Daily Assignments

Friday, June 19, 2009

Final Exam Review

Handback corrected papers

Students submit outstanding work

Review format of final exa

• 100 multiple choice questions, covering our major units of study throughout the year:
  • Grapes of Wrath
  • The Great Gatsby
  • Walden
  • To KillaMockingbird
  • As I Lay Dying
  • Ethan Frome
  • American Short Stories
  • The Jungle
  • Hamlet
  • SAT Preparation

Downloadfinal exam review game here!

Homework:

Prepare for final exam.

Complete brief technology survey forour grant.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

FinalExam Review

Get into small groups and review yourbinder to create a studyguide for next week's final exam.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Period 2: "Chicago" byCarl Sandberg

See yesterday's lesson plans

Period 5: Walt Whitman Poetry

Review anddiscuss brief biography of Whitman

Read and analyze Whitman's poetry

• "I Hear America Sing"
• "When IHeard the Learn'dAstronomer"

Write abrief poem in the style of Whitman orSandberg

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Period 2: Junior Class Assembly

Period 5: "Chicago" by Carl Sandberg

Journal: Examine photos of industrial Chicago

• Write adjectives and phrases you would use to describe this city.

Carl Sandbergbackground

• (Read and discuss biography from Glencoe textbook.)"Chicago" by Carl Sandberg
• Read and discuss
• Review literary and rhetorical devices
• Use Glencoe textbook

Write your own version of "Chicago," modeled after Sandberg's piece (perhaps "Medford" or "Boston")

• Begin with about five lines of epitaphs
• Continue with five lines of "I know why the criticism is true
• Continue with five to ten lines about the city's greatness
• Wrap up with why you take pride in the epitaphs associated with your city

HW: Wrap up the final version of your "Chicago" poem

Be sure you have submitted your short story!

Monday,June 15, 2009

Snapshots

Discuss "Tearaway Burkus andTinplate Menorahs"

Peer Edit Short Stories

HW: Wrap up final short story.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Snapshots

Discuss "Revelation" (based on Blackboard discussion)

Download discusion questions for "Revelation" here.

Writer's Workshop: Slowing Down the Moment

Begin reading "Tearaway Burkas and Tinplate Menorahs" by Al Franken

HW: Polish the short story draft of your choice. Your story should be based on one of the following:

• Snapshot Freewrite
• "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaide
• "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker
• "A & P" by John Updike
• "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed" by John Irving
• "Why I Live at the P.O." by Eudora Welty
• "Revelation" by Flannery O'Connor

Your short story will be scored according to this rubric.

Finish reading "Tearaway Burkas"

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Snapshots

Discuss "What Writing Is" (based on Blackboard)

Share writing ("A&P" and "P.O." model pieces)

A Little Background on Flannery O'Connor

Beginreading anddiscussing "Revelation"

HW: Finish reading "Revelation"

PosttoBlackboard online learning community

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Snapshots

Discuss "Trying to SavePiggySneed" (see Blackboard)

FreeWrite: In the style of either Eudora Welty's "Why I Live at the P.O." or John Irving's "TryingtoSave PiggySneed," write your own crazy family story or why you are a writer story.

Share rough drafts of these stories with partners, in small groups, or with the large group.

Begin reading "What Writing Is" by Stephen King.

HW: Finish reading "Why Writing Is." Write a response to this piece on the Blackboard discussion group.

Work on your rough draft of your "P.O." or "Sneed" model piece.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

'Why I Live at the P.O" Discussion

BeginReading "Trying to Save PiggySneed"

HW: Finish reading "Trying to Save Piggy Sneed."

Post to Blackboard online discussion group.

Write your own rough piece in the style of John Irving.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Share and submit "A & P" Vignettes

Discuss "Awaiting Orders"

• What makes this story "work"?

Begin reading "Why I Live at the P.O."

HW: Finish reading "Why I Live at the P.O."

Write a letter from one of the characters to the narrator of the story.

Friday, June 5, 2009

SAT Preparation Activity with Substitute

HW: See Thursday, June 4

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Share and submit "A&P" coming-of-age vignettes.

Download a copy of Mr. Ambrose's version of the homework assignment here!

Pair and share or large group: Discuss the elements of John Updike'swriting that you were attempting to mimic with this piece.

Discuss "A&P." (UseBlackboard discussion as a catalyst.)

Begin reading and discussing "Awaiting Orders" by Tobias Wolff. (This piece is from The New Yorker, one of the magazines that I would strongly encourage you to check out if you are looking to improve your SAT score.)

HW: Finish reading "Awaiting Orders." Write about what elements of the story you think "make it work." Respond on Blackboard discussion group.

Wednesday, June3, 2009

Share and submit "Everyday Use" artifact stories.

Downloada copy of Mr. Ambrose'sversion "Everyday Use (for your Grandma'sBowling Balls)" here!

Read anddiscuss"A&P" by John Updike.

HW: Write your owncoming-of-age vignette a la "A&P."

Post to Blackboard discussion group.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

"Everyday Use" Artifact Lesson

Download a copy of the lesson plan here.

