poems by four very significant female authors in our textbook. Remember that you can use the online textbook or paper textbook for this assignment. Not having a textbook is not an excuse. You need to check one out or get this assignment done during lunch. No excuses for not doing homework in the fourth nine weeks!
So - the assignment is as follows. On pages 409 and 410 you will read "Woman Work" by Maya Angelou and "Daily" by Naomi Shibab Nye - then answer questions 3, 4, and 5 about these poems. On page 448 you'll read "Women" by Alice Walker and then on page 449 you'll answer questions 4 and 7. Lastly, on page 461 you'll read "The Courage That My Mother Had" by Edna St. Vincent Millay and on page 462 answer questions 4, 5, and 6.
When you answer these questions be sure that you answer all parts of the questions and answer in a three to four sentence paragraph. This homework assignment needs to be turned in to the homework box or to me before 7:30 on Thursday/Friday. And don't forget your movie reviews are due on Thursday/Friday, make sure you turn in your rough and final drafts.
AP English III:
Students, there are approximately ten classes left before your AP English Language and Composition exam. Don't freak out! We'll work on building in some review as we work through our final text The Things They Carried. What you need to do tonight is finish reading the story "The Things They Carried" - as you read remember that you need to annotate heavily: look for motifs, symbols, and characters. Remember to really pay attention to the characters and keep track of where they are, how they're connected to others, and if they're alive or dead.
Don't forget that your motif projects are due on Thursday/Friday. Be ready and prepared. I've appreciated the fact that many of you have asked for outside help with this. Keep coming and asking questions if needed.
English I:
Tonight for homework you all are going to read four poems by four very significant female authors in our textbook. Remember that you can use the online textbook or paper textbook for this assignment. Not having a textbook is not an excuse. You need to check one out or get this assignment done during lunch. No excuses for not doing homework in the fourth nine weeks!
So - the assignment is as follows. On pages 409 and 410 you will read "Woman Work" by Maya Angelou and "Daily" by Naomi Shibab Nye - then answer questions 3, 4, and 5 about these poems. On page 448 you'll read "Women" by Alice Walker and then on page 449 you'll answer questions 4 and 7. Lastly, on page 461 you'll read "The Courage That My Mother Had" by Edna St. Vincent Millay and on page 462 answer questions 4, 5, and 6.
When you answer these questions be sure that you answer all parts of the questions and answer in a three to four sentence paragraph. This homework assignment needs to be turned in to the homework box or to me before 7:30 on Thursday/Friday. And don't forget your movie reviews are due on Thursday/Friday, make sure you turn in your rough and final drafts.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Spring Break Reminders
I slept in until nine this morning and it was absolutely glorious. I hope that all of you had a beginning to Spring Break which was just as wonderful for you. Here are your reminders for break.
AP English III:
Your biggest goal for Spring Break is to put forth a lot of work on your motif projects. You should attempt to finish the projects that way when we get back you only need to see me to get edits or feedback. Remember that A-day projects are due on the 19th and B-day projects are due on the 20th. Follow the instructions on the sheet to the letter and feel free to e-mail me questions. It may take me a bit of time to get back to you, but I promise that I will.
When we get back from break we'll be starting our final unit on The Things They Carried. Please secure yourself a copy of this book. I'll have copies in the room for you to check out when we return if you need one from me. This is our last book for the year and we'll also be focusing a lot on final preparation for the AP exam. Enjoy your time off!
English I:
You all don't have any homework over break but I would suggest that you work on your extra credit projects. These will be due in mid-May. If you are completing the journaling assignment, you will want to answer three questions (Honors) or two questions (Standard) from numbers one through five on the journaling sheet. Feel free to use your grammar journal or to just write them on sheets of paper/type them. Be sure that you do keep your journals together, however.
Also, remember that you have a writing assignment due after break - the movie review; final drafts will be due on the 19th and 20th when we return.
With that, I'm off to try to finish grading all of your final exams and research papers today so that I can enjoy the rest of my break. See you all next Monday!
AP English III:
Your biggest goal for Spring Break is to put forth a lot of work on your motif projects. You should attempt to finish the projects that way when we get back you only need to see me to get edits or feedback. Remember that A-day projects are due on the 19th and B-day projects are due on the 20th. Follow the instructions on the sheet to the letter and feel free to e-mail me questions. It may take me a bit of time to get back to you, but I promise that I will.
When we get back from break we'll be starting our final unit on The Things They Carried. Please secure yourself a copy of this book. I'll have copies in the room for you to check out when we return if you need one from me. This is our last book for the year and we'll also be focusing a lot on final preparation for the AP exam. Enjoy your time off!
English I:
You all don't have any homework over break but I would suggest that you work on your extra credit projects. These will be due in mid-May. If you are completing the journaling assignment, you will want to answer three questions (Honors) or two questions (Standard) from numbers one through five on the journaling sheet. Feel free to use your grammar journal or to just write them on sheets of paper/type them. Be sure that you do keep your journals together, however.
Also, remember that you have a writing assignment due after break - the movie review; final drafts will be due on the 19th and 20th when we return.
With that, I'm off to try to finish grading all of your final exams and research papers today so that I can enjoy the rest of my break. See you all next Monday!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Homework for 4/3 and 4/4
We are so close to Spring Break I can taste it in the air. As I begin grading your final exams on the literature we've been studying and your research papers, here are your reminders before break.
