Sophomores, check in daily to learn about what we are doing in class!

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Day 180:  Wednesday, June 21, 2017

• Exam
• Hand back work
• Take class photo

Day 179:  Tuesday, June 20, 2017

• Exam
• Hand back work
• Take class photo

Day 178:  Monday, June 19, 2017

• Exam 
• Hand back work
• Take class photo

Day 177:  Friday, June 16, 2017

DOWNLOAD FINAL EXAM TOPICS HERE (WITH LIST OF READING PASSAGES THAT WILL BE FEATURED).

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE FINAL EXAM OPEN RESPONSE QUESTIONS HERE.

Standard:

• Final exam review
• Storytelling contest
• Submit playlist
• Read final chapters of Catcher
• SRS discussion
• Do we have all handouts (and other make-up work) completed and submitted?
• HW: Study for final exam

Honors:

• Final exam review
• Review and submit motif sheet
• SRS discussion
• Catcher nonfiction articles
• Share playlists
• Do we have all handouts completed and submitted?
• HW:  Study for final exam

Day 176:  Thursday, June 15, 2017

Standard:

• ch. 18-20 questions
• Read excerpts 21-23
• Questions (Phoebe)
• Case Study
• HW:  10-son Playlist; make-up work

Honors:

• Read ch. 26 aloud; add to case study
• Discussion
• Case study
• ch. 21-26
• Motifs - small groups
• Review motifs in large group
• HW:  10-song Playlist

Day 175:  Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Standard:

• Review Playlist Assignment
• Quietly read ch. 17 and complete questions
• Review and submit
• Ch. 18-20 Selections
• Ch. 19 - pp. 143-149
• Ch. 20 - pp. 150-151
• Small Groups:  Work on case study
• HW:  Make-up work due Friday.  

Honors:

• Review Playlist Assignment
• Small Groups:  ch. 16-20
• Circle Discussion
• Start ch. 21
• HW:  Finish reading the book

Day 174:  Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Standard:

• Return to ch. 13-15 (especially 15)
• Submit ch. 13-15 handout
• Loneliness scale 
• Ch. 16-20 reading (selected passages) and handouts
• Ch. 16:  pp. 113-122
• Ch. 17:  pp. 130-133
• Ch. 18:  skip
• Ch. 19:  pp. 143-149 (silently)
• Ch. 20:  pp.  150-151
• HW:  Make-up work due Friday

Honors:

• Score optimism/pessimism test
• Loneliness scale
• Social Media Effect article - read and discuss
• Ch. 11-15 handouts
• Discuss case study
• HW:  ch. 16-20

Day 173:  Monday, June 12, 2017

Standard:

• Fells Day photos
• Finals Schedule
• Submit ch. 12 schedule
• Social Media Effect article - read and discuss
• Read and discuss ch. 13-15
• HW:  Make-up work due Friday

Honors:

• Fells Day photos
• Finals Schedule
• Optimism vs. Pessimism
• Case Study in Small Groups
• Discussion
• HW:  Read ch. 11-15

Day 172:  Friday, June 9, 2017

Standard:

• Opener:  Quietly read ch. 12 and rewrite from another character's perspective.
• Share, discuss, submit.
• Read excerpts from chapters 13, 14, and 15.  Discuss.
• HW:  All make-up work must be handed in to me by Friday, June 16.

Honors:

• Opener:  Reread pp. 38-39.  Journal on the glove.
• Share and discuss.
  
• Circle discussion:  Holden's case study.
• HW:  Read ch. 6-10.  Continue to fill out case study sheet.

Day 171:  Thursday, June 8, 2017

Standard:

• Opener:  ch. 9 and 10 - revisit, reread, answer questions
• Discuss ch. 9 and 10
• Read and discuss ch. 11 and 12
• Journal
• HW:  Read ch. 13-15

Honors:

• Catcher in the Rye introduction PPT
• Book review - read, annotate, discuss
• Agree/disagree
• 3 Levels of Personality
• Begin reading ch. 1
• HW:  Read Catcher for 30 minutes.  Read up through ch. 5.  Begin to fill out case study sheet.

Day 170:  Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Standard:

• Objective:
• Students will be able to determine whether Holden is optimistic or pessmistic and state how that impacts his mental health.
• Agenda:
• Fells Day - sign up!
• Life Orientation Test
• One for you, one for Holden
• Score
• Discuss
• Discuss ch. 7 and 8, with examples of optimism and pessimism from Holden
• Begin reading ch. 9
• HW:  
• Read ch. 9 and 10

Honors:

• Canterbury Tales Test
• No homework!

Day 169:  Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Standard:

• Sign up for Fells Day!
• Do Now:  Write about Holden's Interpersonal Relations with one character, and share
• Read and annotate "Death of a Sibling" article; make 3-5 connections to Holden's character; share and discuss
• Read pp. 38-39 (about Allie and his baseball glove)
• Quiet journal:  Write the composition about the baseball glove that Holden writes for Stradlater
• HW:  Read ch. 7 and 8 in Catcher

Honors:

• Sign up for Fells Day!
• Share and submit essays
• Review for Canterbury Tales test
• Read (and act out) Pardoner's Tale
  
• Small groups:  Pardoner's Tale For Study and Discussion Questions
• HW:  Study for Canterbury Tales test

Day 168:  Monday, June 5, 2017

Standard:

• Do Now:  Read ch. 3 and 4
• Add to case study
• Small Groups:  Character Impressions and Case Study
• HW:  Read ch. 5 and 6.  Write 5 facts about Allie.

Honors:

• Reeve's Prologue
• Reeve's Tale
• Reeve's Tale Questions
• HW:  5 paragraph essay on Knight's Tale vs. Miller's Tale

Day 167:  Friday, June 2, 2017

Standard:

• Lecture Hall

Honors:

• Do Now:  Miller's Tale vocabulary
• Read excerpts from second half of Miller's Tale, discuss
• Review 2 HW questions
• Small Groups:  Complete T-Chart
• Review T-Chart, Assign Essay
• Ticket Out:  Complete Reeve's Prologue Handout
• HW:  Five-paragraph Miller's Tale essay due Tuesday

Day 166:  Thursday, June 1, 2017

Standard:

• Return to group discussion about agree/disagree activity
• Introduce 3 levels of personality
• Distribute books
• Read chapters 1 and 2, complete 1 and 2 handout as we go
• Small Groups:  Case Study
• HW:  Read chapters 3 and 4, add to case study sheet

Honors:

• Harvard Survey

Day 165:  Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Standard:

• Period 4:  Harvard Survey in Library
• If time allows, discuss agree/disagree activity.
• Period 5:  See yesterday's agenda for period 4

Honors:

• Who wants to volunteer in my group for Fells Day?
• Who wants to volunteer for yearbook distribution?
• Share Miller's Tale Predictions
• Read and discuss first half of Miller's Tale
• HW:  Finish reading "The Miller's Tale."  Answer the two questions at the end of the packet.  Start graphic organizer at the end of the packet.

Day 164:  Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Standard:

• Period 4:  Catcher in the Rye Introduction
• Today's Objective:  
• To introduce themes of Catcher in the Rye.
• Today's Agenda:
• Introductory Notes on Catcher in the Rye
• Read and discuss Catcher in the Rye book review
• Agree/Disagree chart - quietly complete on your own
• Tonight's HW:
• No HW.  Harvard survey.
• Period 5:  Harvard Survey in Library

Honors:

• Tuesday's Objective:
• Students will be able to articulate how a narrator's story may reflect a narrator's character.
• Tuesday's Agenda:
• Share and submit HW - Is the outcome of the Knight's Tale fair?
• Miller's Tale - General Prologue - answer three questions
• Miller's Prologue - read aloud and answer questions
• Small Groups:  Write a prediction for the Miller's Tale
• Tuesday's HW:
• No HW due tomorrow (Harvard Survey day).  Miller's Tale HW due Thursday.  See Wednesday night HW.

Day 163:  Friday, May 26, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to identify five characters in the film from The Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Finish The Knight's Tale film
• Review and submit guided viewing sheet
• This Weekend's HW:  
• No HW!  Enjoy the weekend!
• MAKE-UP WORK:  If you owe any make-up work, email it to me by Monday so that I may include it in your progress report grade.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to identify the characteristics of the chivalric romance and explain how the Knight's Tale is a quintessential example of the chivalric romance.
• Today's Agenda:
• Return to General Prologue and wrap up reading last two pages
• Notes on Chivalric Romance
• Small Groups:  
• Review Knight's Tale reading from last night (check HW - annotations)
• Identify characteristics of the Chivalric Romance in the Knight's Tale
• Large Group
• How is the Knight's Tale the quintessential chivalric romance?
• Review storyline of the Knight's Tale - Is the outcome fair?
• This weekend's HW:
• 2-3 paragraph response - Is the outcome of the Knight's Tale fair?  Why or why not?

Day 162:  Thursday, May 25, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to identify five characters in the film from the Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Knight's Tale Video
• Tonight's HW:
• Complete Guided Viewing Sheet for Friday

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to make inferences about characters in the Canterbury Tales (direct/indirect characterization).
• Today's Agenda:
• Finish reading character descriptions in General Prologue
• Take General Prologue Quiz
• Correct General Prologue Quiz
• Tonight's HW:
• Read and annotate The Knight's Tale packet.

Day 161:  Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to identify five characters in the film from the Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit short story assignment
• Knight's Tale Video
• Tonight's HW:
• Complete Guided Viewing Sheet for Friday

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to make inferences about character in the Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and Submit HW
• Continue with General Prologue in large group and finish up
• Quiz Review
• Tonight's HW:
• Study for Canterbury Tales quiz

Day 160:  Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to tell a story that reflects a narrator.
• Today's Agenda:
• Work on draft of story
• Story workshopping
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish story (with illustration and description) for Wednesday, 5/24.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to make inferences about characters in the Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit HW
• Continue with General Prologue in large group
• 10. Friar
• 11. Merchant
• 12. Oxford Cleric
• 13. Man of Law
• 14. Franklin
• 15-19. Guildsmen

• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Share and submit two paragraph responses from last night.

Day 159:  Monday, May 22, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to tell a story that reflects a narrator.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review story-telling contest rubric
• Illustrate character
• Brainstorm for story
• Write draft of story
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish story (with illustration and description) for Wednesday, 5/24.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to make inferences about characters in the Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• General Prologue
• Knight
• Squire
• Yeoman
• Nun
• Other Nun
• Priest 1
• Priest 2
• Priest 3
• Monk
• Tonight's HW:
• Select two characters we read about today.  Write one paragraph about each (direct and indirect characterization).

On tap for next week:

• Standard:  Story-Telling Contest
• Honors:  Canterbury Tales General Prologue and tales

Day 158:  Friday, May 19, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills from the Canterbury Tales unit.
• Today's Agenda:
• Congratulate last night's winners
• Distribute Globe slips
• Canterbury Tales Test
• Tonight's HW:
• No HW this weekend.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to share their original character archetype descriptions and connect this concept to the General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Congratulate last night's winners
• Distribute Globe slips
• Pair and share, then share and submit 30-line character description.
• Listen to Baba Brinkman's General Prologue rap
• Small Groups:  Answer questions about General Prologue
• Review Questions
• Begin Reading General Prologue
• Tonight's HW:
• No HW this weekend.

Day 157:  Thursday, May 18, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will review for the Canterbury Tales test.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review Pardoner's Tale questions
• Why is the moral of the story ironic (considering the Pardoner's character traits)?
• Test Review
• Complete Canterbury Tales MCAS Packet
• Review Packet
• Tonight's HW:
• Study for test.
• Submit packet for extra credit tomorrow.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to write a 30-line poem to describe a character archetype.
• Today's Agenda:
• Ambrose reads model poems
• Group up to touch base on brainstormed archetypes
• Quiet writing time
• Small groups to workshop poems
• Today's HW:
• Revise and type up your poem from class.

Day 156:  Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Standard:

• Review Pardoner's Tale notes
• Act out Pardoner's Tale
• Answer Pardoner's Tale questions in small groups

Honors:

• Reading and conversation activities with Ms. Pellini's class

Day 155:  Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Standard:

• Lecture Hall

Honors:

• Lecture Hall

Day 154:  Monday, May 15, 2017

Standard:

• Submit Canterbury Tales Compare/Contrast Essay
• Pardoner's Tale - Read and Act Out
• NO HW - MCAS!

