Happy second nine weeks! Now that we've gotten off to a good start it's time to continue moving forward into the rest of the year. Here are your reminders for all classes:
Freshman Focus
Next class will be our final class in the computer lab. I would ask that you be prepared to either submit your final project (the career brochure) at the end of our computer time tomorrow or at our class immediately following that. We will also continue our debate next class with the refutation and closing statements. Be sure that you've participated to earn full credit for this activity.
AP English III
I was happy to see all of you dive right in to this The Great Gatsby skit assignment. Remember to work effectively with your group members to accomplish and create a strong and thorough skit. Make sure that you follow the guidelines in the assignment sheet. Remember that this will count as a major grade for you and serve as your review before your exam on The Great Gatsby.
Besides working on your skit, I'd like for you to finish reading The Great Gatsby tonight. You should take this time to finish up your annotations and continue working on vocabulary. Next class we will be spending a good amount of time discussing "The Death of the Moth" and the final chapters of The Great Gatsby. Be prepared for a quickly moving class on Thursday/Friday.
English IV
Tonight I want you to finish reading Book Two - but I don't want you to read all of chapter nine. Only focus on reading pages 148-151, 164-165, and 179. The other pages of the chapter are Goldstein's book and I don't think that you don't need to understand these portions to understand the book. You also are going to want to focus on studying your vocabulary. We'll soon have our Book Two test, which will be structured very similarly to your first test. Try not to repeat the same mistakes.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Homework for 10/25 and 10/29
You can look at this as either your last homework assignment of the first nine weeks or your first homework assignment of the second nine weeks. Either way, as long as you get your tasks completed, we'll all start off on the right note.
Freshman Focus
Next class we will be returning to the computer lab to continue constructing our career pamphlets. I think that most of you will probably finish during this time. I would also like to remind you that we will be doing the opening statements of our debate. I think that the groups have clarified what they are trying to argue; I would remind you that this is a team effort. Make sure that you are being an active participant.
AP English III
This weekend/Monday you've got a few things to take care of for me. First, I'd like for you to read chapter eight of The Great Gatsby. As we're now moving to the conclusion of the novel, I would remind you that you want to start seeing how Fitzgerald is tying up his loose ends and creating a message on these different topics and motifs. Continue to annotate heavily and update your covers and vocabulary bookmarks.
Additionally, I would like for you to read Virginia Woolf's "The Death of the Moth" - this piece is available in 50 Essays or also at this link. Be sure to annotate this piece and feel free to use it to stock your vocabulary bookmarks. After you read this piece, take another look at the description of Myrtle's death scene. There are some interesting parallels.
Lastly, I gave you your skit assignment today - think about what you'd like to do and who you'd like to work with; don't worry about making any progress on these assignments yet -- we'll start on that Tuesday/Wednesday of next week.
English IV
This weekend I'd like for you to read chapters seven and eight of 1984. Continue to watch Julia, Winston, and O'Brien as they start to form different relationships and push the ideas in the text further. We will soon start wrapping up this book. Be sure to be prepared for any pop reading quizzes!
Freshman Focus
Next class we will be returning to the computer lab to continue constructing our career pamphlets. I think that most of you will probably finish during this time. I would also like to remind you that we will be doing the opening statements of our debate. I think that the groups have clarified what they are trying to argue; I would remind you that this is a team effort. Make sure that you are being an active participant.
AP English III
This weekend/Monday you've got a few things to take care of for me. First, I'd like for you to read chapter eight of The Great Gatsby. As we're now moving to the conclusion of the novel, I would remind you that you want to start seeing how Fitzgerald is tying up his loose ends and creating a message on these different topics and motifs. Continue to annotate heavily and update your covers and vocabulary bookmarks.
Additionally, I would like for you to read Virginia Woolf's "The Death of the Moth" - this piece is available in 50 Essays or also at this link. Be sure to annotate this piece and feel free to use it to stock your vocabulary bookmarks. After you read this piece, take another look at the description of Myrtle's death scene. There are some interesting parallels.
Lastly, I gave you your skit assignment today - think about what you'd like to do and who you'd like to work with; don't worry about making any progress on these assignments yet -- we'll start on that Tuesday/Wednesday of next week.