AP English III:
You will not have any additional homework to complete for Thursday, so consider these to be your reminders for break. First, you should spend a lot of time working on your motif projects. Remember that there are three distinct elements of the motif project. You need to complete all three of them thoroughly. Also over break you should find yourself a copy of The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. This will serve as the cornerstone for our last unit on war and American society. Feel free to start reading over break, but be aware that we will begin our actual study of the book on the 17th and 18th when we return from break.
English I:
Today you all had your first experience writing an in-class essay. I hope that even if you found this experience difficult that you have learned from it. Think about how prepared you would have felt at the beginning of the year versus now with this type of assignment. I'll have these returned to you after we return from break.
Today I gave you your extra credit assignment for the fourth nine weeks. Remember that this has two components - the project and the journal. You may do one component or both, I would recommend doing both since you can keep the journal as you read and then use your entries to help complete the project at the end. I would suggest that you choose your novel soon and begin reading over break. The extra credit assignment will be due in the middle of May, giving all of you enough time to read your selected novel and complete your project.
That's all folks, enjoy your last few days!
AP English III:
You will not have any additional homework to complete for Thursday, so consider these to be your reminders for break. First, you should spend a lot of time working on your motif projects. Remember that there are three distinct elements of the motif project. You need to complete all three of them thoroughly. Also over break you should find yourself a copy of The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. This will serve as the cornerstone for our last unit on war and American society. Feel free to start reading over break, but be aware that we will begin our actual study of the book on the 17th and 18th when we return from break.
English I:
Today you all had your first experience writing an in-class essay. I hope that even if you found this experience difficult that you have learned from it. Think about how prepared you would have felt at the beginning of the year versus now with this type of assignment. I'll have these returned to you after we return from break.
Today I gave you your extra credit assignment for the fourth nine weeks. Remember that this has two components - the project and the journal. You may do one component or both, I would recommend doing both since you can keep the journal as you read and then use your entries to help complete the project at the end. I would suggest that you choose your novel soon and begin reading over break. The extra credit assignment will be due in the middle of May, giving all of you enough time to read your selected novel and complete your project.
That's all folks, enjoy your last few days!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Homework for the Weekend and Monday (4/2)
Students,
You all have a final test coming up on Tuesday/Wednesday on the texts that we have just finished studying. Here are some notes and reminders about this exam.
AP English III:
Today we did two pretty big things - we reviewed our motif projects as well as the final exam prompts for our final timed writing. Let me address the motif projects first and then the timed writing reminders.
For the motif projects you will want to make sure that you follow the instructions on the guide sheet to the letter. This project will not be due until after Spring Break - but you should be able to complete it before Spring Break if you really work hard. Remember that the project has three major components - the illustrated quote, the analysis of the quote, and then your motif charts. Feel free to come see me next week or the week we get back from break to review your work. This will count as a major test grade.
For the timed writing on Tuesday/Wednesday, I'd remind you that you already have the question - you just don't know which one I'll pick. Spend your time this weekend marking passages in your novel that you'd discuss with these questions. Think up arguments that you would want to present, and make sure that you fully understand the prompt. For Tuesday/Wednesday you will have one hour to write. You will also be able to use your books.
English I:
Over the weekend your big priority is to prepare for your exam on Romeo and Juliet. Remember that you can come to class with a cheat sheet made out of a 3x5 notecard. You can fill that card up with quotes, notes, or reminders. Take the weekend to review all four prompts and prepare yourselves thoroughly. You will have the full ninety minutes to plan and draft your essay on Tuesday/Wednesday. Make sure that you're fully prepared. This will count as a major test grade for all of you.
You all have a final test coming up on Tuesday/Wednesday on the texts that we have just finished studying. Here are some notes and reminders about this exam.
AP English III:
Today we did two pretty big things - we reviewed our motif projects as well as the final exam prompts for our final timed writing. Let me address the motif projects first and then the timed writing reminders.
For the motif projects you will want to make sure that you follow the instructions on the guide sheet to the letter. This project will not be due until after Spring Break - but you should be able to complete it before Spring Break if you really work hard. Remember that the project has three major components - the illustrated quote, the analysis of the quote, and then your motif charts. Feel free to come see me next week or the week we get back from break to review your work. This will count as a major test grade.
For the timed writing on Tuesday/Wednesday, I'd remind you that you already have the question - you just don't know which one I'll pick. Spend your time this weekend marking passages in your novel that you'd discuss with these questions. Think up arguments that you would want to present, and make sure that you fully understand the prompt. For Tuesday/Wednesday you will have one hour to write. You will also be able to use your books.
English I:
Over the weekend your big priority is to prepare for your exam on Romeo and Juliet. Remember that you can come to class with a cheat sheet made out of a 3x5 notecard. You can fill that card up with quotes, notes, or reminders. Take the weekend to review all four prompts and prepare yourselves thoroughly. You will have the full ninety minutes to plan and draft your essay on Tuesday/Wednesday. Make sure that you're fully prepared. This will count as a major test grade for all of you.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Homework for March 28th and 29th
We're drawing ever closer to Spring Break! I don't know about all of you, but I'm certainly excited about sleeping in and enjoying a week off. As we move that direction, remember to stay focused on your tasks.
