Check back regularly for each day's agenda!

Day 112:  Friday, February 28, 2020

Black History Month

Black History Month Poetry and Readings

Day 111:  Thursday, February 27, 2020

Black History Month

Black History Month Poetry and Readings

Day 110:  Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Black History Month 

Black History Month Poetry and Readings

Day 109:  Tuesday, February 25, 2020

MCAS Preparation

D.B. Cooper exercises

Day 108:  Monday, February 24, 2020

MCAS Preparation

D.B. Cooper exercises

Day 107:  Friday, February 14, 2020

Satire

Today's Objective:

• Students will express their understanding of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Satire Test
• 35 multiple choice questions
• 2 open response questions

Tonight's HW:

• NO HOMEWORK!  ENJOY THE BREAK!

Day 106:  Thursday, February 13, 2020

Satire

Today's Objective:

• Students will review satire concepts to prepare for a test.

Today's Agenda:

• Share Modest Proposal Essays
• Satire Test Review 
• Review Harrison Bergeron Questions
• Small groups:  Complete political cartoon questions and article analysis questions
• Small groups:  Outline your open response for the test

Tonight's HW:

• Study for test!

Day 105:  Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Harrison Bergeron Film and Discussion

Day 104:  Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Harrison Bergeron Reading and Questions

Day 103:  Monday, February 10, 2020

Modest Proposal

Today's Objective:

• Students will compare two works of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Read and annotate War Prayer by Mark Twain.
• Small groups:  Identify theme and satirical techniques.
• Discussion
• Read and discuss "God on our Side"
• Two paragraph ticket out:  Compare themes and techniques of the two works.

Tonight's HW:

• Work on Modest Proposal essay (due Thursday, 2.13).
• Satire unit test on Friday, 2.13.

Day 102:  Friday, February 7, 2020

Modest Proposal

Today's Objective:

• Students will create their own work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Distribute sample Modest Proposal Essay
• Complete graphic organizer
• Work on essay on computers

Tonight's HW:

• Modest Proposal essay due Thurday, 2/13
• Satire Test on Friday, 2/14

Day 101:  Thursday, February 6, 2020

Modest Proposal

Today's Objective:

• Students will create their own work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Distribute sample Modest Proposal Essay
• Complete graphic organizer
• Work on essay on computers

Tonight's HW:

• Modest Proposal essay due Thurday, 2/13
• Satire Test on Friday, 2/14

Day 100:  Wednesday, February 5, 200

Modest Proposal

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn about how to identify a work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Review Modest Proposal Rubric and Assignment and Graphic Organizer
• Check and Review HW (4 Modest Proposal Questions)
• Small Groups:  Brainstorm a societal problem to address

Tonight's HW:

• Work on Modest Proposal Essay (due Thursday, 2/13)

Day 99:  Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Modest Proposal

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn about how to identify a work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• How did report card talk go?
• Read and annotate Modest Proposal in discussion circle

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Answer four questions in Modest Proposal packet.
• Honors:  Same as standard, but use quotes.

Day 98:  Monday, February 3, 2020

Report Card Reflection, Modest Proposal Introduction

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn about how to identify a work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Report Card Reflection
• In-Context Modest Proposal Vocabulary Activity
• Distribute Modest Proposal Text

Tonight's HW:

• Show your guardian your report card and reflect on your performance.

Day 97:  Friday, January 31, 2020

Horatian vs. Juvenalian Satire

Opener: Target Grade Calculations for Q3 and Q4

Return to wrap up agenda from Wednesday, 1.29.2020

Day 96:  Thursday, January 30, 2020

Study

Day 95:  Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Horatian vs. Juvenalian Satire

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn about how to identify a work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Extra Credit Opportunity:  Send writing to The Mantra
• Opener:  Revisit Colbert clip from yesterday
• Notes on Horatian vs. Juvenalian Satire
• Read and discuss Horace and Juvenal poems
• Small groups:  Answer analysis questions
• Wrap up:  Review questions

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Write your own poem in the style of Horace or Juvenal.
• Honors:  Write two poems, one in the style of Horace and one in the style of Juvenal.

Day 94:  Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Student-Selected Examples of Satire

Today's Objective: 

• Students will learn about how to identify a work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Review Othello satire questions
• Student-Selected Satire Examples
• What makes it satire?
• What techniques are used?
• What is the message?
• Mr. Ambrose Satire Examples
• Luther the Anger Translator
• Stephen Colbert Testifies

Tonight's HW:

• No homework, BUT make sure you have submitted your TWO MCAS practice essays.

Day 93:  Monday, January 27, 2020

Introduction to Satire Unit

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn about how to identify a work of satire.

Today's Agenda:

• Satire Introductory Notes
• Shrek scene
• Will Ferrell as George W. Bush
• Othello Celtics Onion article

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Email me a satirical link to share with the class tomorrow.
• Honors:  Same as standard, plus a two-paragraph analysis (message of satire, satirical techniques used).