Honors:

• Today's Objective: 
• To introduce the concepts behind The Canterbury Tales.
  
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit Anthem Essay
• Canterbury Tales Introduction Day One
• Review Terms
• Journal and Discussion
• Clippage
• Small Groups
• Compile List
• Student Examples

• NO HW - MCAS!

Day 153:  Friday, May 12, 2017

Standard:

• TODAY, WE WROTE PARAGRAPHS TOGETHER AS A CLASS.  DOWNLOAD SAMPLE PARAGRAPHS FROM CLASS HERE!
• Today's Objectives:
• Students will demonstrate their ability to write a strong topic sentence and to embed a quote in proper context.
• Today's Agenda:
• Work on Essay Assignment
• Mini-lesson and workshopping on the overhead:  Writing topic sentences
• Mini-lesson and workshopping on the overhead:  Introducing and providing commentary for a quote
• Quiet writing time:  
• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs
• Share and peer review
• Finish with quiet writing time
• HW:  
• Continue to work on compare/contrast essay (due Monday).  
• Begin to prepare for test on Tuesday.

Honors:

• Work on Anthem Essay
• Many students taking AP test
• HW:  Finish Anthem Essay

Day 152:  Thursday, May 11, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will write a thesis statement and outline their compare/contrast essay, and then begin work on the essay.
• Today's Agenda:
• Clarify task for compare/contrast essay
• Quietly write thesis.  Share and workshop.
• Quietly outline three major talking points.  Turn and talk with a friend.
• Quietly find quotes to support each of your three talking points.  Write intro and analysis statements.  Share.
• Continue to work on outlining/writing the essay.
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue work on essay.  Due Monday.

Honors: 

• Anthem essay writing workshop day.

Day 151:  Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Standard:

• Review Word Wall
• Review T-Chart from HW (view completed T-Chart here)
• Quietly, select three ideas from T-Chart 
• Write thesis and outline
• HW:  Compare/Contrast Essay due Monday

Honors:

• Pema's group finishes presentation
• Mya's group presents
• Small groups to brainstorm ideas for Anthem essay
• HW:  Anthem essay due Monday

Day 150:  Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to describe how the Miller's Tale is a satire of the chivalric romance.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Prediction about the Miller's Tale
• Read tale in class
• Post vocab words on word wall
• Ticket Out:  Two questions about tale at the end of the packet
• Tonight's HW:
• Complete graphic organizer t-chart for Miller's Tale vs. Knight's Tale

Honors:

• Present Anthem Projects (Day 2 of 2)
• HW:  Work on Essay

Day 149:  Monday, May 8, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to explain whether the outcome of the Knight's Tale is fair and why it represents a prototypical chivalric romance.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Discuss and submit HW (Is the outcome of the tale FAIR?)
• Small Groups:  Identify all of the ways that the Knight's Tale represents the prototypical Chivalric Romance.
• Large Group:  List small group findings on board and discuss.
• Miller's Tale:  Miller Description and Prologue Handout
• Tonigh'ts HW:
• Finish Miller Handout

Honors:

• Present Anthem Projects (Day 1 of 2)
• HW:  Work on Essay

Day 148:  Friday, May 5, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to anticipate how a story might reflect its narrator's character.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener 1:  Review (and submit) Reading Check questions from Wednesday
• Opener 2:  Journal - What do you anticipate the Knight's Tale might be about?  (Refer to the description of the Knight from the General Prologue).
• Background on Chivalric Romance
• Read the Knight's Tale
• Tonight's HW:
• Paragraph response:  Is the outcome of the Knight's Tale FAIR?  Why or why not?  Cite at least three reasons to support your thesis.

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will work on their Anthem projects and essays, with a focus on gathering concrete evidence and examples.
• Today's Agenda:
• Clarify expectations for group project
• Introduce expectations for Anthem essay
• Go to computer lab to work on project and essay
• This Weekend's HW:
• Project due Monday, 5/5
• Essay due Friday, 5/12

Day 147:  Thursday, May 4, 2017

Lecture Hall

Day 146:  Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of characterization in the Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue Quiz
• Correct Quiz
• Read remainder of General Prologue
• Ticket Out:  Reading Check, p. 79, #1-10.
• Tonight's Homework:
• No homework!
• Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to demonstrate concepts learned in dystopian fiction.
• Today's Agenda:
• Anthem Unit Test
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue working on your Anthem project (Due Monday).

Day 145:  Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Standard:

• The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue
• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to state what they learn about characters through direct and indirect characterization.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit HW (one paragraph)
• Opener:  Discuss character you read about in small groups yesterday (Guildsmen, Cook, etc.)
• Small Group Reading
• Review Small Group Reading Notes
• Large Group Reading
• Tonight's HW:
• Study for Canterbury Tales General Prologue Quiz.

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will review for Anthem test and work on Anthem project.
• Today's Agenda:
• Anthem test review
• Vocabulary
• Plot
• Concepts
• Anthem Projects
• Laptops are reserved.

Day 144:  Monday, May 1, 2017

Standard:

• The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue
• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to state what they learn about characters through direct and indirect characterization.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Return to your paragraph from the weekend's homework.  Add to it as necessary.
• Large Group Reading and Notes - Model
• Friar
• Merchant
• Oxford Cleric
• Serjeant at Law
• Franklin
• Small Group Reading Notes 
• Guildsmen
• Cook
• Skipper
• Doctor
• Tonight's HW:
• Write one paragraph about one character that we learned about today (direct and indirect characterization).

Honors:

• Anthem Day 8 - Videos
• Today's Objective:
• To examine allusions to and themes involving Ayn Rand's ideas in contemporary TV shows and commercials.
• Today's Agenda:
• Links for today:
• 1984 Apple Super Bowl ad
• Motorola Ad from Super Bowl ad
• A Streetcar Named Marge
• Watch each clip and journal on connections to Ayn Rand's themes.  Discuss.
• Tonight's HW:
• Study for Anthem test (Wednesday, 5/3).
• Work on Anthem project (Monday, 5/8).

Day 143:  Friday, April 28, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to explain what they learn about characters through direct and indirect characterization.
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit HW
• Yeoman
• Nun
• Monk
• Friar
• Tonight's HW:
• Write 1-2 paragraphs about what you learn about one character (from today's reading - see above) via direct and indirect characterization.

Honors:  

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will discuss the themes of Anthem and explore the meaning of various vocabulary words.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Anthem Vocabulary
• Small Groups
• Chapter 11-12 questions
• Discuss moral (and HW check)
• Large Group Discussion in Circle
• Review Project Assignment Rubric
• Tonight's HW:
• Anthem Test on Wednesday, 5/3
• Anthem Project due Monday, 5/8

Day 142:  Thursday, April 27, 2017

Standard:  

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to understand the concept of The Canterbury Tales and be able to explain what is learned about characters via direct and indirect characterization.
• Today's Agenda:
• Revisit questions about rap from yesterday to explain the concept of the Canterbury Tales
• Review term:  FRAME STORY
• Read opening of Canterbury Tales
• Compare to rap
• Write notes on each stanza
• Read opening chacter descriptions
• Knight
• Squire
• Yeoman
• Tonight's HW:
• Draw a picture of the knight, the squire, or the yeoman.
• Label FIVE elements of the picture to reference the text and explain what you drew.

Honors: 

• Today's Objective:
• Students will read and analyze the story of Prometheus and be able to explain the significance of the allusion to this myth in Anthem.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Return back to previous days to review
• Chapters 5-6 (symbolism)
• Chapters 7-8 (graphic organizer)
• The Story of Prometheus - Quietly read and annotate
• Small Groups
• Discuss story of Prometheus and connections to Anthem
• Review chapter 9-10 questions
• HW Check
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish reading Anthem (ch. 11-12).
• Look up the meaning of the word "Ego."
• Describe the moral of the story and the role of the word "ego" (which is the final word of the novel). 

Day 141:  Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will share their original character archetype descriptions and connect this concept to the General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Revisit your 30-line character description.   Add to and refine as necessary.
• Pair and share, then share and submit 30-line character description.
• Listen to Baba Brinkman's General Prologue rap
• Small Groups:  Answer questions about General Prologue
• Large Group:  Review rap questions
• End of Class:  Distribute grade report sheets.
• Tonight's HW:
• One paragraph prediction:  If the story told in the rap were to be told in the Middle Ages, what do you think it would be like?

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will write about and discuss themes of Ayn Rand's Anthem.
• Today's Agenda:
• 25-minute writing for Anthem chapter 7-8.
• Share and submit writing.
• Revisit ch. 5-6 questions, with a particular focus on symbolism.
• Review ch. 7-8 questions, including graphic organizer.
• Distribute grade report sheets.
• Tonight's HW:
• Read Anthem, chapters 9-10.
• Complete handout for chapters 9-10.

Day 140:  Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Goal:
• To write a 30-line poetic description of a character archetype in the style of Chaucer.
• Today's Agenda:
• Continue to compile list of archetypes from small group work yesterday - post on board
• Review samples of 30 line description
• Last year's students
• Mr. Ambrose
• Quiet time (5 minutes) to decide on an archetype and brainstorm various ideas to flesh out the charcter
• Turn and talk with a friend (5 minutes) to bounce ideas and get feedback
• Quiet writing of 30-line description
• Share with large group and workshop accordingly
• Tonight's HW:  
• Finish (and type) your 30-line poetic description of your character

Honors:

• Today's Goal:
• To analyze Anthem and connect its themes to the poem "Invictus."
• Today's Agenda:
• Lia and Mya's group present propaganda projects
• Read "Invictus" aloud
• Quietly annotate "Invictus"
• Small Groups:
• Unlock and analyze "Invictus"
• Figure out thematic connections to Anthem
• HW Check (ch. 5 and 6 questions)
• Large Group
• Review "Invictus" 
• Review and discuss Ch. 5 and 6
• Begin reading Ch. 7
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish reading Ch. 7 and 8.
• Complete questions on handout.

Day 139:  Monday, April 24, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To introduce the concepts behind The Canterbury Tales.
• Today's Agenda:
• Hand back work
• Consult on grades
• Extra credit for Pippen
• Canterbury Tales Introduction Day One
• Review Terms
• Journal and Discussion
• Clippage
• Small Groups
• Compile List
• Student Examples
• Tonight's HW:
• 30-line character description due Wednesday.

Honors:

• Today's Agenda:
• Pippen extra credit?
• Hand back corrected work
• Present propanganda projects
• Review ch. 3 and 4 of Anthem in groups
• Review ch. 3 and 4 in large circle
• Tonight's HW:
• Read ch. 5 and 6 in Anthem.
• Complete handout.

Day 138:  Thursday, April 13, 2017

Standard:

• Award Extra Credit for Pippen
• Hand back work
• WWI Poetry
• HW:  No HW for vacation!  Enjoy!

Honors:

• Award Extra Credit for Pippen
• Hand back work
• Drum Presentation
• HW:  No HW for vacation!  Enjoy!