HW: Write your own version of "Everyday Use" based on thestory of your artifact. (Remember to use the artifact as a "vehicle" to tell your story.)

Monday, June 1, 2009

Everyday Use:Mirrors and Windows Activity

Everyday Use Discussion

Introduce Artifact Exchange Assignment

HW: Bring in a personal or family "heirloom."

Write a brief synopsis of the story associated with it.

On tap for tomorrow...artifact exchange.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Wrap up literature group presentations

"Girl" Discussion and Lesson

ShareMr. Ambrose's version "Boy" (as a model for HW)

Song Analysis: Jill Scott or Lauryn Hill

HW: Write your own version of "Girl"

Read and annotate "EverydayUse"

Respond to BlackboardDiscussion Forum

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Literature Group Presentations

Share andsubmit HW(Formalize Writing Piece)

Homework:

Read"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid.

Respond to Blackboarddiscussion group.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

ACTReadingComprehension Practice Packet

HW: Formalize your in-class writing piece fromTuesday.

Tuesday, May 26,2009

Don't forget to submit 3-5 page essays today!

Introduce Short Story Unit

Review Syllabus andReading List

Introductory PowerPoint and Writing Activities

HW: Formalize your in-class writing piece. (Due Thurs.)

Finalize your group project if you have not already done so.

Tuesday, May 19-Friday, May 22

Laptop work on Projects & Essays

Anthem Essay Prompts

AnthemProjects

Anthem Ch. 10-12 Discussion andActivities

Crucible Essay Prompt

Hemingway Essay Prompt

HW: Work on projects and essays

Monday, May 18, 2009

Anthem

Chapters 7-9 Discussion and Activities

ReviewEssay Prompts and Begin Brainstorming

HW: Finish reading the book. Respond to Blackboard.

The Crucible

Literary Circle Discussion (based assigned roles)

Act 4 Discussion Questions

ReviewEssay Prompts and Begin Brainstorming

HW:Finish discussion questions.

Friday, May 15, 2009

SAT Preparation

Review Sentence-Completion Strategies

The College Board:10 SATs, second edition

• Complete pp. 38-40, #16-30
• Complete pp. 46-50, #1-50

Review questions and answers

(Perhaps assign each student a number- or2 - and have themexplain why theychose the answer they did...provided of course that it is correct.)

Tonight'sHomework

Reading assignments from Thursday, May 14

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Anthem

Share and discuss visual representations from yesterday

Chapter 5 and 6 Discussion Questions

• "Invictus"
• Plot
• Symbolism

HW: Read chapters 7-9. Post on Blackboard

The Crucible

Student-directed literature circle discussion on Act 3

• Use role sheets assigned for homework yesterday

HW: Read act 4. Complete assigned literature circle role sheet.

Hemingway

Student-directed literature circle discussion onIn OurTime stories

Journal (if time allows): Try mimicking the style of Hemingway's writing by telling a simple narrative of something that happened to you this week.

HW:Students will agree on four stories to read for next meeting. Each student will prepare a different story for discussion.

All the President's Men

Create a timeline of the events of the story so far.

Begin brainstorming potential topics for news story project.

HW: Read chapters 6 and 7. Take copious notes.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Anthem

Chapter 3 and4 Discussion Questions

Create a visual representation of the world of Anthemby clipping photos and text frommagazines

HW: Read chapters 5 and6. Post to Blackboard.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Anthem

Chapter 1 and2 Discussion and Activities

All the President's Men

Chapter 2 and 3 Discussion

Read and React:Washington PostWatergate article

Hemingway

Discussion

• "Hills LikeWhite Elephants"
• "In AnotherCountry"
• "The Killers"

With Literature Circle Roles

• Passage Master
• Author Authority
• Have-in-Common Connector
• Wordsmith

The Crucible

Act 2 Journal and Discussion

Act 2 Study Guide Questions

Brainstorm Modern-Day Witch Hunts for our Own Allegory Project

Monday, May 11, 2009

Anthem

See plans for Thursday, May 7

HW: Read chapter 2. Post on Blackboard.

All the President's Men

See plans for Thursday, May 7

HW: Read chapter 3. Answer chapter 2 and 3 discussion questions on handout.

The Crucible

Act 1 Discussion

Analysis of the Work as an allegory

HW: Read Act 2. Write notes and discussion questions.

Hemingway

Traits of Hemingway's short stories

Elements of the short story

Discussion on "A Day's Wait" and "Old Man at the Bridge"

HW: Read "The Killers,""Hills like White Elephants," and "In Another Country." Write notes and discussion questions.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Period 2

Eastern Nazarene College- Cassie Ferragamo

Northeastern University- Patrice and Jasmyn

SAT 2 Subject Test: Literature

SAT 2 Subject Test: Literature Quizdom Review

Period 5

Penn State - Steve

SAT 2 Subject Test: Literature

Read aloud in book groups

Tonight's Homework

Crucible: Finish Act 1

Hemingway: Read 3 more stories

Anthem: Read chapters 2 and 3

All the President's Men: Read chapter 3

For all, take copious notes and write analysis questions.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Period 2: Literature Groups

All the Presidents' Men Chapter 1

Carousel Discussion

PowerPoint with Background Information

Discussion Questions: Chapter 1

Tonight's Homework:

Review chapter 2 (which you should have already read) and read chapter 3. Take copious notes, and post and respond to discussion questions online.