Day 92:  Friday, January 24, 2020

MCAS In-Class Practice Test 2, Day 3

(Dracula and Station Eleven)

Day 91:  Thursday, January 23, 2020

MCAS In-Class Practice Test 2, Day 2

(Dracula and Station Eleven)

Day 90:  Wednesday, January 22, 2020

MCAS In-Class Practice Test 2, Day 1

(Dracula and Station Eleven)

Day 89:  Tuesday, January 21, 2020

LAST DAY OF QUARTER 2!

Day 88:  Friday, January 17, 2020

MCAS In-Class Practice Test 1, Day 2

(Plastic:  A Toxic Love Story and E-Waste)

Day 87:  Thursday, January 16, 2020

MCAS In-Class Practice Test 1, Day 1

(Plastic:  A Toxic Love Story and E-Waste)

Day 86:  Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Midterm Exam

Day 85:  Tuesday, Januaray 14, 2020

Midterm Exam Review Game (Kahoot!)

Today's Objective:

• Students will create a study guide for Wednesday's midterm exam.

Today's Agenda:

• Review Open Response Questions 
• Play Kahoot! Review Game
• Small Group Review - Plan your open responses.

Tonight's HW:

• Study for midterm exams!

Day 84:  Monday, January 13, 2020

Midterm Exam Review

Today's Objective:

• Students will create a study guide for Wednesday's midterm exam.

Today's Agenda:

• Submit sonnet essay (test grade)
• Small groups:  Create a concrete study guide (on paper) for your midterm exam using notebook and tests

Tonight's HW:

• Study for midterm exams!

Day 83:  Friday, January 10, 2020

Sonnet Test

Today's Objective:

• Students will demondatrate their ability to analyze sonnets.

Today's Agenda:

• Sonnet Test

Tonight's HW:

• Complete Sonnet 130/J. Cole essay assignment.

HW:  Sonnet Essay (J. Cole comparison)

Day 82:  Thursday, January 9, 2020

Sonnets by Other Writers (Spenser, Sidney, Browning)

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn and apply knowledge about the sonnet form.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK essay contest deadline - Thursday at noon
• Shakespearean monologue contest - meeting Thursday at 2:20
• Shakespeare - 29 and 73 - pp. 167-168
• Spenser - 67 and 75 - pp. 156-157
• Sidney - 31 and 39 - p. 159
• Browning - 43

Tonight's HW:

• Sonnet Test on Friday, 1/10.
• Work on Shakespeare/J. Cole essay - due Monday, 1/13.
• Midterm Exam on Wednesday, 1/15.

Day 81:  Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Other Sonnets by Shakespeare

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn and apply knowledge about the sonnet form.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK essay contest deadline - Thursday at noon
• Shakespearean monologue contest - meeting after school on Thursday in Mr. Bowen-Flynn's room
• Sonnet 29
• Sonnet 30
• Sonnet 73
• In small groups, read and analyze sonnets for 10 minutes each (pp. 167-169 in textbook). 
• Answer questions #2, 3, and 4 on page 169 in textbook.

Tonight's HW:

• Sonnet Test on Friday, 1/10.
• Work on Shakespeare/J. Cole essay - due Monday, 1/13.
• Midterm Exam on Wednesday, 1/15.

Day 80:  Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Sonnet 130 (with Dove videos and J. Cole song)

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn and apply knowledge about the sonnet form.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK essay contest deadline - Thursday at noon
• Shakespearean monologue contest - meeting after school on Thursday is Mr. Bowen-Flynn's room
• Hand back work
• Share and submit HW
• Beauty videos and discussion
• Analyze poem - sonnet 130 - ID 8 ways Shakespeare's lover differ sfrom the societal standards of beauty in his time
• J. Cole - "Crooked Smile" - watch video and review essay assignment

Tonight's HW:

• Sonnet Test on Friday, 1/10.
• Work on Shakespeare/J. Cole essay - due Monday, 1/13.
• Midterm Exam on Wednesday, 1/15.

Day 79:  Monday, January 6, 2020

Sonnet 116

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn and apply knowledge about the sonnet form.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK extra credit essay - due:  Thursday, 1/9/2020 at noon
• Shakespearean monologue contest meeting - Thursday, after school in Mr. Bowen-Flynn's room
• Dicuss and submit HW (theme of sonnet 18)
• Revisit John Green video on sonnet 116
• One Tree Hill video
• Read and analyze sonnet 116
• Complete multiple choice questions (sonnet 18 and 116)
• Brainstorm for MCAS open response

Tonight's HW:

• 2 paragraph open response - what would be a good title for sonnet 116 and why?