Day 137:  Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Standard:

• Re-entry day to review work from previous days

Honors:

• Re-entry day to review work from previous days

Day 136:  Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Standard:  Create propaganda poster

Honors:  Anthem

Day 135:  Monday, April 10, 2017

Standard:  Create propaganda poster

Honors:  Anthem

Day 133:  Friday, April 7, 2017

Standard:  Animal Farm Movie

Honors:  Anthem

Day 132:  Thursday, April 6, 2017

Standard:  Animal Farm Movie

Honors:  Anthem

Day 131:  Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Animal Farm Test

Day 130:  Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Lecture Hall

Day 129:  Monday, April 3, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Agenda:
• Read passages of chapter 9, including Boxer's death
• Discuss chapter 9 questions
• Read aloud chapter 10
• Quietly journal on moral of story
• Discuss moral
• Test review
• Tonigh'ts HW:  
• Study for Animal Farm Test - Tuesday, 4/4 

Honors:

• Today's Agenda:
• Animal Farm Test Review
• Anthem, Day One
• Journal and Discussion
• Tenets of Objectivism
• Read Chapter 1
• Tonight's HW:
• Animal Farm Test - Tuesday, 4/4
• Animal Farm Project - Tuesday, 4/11

Day 128:  Friday, March 31, 2017

LECTURE HALL 2

Day 127:  Thursday, March 30, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• To review the historical symbolism of Animal Farm and to practice active reading strategies.
• Today's Agenda:
• Period 5 - Work Samples, Weeko midterm, Sam to Paster
• Review Ch. 7
• Fill-in-the-Blank PPT 2 Notes
• Read Ch. 8
• Ch. 8 Questions
• Tonight's HW:
• Read Ch. 9
• Answer Ch. 9 Questions
• Animal Farm Test - 4/4

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• To discuss the implied morals of Animal Farm and to analyze adaptations of the novel.
• Today's Agenda:
• Reread passages from Chapter 10
• Discuss moral of story; HW check
• View Animal in Man video; discuss
• Read Animal Farm article from Esner; discuss
• Small Groups:  Work on Propaganda project
• Tonight's HW:
• Animal Farm Test - 4/4
• Animal Farm Project - due 4/11

Day 126:  Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will return to reading Animal Farm with a focus on the historical allegory and the use of propaganda.
• Today's Agenda:
• Period 5:  Work for Ms. Sanford, Weeko for Midterm
• Opener 1:  Review Propaganda Sheet from yesterday
• Opener 2:  Analyze propaganda HW (student examples on board)
• Quiet Review of Chapter 5:  Students complete review sheet independently
• Read Aloud Chapter 6 (and complete review sheet)
• Begin reading Chapter 7 quietly
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish Reading Chapter 7.  Complete Review Sheet.
• Animal Farm Test Tuesday 4/4.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will review the historical symbolism of Animal Farm.
• Today's Agenda:
• Finish PPT from yesterday
• Review Ch. 9 questions from HW
• Review Expectations for Poster/Video Assignment
• Work in Groups to Brainstorm for Propaganda Project
• HW:  
• Read Ch. 10 of Animal Farm.  Write a statement (1-2 paragraphs) about the MORALS of the story.
• Animal Farm Test Tuesday 4/4.

Day 125:  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to identify and analyze propaganda.
• Today's Agenda:
• See links on 3.8.2017
• Propaganda Notes
• Clippage
• Stalin
• Mother
• Celebrity
• Poster Analysis in Small Groups
• Tonight's HW:
• Email me an example of propaganda (video or poster).
• Animal Farm test - Tuesday, 4.4.2017

Honors:

• Share and submit Ten Things I Hate About You HW
• Finish reading chapter 8 and answer questions
• Review Discussion Questions for ch. 8 in Large Group
• PPT 2 Notes
• HW:  Read chapter 9 of Animal Farm.  Complete discussion questions for chapter 9.
• Animal Farm test - Tuesday, 4.4.2017

Day 124:  Monday, March 27, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To finish watching a movie adapted from a Shakespeare play.
• Today's Agenda:
• Finish Ten Things I Hate About You
• Write notes on 6 main characters
• Patrick
• Kat
• Cameron
• Michael
• Joey
• Bianca
• Hand Back Work
• Tonight's HW:
• Using the list I provided for you, complete missing assignments.

Honors:

• Today's Agenda:
• Finish Ten Things I Hate About You
• Write notes on 6 main characters
• Patrick 
• Kat
• Cameron
• Michael
• Joey
• Bianca
• Hand Back Work
• Tonight's HW:
• Download handout for homework here.
• Two paragraphs on the documents:
• Paragraph 1:  Compare Kat's sonnet from Ten Things to Shakespeare's Sonnet 141.
• Paragraph 2:  Compare the two sonnets to Katherine's monologue from Taming of the Shrew.
• Try to use examples from the movie.

Day 123:  Friday, March 24, 2017

Lecture Hall 2

No Homework for the Weekend!

Congratulations, you are done with MCAS!

Enjoy the sophomore dance!

Day 122:  Thursday, March 23, 2017

Today's Objective:

• To decompress after MCAS.
• To watch a film adapted from a Shakespeare play.

Today's Agenda:

• Congratulations!  
• You are done with the English MCAS!
• Ten Things I Hate About You

Tonight's HW:

• Homework Holiday!  No homework!

Day 121:  Wednesday, March 22, 2017

• Review Session 3 Reading Passages from the Following MCAS Exams:
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013

Day 120: Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Final preparation for MCAS.
• Today's Agenda:
• Chill after MCAS
• Discuss grades and progress reports
• How are we feeling after day one of MCAS?
• Test format
• 27 questions
• 24 multiple choice
• 3 open response
• nonfiction 
• Shakespearean poetry
• speech analysis
• compare 2 works
• Review 2014, 2015, and 2016 MCAS on overhead
• Review sample open responses for DESE website - small groups - identify what you can do tomorrow to write like this.
• Tonight's HW:
• Go to sleep early.  Talk about MCAS with your family.

Honors:

• How are we feeling after day one of MCAS?
• Test Format (see above)
• Sample Open Response (see above)
• AP sample question
• read aloud
• brainstorm in small groups
• HW:  Go to sleep early.  Talk about MCAS with your family.

Day 119:  Monday, March 20, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Final preparation for the MCAS.
• Today's Agenda:
• MCAS Logistics - tell students where they are assigned to take the test
• Prompts and Quick Write - review prompts from previous years and ask students what they would write about if they saw those prompts tomorrow
• Distribute final tips for MCAS
• Tonight's HW:
• Go to sleep early.  Talk with your family about what you will write about on your long composition.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Final preparation for the MCAS.
• Help Ms. Pellini's students learn English.
• Today's Agenda:
• MCAS Logistics - tell students where they are assigned to take the test
• Distribute final tips for MCAS
• Prompts - review prompts from previous years and ask students what they would write about if they saw those prompts tomorrow
• Go to Ms. Pellini's class to partner with her students to help them become more proficient in English
• Tonight's HW:
• Go to sleep early.  Talk with your family about what you will write about on your long composition.

Day 118:  Friday, March 17, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on critical reading and open response writing.
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit make-up work
• Any MCAS questions?
• MCAS passage - Oranges - on your own
• Make-up work and revisions
• Review Oranges, submit open response
• This weekend's HW:
• Watch a movie that you could write about for the long composition.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To complete more difficult assessments than the MCAS - the PARCC and the SAT.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review multiple choice questions on Icarus
• Here is the key with answer explanations
• Share and submit HW (open response)
• SAT Prep - test 3, section 1, questions 11-21
• Review answers to SAT prep
• This Weekend's HW:  
• Watch a movie that you could write about for the long composition

Day 117:  Thursday, March 16, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• To catch up on some work to be better prepared for the MCAS (and to improve our grades for progress reports).
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Finish Fountainhead open response from Friday.  Share talking points and submit.
• Who submitted Nature essay?  Award extra credit.
• Distribute Make-Up and Revisions Slips
• Work on Make-Up and Revision
• Ice Cream
• Jaws
• WWII
• Long Comp 1
• Long Comp 2
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue with make-up work and revision.  Get it to me by the weekend if you want it to count for the progress report.

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• To compare two related passages, as we will do on the MCAS next week.
• Today's Agenda:
• Nature essay:  Who submitted?  Award extra credit.
• Opener:  Revisit The Fountainhead from Friday.  Five minutes of quiet writing, share talking points, and submit.
• Clippage:  The Story of Icarus
• Read Aloud:  2 Poems
• Ovid's Version of the story of Icarus
• Anne Sexton's Version
• Small Groups:  Dissect passages; look for parallels
• Large Groups:  Review passages
• Tonight's HW:
• TWO PARAGRAPH RESPONSE ON THE FOLLOWING PROMPT.  USE AT LEAST ONE QUOTE FROM EACH PASSSAGE.
• Use what you have learned from reading “Daedalus and Icarus” by Ovid and “To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph” by Anne Sexton to write an essay that provides an analysis of how Sexton transforms “Daedalus and Icarus.”
• Develop your claim(s) of how Sexton transforms “Daedalus and Icarus” with evidence from both texts. As a starting point, you may want to consider what is emphasized, absent, or different in the two tests, but feel free to develop your own focus for analysis.
  

Day 116:  Friday, March 10, 2017

Standard:

• Hand in long comp
• Touch base on nature essay
• Review multiple choice
• Small groups:  graphic organizer
• Write open response
• HW:  Revise nature essay (due: Tuesday)

Honors:

• Hand in long comp
• Touch base on nature essay
• Read/think aloud (Fountainhead)
• Multiple choice and graphic organizer in groups
• Write open response
• HW:  Revise nature essay (due:  Tuesday)

Day 115:  Thursday, March 9, 2017

Standard:  

• MCAS Fountainhead w Sanford, day 1 of 2
• Brainstorm active reading strategies
• Read aloud/think aloud
• Read in groups
• Multiple choice
• Review
• HW:  Long Composition due tomorrow.

Honors:

• Review propaganda small group exercise from yesterday
• Student examples of propaganda
• Partner reading of chapter 8
• Complete and review chapter 8 questions
• HW:  Long Composition due tomorrow

Day 114:  Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Standard:

• Opener:  Wrap up review of chapter 3 and 4 handouts
• Review ch. 5 questions and selected scenes
• Small group
• Large group
• Fill-in-the-blank notes 1
• Partner reading:  Chapter 6
• Tonight's HW:  Work on long composition (due Friday).

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to identify and analyze propaganda.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Review chapter 5-7 questions from HW
• Propaganda Notes
• Clippage
• Stalin's propaganda
• Mother
• Seven
• Celebrity
• Others
• Small Groups:  Propaganda Poster Analysis
• Wrap-Up:  Review Small Group Work
• Tonight's HW:  
• Work on long composition (due Friday).  
• Bring in your own example of propaganda (for extra credit).

Day 113:  Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Standard:

• Opener:  Chapter 3 - Analysis of Squealer's Speech
• Other important scenes from Chapter 3
• Small Groups:  Review Chapter 4 questions from HW
• Identify and share other important scenes from Chapter 3
• Begin reading Chapter 5
• HW:  Finish reading Chapter 5 and complete questions
• LONG COMPOSITION 2 DUE FRIDAY

Honors:

• Opener:  Review Chapter 5 questions
• PowerPoint:  Notes on Russian Revolution Allegory 1
• Partner Reading:  Chapter 6
• Chapter 6 Activity and Questions
• HW:  Chapter 7 - read and complete questions
• LONG COMPOSITION 2 DUE FRIDAY

Day 112:  Monday, March 6, 2017

• Standard:
• Hand back long composition
• Assign prompt (due Friday)
• Choral reading of chapter 4
• Read like a writer
• Continue chapter 4 with word wall
• HW:  Finish reading chapter 4 and complete chapter 4 questions
• LONG COMPOSITION 2 DUE FRIDAY
• Honors:
• Assign prompt (due Friday)
• Do now:  Read like a writer, chapter 4
• Review Read like a writer
• Small Groups:  Chapter 4 questions (and HW check)
• Large Group:  Review Chapter 4 questions
• HW:  Finish chapter 5 and complete questions
• LONG COMPOSITION 2 DUE FRIDAY

Day 111:  Friday, March 3, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on analyzing speech and rhetoric in preparation for MCAS.
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit long composition homework
• Read MacArthur WWII speech
• "Think aloud" on persuasive techniques
• Brainstorm ideas for open response
• Quiet writing - open response on how MacArthur uses rhetorical devices to convey his ideas effectively (and that's your ticket out)
• NO HOMEWORK FOR PERIODS 4 AND 5 OVER THE WEEKEND!

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on analyzing speech and rhetoric in preparation for MCAS.
• Today's Agenda:
• Swap and share long composition; submit
• Read MacArthur WWII speech
• Small Groups:  ID rhetoric; plan response
• Quiet writing - open response on how MacArthur uses rhetorical devices to convey his ideas effectively (and that's your ticket out)
• This Weekend's HW:
• Read chapter 4 of Animal Farm.
• Write five quotes that stand out to you.
• Write a brief analysis of each quote.