AP English III:
You all got a big thing off of your plates today - your research papers. As a reminder, those of you who did not submit papers today are losing points for the assignment being late. Do your best to get the assignment turned in to me ASAP. Don't let this get you off to a bad start for our last quarter.
In terms of homework for tonight, I'd like for you to read chapter twenty five - the last "chapter" of Invisible Man. There is an Epilogue at the very end, but we'll read that together in class. Next class we'll be preparing for our final exam on Invisible Man - a timed writing of a different sort. The final exam will be on April 3rd and 4th.
Lastly, I would like for all of you to review the instructions that I gave you on the final motif project. We'll review this assignment much more thoroughly on Friday/Monday as well as select the motifs that you will all study. May the odds be ever in your favor...
English I:
Tonight's homework requires that you complete the rough draft of your review of Romeo + Juliet. The instructions sheet clearly outlines what you need to have in each area of your movie review and how to construct those elements. This should be a three paragraph assignment. Please follow the structure rules specifically, especially the word count. Bring your rough draft with you to class on Friday/Monday for a completion grade. Walk in with a complete draft and you will begin the quarter with a 100 homework grade. Again, get off to a good start. The final drafts of this assignment will not be due until after Spring Break.
AP English III:
You all got a big thing off of your plates today - your research papers. As a reminder, those of you who did not submit papers today are losing points for the assignment being late. Do your best to get the assignment turned in to me ASAP. Don't let this get you off to a bad start for our last quarter.
In terms of homework for tonight, I'd like for you to read chapter twenty five - the last "chapter" of Invisible Man. There is an Epilogue at the very end, but we'll read that together in class. Next class we'll be preparing for our final exam on Invisible Man - a timed writing of a different sort. The final exam will be on April 3rd and 4th.
Lastly, I would like for all of you to review the instructions that I gave you on the final motif project. We'll review this assignment much more thoroughly on Friday/Monday as well as select the motifs that you will all study. May the odds be ever in your favor...
English I:
Tonight's homework requires that you complete the rough draft of your review of Romeo + Juliet. The instructions sheet clearly outlines what you need to have in each area of your movie review and how to construct those elements. This should be a three paragraph assignment. Please follow the structure rules specifically, especially the word count. Bring your rough draft with you to class on Friday/Monday for a completion grade. Walk in with a complete draft and you will begin the quarter with a 100 homework grade. Again, get off to a good start. The final drafts of this assignment will not be due until after Spring Break.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Remdiners for AP English III - Research Papers
Juniors,
Next class you will be submitting your papers. I wanted to make a post for you reminding you what you need to submit along with your draft:
Next class you will be submitting your papers. I wanted to make a post for you reminding you what you need to submit along with your draft:
- Final Draft in MLA format (in class I will give you a rubric and cover sheet)
- Works Cited Page (this should be stapled to the back of your final draft)
- Your documents from your Writing Conference
- Everything goes in your envelope. If you need to get a new envelope, please do so. I will not give you another nor will I accept papers submitted without a container.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Homework for the Weekend - 3/23 and 3/27
And thus ends another nine weeks. I appreciate the fact that a lot of you stepped it up in the closing weeks to end strongly. In our next nine weeks (the last one) it's important that you be consistently hard working throughout the quarter. Here are your reminders for the weekend. B-day students, this will be your work for Tuesday night, but it never hurts to be ahead.
AP English III:
Over the weekend you need to read the next chapter in Invisible Man - chapter twenty-four. There's a huge riot in chapter twenty-four as well as another sexual scene with a white woman. Continue to move forward with your motif charts and your annotations. Remember that at this point in the novel you should begin to focus how Ellison is moving to the end of his novel and coming to give the readers messages about his various topics and motifs.
Also, you have research papers due next week. I went over today what you will need to turn in with your envelopes. A-day papers are due on Wednesday and B-day papers are due on Thursday. Take the three day weekend and our conferences to improve your drafts. Ask for help if you need it.
English I:
We've finished the play! Enjoy the weekend and relax. We'll be finishing the films next week and begin some of our final assessments on the play as well. I would spend the weekend working on reviewing your writing skills - we'll be focusing on writing as we begin our transition to the end of the year and tenth grade.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
AP English III:
Over the weekend you need to read the next chapter in Invisible Man - chapter twenty-four. There's a huge riot in chapter twenty-four as well as another sexual scene with a white woman. Continue to move forward with your motif charts and your annotations. Remember that at this point in the novel you should begin to focus how Ellison is moving to the end of his novel and coming to give the readers messages about his various topics and motifs.
Also, you have research papers due next week. I went over today what you will need to turn in with your envelopes. A-day papers are due on Wednesday and B-day papers are due on Thursday. Take the three day weekend and our conferences to improve your drafts. Ask for help if you need it.
English I:
We've finished the play! Enjoy the weekend and relax. We'll be finishing the films next week and begin some of our final assessments on the play as well. I would spend the weekend working on reviewing your writing skills - we'll be focusing on writing as we begin our transition to the end of the year and tenth grade.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Homework for 3/21 and 3/22
I'm going to flip things around and deal with the Freshmen first and then speak to the Juniors.