English IV
This weekend I'd like for you to read chapters seven and eight of 1984. Continue to watch Julia, Winston, and O'Brien as they start to form different relationships and push the ideas in the text further. We will soon start wrapping up this book. Be sure to be prepared for any pop reading quizzes!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Homework for All Classes - 10/23 and 10/24
There is just one more A-day left this quarter. Here are some final notes as we wind down this quarter and prepare for the next:
Freshman Focus
You do not have any homework tonight, but it would be a good idea to continue to prepare for your team debate as well as your research assignment. Next class will be our final class in the Computer Lab to work on research, from there we will focus on putting the pamphlets together. Be ready!
AP English III
Tonight for homework you need to read chapter seven of The Great Gatsby. Chapter seven is relatively lengthy, but there is a lot happening in this chapter. Make sure that you've read and annotated heavily as we will be working through a lot of ideas in this chapter in class on Thursday/Monday. In addition, if you saw anything on your progress report today which was suspect or didn't seem right, please see me. Be aware that Thursday by 3:00 PM is the last chance you have to see me about anything this quarter.
English IV
For tonight I'd like for you to read chapter six of 1984. As you read chapter six, pay attention to the relationship between Winston and O'Brien that is developing. What do you think of this relationship? What are you finding about O'Brien which you didn't know before? The book is starting to move in a very different direction and I want you to have a handle on that before you come to class next time.
Progress reports went out for all classes. Please make sure you're using your progress report as a final check for the quarter. See me if you have any questions or concerns.
Freshman Focus
You do not have any homework tonight, but it would be a good idea to continue to prepare for your team debate as well as your research assignment. Next class will be our final class in the Computer Lab to work on research, from there we will focus on putting the pamphlets together. Be ready!
AP English III
Tonight for homework you need to read chapter seven of The Great Gatsby. Chapter seven is relatively lengthy, but there is a lot happening in this chapter. Make sure that you've read and annotated heavily as we will be working through a lot of ideas in this chapter in class on Thursday/Monday. In addition, if you saw anything on your progress report today which was suspect or didn't seem right, please see me. Be aware that Thursday by 3:00 PM is the last chance you have to see me about anything this quarter.
English IV
For tonight I'd like for you to read chapter six of 1984. As you read chapter six, pay attention to the relationship between Winston and O'Brien that is developing. What do you think of this relationship? What are you finding about O'Brien which you didn't know before? The book is starting to move in a very different direction and I want you to have a handle on that before you come to class next time.
Progress reports went out for all classes. Please make sure you're using your progress report as a final check for the quarter. See me if you have any questions or concerns.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Homework for the Weekend and Monday - 10/19 and 10/22
We're about to begin our final week of the first nine weeks! Pay attention to the details below and finish strong!
Freshman Focus
Tonight for homework I'd like for you finish reading the New York Times article about paying students for their success in school. On Tuesday/Wednesday we will participate in a small debate which will attempt to answer the following question:
Is this method a useful and effective one for dealing with the issue of laziness in American students?
Remember that we will begin our day in the computer lab across the hall working on more research for our career projects.
AP English III
Over the weekend you have a few things to prepare. Let's go through those in the order of their importance:
1. Your revised summer essays are due on Tuesday/Wednesday. In order to receive credit you must submit the original essay with your rubric. I have to see your improvements in order to score your work again.
2. Your vocabulary bookmarks will be checked. You need to have twenty entries - all with page numbers and personal definitions.
3. You need to read chapter six of The Great Gatsby - remember to focus on the idea of the past and time as you read. Use that as a lens to help you interpret the chapter.
I'll be here very late on Monday - feel free to make an appointment with me if you need additional assistance before the due date. I will not be available for help over e-mail this weekend or on Tuesday.
English IV
Before next class I would like for you to read chapters four and five of 1984. While you read, I would suggest taking notes due to the fact that you will have a reading quiz on these chapters when we see each other next class. The quiz will likely be one of your final grades of the nine weeks.