Day 110:  Thursday, March 2, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To practice active reading skills.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review and brainstorm for long comp prompts
• Chapter 2 - finish reading in large group
• Chapter 2 questions in small groups
• Tonight's HW:  Finish long composition

Honors:

• Review and brainstorm for long comp prompts
• Review ch. 2 questions (from homework last night)
• Read ch. 3 in small groups, answer questions
• Complete speech analysis for Squealer's speech; submit for Ticket Out
• HW:  Long composition on one of the five prompts; challenge:  include 3 elevated vocabulary words

Day 109:  Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Standard:

• Opener on your own:  Internationale vs. Beasts of England
• Small Groups:  Chapter 2 Vocabulary (Knowledge Scale handout)
• Circle Reading:  Think Aloud activity with Mr. Ambrose (Ambrose reads aloud chapter 2 and models inferences, etc.)
• HW:  Work on Long Composition (due Friday)

Honors:

• Small Groups:  Internationale vs. Beasts of England 
• Circle Discussion:  State of the Union Address
• Small Groups:  Chapter 2 Vocabulary (and HW check)
• HW:  Read chapter 2.  Answer questions on chapter 2 handout.  (Long composition due Friday)

Day 108:  Tuesday, February 28, 2017

All Classes:

• Today's Objectives:
• To review elements of chapter one's plot.
• To analyze persuasive rhetoric in speech.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener: chapter 1 questions
• complete silently, then review
• Read Old Major's Speech
• Small Groups:  Complete Old Major Graphic Organizer
• Tonight's HW:
• Standard:  Work on long composition (due Friday).  Do outline or graphic organizer tonight.
• Honors:  Watch the State of the Union address.  Complete notes on right side of graphic organizer from class.

DUE FRIDAY:  5 PARAGRAPH MCAS ESSAY

Day 107:  Monday, February 27, 2017

All Classes:

• Today's Objectives:
• To review literary terms.
• To learn about Orwell's biography.
• To determine what makes a good leader.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review three literary terms
• satire
• allegory
• fable
• Orwell Biography Notes
• Journal and Discussion
• Tonight's HW:
• Due Tuesday:
• STANDARD:  Read chapter 1 of Animal Farm.  Write 5 quotes and comment on them.
• HONORS:  Read chapter 1 of Animal Farm.  Write a bullet point analysis of Old Major's speech.
• Due Friday:
• Long composition on any book for any of the five most recent prompts.

When we return from break:  Introduce Animal Farm and, on Fridays, MCAS parallel texts (return to Jaws, Whitman/Lincoln, Icarus, poems)

Day 106:  Friday, February 17, 2017

All Classes:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to analyze parallel texts and write a paragraphs comparing how they create suspense.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Jaws Clippage
• What techniques does the filmmaker use to create suspense?
• Circle Reading:  Jaws (2016 MCAS)
• Identify techniques creating suspense
• Other Reading Strategies:  Swimming with Nightmares (2016 MCAS)
• Brainstorm Talking Points (Have students write them on the board)
• Sample Open Response (Distribute and review sample open response from DESE site)
• Ticket Out:  Write and submit the open response from 2016 MCAS on Jaws 
• NO HOMEWORK FOR VACATION!  ENJOY YOUR BREAK!

Day 105:  Thursday, February 16, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will demonstrate their understanding of satire.
• Today's Agenda:
• Satire Unit Test
• Tonight's HW:
• No homework tonight!  No homework on vacation!

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to analyze satirical techniques used by Morgan Spurlock and John Oliver, and discuss their effectiveness.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit HW (response to 30 Days video)
• John Oliver and Daily Show videos - see links on sidebar
• Sarcastic Trump (courtesy of Izzy)
• Australia and Gun Control
• Predatory Lending
• Wealth Gap
• Tonight's HW:
• Response paper to John Oliver videos.  How would you characterize his style?  What satirical techniques does he employ?  Why is he effective (or not)?

Day 104:  Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Standard:

• Objective:
• Students will wrap up and review satire unit.
• Agenda:
• Submit other nature essays
• Opener:  Return to Modest Proposal open response, add to it, peer review with partner, discuss what makes a good open response, submit
• Share and review test open response for tomorrow
• Test review for tomorrow - download here
• Daily Show Clips from Mr. Esner - watch and identify message and satirical techniques used
• Homework:
• Review for satire test.

Honors:

• View episode of 30 Days (Minimum Wage)
• HW:  Response paper to episode

Day 103:  Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Standard:

• Objective:
• Students will be able to analyze satirical techniques used in Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal."
• Agenda:
• Small Group Activity on Modest Proposal - complete graphic organizer and questions
• Review Small Group Activity Questions
• Return to Colbert video, to discuss how he adapts the structure of Modest Proposal
• Modest Proposal MCAS-style questions - on your own
• Review Modest Proposal MCAS-style questions
• HW:
• Finish Modest Proposal open response if you did not finish in class.

Honors:

• Objective:
• Students will be able to express their understanding of satirical techniques used in famous works of satire.
• Agenda:
• SATIRE UNIT TEST
• HW:
• Read chapters 1 and 2 of Animal Farm.
• Take bullet point notes to bring into class on Monday (plot, characterization, themes, etc.)

NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, 2.13.2017

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, 2.10.2017

SNOW DAY!

NO SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, 2.9.2017

SNOW DAY!

Day 102:  Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Standard:

• Objective:
• Students will be able to analyze Swift's use of satire in A Modest Proposal.
• Agenda:
• Opener:  Quiet reading and annotating of A Modest Proposal.
• Questions and comments about reading - Mr. Ambrose clarifies student questions
• Small Group Activity on Modest Proposal (to be finished in class next time we meet)
• HW:
• No HW for standard class as long as you have finished reading A Modest Proposal

Honors:  

• Objective:
• Students will prepare for satire test.
• Agenda:
• Review test items
• Review and score Rape of the Lock packet
• Small Groups:  Political cartoon handout (and give Mr. Ambrose your Rape of the Lock grade)
• HW:  Study for test:
• Review for test:
• Modest Proposal
• Rape of the Lock
• Harrison Bergeron
• Political Cartoons
• Horace and Juvenal
• War Prayer
• With God on Our Side
• Gulliver's Travels

Day 101:  Tuesday, Feburary 7, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To begin to read and analyze Swift's Modest Proposal, an important work of satire.
• Today's Agenda:
• Do Now:  Pre-reading vocabulary exercise
• Quietly read the vocabulary words and write what you think they mean
• Circle Reading:  Modest Proposal
• Read, annotate, and discuss as we go
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish reading and annotating packet

Honors:  

• Today's Objective:
• To analyze more of Jonathan Swift's satire and to analyze a fim adaptation of the work.
• Today's Agenda:
• View clippage of Gulliver's Travels on DVD
• Lilliput:  10:51-31:00 (20 minutes)
• Brobdingnag:  1:11-1:18 (7 minutes)
• Discussion on film adaptation
• Review For Study and Discussion questions
• Discuss Other Questions from text
• Ticket Out:  HW check
• Tonight's HW:
• Study for Thursday's Satire Test
• Modest Proposal
• Rape of the Lock
• Harrison Bergeron
• Political Cartoons
• Horace and Juvenal
• War Prayer
• With God on Our Side
• Gulliver's Travels

Day 100:  Monday, February 6, 2017

All Classes:

• Today's Obectives:
• Students will be able to analyze satirical political cartoons.
• Today's Agenda:
• Examine Mr. Ambrose's Examples (from satire test)
• Quiet writing (one paragraph analysis of your own political cartoon from HW)
• Small groups:  Share political cartoons
• Large Group:  Present out political cartoons
• Tonight's HW:
• Standard:  More polished draft of nature essay for Ms. Schneider.  (typed, 500-750 words)
• Honors:  Read pp. 374-380 in texbook (Gulliver's Travels).  Answer questions "For Study and Discussion on p. 381).

Day 99:  Friday, February 3, 2017

Standard:

• In class MCAS long composition practice (about Harrison Bergeron)
• Weekend HW:  Email me with a political cartoon that you would like to analyze in class on Monday.

Honors:

• Review and submit Rape of the Lock textbook questions
• Link to Teachers' Guide with Questions
• Rape of the Lock - Advanced Placement Challenge Questions
• 35 minutes - complete "sight passage" exercise (section B) in this link.
• 20 minutes - score open response, review answers
• Ticket Out:  Submit packet
• Weekend HW:  Email me with a political cartoon that you would like to analyze in class on Monday.

Day 98:  Thursday, February 2, 2017

Standard:

• Return to Harrison Bergeron
• Review section 3 questions
• Review literary terms and vocabulary (sections 1 and 2)
• Examine sample long composition prompts
• Focus on 2006 Retest (questioning the values of society)
• Together, brainstorm talking points and write thesis statement for long composition about Harrison Bergeron
• Quiet writing
• Share
• Tonight's HW:  Friday, we will write this composition in class, so come prepared!

Honors:

• Share and submit Modest Proposal essay
• Return briefly to Harrison Bergeron
• wrap up questions from yesterday
• quick literary terms
• Rape of the Lock
• Circle reading (from textbook)
• Small group to work on questions
• HW:  Finish Rape of the Lock questions (take a pic with your phone)

Day 97:  Wednesday, February 1, 2017

All Classes:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to analyze an adaptation of a Kurt Vonnegut shor story (satire).
• Today's Agenda:
• What do you expect to see in the film, based on yesterday's reading?
• View clippage
• Circle discussion on film and short story
• Tonight's HW:
• Standard:  Continue work on nature essay for Ms. Schneider.
• Honors:  Finish Modest Proposal essay.

Day 96:  Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to analyze Kurt Vonnegut's shor story.
• Today's Agenda:
• Read and annotate the story
• 3 notes per page
• Answer questions in section 3 (1-14)
• Grade conferences
• Tonight's HW:
• Section 3 - Harrison Bergeron questions - finish 1-14

Honors:

• War Prayer - revisit, discuss
• With God on Our Side - listen to song, discuss, connect to War Prayer, draw parallels
• Small Groups
• Read Harrison Bergeron with Mr. Esner's stipulations
• Answer questions 1-14
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue working on Modest Proposal essay (now due Thursday!)

Day 95:  Monday, January 30, 2017

DEADLINE FOR SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST IS TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017!

Standard:

• Ms. Schneider visits to workshop essays

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• To wrap up "A Modest Proposal."
• To analyze the connections between "The War Prayer" and "With God on Our Side."
• Today's Agenda:
• Ms. Schneider visits to hand back and review essays
• Touch base on Modest Proposal essay assignment - perhaps check out "Shoot Hooligans, Not Hoops"
• Review Modest Proposal questions from last week's homework and classwork
• "The War Prayer"
• quietly read and annotate
• discuss in small groups - theme, satirical techniques, etc.
• discuss in large group
• "With God on Our Side"
• listen to song, annotate
• small groups:  discuss connections
• Ticket Out:  How do Twain and Dylan treat the same theme in these two different works?
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue to work on Modest Proposal essay assignment (due Wednesday 2/1).

Day 94:  Friday, January 27, 2017

Standard:

• 2014 MCAS - "The Science Behind Why We Love Ice Cream"
• Check out Student Work from DESE here.
• Today's Objective:
• students will be able to write an open response about a nonfiction informational text.
• Today's Agenda:
• Hand back midterm exam
• Ice Cream Packet
• read, annotate
• complete multiple choice
• 3 talking points for open response
• Review multiple choice
• Examine sample student work from DESE
• Write your own open response
• Tonight's HW:
• Types essay draft for Ms. Schneider due on Monday, 1/30.

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to analyze satirical techniques used in "A Modest Proposal."
• Students will be able to complete Advanced Placement questions about "A Modest Proposal."
• Today's Agenda:
• Do Now:  Modest Proposal Vocabulary
• Review your own original modest proposal assignment (rubric and examples)
• Small Groups:  Complete "A Modest Proposal" group activity questions.
• Large Group:  Review group questions, review structure of the essay
• Individually, complete AP style questions; review with group
• This Weekend's HW:
• Write your own original modest proposal (due Wednesday, February 1)

Day 93:  Thursday, January 26, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to articulate the difference between the satirical techniques of Horace and Juvenal.
• Students will be able to write a poem in the style of Horace or Juvenal.
• Today's Agenda:
• Horatian vs. Juvenalian satire
• Horace Poem - read and review questions
• Juvenal Poem - read and review questions
• Individually, write your own version of a Horace or a Juvenal poem.
• Ticket out:  Share and submit
• Tonight's HW:
• Typed essay draft for Ms. Schneider (due Monday, 1/30)

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to write a poem in the style of Horace and Juvenval (the inventors of satire in Ancient Rome).
• Students will be able to analyze satirical techniques used in Swift's "Modest Proposal."
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit original Horace/Juvenal poems
• Distribute and introduce "Modest Proposal"
• Circle reading:  Begin active reading of "Modest Proposal"
• Small groups:  Continue reading based on large group model
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish reading "A Modest Proposal."  Answer all discussion questions at the end of the packet.