Day 78:  Friday, January 3, 2020

Sonnet 18, Shakespeare background, and John Green video

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn and apply knowledge about the sonnet form.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK extra credit essay - due:  Thursday, 1/9/2020 at noon
• Pair and share HW (Romeo and Juliet sonnet response), HW check for School Brains, review HW
• Shakespeare Sonnet Background
• John Green Sonnet Video
• Small Groups:  Analyze Sonnet 18

Tonight's HW:

• Write 2 paragraphs - What is the theme of sonnet 18, and how does the sonnet form work to convey this theme?  Use quotes.  Mention literary devices.

Day 77:  Thursday, January 2, 2020

Sonnet Unit Introduction

Today's Objective:

• Students will learn and apply knowledge about the sonnet form.

Today's Agenda:

• MLK extra credit essay - due:  Thursday, 1/9/20 at noon
• Shakespeare and Hip-Hop TED Talk - write down three takeaways and discuss
• Sonnet Introductory Notes
• Romeo and Juliet background knowledge (discuss) and view video 1 and video 2
• Distribute Remeo and Juliet sonnet and questions
• standard - complete for homework
• honors - complete in classs

Tonight's HW:

• Standard - complete Romeo and Juliet sonnet questions
• Honors - write two paragraphs about how the Romeo and Juliet sonnet utilizes a religious motif to convey meaning

Day 76:  Friday, December 20, 2019

Submit Othello essays

Othello Test

Day 75:  Thursday, December 19, 2019

Othello

Today's Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Standard
• Othello on traditional film
• Othello test review (O as a dynamic character, particular passages, short answer prompts)
• Work on Othello essay 
• Honors
• Othello on O film
• Supplemental honors clippage (from Mr. Bowen-Flynn)
• American Moor trailer
• American Moor interview
• Othello test review (O as a dynamic character, particular passages, short answer prompts)
• Work on Othello essay

Tonight's HW:

• Finish Othello essay
• Study for Othello test

Day 74:  Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Othello

Today's Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Progress reports/MLK essay
• Review and submit HW (foreshadowing in the Willow scene)
• Act 5 on film - O (Standard), Othello (Honors)
• Distribute and work on essay prompts

Tonight's HW:

• Work on Othello essay
• Study for Othello test

Day 73:  Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Othello:  Work on foreshadowing and tone response

Day 72:  Monday, December 16, 2019

Othello 4

Today's Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Review Act 3 and 4 packet quetions (submit if you did not hand them to the sub)
• Act 3 and 4 on O video (:26-1:06)
• Foreshadowing and Tone
• Willow Scene

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Write one paragraph about the "Willow scene" and how it foreshadows and sets a tone for Act 5 of the play.
• Honors:  Same as standard, but include 3 quotes.

Day 71:  Friday, December 13, 2019

Work on Act 3 and 4 Handout Packet

(Mr. Ambrose personal day)

Day 70:  Thursday, December 12, 2019

Othello 3.4-4.2 (with DVD)

Today's Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Art and Writing Entries
• Follow the Path of the Handkerchief
• Act 3 and 4 on Video
• Work on Packet

Tonight's HW:

• Complete Act 3 and 4 Packet for Monday, 12/16.

Day 69:  Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Othello 3.1-3.3

Today's Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand back work
• Small groups:  Finish 3.1-3.3 handout
• Review 3.1-3.3 handdout and submit
• Small group tasks
• Review HW (honors only)
• Finish Art and Writing submissions on computer

Tonight's HW:

• Complete Art and Writing Contest Entries

Day 68:  Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Othello Act 1 and 2 Quiz, 3.1-3.3 handout

Today's Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Submit Homework (Act 2 questions)
• Othelllo Act 1 and 2 Quiz
• Correct Quiz
• Work on 3.1-3.3 Handout in Groups

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Complete 3.1-3.3 Handout.
• Honors:  Read and annotate the remainder of Act 3 (3.3 and 3.4).

Day 67:  Monday, December 9, 2019

Othello 2.2 and 2.3

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze Iago's plan and how it impacts Cassio.

Today's Agenda:

• Hand back work and collect work
• Opener:  Paraphrase Iago's 2nd soliloquy
• Act 2 of Othello on film
• modern version - O - :19-:27 (8 min.)
• classic version - Othello - :24-:46 (22 min.)
• Work on fill-in-the-blank handout

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Complete fill-in-the-blank Act 2 handout.  Be ready for quiz tomorrow.
• Honors:  Complete "Looking Back at Act 2 (and some of Act 1)" handout.  Be ready for quiz tomorrow.

Day 66:  Friday, December 6, 2019

Iago's Soliloquy in 1.3 and Othello 2.1

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze Iago's soliloquy and what it reveals about his character.

Today's Agenda:

• Review and submit guided viewing sheet
• Iago's soliloquy
• small group - paraphrase
• large group - review
• Othello 2.1 - if time allow

Tonight's HW:

• Make-up work due Monday, 12/9 (final day for academic cut-off for progress reports)
• Scholastic Art and Writing Awards deadline 12/12

Day 65:  Thursday, December 5, 2019

Today's Objective:

• Students will compare/contrast two interpretations of a literary text.