All classes - You will be getting progress reports on Tuesday/Wednesday which will be updated to that date. This provides you a chance to see where you stand before the quarter ends.
Freshman Focus
Tonight for homework I'd like for you finish reading the New York Times article about paying students for their success in school. On Tuesday/Wednesday we will participate in a small debate which will attempt to answer the following question:
Is this method a useful and effective one for dealing with the issue of laziness in American students?
Remember that we will begin our day in the computer lab across the hall working on more research for our career projects.
AP English III
Over the weekend you have a few things to prepare. Let's go through those in the order of their importance:
1. Your revised summer essays are due on Tuesday/Wednesday. In order to receive credit you must submit the original essay with your rubric. I have to see your improvements in order to score your work again.
2. Your vocabulary bookmarks will be checked. You need to have twenty entries - all with page numbers and personal definitions.
3. You need to read chapter six of The Great Gatsby - remember to focus on the idea of the past and time as you read. Use that as a lens to help you interpret the chapter.
I'll be here very late on Monday - feel free to make an appointment with me if you need additional assistance before the due date. I will not be available for help over e-mail this weekend or on Tuesday.
English IV
Before next class I would like for you to read chapters four and five of 1984. While you read, I would suggest taking notes due to the fact that you will have a reading quiz on these chapters when we see each other next class. The quiz will likely be one of your final grades of the nine weeks.
All classes - You will be getting progress reports on Tuesday/Wednesday which will be updated to that date. This provides you a chance to see where you stand before the quarter ends.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Notes and Reminders 10/17 and 10/18
Freshman Focus
Tonight for homework I'd like for you to finish your future success sketches. I'll be checking these on Friday/Monday. Pay special attention to the boxes for twenty or thirty years from now. I want to make sure that you've thought about what career or job you'd have in your idea of success. We'll then talk about what one needs to do to reach that point in terms of education.
AP English III
I'm extending the deadline on the conversation board until Friday/Monday for all classes. Please make sure that you find the proper post for your class and post your response in the comment thread. Don't forget your name at the end. Be aware that I'm giving you this extension because this is the first time we've done this type of assignment - this extension will not be given again.
For tonight, be sure that you've read chapter five of The Great Gatsby and annotated it heavily. Also, you will want to review your writing notes - we will be doing a copious amount of writing on Friday/Monday; make sure that you have your favorite pen.
English IV
With the presentations today and the test corrections I don't need you all doing any more work for me tonight. If you did not get your project turned in today you're going to want to make sure that's done for our very next class. Remember that you're losing points every day that the project is late.
All classes will get new progress reports next week. Be aware of this.
Tonight for homework I'd like for you to finish your future success sketches. I'll be checking these on Friday/Monday. Pay special attention to the boxes for twenty or thirty years from now. I want to make sure that you've thought about what career or job you'd have in your idea of success. We'll then talk about what one needs to do to reach that point in terms of education.
AP English III
I'm extending the deadline on the conversation board until Friday/Monday for all classes. Please make sure that you find the proper post for your class and post your response in the comment thread. Don't forget your name at the end. Be aware that I'm giving you this extension because this is the first time we've done this type of assignment - this extension will not be given again.
For tonight, be sure that you've read chapter five of The Great Gatsby and annotated it heavily. Also, you will want to review your writing notes - we will be doing a copious amount of writing on Friday/Monday; make sure that you have your favorite pen.
English IV
With the presentations today and the test corrections I don't need you all doing any more work for me tonight. If you did not get your project turned in today you're going to want to make sure that's done for our very next class. Remember that you're losing points every day that the project is late.
All classes will get new progress reports next week. Be aware of this.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
B Day Discussion Board
B-day AP English III Students,
Please respond to the following question in a comment. Be sure to sign your name at the end of the comment to ensure you get credit.
Identify examples of informal language in this essay. Is it appropriate and effective to her purpose or is it distracting?
Be sure that as you craft your response you use appropriate and convincing examples and explanation. This response will count as a homework grade.
Please respond to the following question in a comment. Be sure to sign your name at the end of the comment to ensure you get credit.
Identify examples of informal language in this essay. Is it appropriate and effective to her purpose or is it distracting?