Day 92:  Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To go into nature to explore connections to Thoreau's quotes to write our Walden essay.
• Today's Agenda:
• Background on Walden and Thoreau
• Thoreau Quotes, Essay prompt
• Into the Fells with Ms. Schneider
• Tonight's HW:  
• Typed essay draft for Ms. Schneider due Monday, 1/31.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to tell the differnece between Horatian and Juvenalian satire.
• Today's Agenda:
• Check in with Ms. Schneider on Walden essay
• Horace vs. Juvenal notes
• Read poems
• Answer questions in small groups
• Review questions
• Quiet writing
• Tonight's HW:
• Write your own version of a Horace poem AND a Juvenal poem.

Day 91:  Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Today's Objectives:

• Students will be able to analyze satirical video clips  and identify the major techniques of satire (exaggeration, reversal, incongruity, parody, and irony).

Today's Agenda:

• Mr. Ambrose's Examples:
• Luther the Anger Translator
• Colbert at Congress
• Key and Peele Substitute Teacher
• Student Examples

Tonight's HW:

• Honors:  750-word typed polished draft of Walden Woods essay contest essay
• Standard:  Quarter 2 make-up work

Day 90:  Monday, January 23, 2017

Satire Unit Introduction

Today's Objectives:

• Students will be able to define the term "satire" and provide examples.

Today's Agenda:

• Shrek clip
• Definition of satire
• Will Ferrell as George W. Bush
• Othello Onion article

Tonight's HW:

• Bring in an example of satire to share with the class.
• Make-up work due at the end of the week.
• Honors:  Walden essay draft due Wednesday.

Day 89:  Friday, January 20, 2017

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the skills and literature from the first semester.

Today's Agenda:

• Midterm Exam

This Weekend's HW:

• Prepare for the midterm exams you have on Monday.
• Honors:  Polished draft of Thoreau essay due on Wednesday.

Day 88:  Thursday, January 19, 2017

Standard:

• Review latter three pages of midterm exam review
• Other midterm exam questions
• Review game

Honors:

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to revise their writing for the Thoreau essay contest.

Today's Agenda:

• Revisit the prompt
• Small group round robin revisions
• SHare and workshop

Tonight's HW:

• Prepare for Midterm Exam

Day 87:  Wednesday, January 18, 2017

DOWNLOAD MIDTERM EXAM READING PASSAGE REVIEW PACKET HERE!

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO read, comprehend, and analyze a series of reading passages that will appear on the exam.
• Today's Agenda:
• Read and discuss one excerpt at a time (first three pages)
• Small group review time (complete archetypes and hero's journey graphic organizers)
• Tonight's HW:
• Midterm Exam Friday, 1/20

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO read, comprehend, and analyze a series of excerpts that will appear on the exam.
• Today's Agenda:
• 15 minute reading period to read packet
• Small groups:  analysis, questions, etc.
• Large group Q and A
• Songs!
• Tonight's HW:
• Midterm Exam Friday, 1/20
• Ms. Schneider will be here tomorrow to review Walden essay drafts.

Day 86:  Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To begin to review for our midterm exam.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review list of items on midterm exam:
• Hero's Journey/Monomyth Cylce (Joseph Campbell)
• Beowulf 
• Viking and The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and His Sons
• Othello
• Sonnets (Shakespeare, Spenser, Sidney, Browning)
• Ballads (Amazing Grace, Long Black Veil, Lord Randall, Piano Man, Same Drugs, Bob Dylan Songs)
• MCAS Nonfiction (The Wave, Energy Drinks, The Game of Her Life)
• Other MCAS (Sold, Spartan Creed)
• Small Groups
• Begin to create a review guide of essential points from each of the above topics
• Wrap Up:  Q & A Review on Midterm Exam topics 
• Tonight's HW: 
• Midterm exam on Friday

Honors:  

• Today's Objective:
• Introduce the Walden Woods essay prompt and brainstorm some ideas for the essay.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  5 min. of tree TED Talk (with quote sheet)
• Introduce Walden Woods essay prompt
• Talk briefly about Thoreau and Walden 
• What would make a good essay for the essay prompt?
• Outside:  Observe a tree and free write to write specifically about a tree rather than generically
• Tonight's HW:
• 500 word draft on essay prompt for Wednesday
• Midterm exam on Friday

Day 85:  Friday, January 13, 2017

• Ballad poetry test

Day 84:  Thursday, January 12, 2017

• Present Your Own Songs
• Review For Ballad Test (preview open responses)
• Mr. Ambrose teaches "Same Drugs" by Chance the Rapper
• HW:  Study for test

Day 83:  Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Today's Objectives:

• Review work from subs.
• Review for test.
• Analyze songs.

Today's Agenda:

• Review Merchant of Venice MCAS packet
• Score your open response against samples here.
• Review Scarborough Fair
• Review for Ballad Test
• Your Own Songs

Tonight's HW:

• Prepare for Friday's test (songs and ballads).

Day 82:  Tuesday, January 10, 2017

• Scarborough Fair
• HW:  Review for test

Day 81:  Monday, January 9, 2017

• MCAS Preparation:  Merchant of Venice on MCAS

Day 80:  Friday, January 6, 2017

Standard:

• Turn and Talk re: HW, submit HW
• Hurricane
• Hurricane Video 
• Analyze your own songs
• HW:  Prepare your own song to present to class next week.

Honors:

• Turn and Talk re:  HW, submit HW
• Review PSAT
• Introduce Thoreau essay contest
• HW:  Prepare your own song to present to class next week.

Day 79:  Thursday, January 5, 2017

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to tell what makes a poem a ballad.

Today's Agenda:

• Submit and Review HW
• Dylan on the MCAS
• Lord Randall/Hard Rain
• All Along the Watchtower

Tonight's HW:

• Why was Bob Dylan worthy of winning the Nobel Prize in Literature?  (2 paragraphs)
• Honors:  Additionally, review PSAT score packet and bring in booklet to review in class tomorrow.

Day 78:  Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to tell what makes a poem a ballad.

Today's Agenda:

• Amazing Grace
• Piano Man
• Long Black Veil

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Pick ONE song from today and write ONE PARAGRAPH about the song's theme.
• Honors:  Pick TWO songs from today and write ONE PARAGRAPH EACH about the songs' themes.  Use at least one quote in each.

Day 77:  Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to tell what makes a poem a ballad.

Today's Agenda:

• Ballad Basics
• The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle
• link to lyrics
• link to video
• List all of the ways that this constitutes a ballad poem

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Mark up first two stanzas of "Amazing Grace" using scansion marks.  List all of the ways that "Amazing Grace" constitutes a ballad.
• Honors:  Mark up all stanzas of "Amazing Grace" using scansion marks.  Write an open response about why "Amazing Grace" constitutes a ballad.

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY AND A GREAT BREAK!

After Break:  Ballad Unit

Day 76:  Friday, December 23, 2016

Today's Agenda:

• Present Othello Projects for Extra Credit, then submit
• Finish Othello test
• Read "Be Santa"
• The Grinch

Tonight's HW:

• Happy Holidays!  Have a great vacation!

Day 75:  Thursday, December 22, 2016

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of a Shakespeare play by answering MCAS-style questions.

Today's Agenda:

• Othello Test
• 35 multiple choice questions
• 2 open response questions
• 1 extra credit

Tonight's HW:

• Othello project due tomorrow!

Day 74:  Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to analyze Act 5 of Othello, focusing on Othello as a dynamic character.

Today's Agenda:

• Distribute Q2 Grade Report Sheets
• Act 5 on Video
• 7 Statements on Othello - Dicussion
• Review Test Format
• Small Groups - Touch Base on Projects

Tonight's HW:

• Study for Thursday's Othello test.
• Othello Project due Friday

Day 73:  Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Today's Objective:

• Students will be able to analyze Act 4 of Othello, focusing on Othello as a dynamic character.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand Back Work
• Review Act 4 Summaries from HW
• Standard:  4.1
• Honors:  4.1-4.3
• Act 4 on Video
• Review Act 4 Guiding Questions
• Review Paraphrase of Iago and Othello's Dialogue

Tonight's HW:

• Othello Test on Thursday
• Othello Project (Director's Promptbook) due Friday

Day 72:  Monday, December 19, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to analyze Act 3 of Othello, focusing on Othello as a dynamic character.
• Today's Agenda:
• Hand back work, talk progress reports
• Review 3.1-3.3 sheet (from Thursday)
• Discussion re: scarf as a gift
• Clippage (Act 3 - :46-1:06)
• Questions 3.4 - Othello as a dynamic character
• Tonight's HW:
• Read Othello 4.1
• Write a bullet point summary.
• Use nofearshakespeare.com.

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to explain how Othello functions as a dynamic character in Act 3.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review 3.1-3.3 sheet
• Review notes on 3.3-3.4
• Discussion re: scarf as a gift
• Act 3 on film (:46-1:06)
• Questions 3.4 - Othello as a dynamic character
• Tonight's HW:
• Read Othello, Act 4 (4.1-4.3)
• Write a bullet point summary of each scene.
• Use nofearshakespeare.com.

Day 71:  Thursday, December 15, 2016

All Classes:

• Today's Objectives:
• To assess our understanding of Othello, Acts 1 and 2.
• To read and analyze Othello, Act 3.
• Today's Agenda:
• Collect Globe Writing Contest Forms
• Othello Quiz, Acts 1 and 2
• Standard:  True/False and Open Response
• Honors:  Quote Identification and Explanation
• Review Othello Director's Promptbook Project Rubric (due Friday, 12/23/16)
• Small Groups:  Read 3.1-3.3 and complete handout; review
• Tonight's HW:
• Standard:  Make-up work and revisions
• Honors:  Finish reading Othello 3.3 and write a brief summary of 3.3 and 3.4).

Day 70:  Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to analyze a production of Shakespeare's Othello, with a focus on Iago's character and how he advances his plan.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit HW (character's objective)
• Watch Act 2 on Video
• Complete Othello Act 2 fill-in-the-blank review; review as large group at conclusion of the video
• Small groups:  Daily paraphrase of Iago's 2nd soliloquy
• Tonight's HW:
• Act 1 and 2 Quiz tomorrow.  Study!

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to act out a scene from Othello and compare it to a film version.
• Today's Agenda:
• 2.3 in Round Robin with your assigned groups
• 2.3 (only) on video; discuss
• Tonight's HW:
• Looking Back at Act 2 (and Some of Act 1) handout
• Act 1 and 2 Quiz tomorrow

Day 69:  Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• Explain what Iago's soliloquy reveals about his character.
• Understand a character's objective and superobjective.
• Today's Agenda:
• View Iago's soliloquy on video
• Review paraphrase from HW.  What does this tell us about Iago's character?
• Objective vs. Superobjective
• Begin reading 2.1
• Tonight's HW:
• Select one character from the play.  Write about that character's objective (what he wants in the scene) and superobjective (what he wants by the end of the play).

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• Students will be able to analyze Iago's characterization in Othello.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review 2.1 and discuss objectives (submit HW)
• Small Groups:  Paragraph Iago's soliloquy
• Read briefly 2.2
• Small Groups to plan for 2.3 presentation
• Tonight's HW:
• Prepare your assigned portion of 2.3 for tomorrow.

Day 68:  Monday, December 12, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to compare two interpretations of student work.
• Today's Agenda:
• Finish 1.2; submit HW
• Act 1 on video with guiding questions
• Small groups
• Tonight's HW:
• Complete Iago paraphrase sheet.  (Try using No Fear Shakespeare.)  
• Long Term:
• Othello Test, 12/22
• Othello Project, 12/23

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Students will be able to compare two interpretations of students work.
• Today's Agenda:
• Objectives and Superobjectives
• Iago soliloquy on video; review HW
• Act 1 on video, disuss questions
• Tonight's HW:
• Read 2.1.  (Try using No Fear Shakespeare.)
• Write one paragraph about the character's objective.