Today's Agenda:

• Before class:  Submit HW (1.1 and 1.2 review sheets)
• Opener:  modern version of Othello, Act 1 - O (13 min.)
• Note what you reminded you of yesterday's reading.  Discuss.
• Distribute guided viewing sheet
• Classic version of Othello, Act 1 (24 min.)
• Small groups:  Work on questions

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Complete Act 1 guided viewing sheet
• Honors:  Read and respond to Iago's soliloquy at the end of Act 1, scene 3.  ("I hate the Moor...")

Day 64:  Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Today's Objective:

• Students will read Othello and discuss characterization of Iago and Othello.

Today's Agenda:

• Reivew Othello background
• Othello 1.1
• Othello 1.2

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Complete fill-in-the-blank Othello 1.1 and 1.2 handout.
• Honors:  Complete Othello 1.1 an 1.2 quote handout.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

SNOW DAY!

Day 63:  Monday, December 2, 2019

Othello Introduction Activities (Reputation)

Day 62:  Wednesday, 11.27.2019

PEP RALLY!

Day 61:  Tueday, 11.26.2019

Macbeth In-Class Essay (MCAS narrative practice)

Day 60:  Monday, 11.25.2019

Macbeth Test

Day 59:  Friday, 11.22.2019

Period 2 - Macbeth Film Day 2

Period 4 - Assembly

Period 6 - Macbeth Film Day 2

This Weekend's HW:  Study for Macbeth Test

Day 58:  Thursday, 11.21.2019

Period 2 - Macbeth Film Day 1

Period 4 - Macbeth Film Day 2

Period 6 - Macbeth Discussion Questions in small groups

Day 57:  Wednedsay, 11.20.2019

Period 2 - Sandy Hook Assembly

Period 4 - Macbeth Film Day 1

Period 6 - Macbeth Film Day 1 

Use guided viewing packet (available in class only)

Day 56:  Tuesday, 11.19.2019

Read the remainder of Act 5 of MacBeth (scenes 5.6-5.11).

Write a paragraph about what happened in the act and compare it to what you predicted yesterday.

Day 55:  Monday, 11.18.2019

MacBeth, Day 12

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze MacBeth and Lady MacBeth as dynamic characters.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Write and share a prediction about how the play will end.
• 5.1 - watch "Out Damned Spot" scene on video (Patrick Stewart version)
• Answer 4 questions on 4.1-5.1 handout
• Quiet writing - guilt question
• Share summaries of 5.2-5.5
• 5.5 - Macbeth soliloquy
• View Patrick Stewart version
• Answer MCAS questions
• Ticket Out:  How are Lady MacBeth and MacBeth dynamic characters?
• We will check our three pieces of writing from today tomorrow in class.

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  No homework.
• Honors:  Read and annotate MacBeth 5.6-5.11.

Day 54:  Friday, 11.15.2019

MacBeth, Day 11

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze the development of the plot involving MacDuff, Malcolm, and Lady Macbeth.

Today's Agenda:

• Download a handout for today's class here.
• Review Act 4 Summaries
• View 1:34-2:00 of Patrick Stewart MacBeth (25 min.)
• Answer questions on guided viewing sheet
• Small groups:  Close reading of MacDuff's lines
• View 2:00-2:05 on video (6 min.)
• Answer questions on guided viewing sheet
• Review and discuss answers
• Ticket Out:  Submit your prediction about how the play will end.

This Weekend's HW:

• No HW!  Enjoy the weekend!

Day 53:  Thursday, 11.14.2019

MacBeth, Day 10

Today's Objective:

• Students will focus on MacDuff and the witches to perform a close reading as they will do on the MCAS.

Today's Agenda:

• Download the Macbeth 3.5-4.3 handout here.
• Discuss report cards and complete reflection journal for opener.
• Review HW and submit (compare/contrast videos)
• Quietly read 3.5 and 3.6 and answer questions
• Summarize 4.1-4.3
• Small groups:  Respond to MacDuff's quotes
• HONORS:  Why do scholars think 3.5 and 4.1 were not written by Shakespeare?

Tonight's HW:

• One paragraph response on how you think the play will end.

Day 52:  Wednesday, 11.13.2019

MacBeth, Day 9

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze various versions of the famous Banquo's ghost scene from MacBeth.

Today's Agenda:

• Review 3.1-3.3 questions
• Clippage of Banquo's Death - discuss journal
• Summarize 3.4 and complete anticipation guide
• Comparison clippage
• Patrick Stewart
• Ian McKellan
• Michael Fassbender (on Amazon Prime)
• Version 4
• Complete graphic organizer in small groups

Tonight's HW:

• Use graphic organizer to write a 2-paragraph compare/contrast response to today's video clips.
• Honors:  Also complete 3.4 questions

Day 51:  Tuesday, 11.12.2019

MacBeth, Day 8

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze development of plot and character in Act 3 of MacBeth.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Wrap up presentations, return to talk about Banquo's character
• 3.1 Banquo's soliloquy - read and discuss
• 3.1 MacBeth's soliloquy - read and discuss
• How have MacBeth's feelings towards Banquo changed?
• 3.2 Act it out
• What are some doubts that the MacBeths share about their new positions?
• 3.3 Act it out and journal
• How do you feel about the death of Banquo?