English I:
Since we had our cumulative assessment today and since most of you are finishing up your projects - you really have no homework to prepare for Friday/Tuesday's class. Please take this opportunity to rest before we finish our study of Romeo and Juliet. I would remind all of you that the last day of the quarter is Friday. If you have something that needs to be turned in, get it done and get it to me by Friday.
AP English III:
The quarter is essentialy done for all of you today as well with the completion of our timed writing. I will have these graded for this quarter, but you will likely not get them back until next week. To prepare for class on Friday/Tuesday I would like for you to be to the end of chapter twenty three. This is a lengthy chapter, but the novel is moving to its conclusion. Watch how, as we discussed in class, Ellison is making a lot of his very disparate ideas in the novel collide in interesting and symbolic ways. These collisions will continue.
Also, I would like to remind you about the due date for your papers. When I handed out the assignment forever ago the date on there was the 28th and 29th. This gives all of you the long weekend to finish your essays and collect all of the required pieces. I am holding to this due date. I will be available next Tuesday for any last minute help for A-day students and I'll be free on Wednesday afternoon for last minute help for B-day students. Plan ahead. Work hard.
I think that'll do it. See you all either Friday or Tuesday. Enjoy the three day weekend.
English I:
Since we had our cumulative assessment today and since most of you are finishing up your projects - you really have no homework to prepare for Friday/Tuesday's class. Please take this opportunity to rest before we finish our study of Romeo and Juliet. I would remind all of you that the last day of the quarter is Friday. If you have something that needs to be turned in, get it done and get it to me by Friday.
AP English III:
The quarter is essentialy done for all of you today as well with the completion of our timed writing. I will have these graded for this quarter, but you will likely not get them back until next week. To prepare for class on Friday/Tuesday I would like for you to be to the end of chapter twenty three. This is a lengthy chapter, but the novel is moving to its conclusion. Watch how, as we discussed in class, Ellison is making a lot of his very disparate ideas in the novel collide in interesting and symbolic ways. These collisions will continue.
Also, I would like to remind you about the due date for your papers. When I handed out the assignment forever ago the date on there was the 28th and 29th. This gives all of you the long weekend to finish your essays and collect all of the required pieces. I am holding to this due date. I will be available next Tuesday for any last minute help for A-day students and I'll be free on Wednesday afternoon for last minute help for B-day students. Plan ahead. Work hard.
I think that'll do it. See you all either Friday or Tuesday. Enjoy the three day weekend.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I forgot to post...Homework 3/20 and 3/21
Hey all. Sorry that I forgot to put this up last night. Here are your reminders to prep you for Wednesday and Thursday.
AP English III:
Next class we'll be having a timed writing. We haven't done one in a while, so I figure it's a good idea to make sure that your skills are still strong. We'll be working on an argumentative prompt - so reviewing the essential elements of an argument would be a good idea. I'll also be collecting your journals next class as well as your redos of the motif charts. Remember for the redos you do not need to submit the original document again, just turn in what you found that you didn't find the first time. I will not accept redos late - this is me being generous, don't look a gifthorse in the mouth.
Your next reading goal in Invisible Man is the very lengthy chapter twenty three. A-day students will need to have this read for Friday's class. B-day students, you have the long weekend to Tuesday. Also, we do have research papers coming due very soon. You would do well to have them ready to be turned in next week. Draft this weekend. Get it done.
English I:
For tonight I want all of you to continue working on your projects. To those of you who have already performed, then you're in good shape. One less thing to do. If you've missed your presentation slot, make sure that you have a perfect performance when you do perform - you're already losing points for being late, make sure you don't then have a sloppy performance.
Next class we'll be having our next to last district test. We'll be focusing on poetry in this test. So study those elements that we've been going over in Shakespeare.
AP English III:
Next class we'll be having a timed writing. We haven't done one in a while, so I figure it's a good idea to make sure that your skills are still strong. We'll be working on an argumentative prompt - so reviewing the essential elements of an argument would be a good idea. I'll also be collecting your journals next class as well as your redos of the motif charts. Remember for the redos you do not need to submit the original document again, just turn in what you found that you didn't find the first time. I will not accept redos late - this is me being generous, don't look a gifthorse in the mouth.
Your next reading goal in Invisible Man is the very lengthy chapter twenty three. A-day students will need to have this read for Friday's class. B-day students, you have the long weekend to Tuesday. Also, we do have research papers coming due very soon. You would do well to have them ready to be turned in next week. Draft this weekend. Get it done.
English I:
For tonight I want all of you to continue working on your projects. To those of you who have already performed, then you're in good shape. One less thing to do. If you've missed your presentation slot, make sure that you have a perfect performance when you do perform - you're already losing points for being late, make sure you don't then have a sloppy performance.
Next class we'll be having our next to last district test. We'll be focusing on poetry in this test. So study those elements that we've been going over in Shakespeare.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Homework for the Weekend - Spring! 3/15 and 3/16
Students,
As we move forward into spring and all that it offers, remember that we're quickly coming to the end of this grading period and the beginning of the final grading period of the year. Continue doing all of your assignments and doing them well, don't allow yourselves to fall behind. If you are behind, catch up. See me for help.