Anthem

Downloada copy of the lesson here.

No more names, just numbers

Journal and Discussion

Tenets of Objectivism

Discussion on Chapter 1

The Crucible

Download a copy of the lesson here.

Period 5: College Presentations

Kelly Nguyen - WPI

Bethany Kong - William and Mary

Anna Owen - Framingham State

Kayla Haskard - Endicott

Sara Sada - WNEC

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

College Presentations

Period 2

Samantha Vaughan - Pace

Matt Silkes and Chelsea Hanson - St. Anselm

Nick Bates - UMass Lowell

Elliot Grunwald - Regis College/Lawrence Memorial

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

College Presentations

Period 2

Haylee Herman-Haase - Cazenovia

Kiley Callahan - Notre Dame

Maria Voci - Wellesley

Period 5

Jimmy Nguyen - Bowdoin

Jared Mello - Temple

Betsy Petrone - Bridgewater State

Erin Kelley - Hampshire

Monday, May 4, 2009

College Presentations

Period 2

Endicott, Mackenzie Flynn

Framingham State, Lindsey Mills

Duke, SteveMortell

Springfield, AudreyFarenga

Bridgewater State, Katlund Iandosca

UNH, Larry Bateman

Period 5

Brian Porreca, Chapman

Nima Jama, Suffolk

Max Romano,UNLV

Friday,May 1, 2009

GSA Day of Silence and Dialogue

Discussion

Statistics fromGLSEN

Breaking Silence the Silence aroundBullying

Today's Agenda

Get some rest for the SAT tomorrow.

Gatherany literary texts you might still have at home.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Today's Agenda

ReviewMr. Ambrose'sSAT Essays (Blackboard site)

Student CollegePresentations

• Period 2:
  • Endicott College:Lauren,Darla, Becca
• Period 5:
  • Syracuse: Dee Cedrone
  • Maryland: Kate Froysa

Tonight's Homework

Go to Blackboard discussion group and comment on at least three essays.

Complete multiple choice reading comprehension and writing packet.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Today's Agenda

College Presentations

• Period 2:
  • Delaware (Christa)
  • Francesca (Quinnipiac)
  • John (UMass Amherst)
• Period5:
  • Assumption College (Kerri)
  • Providence College (Jenn)

Tonight's Homework

Go to Blackboard discussion to comment on 3 SATessays.

Write an essay in response tothe prompt under SAT Essay 2.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Period 2: Assembly

Period 5: SAT Preparation

• Share, grade, and discuss Mr. Ambrose's SAT essays.
• Divide up with partners and score yesterday's essays.
  Heidi Walsh's Northeastern presentation

Tonight's Homework

Be prepared to present your college project tomorrow.

In addition, sign onto the Blackboard discussion group (via www.medford.k12.ma.us) to access an SAT prompt for tonight. Post your response in the form of a discussion strand on Blackboard. (E-mail me at misterambrose@yahoo.com if you have anytechnological issues.)

Monday, April 27, 2009

SAT Essay Writing Lesson

SAT Sample Essays

Tonight's Homework

Wrap up college presentation for Wednesday.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Wrap up Ethan Frome Marriage PPT

Introduce College Research Project

College Research on Laptops

Homework for Break

Ethan Frome Essay

College Research Project

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Ethan Frome Test

Tonight's Homework

Work on Ethan Frome essay

Download Ethan Frome Test Review!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Ethan Frome: Historical Context

Today's Activity

Web links for today's historicalresearch:

An encylopedia article about the historyof marriage

A 19th-century American etiquette book

Marriage and Women from the 19th-century on

A Social History of American Family Life

BritishMarriage Laws Around the Turn of the Century

Marriage and Divorce inPost-Victorian America

Download web linksindocument format here.

Post-research discussion questions.

Tonight's Homework

Prepare for Ethan Frometest for Thursday.

Go toBlackboard discussion group to provide feedback on today's lesson.

Work onEthan Frome essay (due Friday).

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Ethan Frome:An Introduction

Download a copy of today's lesson here.

An Introduction to the Themes of Ethan Frome:

1. Conflicts existing between personal inclinations and group obligations
2. How much control do we have over the choices we make?
3. Is suicide a solution or a "cop out"?
4. People need people
5. How do we now what is true or real?

Tonight's Homework

Read the prologue (pp. 1-17) of Ethan Frome.

Mark your text using multi-colored Post-its.

Post toBlackboard online discussion group.

And a reminder...your final draft of your personal narrative should be submitted to me by tomorrow.

Monday, March, 30, 2009

Third Quarter Exam

For homework, work on your personal narrative. Final draft is due Wednesday.