Day 67:  Friday, December 9, 2016

Field trip for Mr. Ambrose

Honors HW:  Iago's soliloquy

Day 66:  Thursday, December 8, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• SWBAT explain the characterization of Othello and Iago.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review Writing Contest Categories
• Return to 1.1; Act Out; Review Sheet
• Return to 1.2; Act Out; Review Sheet
• Tonight's HW:
• No HW

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• SWBAT will be able to explain the characterization of Othello and Iago.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review Writing Contest Categories
• Return to 1.1 quotes
• Return to 1.2; Act Out; Review Sheet
• Review 1.3 Questions from Yesterday
• How did Othello and Desdemona's relationship begin?
• What is the judgement that the Duke bestows?
• What is Iago's soliloquy about?
• Hand in sheets from 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3
• Tonight's HW (DUE MONDAY):
• Paraphrase Iago's Soliloquy from 1.3
• Write two-paragraph analysis:
• What does the soliloquy reveal about Iago's character?
• What does the soliloquy reveal about Iago's plan?

Day 65:  Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Download sub plans here.

Day 64:  Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Today's Agenda:

• Today's Objectives:
• SWBAT revise a poem, write a letter for a purpose, and understand the characterization of Othello and Iago.
• Today's Agenda:
• Workshop sonnets with Emma Schneider (remind students about www.artandwriting.org)
• Amnesty International letter writing campaign
• Othello 1.1 (Honors):  Review questions and quotes from 1.1
• Tonight's HW:
• Standard:  Final draft of sonnet for Thursday
• Honors:  Read Othello 1.2 and complete both sides of review sheet 1.2

Day 63:  Monday, December 5, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO understand and explain the theme of REPUTATION in Shakespeare.

Today's Agenda:

• Submit essays
• Distribute Othello books and handouts
• Reputation Activity
• Acting out Othello 1.1

Tonight's HW:

• Honors:  Complete both sides of Othello 1.1 review sheet.
• Standard:  Complete sonnet draft for Ms. Schneider's visit.

Next Week:

• Monday:  Submit essays, introduce Othello
• Tuesday:  Emma visits to work on sonnets, continue Othello
• Wednesday:  Othello on your own 1.3
• Thursday:  Othello Act 1 on film; Act 1 wrap up, Iago's first soliloquy
• Friday:  MCAS Shakespeare

Day 62:  Friday, December 2, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• SWBAT write a long composition about Shakespeare in Love.

Today's Agenda:

• Partner up to share drafts
• Writing Workshop on computers

Tonight's HW:

• Final draft of essay due Monday

Day 61:  Thursday, December 1, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To review Shakespeare in Love qustions and to complete a graphic organizer for the essay.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Read nonfiction excerpt from Shakespeare in Love packet.  Discuss
• Standard - p. 9
• Honors - pp. 3 and 8
• Review Guided Discussion Questions
• Small Groups:  Graphic Organizer
• Standard - MCAS long composition organizer
• Honors - Create your own
• Sample thesis for standard-level essay:  "In the play Shakespeare in Love by Tom Stoppard, ________________ (character's name) learns a lesson about ____________ (bullet point) when _______________________ (something happens that teaches him a lesson).

Tonight's HW:

• Work on draft of your Shakespeare in Love essay

Day 60:  Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To finish Shakespeare in Love and to discuss how we could apply it to our essay prompts.

Today's Agenda:

• Revisit Prompts
• Finish Shakespeare in Love
• Discussion Questions

Tonight's HW:

• Essay draft due Friday, 12.2.2016
• Final draft due Monday, 12.5.2016

Day 59:  Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Shakespeare in Love

Day 58:  Monday, November 28, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Wrap up sonnet quiz
• Begin to watch Shakespeare in Love, about which we will write an MCAS long composition
• Today's Agenda:
• Wrap up sonnet quiz
• Review MCAS long comp prompt (2015)
• Distribute guided viewing questions
• Begin to view Shakespeare in Love
• Tonight's HW:
• Guided questions due Wednesday, 11.30.2016
• MCAS long composition draft due Friday, 12.2.2016
• Final draft due Monday, 12.5.2016

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Wrap up sonnet quiz
• Begin to watch Shakespeare in Love, about which we will write a college-style essay
• Today's Agenda:
• Wrap up sonnet quiz
• Review Shakespeare in Love college prompts
• Begin to view Shakespeare in Love
• Tonight's HW:
• Draft of Shakespeare in Love essay due Friday, 12.2.2016
• Final draft due Monday, 12.5.2016

After Thanksgiving Break:

• Shakespeare in Love
• Othello
• Marlowe and Shakespeare "Diss Track"
• A Room of One's Own (Honors)

Day 57:   Wednesday, November 23, 2016

All Classes:

• Sonnet quiz
• No HW over Thanksgiving break!

Day 56:  Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Standard:

• Sonnet presentations
• Sonnet quiz review

Honors:

• Sidney's Sonnets

Day 55:  Monday, November 21, 2016

Standard:

• A few minutes to confer on presentations
• Sonnet presentations

Honors:

• Confer in groups on sonnet analysis
• Discuss sonnets
• HW:  Open response on your sonnet

Day 54:  Friday, November 18, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To anlayze a sonnet and to work on presentations.
• Today's Agenda:
• Do Now:  Sonnet 116 from MCAS
• Work on laptops on presentations
• Tonight's HW: 
• Finish presentations

Day 53:  Thursday, November 17, 2016

Standard:

• Emma Schneider Outdoor Lesson (Foraging for Metaphors, Day 2)

Honors:

• Emma Schneider and Mr. Ambrose, on gender roles and sonnet 130

Day 52:  Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Standard:

• Emma Schneider Outdoor Lesson (Foraging for Metaphors, Day 1)

Honors:

• Emma Scheider and Mr. Ambrose
• Review Sonnet 18
• Share Original Sonnet Ideas
• Writing Workshop on Sonnet drafts

Day 51:  Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Standard:

• Sonnet 130 Lesson
• HW:  Reflect on the Lesson

Honors:

• Romeo and Juliet clippage (see links on Day 48)
• Review Romeo and Juliet sonnet
• Shakespeare Sonnet Notes
• Sonnet Scramble - Sonnet 18
• Analyze Sonnet 18 - small groups
• HW:  Typed draft of your original sonnet to workshp with Emma

Day 50:  Monday, November 14, 2016

Standard:

• Return to Sonnet 26, collaborative open response from Friday (draft saved on class computer)
• Period 4 Open Response
• Period 5 Open Response
• Shakespeare Sonnet Series Notes
• Other Sonnets from Textbook - Small Groups
• HW:  Answer Sonnet Comprehension Questions

Honors:

• Touch base to share on original sonnet
• Akala Video on Sonnets
• Sonnet Intro PPT
• Romeo and Juliet Sonnet
• HW:  Complete Romeo and Juliet sonnet handout

Day 49:  Thursday, November 10, 2016

Standard:

• Sonnets on the MCAS - writing an open response together - Sonnet 26, Spenser

Honors:

• Emma Schneider (from Tufts) conducts class:  Foraging for Metaphors, Day 2
• Review Sonnet Form in Classroom
• Review Sonnet 73 in Northwest Courtyard
• Break up to write our own metaphors
• Reconvene to share
• HW:  Type your draft of your original sonnet

Day 48:  Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To analyze the main idea of two sonnets, including how the sonnet form contributes meaning to the poem.
• Today's Agenda:
• Romeo and Juliet - Movie Clip 1
• Romeo and Juliet - Movie Clip 2
• Read dialogue aloud
• Review 6 questions
• Sonnet Scramble:  Sonnet 18
• Small Groups:  Figure out the main idea of the sonnet, and how literary devices and sonnet form contribute meaning to the text
• Tonight's HW:
• Write an open response analysis of the sonnet (1-2 paragraphs).  What is the MAIN IDEA of the sonnet and how does the SONNET FORM/STRUCTURE contribute to the main idea.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To look for extended metaphors - in nature and in poetry.
• Today's Agenda:
• Review concept of extended metaphors in class
• Hike into Fells
• Emma Schneider facilitates
• Read and discuss Sonnet 73
• Go into woods to look for extended metaphors to write about challenges
• Return to group to share
• Today's HW:
• 15 minute free write on your extended metaphor

Day 47:  Monday, November 7, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about the basics of the sonnet form.
• Today's Agenda:
• Shakespeare Ted Talk:  Akala from Hip Hop Shakespeare - view and write down 3 things you find interesting, learned about, had questions about, etc.
• Green Eggs and Ham - read to illustrate iambic meter
• Sonnet Notes
• Distribute Romeo and Juliet Sonnet
• Tonight's HW:
• Romeo and Juliet Questions

Honors:

• Chapters 11 and 12 of Grendel (taught by Mikhayla's group)
• HW:  
• Read and annotate Sonnet 73 in preparation for Ms. Schneider's visit.
• Write down 3 challenges you face that you might like to write about.

Day 46:  Friday, November 4, 2016

Standard:

• Submit Make-Up Work
• MCAS Preparation ("Game of Her Life")
• Pre-Reading Skills
• Read Aloud
• Small Groups (multiple choice and open response)
• Submit Response for Ticket Out

Honors:

• Chapter 9 of Grendel (taught by Francesca's group)
• Chapter 10 of Grendel (taught by Harrison's group)
• HW:  Read and take notes on chapters 11 and 12 of Grendel.

Day 45:  Thursday, November 3, 2016

Standard:

• Make-up work
• Finish Exams?
• HW:  Finish make-up work

Honors:

• Chapters 7 and 8 of Grendel (taught by Narmene's group)
• Bonus Time:  Rewrite Unferth's Taunt with new perspective from chatper 6
• HW:  Read and take notes on chapters 9 and 10 of Grendel.

Day 44:  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Today's Objective:

• To assess skills and knowledge from quarter 1.

Today's Agenda:

• Quarter 1 Exam

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Make-up work
• Honors:  Read and take notes on chapters 7 and 8 of Grendel.

Day 43:  Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Standard:

• Questions about quarterly exam
• Opener:  Write 3 things you expect to see in the story of Ragnar and Aslaug on video
• View Episode of Vikings (Season finale of season 1)
• Discuss similarities and differences to original poem
• HW:  Study for exam

Honors:

• Questions about quarterly exam
• Small Groups:  Ch. 5 Grendel discussion questions
• Circle Discussion re:  Chapter 5
• HW:  Study for exam

Day 42:  Monday, October 31, 2016

Standard:

• Hand in outstanding MCAS packets
• Quarterly exam review
• Finish presenting extra credit (Wendy and others)
• Finish reading Ragnar packet
• Reflect on dominant features of Ragnar story in small groups - what would you include in video?  Write a script.
• HW:  Study for quarterly exam

Honors:

• Distribute Quarterly Exam Review
• Chapter 3 of Grendel - Lia and Andrea
• Chapter 4 of Grendel - Kylie and Lauren
• Bonus Time:  Finish MCAS from Friday ("Energy Drinks")
• HW:  Read and take notes on ch. 5 and 6 of Grendel

Day 41:  Friday, October 28, 2016

Annoucements:

• Quarterly Exam, Wednesday, November 2
• Last Day of Quarter, Friday, November 4

Standard:

• Extra Credit:  Share Ragnar Research
• MCAS Packet ("Energy drinks promise edge...")
• No HW

Honors:

• Small Groups to Confer on ch. 1 and 2
• Ch. 1 and 2 Discussion
• Slides re:  Ch. 2
• MCAS Packet
• HW:  Read and take notes on Grendel ch. 3 and 4

Day 40:  Thursday, October 27, 2016

Standard:

Today's Objective:

• To reseearch the mythology of Ragnar.

Today's Agenda:

• How was college fair?  (Extra credit)
• Research on the computers
• Photo Day

Tonight's HW:

• Email the Ragnar research tonight!

Honors:

Today's Objective:

• To analyze Grendel.

Today's Agenda:

• How as college fair?  (Extra credit)
• Small groups:  read and complete ch. 1 organizer
• Photo Day

Tonight's HW:

• Read chapter 2 of Grendel.  Complete graphic organizer.

Day 39:  Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Standard:

Today's Announcements:

• College Fair - Tonight
• Photo Day - Tomorrow

Today's Objective:

• To research the mythology of Ragnar Lothbrok.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Finish reading chapter 3 and read chapter 4 of Ragnar's myth.  (Guided question:  How does Ragnar court Thora?) Annotate.  Discuss.  
• Review Expectations for Ragnar Research Assignment
• Small Groups to Work on Ragnar Research Assignment (due Friday)

Tonight's Standard HW:

• Go to the college fair for extra credit!
• Photo Day Tomorrow - Dress Nicely!
• Ragnar research assignment due Friday (quiz grade).