AP English III:
We're a bit off right now between the two classes, but we'll be back together next week. Over the weekend, everyone will need to make his/her way to the end of chapter twenty-two of Invisible Man. Keep up your motif charts and continue to analyze and interpret the text as well. We are moving to the end of the novel and I am so excited for us to finish this circle. This section will provide a big change in the character of Brother Tod. Pay attention to the narrator's reaction and your reaction as a reader.
I plan on giving you all progress reports at the end of the nine weeks as well as a list of any remaining assignments. As a head's up - I would expect a timed writing in the final week of the quarter. And now that we're discussing writing, let's talk about papers. Research papers should be into the drafting phase. You must conference either tomorrow or next week. If you haven't signed up or seen me about an alternate time, you will be at the whim of the schedule. When you conference, you must come with all required documents. Failure to do so will not be tolerated. Do not miss your conference time by any means necessary. Use your smartphones smartly - program a calendar reminder and then make that thing go off. You have to foresee any potential conflicts.
Sorry to harp on this, but I'm a stickler about scheduling and punctuality.
English I:
We are moving to the end of our study of Romeo and Juliet - I hope that you all enjoyed what we've been seeing and learning in our study of this play. Over the weekend, those of you who haven't done your presentations yet will want to get highly prepared. As with the Juniors, I'm fully booked this week and all of you are scheduled. If you can't go on your day, you will be docked points and you will be expected to go on the next day. Remember that everything is due the day you give your speech. Anything not submitted when you present your speech will be assessed with a late penalty.
Special congratulations go to the students who presented on the very first day.
As we move forward into spring and all that it offers, remember that we're quickly coming to the end of this grading period and the beginning of the final grading period of the year. Continue doing all of your assignments and doing them well, don't allow yourselves to fall behind. If you are behind, catch up. See me for help.
AP English III:
We're a bit off right now between the two classes, but we'll be back together next week. Over the weekend, everyone will need to make his/her way to the end of chapter twenty-two of Invisible Man. Keep up your motif charts and continue to analyze and interpret the text as well. We are moving to the end of the novel and I am so excited for us to finish this circle. This section will provide a big change in the character of Brother Tod. Pay attention to the narrator's reaction and your reaction as a reader.
I plan on giving you all progress reports at the end of the nine weeks as well as a list of any remaining assignments. As a head's up - I would expect a timed writing in the final week of the quarter. And now that we're discussing writing, let's talk about papers. Research papers should be into the drafting phase. You must conference either tomorrow or next week. If you haven't signed up or seen me about an alternate time, you will be at the whim of the schedule. When you conference, you must come with all required documents. Failure to do so will not be tolerated. Do not miss your conference time by any means necessary. Use your smartphones smartly - program a calendar reminder and then make that thing go off. You have to foresee any potential conflicts.
Sorry to harp on this, but I'm a stickler about scheduling and punctuality.
English I:
We are moving to the end of our study of Romeo and Juliet - I hope that you all enjoyed what we've been seeing and learning in our study of this play. Over the weekend, those of you who haven't done your presentations yet will want to get highly prepared. As with the Juniors, I'm fully booked this week and all of you are scheduled. If you can't go on your day, you will be docked points and you will be expected to go on the next day. Remember that everything is due the day you give your speech. Anything not submitted when you present your speech will be assessed with a late penalty.
Special congratulations go to the students who presented on the very first day.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
B Day Discussion Board - Plato
Please post your responses to the following question below. Use refrences to Invisible Man and "Allegory of the Cave" where applicable. Make sure that you answer all parts of the prompt. Posts will be graded after class on Friday. No late posts will be accepted.
Throughout the text of Invisible Man we see that the narrator continues to oscilate between his own reality and the reality of society. This text complicates the idea of society because there are two socities within the text, African American society and White society. There are, of course, multiple socities within these larger socities as well - complicating this overall question. However, according to Plato's allegory, which society that we have seen within the pages of our novel is the one more responsible for keeping the Invisible Man within the cave and constricting his vision? Has the Invisible Man broken free from this bondage? Does he think that he has? How does our role as readers in this text further this question.
As you answer, make sure that your response is your own. Do not submit something similar to a previous post or it will not be considered for credit. Come up with an argument and prove it.
Throughout the text of Invisible Man we see that the narrator continues to oscilate between his own reality and the reality of society. This text complicates the idea of society because there are two socities within the text, African American society and White society. There are, of course, multiple socities within these larger socities as well - complicating this overall question. However, according to Plato's allegory, which society that we have seen within the pages of our novel is the one more responsible for keeping the Invisible Man within the cave and constricting his vision? Has the Invisible Man broken free from this bondage? Does he think that he has? How does our role as readers in this text further this question.
As you answer, make sure that your response is your own. Do not submit something similar to a previous post or it will not be considered for credit. Come up with an argument and prove it.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A Day Discussion Board - Plato
A day students. Please post a comment to respond to the following prompt. Draw on your knowledge of Invisible Man as well as your understanding of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" to answer the following questions. Use textual references where necessary.
Plato raises the idea in paragraph forty of transitioning between the world of light and the cave and that these transitions each affect the vision of the human. Plato says as well that these "bewilderments...from coming out of the light or from going into...[are] true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye." I would argue that the Invisible Man has suffered from these bewilderments multiple times throughout the text.