Be sure that as you craft your response you use appropriate and convincing examples and explanation. This response will count as a homework grade.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Homework for 15 and 16 October
There's a lot to get through for this Monday's posting. Pay close attention to the instructions for each class.
Freshman Focus
Tonight I would like for you to sit down and talk with someone older than you about their high school or educational experiences. Generate five questions about high school or education and then conduct an interview. Remember that the person should be someone from your parent's generation or older. No asking older siblings or cousins for thier feedback. Write down your questions and the interview answers. We'll begin by discussing our findings on Wednesday/Thursday.
AP English III
With the PSAT gracing our presence on Wednesday things are going to be a bit out of place. Consider the assignments below due for Friday/Monday with the exception of the blog post which is due Wednesday/Thursday.
First, I would like for you to find your favorite pen. It can be an ink pen, ball point, whichever you prefer, a fountain pen would work too. Whichever type of pen you like to use, find it and bring it to class with you on Friday/Monday. Additionally, be sure that you've read to the end of chapter four and five by Friday/Monday's class. I know we didn't get through as much as I wanted today, but we will continue to get through more as we work through the text. I think that even in our limited conversation we still hit on a lot of major ideas that work themselves out throughout the text. Continue to pay attention to the different questions we raised, and how these questions are answered. Additionally, now that you have your vocabulary assignment, be working on that. I would like to collect your first bookmarks on 10/23 and 10/24.
Finally, in the post below this there is a discussion thread for A-day students and one for B-day students (coming after class on Tuesday). Please respond to the thread question in a comment. When you finish your comment, be sure to leave your name so that I can assign credit. Only responses posted before class begins will be eligable for credit.
English IV
Next class you'll be getting up and presenting your Propaganda projects. For tonight, I would like for you to spend some time finishing these projects so that they show your best work. Be sure that you have completed all of the steps on the back and that you have completed a writing assignment which follows the guidelines given to you on the assignment sheet. As part of your grade you will present your poster, explain your message, and take questions from the audience. Be sure that you're ready.
Freshman Focus
Tonight I would like for you to sit down and talk with someone older than you about their high school or educational experiences. Generate five questions about high school or education and then conduct an interview. Remember that the person should be someone from your parent's generation or older. No asking older siblings or cousins for thier feedback. Write down your questions and the interview answers. We'll begin by discussing our findings on Wednesday/Thursday.
AP English III
With the PSAT gracing our presence on Wednesday things are going to be a bit out of place. Consider the assignments below due for Friday/Monday with the exception of the blog post which is due Wednesday/Thursday.
First, I would like for you to find your favorite pen. It can be an ink pen, ball point, whichever you prefer, a fountain pen would work too. Whichever type of pen you like to use, find it and bring it to class with you on Friday/Monday. Additionally, be sure that you've read to the end of chapter four and five by Friday/Monday's class. I know we didn't get through as much as I wanted today, but we will continue to get through more as we work through the text. I think that even in our limited conversation we still hit on a lot of major ideas that work themselves out throughout the text. Continue to pay attention to the different questions we raised, and how these questions are answered. Additionally, now that you have your vocabulary assignment, be working on that. I would like to collect your first bookmarks on 10/23 and 10/24.
Finally, in the post below this there is a discussion thread for A-day students and one for B-day students (coming after class on Tuesday). Please respond to the thread question in a comment. When you finish your comment, be sure to leave your name so that I can assign credit. Only responses posted before class begins will be eligable for credit.
English IV
Next class you'll be getting up and presenting your Propaganda projects. For tonight, I would like for you to spend some time finishing these projects so that they show your best work. Be sure that you have completed all of the steps on the back and that you have completed a writing assignment which follows the guidelines given to you on the assignment sheet. As part of your grade you will present your poster, explain your message, and take questions from the audience. Be sure that you're ready.
A-Day AP English III Discussion Board
Students,
Please respond to the following question in a comment. Be sure to sign your name at the end of the comment to ensure you get credit.
Ericsson uses her personal experience to illustrate some but not all of her categories of lying. Is her allotment of personal reference effective, or does it fragment the essay?