Download quarterly exam review here.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Vocabulary Quiz (To Kill A Mockingbird)

SAT Quizdom Practice 2

Writer's Workshop: Peer Edit Personal Narratives

Quarter 3 Exam Review

Tonight's Homework

Study for Monday's quarterly exam.

Work on personal narrative, due late next week.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Final Wrap-Up

Period 2

Maria and Elliot's Wrap up of Their Presentation

Period5

Kerri's Group Presentation

Tonight's Homework

Study for vocabulary quiz.

• Download word list for period 2 here.
• Download word list for period 5 here.

Bring in a second draft of your personal narrative.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Ch. 29-31

Period 2

Haylee's Group Presentation

Period 5

Jenn's Group Presentation

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Ch. 27 & 28

Period 2

Cassandra's Group

• Daily Vocabulary
• Opener
• Quizdom Discussion
• Maria's Discussion

Period5

Kate's Group

• Daily Vocabulary
• View and discuss symbolism in the opening scene of the movie
• "The Hurricane" by Bob Dylan
• Prejudice PowerPoint and Discussion

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 29-31 (Finish the book)

Post to online discussion board

Monday, March 23, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Ch. 25 & 26

Period 2

Olivia's GroupPresentation

Period 5

Jimmy's Group Presentation

Vocabulary

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Discussion questions

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 27 & 28

Post twice to the online discussion board

Friday, March 20, 2009

Period 2

SRS SAT Practice Session

Writing Workshop: Positive andNegative Graph

Period5

Group Presentation: Heidi's Group on ch. 23 & 24

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 25 & 26; post to discussionboard

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Period 2

Group Presentation: Kiley's Groupon ch. 23 & 24

Period 5

SRS SAT PracticeSession

Writing Workshop: Positive and Negative Graph

Tonight's Homework:

Rough draft for personal narrative due tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, ch. 21 & 22

Introduce Creative Writing Assignment

In-Context Vocabulary ch. 19-20

Discussion: Chapters21 & 22

Meet with Reciprocal Teaching Groups

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 23 & 24

Post to discussion board online.

Looking ahead...

Thursday 3.19.2009: Reciprocal Teaching

Friday 3.20.2009: SAT Prep and Writer's Workshop

Monday 3.23 - Thursday 3.26: Reciprocal Teaching

Friday 3.27.2009: Mockingbird Objective Test

Monday 3.30.2009: Creative Writing pieces completed

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To Kill A Mockingbird, ch. 19 & 20

Monday, March 16, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, ch. 17 & 18

PresentRAFT activity fromlast week

In-Context Vocabulary (ch.15 -18)

Last Word Discussion

• Have students take several minutes to independently brainstorm discussion questions in their notebooks.
• Split class into several groups to conduct Last Word discusison based on these questions.

Review Reciprocal Teaching Assignment

Tonight's Homework

ReadToKill A Mockingbird, ch. 19 & 20

Post to discusison board

Friday, March 13, 2009

Around the Horn Discussion Game

Tonight's Homework

ReadTo Kill A Mockingbird, ch. 17 & 18

Postto discussion board

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Vocabulary Quiz 1

RAFT Activity

Tonight's Homework

Read To KilA Mockingbird, ch. 15 & 16

Post to discussion board

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

In-Context Vocabulary (ch. 9-12)

Discussion: Chapters 9-12

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 13 & 14

Post to discussion board

Study for Vocab Quiz

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Read chapters 11 & 12 with subtitute teacher

Tonight's Homework

Post on discussion board (re: ch. 11 & 12)

Monday, March 9, 2009

Read chapters 9 & 10 with substitute teacher

Tonight's Homework

Post on discussion board (re:ch. 9 & 10)

Friday, March 6, 2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Ch. 5 & 6

In-context vocabulary

Mirrors & Windows Activity

Discussion (based on last night's discussion posts)

Tonight's Homework

Final draft of Hamlet essay due Monday

Read To Kill A Mockingbird, chapters 7 & 8

Post on discussion board

Thursday, March 5,2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Ch. 3 &4

Download Mr. Ambrose's notes here.

1. In-context vocabulary
2. Journal: Atticus
3. Discussion (based on last night's discussion posts on the Blackboard online learning community)

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 5 and 6. Post at least twice to the Blackboard discussion board.

Hamlet essays due Friday.

Wednesday,March 4,2009

To Kill A Mockingbird, Ch. 1 & 2

Download Mr. Ambrose's notes here.

1. In-context vocabulary
2. Discussion (based on last night's discussion posts on the Blackboard online learning community)

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 3 and 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Post at least twice to the Blackboard discussion group before 11:00 PM.

Essay on Hamlet due Friday.

Please e-mail me ASAP if you have difficulties accessing the discussion group.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Today's Agenda

Wrap upHamlet presentations

• period 2: Olivia's group
• period5: Nick's group

Review process for logginginto Blackboardonline learning community.

• URL
• login
• password
• how to accessthe class
• how to begin a discussion thread
• how to reply to a discussion thread

Distribute To Kill a Mockingbird novels

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 1 and 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Post at least twice to the Blackboard discussion group before 11:00 PM.