Honors:

Today's Announcements:

• College Fair - Tonight
• Photo Day - Tomorrow

Today's Objective:

• To introduce the novel Grendel.

Today's Agenda:

• What is Grendel (parallel text) and how will we cover it (ch. 1 and 2 together this week, ch. 3-12 in groups next week, two per day)
• Grendel Introductory PowerPoint
• 12 Signs of the Zodiac
• Grendel Discussion Prep Worksheet
• Distribute Books and Begin Reading Chapter 1

Tonight's Honors HW:

• Go to the college fair for extra credit!
• Photo Day tomorrow - Dress nicely!
• Grendel Lesson Plan Projects due next week.

Day 38:  Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Today's Objective:

• To learn about college.

Today's Agenda:

• Take out 3 questions
• Distribute college fair list
• Presentation on UMass
• Q & A

Day 37:  Monday, October 24, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about Ragnar and to contrast him with Beowulf.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  View Vikings Trailer.  Note three takeaways.
• Circle Reading - chapters 2 and 3 (start of) from Ragnar's epic
• Laptop computers - research Ragnar
• Tonight's HW:
• 3 questions about college - for tomorrow
• 6 slides about Ragnar - for end of class on Wednesday

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To assess our understanding of Beowulf.
• Today's Agenda:
• Beowulf Test
• Complete Rhiannon's Survey
• Tonight's HW:
•  3 questions about college - for tomorrow

On Tap for Next Week:

• Monday, 10.24:  Standard - Ragnar poems, Honors - Beowulf Test
• Tuesday, 10.25:  College Pride Day
• Wednesday, 10.26:  Standard - Ragnar poems and research (laptops reserved), Honors - Introduce Grendel Novel
• Thursday, 10.27:  Photo Day
• Friday, 10.28:  MCAS Preparation

Day 36:  Friday, October 21, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To assess our knowledge of Beowulf.
• Today's Agenda:
• Beowulf Test
• Outside Reading
• Tonight's HW:
• HOMEWORK FREE WEEKEND!

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To review for Beowulf test.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit Beowulf Translation Essays
• "I Wish My Teacher Knew"
• Video
• Handout
• Clippage
• Beowulf and Grendel Trailer
• Beowulf (Animated) Trailer
• Test Review, MCAS Item
• Epic Poems, Kenning Contest
• Tonight's HW:
• Study for Beowulf Test

Day 35:  Thursday, October 20, 2016

Standard:

• Opener:  Beowulf on the MCAS Questions
• Debriefing on PSAT
• Movie discussion, submit questions
• Animated Beowulf - Battle with the Dragon (1:29-1:45) Discuss
• Kenning Contest and Test Review (in small groups)
• HW:  Study for Beowulf Test

Honors:

• Debriefing on PSAT
• Battle with the Fire Dragon, Read Compare/Contrast
• Peer Revisions for Translation Essay
• HW:  Finish Translation Essay

Day 34:  Wednesday, October 19, 2016

• Standard:  PSAT or Make-Up Work
• Honors:  PSAT 

Day 33:  Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Analyze the representation of Beowulf in two mediums.
• Today's Agenda:
• Beowulf and Grendel
• Guided Film Viewing
• Tonight's HW:
• Due Wednesday:  Beowulf Film Viewing Questions
• On Friday:  Beowulf Test

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To prepare for the PSAT.
• To compare/contrast Beowulf's battles.
• Today's Agenda:
• Hand Back Work
• PSAT Practice Test 1, Section 2
• Review PSAT Test Section
• Tonight's HW:
• Due Wednesday:  PSAT Extra Credit (see link on Monday)
• Due Thursday:  Translation Essay Draft
• Due Friday:  Translation Essay

Day 32:  Monday, October 17, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To analyze the representation of Beowulf in two mediums.
• Today's Agenda:
• Beowulf and Grendel:  Guided Film Viewing
• Tonight's HW:
• Due Wednesday:  Beowulf Guided Film Viewing Sheet
• On Friday:  Beowulf Test

Honors:

• Today's Objectives:
• To prepare for the PSAT.
• To compare/contrast Beowulf's first two battles.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  PSAT Practice Test #1. Section 1, 1-19
• Review PSAT Practice Test
• Beowulf Ch. 21-23 (Battle with Grendel's Mom)
• Venn Diagram in Small Groups
• Hand Back Work
• Tonight's HW:
• Due Tuesday:  2 paragraph compare/contrast Beowulf's first two battles
• Due Friday:  Translation Essay

On tap for next week:

• Standard
• Monday - Beowulf film
• Tuesday - Beowulf film
• Wednesday - PSAT
• Thursday - Test review, MCAS Prep style questions, Kenning sheet
• Friday - Beowulf Test
• Honors
• Who wants to teach lessons on Grendel?
• Monday - Beowulf vs. Grendel's Mother
• Tuesday - Beowulf vs. Dragon
• Wednesay - PSAT debrief, touch base on essay
• Thursday - Essay Revision Day
• Friday - Submit Essay, Read some passages from Grendel

Day 31:  Friday, October 14, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on reading comprehension skills.
• Today's Agenda:
• Section 1, #1-28 (pp. 7-17) of PSAT Practice Test 2
• Review and correct
• Ticket Out:  Last night's HW
• This Weekend's Standard HW:
• No HW!  Enjoy the weekend!

Day 30:  Thursday, October 13, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Compare and contrast Beowulf's first two battles with his third.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Exchange your HW with a partner.  Score your partner's work on a 4 point scale.  Give at least 3 bullet points of feedback.
• Share and submit HW
• Read and discuss Beowulf's Battle with the Dragon (pp. 63-70).
• Small Groups:  Venn Diagram to compare/contrast battles
• Tonight's Standard HW:
• 2 paragraph open response comparing and contrasting Beowulf's first two battles with his third.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To analyze why a translator would make particular choices.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  In small groups, share annotations from last night's translation homework.
• Large group:  Report out.
• Round Robin:  Circulate around the room to examine at least two other groups' translations (so that is a total of four).  Make notes of differences.  Identify and discuss salient differences and speculate as to why a choice was made.
• Large group:  Report out again.
• Review essay expectation sheet and rubric
• Begin to write threesis (on your own or in a group)
• Tonight's Honors HW:
• Due Friday 10/14:  Complete section 1 of PSAT packet.
• Due Friday, 10/21:  Beowulf Translation Essay.

Day 29:  Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Compare and contrast the Battle with Grendel to the Battle with Grendel's Mom
• Today's Agenda:
• Review Battle with Grendel Questions
• Read Battle with Grendel's Mom (use text in class)
• Link to Grendel's Mom Excerpt
• Small Groups:  Venn Diagram to Compare/Contrast Battle with Grendel and Battle with Grendel's Mom
• Tonight's Standard HW:
• Write 2 paragraphs - compare/contrast Battle with Grendel and Battle with Grendel's Mom

Honors:  

• Today's Objective:
• To analyze why a translator would make particular choices.
• Today's Agenda:
• Small Groups:  Return to your group from yesterday to finish your retelling of lines 710-730.
• Share Translations.  And talk a little bit about your decisions.
• Old English HW - share your findings.  What did we learn?
• Cool video courtesy of Lia
• Watch video Crazy Beowulf man
• Examine Old English translation and imitative text.
• Small Groups:  Various translations.
• Tonight's Honors HW:
• Begin work on your translation analysis.

Day 28:  Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• Read and analyze the battle with Grendel.
• Today's Agenda:
• Present Unferth Raps
• Pair and share, share with class, submit
• Battle with Grendel
• Read and discuss pp. 23-26
• Small Groups:
• Reading Check 1-8
• Discussion and Analysis 1-6
• Confer with Mr. Ambrose on Project Grades
• Tonight's Standard HW:
• Finish Reading Check 1-8 and Discussion and Analysis 1-6

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• Read and analyze the battle with Grendel.
• Today's Agenda:
• Present Unferth Raps
• Pair and share, share with class, submit
• Battle with Grendel
• Read and discuss ch. 11-12
• Small Groups:
• Battle with Grendel Task:  Rewrite lines 710-730 (ch. 11) in your own words
• Tonight's Honors HW:
• Research Old English translations online.
• Come in with some information to share with the class.

Day 27:  Friday, October 7, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on grammar skills, particularly for PSAT.
• Today's Agenda:
• PSAT section 2, 1-22 on your own
• Read outside reading book when you are done
• Small groups - confer on answers
• Large group - correct and review
• This Weekend's HW:
• Your own version of Unferth's Taunt

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on grammar skills, particularly for PSAT.
• Today's Agenda:
• Small Groups to confer on PSAT HW
• Large Group - Correct and Review
• Outside Reading Time
• This Weekend's HW:
• Your own version of Unferth's Taunt

Day 26:  Thursday, October 6, 2016

Standard:

• Opener:  Add quotes to illustration
• Share:  And return to description of Beowulf
• Read Unferth's Taunt
• Samples of Unferth's Taunt
• Get with a Partner to Write your own version of Unferth's Taunt
• HW:  Unferth's Taunt due Tuesday

Honors:

• Review 4-7
• Ch. 8-9
• Unferth's Taunt Lesson
• Samples of Unferth's Taunt
• Get with Partner to Begin Unferth's Taunt
• HW:  PSAT Packet - section 2
• HW:  Unferth's Taunt due Tuesday

Day 25:  Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Standard:

Today's Objective:

• To be able to explain how Beowulf and Grendel are characterized (directly and indirectly).

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  In small groups, examine your HW (illustration of Grendel).  Find TWO quotes from the text that support your illustration.  Write them on your paper.  Share and submit.
• Continue with reading The Coming of Grendel.  Take notes on inferences.
• On Your Own:  Silently read The Coming of Beowulf
• Small Groups:  Write five bullet points about Beowulf's characterization in your notebook.
• Wrap Up:  Share points on Beowulf's characterization.

Tonight's HW:

• Illustrate Beowulf.

Honors:

Today's Objective:

• To be able to explain how Beowulf and Grendel are characterized (directly and indirectly).

Today's Agenda:

• Angela's Ashes Presentation (John and Kim)
• 5 Groups Present Out
• Germanic Invasion
• Anglo-Saxons
• Christianity
• Anglo-Saxon Literature
• Beowulf
• Small Groups:  Review ch. 1-3
• Circle Discussion:  ch. 1-3

Tonight's HW:

• Read ch. 4-7.  
• Write bullet point notes with citations.

Day 24:  Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To introduce Beowulf and the concept of the comitatus.
• Today's Agenda:
• Tolkien and Comitatus Notes
• Turn and Talk:  Modern Examples of the Comitatus
• Video Clippage from Lord of the Rings
• Read First Two Stanzas of the Coming of Grendel
• Tonight's HW:
• Create a vivid illustration or write a vivid description of the monster Grendel.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about the concept of the comitatus and the historical context for Beowulf.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and Submit Bliss Writing
• Tolkien and Comitatus Notes
• Video Clippage from Lord of the Rings
• Five Groups to Report on Nonfiction Information in Textbook
• Germanic Invasion
• Anglo-Saxons
• Establishment of Christianity
• Anglo-Saxon Literature
• Beowulf
• Distribute Books
• Tonight's HW:
• Read Beowulf, Prologue and Sections 1-3.  
• Write bullet point notes for each section, using appropriate citations.

Day 23:  Monday, October 3, 2016

Both Classes:

• Hero's Journey Unit Test
• HW - HONORS:  Write about your bliss (one page).  What is your bliss?  How did you discover it?  How will you pursue it in the future?
• HW - STANDARD:  No HW

Day 22:  Friday, September 30, 2016

• Wrap up the week  - share and submit HW
• Read - outside reading
• MCAS preparation
• Test Review
• HW:  Study for Hero's Journey Test

Day 21:  Thursday, September 29, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about female villain archetypes.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Read and respond to sheet of Campbell quotes.
• Share and submit HW
• Mr. Ambrose's Examples
• One Tree Hill
• Game of Thrones
• Female Villain Archetypes
• Small Groups:  Brainstorm Examples
• Thursday's HW:
• Write about a film or TV show that uses female villain archetypes.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about female villain archetypes.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Read and respond to excerpt from Campbell
• Share and submit HW
• Mr. Ambrose's Examples
• One Tree Hill
• Game of Thrones
• Female Villain Archetypes
• Small Groups:  Brainstorm Examples
• Thursday's HW:
• Write about a film or TV show that uses female villain archetypes.