Be sure that as you craft your response you use appropriate and convincing examples and explanation. This response will count as a homework grade.
Please respond to the following question in a comment. Be sure to sign your name at the end of the comment to ensure you get credit.
Ericsson uses her personal experience to illustrate some but not all of her categories of lying. Is her allotment of personal reference effective, or does it fragment the essay?
Be sure that as you craft your response you use appropriate and convincing examples and explanation. This response will count as a homework grade.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Homework for the Weekend 10/11 and 10/12
It's crazy to think that we've had almost a full nine weeks of class already. Remember to catch up if you're falling behind, especially with the end of the quarter coming so quickly.
Freshman Focus
Today in class most students finished their essays and then we began to present essays to the class. We will continue this on Monday/Tuesday. Please make sure that your essay is complete, it is correctly formatted, and that you have submitted all of your drafts. These essays will likely be your last major grade for the quarter - be sure to make it count!
AP English III
I was very impressed to see you all getting so quickly into The Great Gatsby and unlocking a lot of meaning connected to the characters. We didn't have a chance to work through the first two chapters, so we'll hold that off until Monday/Tuesday. For the weekend, I would like for you to read Stephanie Ericsson's "The Ways We Lie" which is in 50 Essays or at this link. Be sure to read carefully and annotate. Also, you should read chapter three of The Great Gatsby. It's my hope that next week we will begin to pull together some of these ideas and have some really amazing conversations.
Lastly, don't forget that the window for revised essays is closing soon. Make sure that you are actively working to revise your summer essays and submit them for a new score. Submissions must be turned in by 10/23 and 10/24.
English IV
Next week you will have your propaganda projects collected. Please make sure that you are putting time and effort into these projects as they will count as a large major test grade. Over the weekend you should put time into your explanation of the poster. Explain what message you are trying to convey to the viewer of the poster and how it is that you are communicating that message. Be sure to focus on the details of your poster. Also, continue moving forward in Book Two of 1984. Read chapter three and continue to note the changes in Winston as he and Julia's relationship continues to develop.
I'll see you all on the flip side!
Freshman Focus
Today in class most students finished their essays and then we began to present essays to the class. We will continue this on Monday/Tuesday. Please make sure that your essay is complete, it is correctly formatted, and that you have submitted all of your drafts. These essays will likely be your last major grade for the quarter - be sure to make it count!
AP English III
I was very impressed to see you all getting so quickly into The Great Gatsby and unlocking a lot of meaning connected to the characters. We didn't have a chance to work through the first two chapters, so we'll hold that off until Monday/Tuesday. For the weekend, I would like for you to read Stephanie Ericsson's "The Ways We Lie" which is in 50 Essays or at this link. Be sure to read carefully and annotate. Also, you should read chapter three of The Great Gatsby. It's my hope that next week we will begin to pull together some of these ideas and have some really amazing conversations.
Lastly, don't forget that the window for revised essays is closing soon. Make sure that you are actively working to revise your summer essays and submit them for a new score. Submissions must be turned in by 10/23 and 10/24.
English IV
Next week you will have your propaganda projects collected. Please make sure that you are putting time and effort into these projects as they will count as a large major test grade. Over the weekend you should put time into your explanation of the poster. Explain what message you are trying to convey to the viewer of the poster and how it is that you are communicating that message. Be sure to focus on the details of your poster. Also, continue moving forward in Book Two of 1984. Read chapter three and continue to note the changes in Winston as he and Julia's relationship continues to develop.
I'll see you all on the flip side!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Homework for 10/9 and 10/10
Now that you have had a bit of time off from your first test, it's time to get back to business. Here are some reminders for all of you as we move foward.
Freshman Focus
You have now completed the first draft of each part of your essay. What you need to do is to begin putting the two parts together with the feedback you've received from your peers. In class on Wednesday/Thursday we will be returning to the media center to finish our drafts. Make sure that no matter what, you are prepared to present your draft on Monday/Tuesday the 15th/16th as this will be the day that your essays will be collected.