Essay on Hamlet due Friday.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Group presentations for ShakespeareFestival

Monday,2.16 - Thursday, 2.19

Group preparation for Friday's Shakespare Festival

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hamlet Wrap-up, Lesson 21

Final Wrap-up Discussion

1. Questions
2. Answers
3. Hypotheses
4. Character Paper

Download Quizdom questions here!

Tonight's Homework

Character Paper

OnTap for After the Break...

Hamlet Festival Project

Hamlet"Poem Unlimited" Literary Analysis

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Hamlet 5.2, Lesson 20

1. View 5.2 on video.
2. Discuss acting choices.
   1. Follow the poison. Who has it, where is it, who drinks it, and what are its effects?
   2. How important is it for the actors to perfect the sword play?
   3. What is Cludius's reaction toGertrude's death? On what lines does he show this reaction?
   4. How important is Fortinbras? Some directors, like Zefirelli, leave him out entirety.
   5. How important is Horatio? How can a director?

Tonight's Homework

Write 3 questions about the play in your log. These will be the basis for tomorrow's discussion. These questions should go beyond the who, what, when, and where of plot that can be answered by checking the text but should deal with the why of the play.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Hamlet 4.5 and 5.1, Lessons 18 & 19

1. Act 4 Analysis and Discussion (Wrap up student presentations from yesterday.)
2. Film: Watch 2 productions of the film on video.
3. Act or view Gravediggers scene. Discuss.

Tonight's Homework

Read 5.2. Respond in your log.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Hamlet 4, Lesson 17 B

Group presentations on characters assigned for Act 4:

1. Gertrude
2. Claudius
3. Ophelia
4. Laertes

These may vary. Each presentation should include a technological component, such as a video or PowerPoint.

Tonight's Homework

Read 5.1. Respond in your log.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Hamlet 4, Lesson 17 A

Based on the characters assigned for Act 4, students will meet in four groups.

1. Gertrude
2. Claudius
3. Ophelia
4. Laertes

Students will spend the day going over the responses to questions in their logs and decide on a way to present this information to the class.

Your presentation should involve some sort of technological component. We will have access to the laptop computers and digital camera during these days.

Tonight's Homework

Wrap up your group's presentation for tomorrow.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Hamlet 3.4, Lesson 16

The Closet Scene

1. Distribute andreview Character Committees handout
2. Discuss 3.4
   1. What is going on?
   2. What state is Hamlet in?
   3. Gertrude?
   4. Polonius?
   5. How would youpresent the ghost?
   6. How violent would you make Hamlet?
   7. What would you use for the arras Polonius hides behind?
3. View 3.4 on video and discuss.

Tonight's Homework

Read Act 4. Complete a log entry based on the questions on the Character Committee handout.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Hamlet 3.2 & 3.3, Lessons 14 and 15

"IWill Speak Daggers":

Physicalized Speech Presentations

1. View "Mousetrap Scene" on video and discuss
2. Group Meetings
3. Presentations
4. What These Passages Contribute to Character

Tonight's Homework

ReviewHamlet 3.4.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Hamlet

1. Separate students into groups of 4-6 members.
2. Students will act as directors for the "Mousetrap" scene in Hamlet.
3. Your job is to cast the roles of the "Mousetrap" scene using modern-day actors and actresses. List major roles (Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Player King, Player Queen, Player Villain) and explain a brief rationale as to why they selected the modern actor and actress that they did to play each role.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Hamlet 3.2, Lesson 13

"Miching Mallecho": Acting "The Mousetrap"

Split students into four groups:

1. Before the Play
2. The Dumb Show
3. During the Play
4. Following the Play (Claudius's Reaction)

Students present their versions of each section. Discuss.

Tonight's Homework

Read 3.3. and 3.4. Respond in your logs.

Monday,February 2, 2009

Hamlet 3.1, Lesson 12

"Get Thee to a Nunnery":

The Nunnery Scene in Film

1. Nunnery Scene 1
2. Nunnery Scene 2
3. Compare and Contrast

Tonight's Homework

Reread 3.2

Friday, January30, 2009

Hamlet3.1, Lesson 11

"Ha, Ha, AreYou Honest?":The Nunnery Scene

1. Establishing Three Objectives
2. Rehearsing with Objectives in Mind
3. Performance

Tonight's Homework

Read 3.2. Write another log entry.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Hamlet 3.1, Lesson 10

1. Convert the Soliloquy to an Argument
2. Reading with Two Voices
3. Practicingwith Two Groups of Voices
4. Reading with Two Groups of Voices
5. hearing the Choral Reading
6. Discussing the Soliloquy

Tonight's Homework

Reread3.1.Write another log entry.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Hamlet 2.2: Lesson 9

1. Play Hamlet 2.2 on video (Mel Gibson version)
2. Insmall groups, studentscomplete a close reading of Hamlet's solililoquy at the end of the scene.