Which moment of the text do you think is the has provided the most significant bewilderment to the Invisible Man? Is this a moment of going out of the light or going into it? Which of his eyes is this effecting? What is the overall importance?
Be thorough but concise in your answer. Show me that you've read the book and tell me something coherent - edit before you hit submit. Make sure you're focusing on the prompt.
Plato raises the idea in paragraph forty of transitioning between the world of light and the cave and that these transitions each affect the vision of the human. Plato says as well that these "bewilderments...from coming out of the light or from going into...[are] true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye." I would argue that the Invisible Man has suffered from these bewilderments multiple times throughout the text.
Which moment of the text do you think is the has provided the most significant bewilderment to the Invisible Man? Is this a moment of going out of the light or going into it? Which of his eyes is this effecting? What is the overall importance?
Be thorough but concise in your answer. Show me that you've read the book and tell me something coherent - edit before you hit submit. Make sure you're focusing on the prompt.
Homework for All Classes - 3/13 and 3/14
No time for pleasantries here - let's just get straight to the business.
AP English III:
Tonight for homework your priority is to complete your reading and study of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" - this can be found in 50 Essays or at the following link. I would reccommend that all of you take a look at that link because it has a good illustration of "the cave" where Plato sets up his philisophical discourse. I'm also putting in a film which I think may help you all to understand some of the intricacies of the story.
Please read this thoroughly as it does highly connect to Invisible Man. After you've finished reading the piece by Plato - please respond to the prompt in the discussion board located above this post. Make sure that your post is completed by the time you walk into class on Thursday/Friday. I will grade them after class on Thursday/Friday.
In terms of other things to get done, you need to be to the end of chapter twenty-two of Invisible Man by next Monday and Tuesday. We're quickly moving to the end of the novel and I'm excited to take you all through what happens to our friend. Also, we are starting paper conferences. Follow the schedule and be drafting.
English I:
For tonight you all should finish your studying for your Act II and III Examination. This test will have multiple choice, quotations, and short answer questions. Be sure that you are very ready. Remember that this counts as a test grade and will highly affect your grade either positively or negatively related to your score. We also have presentations and the end of our drama projects coming up. Be sure that you're ready to present and that you have all of the final elements of your project ready. Lastly, we will present Act III.5 projects next class (Thursday/Friday) -- be sure that every member of your group is ready to do their part!
AP English III:
Tonight for homework your priority is to complete your reading and study of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" - this can be found in 50 Essays or at the following link. I would reccommend that all of you take a look at that link because it has a good illustration of "the cave" where Plato sets up his philisophical discourse. I'm also putting in a film which I think may help you all to understand some of the intricacies of the story.
Please read this thoroughly as it does highly connect to Invisible Man. After you've finished reading the piece by Plato - please respond to the prompt in the discussion board located above this post. Make sure that your post is completed by the time you walk into class on Thursday/Friday. I will grade them after class on Thursday/Friday.
In terms of other things to get done, you need to be to the end of chapter twenty-two of Invisible Man by next Monday and Tuesday. We're quickly moving to the end of the novel and I'm excited to take you all through what happens to our friend. Also, we are starting paper conferences. Follow the schedule and be drafting.
English I:
For tonight you all should finish your studying for your Act II and III Examination. This test will have multiple choice, quotations, and short answer questions. Be sure that you are very ready. Remember that this counts as a test grade and will highly affect your grade either positively or negatively related to your score. We also have presentations and the end of our drama projects coming up. Be sure that you're ready to present and that you have all of the final elements of your project ready. Lastly, we will present Act III.5 projects next class (Thursday/Friday) -- be sure that every member of your group is ready to do their part!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Weekend Reminders and Homework
Students,
Apologies for leaving early on Friday. I was having some really bad sickness and needed to get myself in bed ASAP. I hope that your day with the substitute was productive. Here are your reminders.
AP English III:
Over the weekend you all need to focus on getting to the end of chapter nineteen in Invisible Man as this is your next big check-in. Also you should all be moving into the draft phase of your research papers. I'll be putting up the conference sign up sheets on my door Monday morning. Conferences will begin on Wednesday and stretch on to next week. Remember that the expectation is that you come to conference with fifty percent of your draft done.
Also, don't forget about your motif charts. I hope that our review helped you to really understand this assignment.
English I:
Your homework is a writing assignment which was outlined for you on the back of the group worksheet. Next class you'll have a bit of time to work in your groups before we move on to a quick study of Act IV. Please make sure that your homework gets turned into the box.
You should expect your test on Acts II and III on Thursday and Friday of this week.
Apologies for leaving early on Friday. I was having some really bad sickness and needed to get myself in bed ASAP. I hope that your day with the substitute was productive. Here are your reminders.
AP English III:
Over the weekend you all need to focus on getting to the end of chapter nineteen in Invisible Man as this is your next big check-in. Also you should all be moving into the draft phase of your research papers. I'll be putting up the conference sign up sheets on my door Monday morning. Conferences will begin on Wednesday and stretch on to next week. Remember that the expectation is that you come to conference with fifty percent of your draft done.
Also, don't forget about your motif charts. I hope that our review helped you to really understand this assignment.