Tonigh'ts HW:

• Complete questions for 3.1-3.3 on front side of handout.

Day 50:  Friday, 11.8.2019

MacBeth, Day 7

Today's Objective:

• Students will teach the class and present a vision of a particular scene in MacBeth.

Today's Agenda:

• Roud-Robin Reciprocal Teaching
• MacBeth 1.1
• MacBeth 1.2
• MacBeth 1.3
• MacBeth 1.5
• MacBeth 1.7
• MacBeth 2.1
• MacBeth 2.2

This Weekend's HW:

• No HW!  Enjoy the long weekend!

Day 49:  Thursday, 11.7.2019

MacBeth, Day 6

Today's Objective:

• Students will create a director's notebook online.

Today's Agenda:

• Go see school play for quarter 2 extra credit!
• Hand back work
• Questions about project requirements?
• WORK ON PROJECT!  DUE TOMORROW!
• Grade conferences

Tonight's HW:

• Finish up your director's promptbook presentation.  50-point quiz grade.  To be presented tomorrow.

Day 48:  Wednesday, 11.6.2019

MacBeth, Day 5

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze a soiloquy and create a director's notebook.

Today's Agenda:

• Openers:
• Standard:  Review 1.7 questions
• Honors:  Share HW (1.7 directing ideas)
• Tossing Lines 2.1
• Macbeth's Soliloquy
• Translation
• Video Clip
• Discuss ideas, tone, imagery
• Review requirements for promptbook
• Small groups:  read 2.2 and begin to mark up notebook

Tonight's HW:

• Read 2.2 and work on promptbook group assignment (due Friday)

Day 47:  Monday, 11.4.2019

MacBeth, Day 4

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze a soliloquy as a persuasive argument.

Today's Agenda:

• Review and submit tweets
• What do we all think of Lady MacBeth?
• View 1.7 soliloquy (without text)
• Write down words and impressions
• Verbalizing inner argument
• Answer questions on sheet
• Seduction scene
• Discuss MacBeth and Lady MacBeth's relationship

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  No homework
• Honors:  Make a plan to direct and produce 1.7

Day 46:  Friday, 11.1.2019

MacBeth, Day 3

Day 45:  Thursday, 10.31.2019

MacBeth, Day 2

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze initial lines of MacBeth and make inferences about character, plot, and theme.

Today's Agenda:

• MacBeth 1.1
• Read (Standard - No Fear Shakespeare, Honors - Original)
• 1.1 Clips
• Discuss
• MacBeth 1.2
• Read (Standard - No Fear Shakespeare, Honors - Original)
• 1.2 Clips
• Discuss
• Video Clips
• All Classes - Why do we study MacBeth?
• Honors - 1.2 Close Reading Analysis
• In small groups, work on 1.1 and 1.2 analysis questions

Tonight's HW:

• Work on Beowulf extra credit project (due tomorrow)
• Work on any make-up work and revisions (due tomorrow)

Day 44:  Wednesday, 10.30.2019

MacBeth, Day 1

Opener:  Share and submit Ragnar poetry homework

Today's Objective:

• Students will analyze initial lines of Shakespeare's MacBeth, making inferences about character, plot, and theme.

Today's Agenda:

• Opener:  Journal
• Has there ever been a time in your life when someone told you that something improbable would happen and it did?  
• Did the fact that the event was "predicted" cause you to behave differently than you would have otherwise and make it more likely for the event to occur?
• Or did the event simply seem to occur without any assistance from you?
• Students write and share.
• Discuss how this relates to plot of MacBeth (self-fulfilling prophecy, etc.)
• Tossing Lines
• Distribute select lines from MacBeth
• Have different students read aloud in circle and discuss meaning, making inferences about character, plot, and theme.
• Actors' Circle and Read Around 1.3.1-112 
• Students volunteer to read parts.Read around once, taking note of what you don't understand and asking specific questions
• Discuss what's happening in the scene, piece things together, answer questions
• Stand it up - read it again, but moving around and with more emphasis
• Discuss how MacBeth and Banquo react to the witches.  Are they confident or fearful?  How do you know?

Tonight's HW:

• Fill out Kindle permission form.