Tonight's Homework

Read Hamlet3.1. Write in your logs.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Hamlet2.2: Lesson 8

1. Hamlet Attacks Polonius
2. Hamlet AttacksRosencrantz and Guildenstern
3. Exploring the Language in these Scenes
4. Letting Students Loose with Lanugage

Tonight's Homework

Reread Hamlet 2.2. In your journal,note 5-10 ways Hamlet employs literary devices in his speech in this scene.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Today's Agenda

SAT exercises withMr. Vaudo

Tonight's Homework

Read Hamlet 2.2.No need to write in journals due to final exams.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Hamlet, Lesson 7

"Gaming, MyLord": Spies and Informants

1. Determining Polonius's Values
2. Playing the Newly Mad Hamlet
3. Discussion

Tonight's Homework

Read 2.2. No need to write in logs, as it isthe quarterly exam period.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Today's Agenda

Second Quarter Exam

Hamlet Log Check

Tonight's Homework

Read 2.1 and 2.2. No need to write in your log because of exam period.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Hamlet

Today's Agenda

"ICould a Tale Unfold": The Ghost in Performance

1. Performing the Ghost Scene
2. Unfolding the Tale
3. Whither Wilt Thou LeadMe?

Tonight's Homework

Prepare for tomorrow'squarterly exam.

1. Grapes of Wrath
2. As I Lay Dying
3. Walden
4. The Jungle
5. The Great Gatsby
6. Hamlet

Be prepared towrite a short response (1 or 2 paragraphs) to the following questions: How does the work treat thenotion of the American Dream? Based on the work, how would say the author defines theAmericanDream? What sort of commentary does the author offer on the notion of the American Dream via the characters and plot of the story.

Also, be sure to know the name of the author and the approximate publication date of each work.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Hamlet

Today's Agenda

"The Effect of This Good Lesson Keep"

The Second Family - Meet Laertes, Ophelia, and Polonius

1. Improvisations
2. Family Relationships
3. Polonius's Language Clues

Tonight's Homework

Read 1.4 and 1.5 and writein your logs.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Hamlet

Today's Agenda

"It Cannot Come to Good": Hamlet's Mental State

1. Review Homework
2. Planning the Physical
3. Physicalizing the Soliloquy
4. Introduction to ScenePerformance

Tonight's Homework

Read1.3 and respond in your logs.

For Tuesday's class,our assigned acting company students should be prepared to present 1.5.1-98.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Hamlet

Today's Agenda

Hamlet vs. Claudius, 1.2

• Important Questions from the Log Assignment
• Getting the PoliticsRight
• Close Reading of Claudius's Opening Speech
• Looking for the Underlying Thoughts of Hamlet and Claudius

Tonight's Homework

Read Hamlet's soliloquy "O, thatthis too, too sullied flesh" (1.2.133-164) several times and paraphrase it in your log. Note signals in the language that give clues to Hamlet's innermost thoughts - for example, choice of words, construction of phrases, sequence of thought. Does he hide behindpuns as he does with Claudius? What does the antithesis reveal?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Hamlet

Today's Agenda

"The Whisper Goes So," Acting 1.1

• Read Around
• Questions
• Deciding How to Play the Ghost
• Setting the Scene
• Acting the Scene

Tonight's Homework

Read 1.2 and respond in your logs.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Hamlet

Today's Agenda

"The Ratifier and Props of Every Word"

• Establish the Log
• Model Entries
• Write
• Respond

Tonight's Homework

Read 1.1 and respond in your logs.

Friday, January 9, 2009

SAT

Today's Agenda

SAT Practice Test 2, section 3 (pp.132-136)

• Reviewvocabularyattack strategies

Tonight's Homework

Complete final draft of MCAS essay.

Thursday, January 8,2009

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

The Jungle Subjective Test

Tonight's Homework

Work on The Jungle essay.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Wrap-up Carousel Activity

FDA Presentations

Test Review

Peer Edits of Essay

Tonight's Homework

Study for test

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Carousel Activity

Tonight's Homework

Prepare FDA presentation

Monday,January 5, 2009

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Students present muck-raking projects to the class.

Begin Carousel Activity (originally slated for 12.18).

On Tap for this week...

Tuesday: Wrap up Carousel Activity, and have student groups present on Carousel topics. Begin FDA presentations.

Wednesday: Wrap up FDA presentations, discuss Jurgis and Socialism and the impact of the text, peer editrough draft of essay.

Thursday:Jungle Test

Friday: SAT preparation

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Jungle, Chapters 25 and 26

Today's Agenda

Carousel Activity

• Groups take first 12-18 minutesof class to move around from station to station to comment on quotes and questions oneach posterboard. (2-3 minutes per station)
• Latter portion of class is devoted toeach group presenting/summarizing/questioning the discussion oneach discussion board.

Tonight's Homework

Finish FDAPowerPoint slides. Be prepared to present tomorrow.

Read chapters 27 and 28 with a particular focus on Jurgis's attending the Socialist meeting.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Jungle, Chapters 22-24

Today's Agenda

PresentRAFT writing from yesterday's class.

Journal and Discussion: Chapters 22-24

Sharejournals and large group discussion

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 25 and 26.