Day 20:  Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about villain archetypes.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit HW
• Villain Archetypes
• Tonight's HW:
• Write about a film or TV show that uses male villain archetypes.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To learn about villain archetypes.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share extra credit presentations
• Submit hero's journey essays
• Villain Archetypes
• Tonight's HW:
• Write about a film or TV show that uses male villain achetypes.

Day 19:  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Standard:

• Announcements:
• Register for PSAT by Friday.
• Today's Objective:
• To learn about heroine archetypes.
• Today's Agenda:
• Share and submit HW
• Mr. Ambrose's Examples
• Breakfast Club trailer
• Breakfast Club poster
• Saved by the Bell
• Heroine Archetypes
• Student Presentations
• Tonight's HW:
• Write about a film or TV show that uses heroine archetypes.

Honors:

• Today's Agenda:
• Edit Drafts
• Mr. Ambrose's Examples
• Heroine Archetypes
• Small Groups
• Your Own Examples
• Edit Drafts
• Tonight's HW:
• 5 paragraph essay on hero's journey

Day 18:  Monday, September 26, 2016

Standard

• Announcements:
• Register for PSAT by Friday.
• Today's Objective:
• To learn about heroic archetypes and to brainstorm examples from movies and TV.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Read Campbell Excerpt and Answer Questions; Review
• Heroic Archetypes - Take notes and brainstorm examples with the group
• Hero's Journey presentations for extra credit
• Tonight's HW:
• Write about a movie, TV show, or book that uses the heroic archetypes that we reviewed today.  Write about at least 3.

Honors

• Announcements:
• Register for PSAT by Friday.
• I am happy to loko at drafts of your hero's journey essay today.
• Today's Objective:
• To learn about heroic archetypes and to brainstorm examples from movies and TV.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Read Campbell Excerpt and Answer Questions; Review
• Heroic Archetypes - Take notes and brainstorm examples with the group
• Small Groups:  Write about a movie, TV show, or book that uses the heroic archetypes that we reviewed today.  Hand in for a ticket out the door.
• Tonight's HW:  
• Work on hero's journey essay (due Wednesday).

Day 17:  Friday, September 23, 2016

Standard

• Today's Objective:
• To prepare for MCAS by building reading and writing skills.
• Today's Agenda:
• Opener:  Read "The Wave"
• Small Group
• Writing and Reading
• Projects
• This Weekend's HW:
• No HW

Honors

• Today's Objective:
• To prepare for MCAS by building reading and writing skills.
• And to review the concept of Bliss from the video.
• Today's Agenda:
• Talk about video and bliss
• Small Group:  Complete "The Wave"
• Outside Reading
• This Weekend's HW:
• Work on 5-paragraph essay (due Wednesday)

Day 16:  Thursday, September 22, 2016

Finding Joe Film, Day 2

HW:  Standard project due Friday, Honors essay due Friday

Day 15:  Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Finding Joe Film, Day 1

HW:  Standard project due Friday, Honors essay due Friday

Day 14:  Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on hero's journey project.
• Today's Agenda:
• To library to work on hero's journey project.
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue to work on project (due Friday).

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To present summer reading projects.
• Today's Agenda:
• Project Presentations
• Lia - Book Thief
• Meg - Garcia Girls
• Mya - Wizard
• Ryan - Book Thief
• Kim - Angela's Ashes
• Lauren - Long Way
• Distribute hero's journey essay assignment.
• Tonight's HW:
• Hero's journey 5-paragraph essay (on movie) due Friday.

Day 13:  Monday, September 19, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objective:
• To review expectations for hero's journey project assignment.
• Today's Agenda:
• Submit MCAS open response
• Distribute Hero's Journey presentation assignment
• To library to work on project
• Tonight's HW:
• Continue work on project

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on summer reading project.
• Today's Agenda:
• Work on summer reading project.
• Tonight's HW:
• Be prepared to present tomorrow.

On tap for next week:

• Monday:
• Honors:  Work on summer reading group project, present Tuesday
• Standard:  Suybmit open response, review rubric and expectations for hero's journey project, work on computers or in groups

Day 12:  Friday, September 16, 2016

Standard:

• Read together and annotate "The Spartan Creed"
• chunk into stanzas
• note open response points
• Small groups:
• multiple choice
• plan out open response
• Large group:
• Examine samples of open response
• Discuss talking points
• Outside reading
• HW:  Complete open response paragraph (Due Monday)

Honors:

• Independently complete "The Spartan Creed" packet
• When you are done, do outside reading
• Review "The Spartan Creed" packet and score according to rubric
• Work on summer reading group project
• HW:  Work on summer reading group project (Due Tuesday)

Day 11:  Thursday, September 15, 2016

Standard:

• Today's Objectives:
• To learn about Joseph Campbell's hero's journey model AND
• To apply it to a movie or TV show we know about.
• Today's Agenda:
• Hero's Journey Prezi
• Small Groups to complete graphic organizer
• Tonight's HW:
• Finish graphic organizer.

Honors:

• Today's Objective:
• To work on summer reading project.
• Today's Agenda:
• Small groups to work on summer reading project.
• Tonight's HW:  
• Work on summer reading project.

Day 10:  Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To learn about Joseph Campbell's hero's journey model AND
• To apply it to a movie or TV show we know about.

Today's Agenda:

• Do Now:  Finish completing graphic organizer, steps 1-3
• Hero's Journey Stages (from Prezi)
• Standard - stages 4-8
• Honors - stages 4-12
• Small Groups

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Finish graphic organizer for stages 4-8.
• Honors:  Finish graphic organizer for stages 4-12.  Bring in materials to work on summer reading group project.

Day 9:  Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To learn about Joseph Campbell's hero's journey model AND
• To apply it to a movie or TV show we know about.

Today's Agenda:

• Share (with partner and then class) and submit HW (your personal hero)
• Finding Joe clip
• The Matrix clip
• Notes on Hero's Journey (first five stages - separation)
• Small Groups:  Complete graphic organizer for your favorite movie or TV show (first 3 stages)

Tonight's HW:

• Honors:  Summer Reading Project due Monday, 9/19
• Standard:  Finish first 3 stages of graphic organizer if not completed in class.

Day 8:  Monday, September 12, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To examine some models of good open response writing.
• To introduce our hero's journey unit by examining models of heroes from September 11.

Today's Agenda:

• Score and submit MCAS open responses on "Sold."  Examine student work samples from DOE site as baselines.
• Read Four of a Kind
• Watch The Man in the Red Bandana (14 min.)
• Discuss article and clippage
• Discuss what our definition of a hero is

Tonight's HW:

• Write about who your hero is.  (1/2 - 1 page, preferrably typed, with a photo of your hero on there if possible)

On tap for Monday:

• Review and submit open response for "Sold."  (Examine mentor texts and score)
• 9/11 Readings - Four of a Kind
• 9/11 Video - The Man in the Red Bandana
• What is a hero?
• HW:  One page (typed) on your hero with a photo on the page.

Day 7:  Friday, September 9, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To wrap up the week.
• To prepare for MCAS.
• To read.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener
• Standard:  Present Core Values skits
• Honors:  Work collaboratively on summer reading project.
• MCAS Poem - "Sold"
• Outside Reading - pick a book

Tonight's HW:

• Write a 1-2 paragraph open response for "Sold."  Desccribe how Lakshmi's emotions shift throughout the excerpt.  Support your answer with relevant and specific details from the excerpt.
• Honors:  Continue work on your summer reading project.  Due Monday, 9/19.

Day 6:  Thursday, September 8, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To read and write about our school's core values.
• To create a skit about our school's core values.

Today's Agenda:

• Articles:  Integrity and Critical Thinking
• Read and Respond
• Turn and Talk 
• Discuss
• Quotes:  Core Values
• Journal and Share
• Standard:  Create a skit or a rap about core values
• Honors:  Work on summer reading projects

Today's HW:

• Standard:  Finish skit.
• Honors:  Work on summer reading project.

Day 5:  Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Today's Objective: 

• To complete the marshmallow challenge.
• To reflect on what it teaches us about collaboration and prototypes.

Today's Agenda:

• Rules of the Challenge
• 18 Minutes of Challenge 
• TED Talk 
• Reflection

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Have a great day!
• Honors:  Bring in your summer reading book!  (And have a great day!)

Day 4:  Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Today's Objective:  

• To write an essay about our summer reading book.

Today's Agenda:

• Summer Reading Essay

Tonight's HW:

• Have a great day!

On tap for next week:

• Tuesday, 9.6.16:  Summer Reading Essay 
• Wednesday, 9.7.16:  Marshmallow Challenge
• Thursday, 9.8.16:  Core Values Lessons
• Friday, 9.9.16:  Introducing Typical Friday activities:  MCAS preparation and outside reading

Day 3:  Thursday, September 1, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To write a letter to someone who has made an impact in your life.
• To outline your summer reading essay.

Today's Agenda:

• Lollipop Moments
• View TED Talk:  Lollipop Moment
• Discuss clip
• Write a letter to someone about a Lollipop Moment
• Share letters in small group and then large group
• Summer Reading Essay Planning
• Review how to unpack the prompt
• Revisit Ten Tips from yesterday
• Complete Graphic Oragnize for Essay Writing (independently or in groups)
• Honors:  Record what books were read for summer reading
• Ticket Out:  Hand in Lollipop Moment letter

Tonight's HW:

• Complete graphic organizer outline.  Be prepared to write summer reading essay on Tuesday.

Day 2:  Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To get to know everyone's name.
• To review expectations for essay assignments. 

Today's Agenda:

• Submit Parent Form
• Share Name History and Do Ice-Breakers
• Review MCAS Rubric for Writing
• Review What Mr. Ambrose looks for in an essay
• Distribute and Review Summer Reading Essay Prompts, Graphic Organizer

Tonight's HW (due Tuesday):

• One page outline for your summer reading essay - 3 talking points to support thesis, quotes, etc.

Day 1:  Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Today's Objectives:

• To learn about the course, review the syllabus, and set goals.

Today's Agenda:

• Welcome, Syllabus
• Rita Pierson Mantra
• Accomplished Alumni
• Setting Goals
• Parent Letter, Get to Know You Sheet
• Review Website and Twitter

Tonight's HW:

• Research the meaning/history of your name.  Ask your family members.  Go online.  Find out as much as you can about the signicance of your name.  Write 1-2 paragraphs on this, and be prepared to share it with the class tomorrow.

Relevant Links:

Introductory Material:

English 10 Syllabus

MCAS Rubric for Writing

Ambrose's Ten Tips for Essay Writing 

Graphic Organizer for Essay Writing 

TED Talk:  Lollipop Moment

Hero's Journey Unit:

Hero's Journey Essay and Project

Hero Archetypes

Heroine Archetypes

Villain Archetypes

Villainess Archetypes

Ragnar Research Assignment

Grendel Introductory PowerPoint

Grendel Discussion Prep Worksheet

Sonnet Unit:

Sonnet Notes

Romeo and Juliet Sonnet

Ballad Unit:

Ballad Basics PPT

Ballad of Gilligan's Isle

Satire Unit:

Satire Introductory PPT

Luther the Anger Translator

Colbert at Congress 

Key and Peele Substitute Teacher

Notes on Horace and Juvenal

Modest Proposal vocabulary

Harrison Bergeron Text

Harrison Bergeron Activity

Harrison Bergeron Study Guide

Harrison Bergeron Movie

Rape of the Lock Advanced Questions (AP style)

Rape of the Lock textbook link

John Oliver Satrical Video Links:

• Sarcastic Trump (4:58)
• Australia and Gun Control (6:40)
• Predatory Lending (16:31)
• Wealth Gap (14:09)

MCAS Items Covered:

Long Composition Prompts through the years

General Final Tips for MCAS Success

from 2016

• "Game of Her Life"
• "Speech at the surrender of Japan, ending World War II"
• "Energy drinks promise edge..."
• "Jaws" and "Swimming with Nightmares"

from 2015 

• "Sold"

from 2014

• "The Wave"
• "The Science Behind Why We Love Ice Cream"

from 2013

• "The Spartan Creed"

Quarterly Exam Review

• Midterm Exam Reading Passage Review Booklet

Animal Farm

• Read Like a Writer - chapter 4

Canterbury Tales

• Canterbury Tales Intro PPT
• Chivalric Romance PPT
• Completed T-Chart for Knight's Tale and Miller's Tale