Day 43:  Tuesday, 10.29.2019

Standard: 

• Review Ragnar Guided Viewing Sheet.  Submit.
• Read and discuss Chapter V (meeting with Aslaugh)
• Read and discuss Ragnar's Death Song
• Ragnar's Death Video Clip
• Write your own Ragnar Story

• Pick either the scene with Aslaugh or the death scene
• Write it in your own words, in your own style
• Try to use kennings and rhyme scheme
• Shoot for 20 lines

Honors:

• Ragnar Research presentations

Tonight's HW:

• Finish your own Ragnar poem.
• Work on Beowulf extra credit.  (Last day of the quarter is Friday, November 1.)

Day 42:  Monday, 10.28.2019

Vikings episode:  All Change

Guided Viewing Sheet

Day 41:  Friday, 10.25.2019

Agenda:

• Reciprocal Teaching:  Ragnar Research
• Ragnar Reading Packet

This Weekend's HW:

• Work on Beowulf extra credit project

Day 40:  Thursday, 10.24.2019

Period 2:

• Ragnar Research Presentations (quiz grade)

Period 4:

• Beowulf Test

Period 6:

• Finish Ragnar Presentations
• Read and annotate excerpt from Ragnar

Day 39:  Wednesday, 10.23.2019

Work on Ragnar Research

Day 38:  Tuesday, 10.22.2019

College Pride Presentation and Q & A

Introduce Ragnar Research Assignment

Work on Ragnar Research Assignment

Day 37:  Monday, 10.21.2019

Agenda:

• Periods 2 and 6:
• Beowulf test
• Submit film guided viewing questions
• Submit kennings extra credit
• Distribute extra credit Beowulf project (due on last day of the quarter)
• Period 4:
• Guest speaker:  Poet Richard Blanco

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Bring in quetions about college.
• Honors:  Bring in questions about college.  EMAIL me Beowulf translation essay.

Day 36:  Friday, 10.18.2019

Beowulf and Grendel movie (with guided viewing sheet)

Kennings and Test Review 

Day 35:  Thursday, 10.17.2019

Photo Day!

Beowulf and Grendel movie

Work on Guided Viewing Questions for Film

Curriculum Focus Standard:

• RL.9-10.7
• Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment.

Day 34:  Wednesday, 10.16.2019

Theme:  PSAT Diagnostic

Agenda:

• STANDARD
• Some students are taking 2019 PSAT.
• Other students are completing 2018 PSAT:
• Section 1 - #1-28 (suggested time:  30 minutes)
• Section 2 - #1-22 (suggested time:  20 minutes)
• HONORS
• Debrief on today's PSAT
• Students who did not take official 2019 PSAT this morning should complete Standard 2018 PSAT exercises
• Work on laptops on Beowulf translation essay

Tonight's HW:

• Standard - No homework
• Honors - Work on Beowulf translation essay

Day 33:  Tuesday, 10.15.2019

Theme:  Section 2 of PSAT practice test

Agenda:

• STANDARD
• PSAT Practice Section 2 - 35 minutes
• Review answers
• HONORS
• Check PSAT HW (20 points)
• Confer on PSAT questions in groups
• Review section 2 
• Review section 4

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  No HW
• Honors:  Get a good night's sleep for PSAT.  Be prepared to work on Beowulf translation essay in class tomorrow.

Day 32:  Friday, 10.11.2019

Theme:  PSAT Preparation

Agenda:

• STANDARD
• Share and submit HW (2 paragraphs on the battle with the dragon vs. other battles)
• PSAT practice - selections from section 1
• Strategies
• Read Aloud
• Work Independently (or with partner)
• Review answers
• HONORS
• Check annotations HW from the other night
• Check PSAT HW (section 1)
• Confer on questions from HW
• Review section 1 (and section 3)

This Weekend's HW:

• Standard - No HW (but if you are taking PSAT, complete section 1 of practice booklet)
• Honors - Complete section 2 of practice booklet

Day 31:  Thursday, 10.10.2019

Theme:  Battle with Dragon

Agenda:

• STANDARD
• Register for PSAT by Friday!
• Progress reports - take them out, reflect, write a concrete plan (at least three bullet points) for how you will improve over the next 15 days
• Share and submit HW (2 paragraph compare/contrast); highlight strengths and areas in need of improvement
• Battle with the Dragon
• Read aloud
• Discuss
• Clippage
• With a partner...
• Complete MCAS questions on Battle with Dragon
• Create a T-chart to compare the battle with the dragon to Beowulf's other two battles
• HONORS
• Standard agenda PLUS Beowulf translation exercise
• Review yesterday's translations
• Add a few more translations to compare

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  two paragraphs - compare Beowulf's final battle to his previous two battles
• Honors:  Complete section 1 of PSAT practice booklet (60 min.) by Friday.  (Optional:  Complete section 3 as well.)