AP English III
I hope that you all enjoyed the discussion today on art and culture in the 1920's. I was happy to see that many students who haven't participated that much began to open up and share to create knowledge in the room. Please continue to open up - it's more fun that way. For tonight, I would like for you to finish reading chapter one and two of The Great Gatsby. As you read, continue to annotate. Look especially at information for your front and back covers and continue to build on the ideas we've been discussing. Show me what you can come up with and be an active reader.
English IV
I was impressed with what you all were seeing in our reading circle today about Winston, Julia, their budding relationship, and the society in which they live. Tonight, I want you to finish reading chapter one of book two - continue adding to your notes and observations regarding our two characters and the questions I posed for you at the beginning of class. After you finish chapter one, please continue on to chapter two.
It would also be a good idea to review your new vocabulary words as these will be asked about soon on a quiz.
Freshman Focus
You have now completed the first draft of each part of your essay. What you need to do is to begin putting the two parts together with the feedback you've received from your peers. In class on Wednesday/Thursday we will be returning to the media center to finish our drafts. Make sure that no matter what, you are prepared to present your draft on Monday/Tuesday the 15th/16th as this will be the day that your essays will be collected.
AP English III
I hope that you all enjoyed the discussion today on art and culture in the 1920's. I was happy to see that many students who haven't participated that much began to open up and share to create knowledge in the room. Please continue to open up - it's more fun that way. For tonight, I would like for you to finish reading chapter one and two of The Great Gatsby. As you read, continue to annotate. Look especially at information for your front and back covers and continue to build on the ideas we've been discussing. Show me what you can come up with and be an active reader.
English IV
I was impressed with what you all were seeing in our reading circle today about Winston, Julia, their budding relationship, and the society in which they live. Tonight, I want you to finish reading chapter one of book two - continue adding to your notes and observations regarding our two characters and the questions I posed for you at the beginning of class. After you finish chapter one, please continue on to chapter two.
It would also be a good idea to review your new vocabulary words as these will be asked about soon on a quiz.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Homework/Reminders for 10/2 and 10/3
Happy October! С НОВЫМ ОКТЯБРЕМ!
A little bit of Russian for all of ya. Now, let's move on to the business.
Freshman Focus
If you didn't finish your brainstorming about the three most important moments in your life and what you learned from that moment - you will need to finish that tonight for homework. Remember, the hardest thing is getting started when it comes to writing -- overtake that blank page. That way when we meet in the Media Center on Friday/Monday you'll begin to immediately write.
AP English III
Study. And then after that, study some more. Then, keep studying :) Here's an abbreviated list for where you should focus your energy as you prepare.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you all produce.
English IV
You all also need to study. You'll have your first test on Book One of 1984 on Friday/Monday. You should be prepared on the following ideas specifically:
A little bit of Russian for all of ya. Now, let's move on to the business.
Freshman Focus
If you didn't finish your brainstorming about the three most important moments in your life and what you learned from that moment - you will need to finish that tonight for homework. Remember, the hardest thing is getting started when it comes to writing -- overtake that blank page. That way when we meet in the Media Center on Friday/Monday you'll begin to immediately write.
AP English III
Study. And then after that, study some more. Then, keep studying :) Here's an abbreviated list for where you should focus your energy as you prepare.
- tone words - study your chart, know positives and negatives, learn definitions for new words, prepare yourselves for multiple choice questions regarding tone.
- the rhetorical appeals - know the difference between these
- your writing notes - you'll have four short answers and I'll be looking to see improvement and an embrace of AP writing with complete arguments and explanations.
- you'll be asked specific questions about King, Eighner, White, Thoreau, and Emerson
- visual rhetoric
I'm looking forward to seeing what you all produce.
English IV
You all also need to study. You'll have your first test on Book One of 1984 on Friday/Monday. You should be prepared on the following ideas specifically:
- your vocabulary - you will have fill in the blanks questions regarding vocabulary words
- the characters we've met in Book One, their importance to the story, and their connection to Winston
- there will also be multiple choice questions regarding literary devices, overall ideas, and other topics related to the text.
- I would be sure to reread chapter eight, some multiple choice questions will be focused directly from here.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Apologies. Again.
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.
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.
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!
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