Continue to work on muck-raking article (due 12/23).

Work on FDA PowerPoint (due 12/19).

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Jungle, chapters 13 and 14

Today's Agenda

Power Vocab of the Day: felicitous, guileless, aggregate, ardor, jocular, ravenous,destitution, sordid

RAFT Activity:Students workin small groups onRAFT activity, and then present writing to the class.

Discussion: Discuss chapters 10-14.

• Marija sews her savings into her clothing, which now weighs her down so that she fears sinking into the mud in the street. (An interesting metaphor for money/capitalism "keeping them down.")
• Capitalism ruins strong, healthy individuals as well as the crippled, weak, adn the old - or at least Sinclair would have us think so.
• The desperate need for sustenance has taken priority over sympathy and love for the characters.

Work on group muck-raking projects

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 15-17.

Work on muck-rakingarticles.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Today's Agenda

Student-facilitated PSATclass

Tonight's Homework

Readchapters 13 and 14 inThe Jungle.
Work on muck-rakingarticles.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Period 2

Muckraking Article Assignment

Tonight's Homework (Period 2)

Prepare PSAT lesson to teach the class on Monday.

Period 5

PSAT Preparation: Students teach the class two questions each from the 2008 PSAT.

Tonight's Homework (Period 5)

Brainstorm ideas for your own muck-raking articles.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Donow! Share and submit HW. (Is it justifiable to misrepresent yourself or otherwise violate ethical codes of conduct in order to get a story that might serve the public's greater good?)

Break outgroups! Divide into groups to represent each of theseethical dilemmas in journalism. In your groups, discuss the ethical concerns of eachwriter, and whether he was entitled to do what he did to get the story.

Return from break-out groups and share your discussion with the class.

Wrap-up We are going to have an assignment in which you write your own expose article/story in thetradition ofSinclairand themuck-rakers.Your final articles will be published on a website that you design. To wrap up class, get with a partner or partners and begin tobrainstorm potential topics.

Tonight's Homework

Tomorrow, being Friday, our focus is SAT.

Each of you will be giventwo questions from the October PSAT, one from section 5 and one from section 1. Your job is to teach the classabout your assigned question, explaining what all the vocabulary words mean and why the rightanswer is the right answer.

Also, now would be a good time to visit www.collegeboard.comto register for the January SAT. Don't forget to do the "student answer service" - I think it is worth the few extra dollars (and so does Dr. K, and he's really the one whoseopinion counts the most).

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Jungle, chapters 9 and 10

Today's Agenda

Donow!Jungle Vocabulary Quiz 1

Food Lion Discussion

Sick Time Discussion

Predatory Mortgage Lending Discussion

Overarching Question: When people don't succeed, is it always their own fault? How should governmental policies reflect this?

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Jungle, chapters 7 and 8

Today's Agenda

Outstanding As I Lay Dying group presentations

Do Now!Journal Entry

• The real estate company's swindling of Jurgis and his family suggests that the capitalism that makes the American Dream possible also paradoxically destroys it.
• Respond to this statement in journal, using evidence from the text, history and your personal life.
• Discuss.

Discussion Questions

• How is the family affected by illness?
• How is the family affected by the winter? How could Sinclair be using this device metaphorically?
• How does the family find solace in music?
• How have Jurgis's views on unions changed? Do you think this is a logical development for him? Is Sinclair saying that we become more cynical as we are exposed to this type of corruption? Do you agree?

Small Groups: Read and Report on Contemporary Articles about Sick Time and Benefits

• Merrill Lynch cuts sick days from 40 to 3

The Jungle Vocabulary List 1 Review (Finally!)

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 9 and 10. Preparefor avocabulary quiz tomorrow.

Friday, December 5, 2008

As I Lay Dying ProjectPresentations

PSAT review (section 5 of 2008 PSAT)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Warm-up: Review Jungle Vocabulary List 1

Discussion: Chapters 5 & 6 (Take five minutes to write your responses in your notebook, and then discuss as a class.)

• How does Jurgis feel about unions?
• How does the workforce continually change hands from one minority group to another?
• What does Grandmother Majauszkiene warn the family about in regards to their home?

Distribute the following articles to small groups:

• Predatory Lenders Target New Asian Immigrants
• Middle Class and Homeless - Unlikely Families Face Foreclosure
• Alabama City Sues Over Predatory Mortgage Lending
• Legislature Unveils Plan to Curb Predatory Lending

Read articles and discuss the following:

• What are the impacts of predatory mortgage lending today?
• How are the lessons that Jurgis learns about housing applicable to the modern day?
• Whose responsibility is it to regulate this lending? The government? The individual citizen?

Tonight's Homework

Be prepared to present your As I Lay Dying projects.

Bring in your PSAT materials for review.

Due Monday: Read chapters 7 and 8 of The Jungle.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Warm-up: Vocabulary Review (1-10)

Read aloud scenes from chapter 3 in which the beef production process is described

• Discussion: Do you think there is any way the audience could still be attentive to the plight of Jurgis and his family after these grotesque descriptions?