Day 30:  Wednesday, 10.9.2019

Theme:  Battle with Grendel's Mom

Agenda:

• STANDARD
• Register for PSAT by Friday!
• Progress reports - going home tomorrow
• Homework review and check (pp. 29, 1-8)
• Quietly read and annotate "Battle with Grendel's Mother."  Use strategies we have discussed.
• Review reading - questions, difficult passages, chunk up the text
• With partner, complete T-chart to compare/contrast Beowulf's two battles thus far
• HONORS
• Standard agenda PLUS Beowulf translation exercise

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Write 2 paragraphs comparing/contrasting Beowulf's two battles thus far.
• Honors:  Complete Section 1 of PSAT practice booklet (60 minutes) by Friday, 10.11.

Day 29:  Tuesday, 10.8.2019

Theme:  Battle with Grendel

Agenda:

• STANDARD
• Register for PSAT - $17, 10/16
• Period 4 - hand back work
• Share and submit HW (your own Unferth's Taunt)
• Clip - How did English evolve?
• write down three takeaways and discuss
• Clip - Beowulf in Old English
• Read Battle with Grendel
• Identify alliteration
• Small group:  Work on Beowulf questions (p. 29, #1-8)
• HONORS
• Standard agenda PLUS translation exercise

Tonight's HW:

• Standard:  Complete Beowulf questions (p. 29, #1-8)
• Honors:  Annotate Beowulf translations to identify differences

Day 28:  Monday, 10.7.2019

Theme:  Unferth's Taunt

Agenda:

• Register for PSAT - $17, 10/16
• Period 2 - hand back work
• Share and discuss HW (characterization of Beowulf and Grendel as foils)
• Read and discuss "Unferth's Taunt" (pp. 19-23)
• What is Unferth's Taunt?
• What is Beowulf's Boast?
• What is the role of women in Viking culture as demonstrated by Queen Welthow?
• Share example of Unferth's Taunt assignment (from John Coakley)
• Work on your own taunt with a partner

Tonight's HW:

• Write your own modernized version of Unferth's Taunt or Beowulf's Boast.  Try to rhyme.  Shoot for 16-20 lines.

Day 27:  Friday, 10.4.2019

Agenda:

• Review characteristics of the epic
• Literary Term:  Foil
• Read The Coming of Grendel
• Read The Coming of Beowulf
• Small Groups:  Create T-chart to compare/contrast Grendel and Beowulf

This Weekend's HW:

• Write 2 paragraphs about the characterization of Grendel and Beowulf.
• Honors challenge:  Include 2 quotes per paragraph.
• Extra credit opportunity:  Draw the characters.

Day 26:  Thursday, 10.3.2019

Mr. Ambrose out sick

Day 25:  Wednesday, 10.2.2019

Mr. Ambrose out sick

Day 24:  Tuesday, 10.1.2019

Mr. Ambrose out sick

Day 23:  Monday, 9.30.2019

Agenda:

• Announcements
• grades close on 10/1
• progress reports 10/10
• PSAT 10/17 - $17 to Ms. Pierre-Paul this week
• Beowulf Notes
• Beowulf Clips (watch this link and the two that follow)
• Discuss:  How does this scene illustrate the idea of the comitatus?
• Small groups:  What is a modern-day example of the comitatus?
• Bonus time:  Share Bliss essays, present Hero projects

Tonight's Homework:

• Shana Tova!
• Make sure all make-up work is completed by tomorrow (10/1).

Day 22:  Friday, 9.27.2019

• Work on Bliss essay and summer reading revisions

Day 21:  Thursday, 9.26.2019

• Work on Bliss essay and summer reading revisions

Day 20:  Wednesday, 9.25.2019

• Work on Bliss essay and summer reading revisions

Day 19:  Tuesday, 9.24.2019

Agenda:

• Share LOLLIPOP MOMENT letters
• Submit for credit, give to someone for extra credit
• PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
• For extra credit
• WRITING and REVISING on laptops
• Summer reading essay
• Bliss essay

Tonight's HW:

• Bliss essay due Friday, 9.27.
• Summer reading essay revisions due Friday, 9.27.

Day 18:  Monday, 9.23.2019

Agenda:

• Everyday Leadership TED Talk
• How to Write a Letter Video
• Write a letter to a person who provided you a "lollipop moment" in life.  Shoot for three paragraphs.
• "Lollipop moment" definition:  A moment where someone or something did something that you feel fundamentally made your life better.
• Submit letter.

Tonight's HW:

• Bliss essay due Friday, 9.27.
• Summer reading essay revisions due Friday, 9.27.

Day 17:  Friday, 9.20.2019

Agenda:

• Hand back work
• Climate Change 
• Article and email
• Video about protest
• Videos - Ocean and Home
• Discussion
• Bliss
• Review rubric
• Review questions
• Type on laptops
• Bonus Time:  other presentations

Day 16:  Thursday, 9.19.2019

Agenda:

• Periods 2 and 6 in cafe
• Period 4 works with Ms. Sanford

Day 15:  Wednesday, 9.18.2019

Agenda:

• Hero's Journey Test

No homework tonight!