English I:
Your homework is a writing assignment which was outlined for you on the back of the group worksheet. Next class you'll have a bit of time to work in your groups before we move on to a quick study of Act IV. Please make sure that your homework gets turned into the box.
You should expect your test on Acts II and III on Thursday and Friday of this week.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Homework for Wednesday and Thursday - 3/7 and 3/8
Here are your homework reminders for tonight.
AP English III:
Your next big chunk of reading will be due next week on the 13th and 14th. You'll need to be to the end of chapter 19 by that point. Now that you have your new motif charts you should be keeping up with your chapters as we will be turning this motif development into one of your final test grades on this novel. Furthermore, now that you've gotten back your outlines with my comments you should begin drafting your essays. We will begin our first round of writing conferences on the 13th of March. I will place a sign on my door with slots for appointments. Please sign up for an appointment and bring the required documents. WRITING CONFRENCES ARE MANDITORY. You will be graded on this, failure to show or sign up for a confrence will be given a zero with no chance to recover the credit.
English I:
A-day students, you've signed up for your recitation slots. Those are the calendar events that you see in the right hand window. B-day students, I have to be gone for a doctor's appointment during your classes today so you will sign up next week for your spots on Monday. This means that B-day students will have only a week to prepare. You should begin your preparation this weekend to make up for this lost time. Remember that when you give your presentation you will turn in your paragraphs about your speech and HONORS students will also turn in their mini-essays on definitions of comedy and tragedy. Read your assignment sheet carefully for these instructions.
For tonight, Freshmen, you need to finish reading Act III. Read III.4 and III.5 and complete your notes on Who, Where, When, and What for each scene. Keep these notes in your notebooks for a notebook check on Friday/Monday.
All - I'll be available Friday afternoon for any questions or concerns. Please see me then if you need me.
AP English III:
Your next big chunk of reading will be due next week on the 13th and 14th. You'll need to be to the end of chapter 19 by that point. Now that you have your new motif charts you should be keeping up with your chapters as we will be turning this motif development into one of your final test grades on this novel. Furthermore, now that you've gotten back your outlines with my comments you should begin drafting your essays. We will begin our first round of writing conferences on the 13th of March. I will place a sign on my door with slots for appointments. Please sign up for an appointment and bring the required documents. WRITING CONFRENCES ARE MANDITORY. You will be graded on this, failure to show or sign up for a confrence will be given a zero with no chance to recover the credit.
English I:
A-day students, you've signed up for your recitation slots. Those are the calendar events that you see in the right hand window. B-day students, I have to be gone for a doctor's appointment during your classes today so you will sign up next week for your spots on Monday. This means that B-day students will have only a week to prepare. You should begin your preparation this weekend to make up for this lost time. Remember that when you give your presentation you will turn in your paragraphs about your speech and HONORS students will also turn in their mini-essays on definitions of comedy and tragedy. Read your assignment sheet carefully for these instructions.
For tonight, Freshmen, you need to finish reading Act III. Read III.4 and III.5 and complete your notes on Who, Where, When, and What for each scene. Keep these notes in your notebooks for a notebook check on Friday/Monday.
All - I'll be available Friday afternoon for any questions or concerns. Please see me then if you need me.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Homework and Announcements for 3/5 and 3/6
Students! Some very important news for all of you today concerning tomorrow. Please pay attention to the announcements as well as the homework reminders.
Tomorrow we'll be having the ACT administered and I'll be giving it to some of the Junior class. AP English III - tonight I want all of you to prepare mentally for this exam. Look over some math. Crunch some vocabulary. Maybe review your notes on constructing an argument. But don't stress. Get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast tomorrow. Lots of protein. You'll need to make sure to arrive on time tomorrow. Have pencils and a calculator that can be used. For the exam, you'll be in the same room as where you pretested. Good luck!
English I students in my 3B class will report to Ms. Thelemaque's room, 110. It's across from the Dell Lab. You'll be having C lunch tomorrow. 4B students will report to me. B-day students, you still have homework due tomorrow. Make sure it gets turned into the box. If you're turning in a late project, please make sure that this gets to the box as well.
Now, let's talk about homework.
AP English III:
I'll be giving you all back your outlines and take-home exams on Wednesday/Thursday. We'll then talk about the next phase of the paper process. But you all know what's coming. For tonight and tomorrow you need to focus on Invisible Man. Be to the end of chapter fifteen by our next class. We will be discussing these chapters thoroughly. Your motif charts will be due this day as well. Remember that you will probably need to attach a separate sheet of paper for chapters fourteen and fifteen, as your chart will only have space to thirteen if you do a chapter per row. Have them thoroughly completed. If you have a specific question, see me tomorrow or Wednesday after school. You could also all see me tomorrow at C-lunch since we'll all have the same lunch.
English I:
Tonight's homework requires you to move to the next phase of our drama projects. It's time for you to get up and perform. Tonight you need to decide on your speech and begin crafting your paragraphs. Your first paragraph will need to locate the speech in the context of the play. What is going on when your speech is said? Locate it in terms of other major events. You will also need to tell me about your speech's importance. Why is your speech important to the overall play? Does it add to a character's development? Show the climax or turning point? Emphasize a particular mood or theme? Use your literary vocabulary!