Day 14:  Tuesday, 9.17.2019

Agenda:

• Opener:  Reading Passages
• Test Review
• Make Quizlet
• Study for Test
• Other Student Presentations

Tonight's HW:

• Prepare for Hero's Journey Test

Day 13:  Monday, 9.16.2019

Agenda:

• Hero's Journey project presentations
• Review and check Finding Joe questions

Tonight's HW:

• Prepare for Hero's Journey Test

Day 12:  Friday, 9.13.2019

Agenda:

• Finish watching Finding Joe documentary
• Work on Finding Joe questions
• Submit Who is your hero?  HW

This Weekend's HW:

• Due Monday, 9.16.2019:
• Hero's Journey project
• Present project on this day for extra credit.
• Due Wednesday, 9.18.2019:
• Hero's Journey Test

Day 11:  Thursday, 9.12.2019

Agenda:

• Start watching Finding Joe documentary
• Work on Finding Joe questions

Tonight's HW:

• Due Monday, 9.16.2019:
• Hero's Journey project
• Present project on this day for extra credit.
• Due Wednesday, 9.18.2019:
• Hero's Journey Test

Day 10:  Wednesday, 9.11.2019

Agenda:

• 9/11 Memories
• United 93 clip
• "Four of a Kind" reading
• "The Man Behind the Red Bandana" video
• Hero definition - brainstorm
• Check last night's HW

Tonight's HW:

• Due Thursday, 9.12.2019:
• Write two paragraphs about who your hero is and why.
• Include a photo for +10 points.
• Due Monday, 9.16.2019:
• Hero's Journey project
• Present project on this day for extra credit.
• Due Wednesday, 9.18.2019:
• Hero's Journey Test

Day 9:  Tuesday, 9.10.2019

Agenda:

• Share Hero Examples
• Student Examples from HW
• Mr. Ambrose's Examples
• Saved by the Bell
• Breakfast Club poster
• Breakfast Club trailer
• Villain Archetypes
• Female Villain Archetypes
• Brainstorm your own examples in groups
• Check HW and enter into School Brains

Tonight's HW:

• Due Wednesday, 9.11.2019:
• Write about a movie, TV show, or work of literature that uses VILLAIN archetypes.  
• Identify at least three archetypes present and explain how the characters repreent them.
• Monday, 9.16.2019:
• Hero's Journey Project due
• Present on this day for +10 extra credit
• Wednesday, 9.18.2019
• Hero's Journey Test

Day 8:  Monday, 9.9.2019

Agenda:

• Hero Archetypes
• Heroine Archetypes
• Brainstorm your own examples in groups

Tonight's HW:

• Write about a movie, TV show, or work of literature that uses archetypes.  
• Identify at least three archetypes present and explain how the characters represent them.

Day 7:  Friday, 9.6.2019

Agenda:

• Check graphic organizer homework
• Review Hero's Journey project assignment
• Work on laptops on Hero's Journey assignment

Long-term HW:

• Work on Hero's Journey project.  (Due Monday, 9.16.2019.  Submit via Google Drive.)

Day 6:  Thursday, 9.5.2019

Agenda:

• Questions from yesterday
• "Return" stage of the journey
• Additional Video Clips:
• E.T. Bike Scene
• Goonies Elixir Scene
• Prison Break Season 1 Trailer
• Share and work on graphic organizer

Tonight's HW:

• Complete blocks 9-12 of the hero's journey graphic organizer

Day 5:  Wednesday, 9.4.2019

Agenda:

• Questions from yesterday
• "Initiation" stage of the journey
• Share and work on graphic organizer

Tonight's HW:

• Complete blocks 5-8 of the hero's journey graphic organizer.

Day 4:  Tuesday, 9.3.2019

Agenda:

• What do you know about the hero's journey?
• Two video clips
• Finding Joe documentary trailer
• Matrix and the Monomyth analysis
• The "Separation Stage" of the journey

Tonight's HW:

• Complete the first four blocks of the hero's journey graphic organizer.

Day 3:  Thursday, 8.29.2019

Agenda:

• Summer Reading In-Class Essay
• write 5 paragraphs
• quiz grade

Tonight's HW:

• No homework for the weekend!

Day 2:  Wednesday, 8.28.2019

Agenda:

• Collect parent/guardian forms
• Collect surveys
• Share name history (and submit HW)
• Review summer reading essay prompts

Homework:

• Prepare for tomorrow's in-class summer reading essay by completing graphic organizer.

Day 1:  Tuesday, 8.27.2019

Agenda:

• Goals
• Syllabus
• Survey

Homework:

• Write one paragraph about the history/meaning of your name.
• Get parent form signed.

Upcoming:

• Summer reading in-class essay on Thursday, 8.28.2019

Click on the English 10 Unit Plans link to find more information (including downloadable handouts and presentations) for each of the following units:

• English 10 Introductory Material
• Hero's Journey Unit
• Beowulf (and Ragnar)
• PSAT Preparation
• MacBeth
• Othello
• Sonnets
• Satire