Remember that if you are not doing a monologue then you and your partner need to get clearance from me for a dialogue. You need to get this clearance no later than Thursday. Also, you MUST perform the full speech. Do not select a speech and only do an excerpt. This will not bode well for your grade. Please see me if you need help or coaching with your performance. Remember, it's a performance - not just a recitation.
Tomorrow we'll be having the ACT administered and I'll be giving it to some of the Junior class. AP English III - tonight I want all of you to prepare mentally for this exam. Look over some math. Crunch some vocabulary. Maybe review your notes on constructing an argument. But don't stress. Get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast tomorrow. Lots of protein. You'll need to make sure to arrive on time tomorrow. Have pencils and a calculator that can be used. For the exam, you'll be in the same room as where you pretested. Good luck!
English I students in my 3B class will report to Ms. Thelemaque's room, 110. It's across from the Dell Lab. You'll be having C lunch tomorrow. 4B students will report to me. B-day students, you still have homework due tomorrow. Make sure it gets turned into the box. If you're turning in a late project, please make sure that this gets to the box as well.
Now, let's talk about homework.
AP English III:
I'll be giving you all back your outlines and take-home exams on Wednesday/Thursday. We'll then talk about the next phase of the paper process. But you all know what's coming. For tonight and tomorrow you need to focus on Invisible Man. Be to the end of chapter fifteen by our next class. We will be discussing these chapters thoroughly. Your motif charts will be due this day as well. Remember that you will probably need to attach a separate sheet of paper for chapters fourteen and fifteen, as your chart will only have space to thirteen if you do a chapter per row. Have them thoroughly completed. If you have a specific question, see me tomorrow or Wednesday after school. You could also all see me tomorrow at C-lunch since we'll all have the same lunch.
English I:
Tonight's homework requires you to move to the next phase of our drama projects. It's time for you to get up and perform. Tonight you need to decide on your speech and begin crafting your paragraphs. Your first paragraph will need to locate the speech in the context of the play. What is going on when your speech is said? Locate it in terms of other major events. You will also need to tell me about your speech's importance. Why is your speech important to the overall play? Does it add to a character's development? Show the climax or turning point? Emphasize a particular mood or theme? Use your literary vocabulary!
Remember that if you are not doing a monologue then you and your partner need to get clearance from me for a dialogue. You need to get this clearance no later than Thursday. Also, you MUST perform the full speech. Do not select a speech and only do an excerpt. This will not bode well for your grade. Please see me if you need help or coaching with your performance. Remember, it's a performance - not just a recitation.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Homework for the 1st and 2nd of March
It certainly feels as though spring has sprung. What a beautiful day! I hope that you all get a chance to go outside and enjoy this weather.
AP English III:
Next week is going to be a bit strange due to the fact that Tuesday will be ACT day. Your reading - to be to the end of chapter fifteen - is going to be due on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Monday - for A day students - is going to be more of an enrichment day than anything else. As you finish your reading assignment, you will need to make sure that your motif chart is as completed as you can make it. This will count as a major homework grade - so be sure that it reflects your best work. You can feel free to combine some chapers - but I would prefer that you use one row for each chapter. This will require that you do chapters fourteen and fifteen on a separate sheet of paper. I'll give you another motif chart next week so that you can finish the book and keep your ideas logged.
That's all you need to do this weekend. I'll give you back your outlines, tests, and anything else next Wednesday and Thursday. Then we'll move to the next phase of our papers - the actual drafting and confrences! Feel free to start early.
English I:
For the weekend I would like for you all to do a bit of writing for me. You are a lawyer and you are pressing charges on one of the characters in Romeo and Juliet for the murders that have occured in III.1. You can choose to blame someone in this scene, or you may choose to be a bit more abstract - blaming someone that wasn't even in the scene. Regardless of whom you blame, be sure that you present a clear case using at least three to four specific examples from the play to support your case. You need to focus on only one character; your legal brief should be no longer than one page.
This is due to the homework box Monday/Tuesday.
AP English III:
Next week is going to be a bit strange due to the fact that Tuesday will be ACT day. Your reading - to be to the end of chapter fifteen - is going to be due on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Monday - for A day students - is going to be more of an enrichment day than anything else. As you finish your reading assignment, you will need to make sure that your motif chart is as completed as you can make it. This will count as a major homework grade - so be sure that it reflects your best work. You can feel free to combine some chapers - but I would prefer that you use one row for each chapter. This will require that you do chapters fourteen and fifteen on a separate sheet of paper. I'll give you another motif chart next week so that you can finish the book and keep your ideas logged.
That's all you need to do this weekend. I'll give you back your outlines, tests, and anything else next Wednesday and Thursday. Then we'll move to the next phase of our papers - the actual drafting and confrences! Feel free to start early.
English I:
For the weekend I would like for you all to do a bit of writing for me. You are a lawyer and you are pressing charges on one of the characters in Romeo and Juliet for the murders that have occured in III.1. You can choose to blame someone in this scene, or you may choose to be a bit more abstract - blaming someone that wasn't even in the scene. Regardless of whom you blame, be sure that you present a clear case using at least three to four specific examples from the play to support your case. You need to focus on only one character; your legal brief should be no longer than one page.
This is due to the homework box Monday/Tuesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)