Chapter 4 Discussion

Debate: Split class into two sides, and allow time for students to prepare their arguments. Select a moderator to facilitate debate on the following topic. Students should be encouraged to incorporate evidence from the text, as well as historical evidence and personal experience.

• By agreeing to work in conditions that are far from ideal, are workers essentially consenting to the treatment they receive?
  • Jurgis, for example, though not initially aware of all the conditions in his new work environment, soon becomes aware of the conditions, yet continues to do the job anyways.
  • Wal-mart workers, for example, are perhaps aware of the company's policies towards their workers (which are generally unfavorable; for example, they don't allow their workers to unionize), but still choose to work in this environment.

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 5 and 6.

Define vocabulary words 11-20 on vocabulary list 1.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Quick DYRT (Did you read this?) Quiz

• In what city does the story take place?
• From what country have the characters emigrated?
• What are the characters celebrating at the beginning of chapter 1?
• What type of job will Jurgis pursue?

Small Group Discussion: Chapters 1 and 2

Large Group Discussion: Chapters 1 and 2

Read Chapter 3 (through the description of the pork); answer discussion questions.

Distribute Vocabulary List 1

Tonight's Homework

Finish reading chapter 3 and read chapter 4.

Define vocabulary words 1-10.

Don't forget - Friday, we will review PSAT section 1 and present our As I Lay Dying projects.

Monday, December 1, 2008

The Jungle

Today's Agenda

Introduction to Muck-Raking PowerPoint

Since Sinclair's intended focus involved the rights of immigrants, this is where we will begin...

In small groups, brainstorm the following:

• What sorts of hardships do immigrants face when coming to the United States?
• What sorts of services are available to immigrants when they first come to the United States?
• Does our nation truly offer the opportunities of the American Dream, or are there inherent obstacles in achieving this dream?

Share small group findings.

Distribute The Jungle Vocabulary List 1.

Begin reading chapter 1 of The Jungle.

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 1 and 2 of The Jungle.

Define vocabulary list 1.

On Tap for Later in the Week...

On Friday, we'll start to review the PSAT from October, focusing this week on section 1.

Make sure you get your PSAT scores from Guidance and take some time to review your responses to the questions from section 1.

We'll do section 3 on Friday, December 12, and section 5 on Friday, December 19.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Today's Agenda

Metacognitive on your As I Lay Dying Essay

Write a one-page "process piece" in your notebook that analyzes the process of writing your essay, from start to finish. Reflect particularly on your revisions, and how they helped to improve your piece; also, reflect on what you learned from the assignment.

Student Survey

Complete the student survey about what you have enjoyed and what you have learned from in the class so far.

Tonight's Homework

Due Monday: As I Lay Dying project

Feel free to e-mail me questions or drafts over the break.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Today's Agenda

Journal: What has been your experience with peer editting in the past?

Read excerpt from Stephen King's On Writing

Review Common Proofreading Marks

Peer edits of As I Lay Dying Essays

Focus:

• Strong thesis statement, clearly identifiable and written in the active voice.
• Seamless transition from paragraph to paragraph.
• Solid support from the text, in the form of paraphrase and direct quotation.
• Quotes are introduced with proper context and seamlessly embedded in the essay.
• Argument is clear and original.
• Argument is coherent, even if you haven't read both works.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Today's Agenda

Laptops in the Classroom

Work on As I Lay Dying projects

Work on As I Lay Dying essays

Tonight's Homework

Work on projects and essays

Bring in a draft of your essay for peer revision tomorrow.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Today's Agenda

Laptops in the Classroom

Work on As I Lay Dying projects

Work on As I Lay Dying essays

Tonight's Homework

Work on projects and essays

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Today's Agenda

Peer edit As I Lay Dying essays

Introduce As I Lay Dying projects

Work in groups on project or essay

Tonight's Homework

Continue work on project and essay.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Today's Agenda

Please be sure to submit As I Lay Dying response paper.

As I Lay Dying Test

Tonight's Homework

Brainstorm ideas for As I Lay Dying.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Today's Agenda

As I Lay Dying Rap Review

As I Lay Dying Jeopardy Review Game

Chiasmus: What is it, and how does it manifest itself in Faulkner's work?

Tonight's Homework

Study for As I Lay Dying test (50 multiple choice, 1 point each; 5 short answer, 10 points each)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Today's Agenda

Final Discussion for As I Lay Dying

Don't forget to submit response papers.

Tonight's Homework

Complete "Who Said It?" exercise

What's on tap for the coming days?

Tuesday: Review "Who Said It?," Jeopardy Review Game, Mr Ambrose raps!

Wednesday: As I Lay Dying test (50 multiple choice, 5 short answer)

Thursday: Peer edits of As I Lay Dying essay, As I Lay Dying projects or begin Upton Sinclair's The Jungle

Friday: College search on the laptop computers...if Mr. Ambrose doesn't break the lock again!!!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Today's Agenda

SAT Preparation

Sections 9 and 10 from Practice Test 1 from SAT Prep book, 2007 edition

Complete individually and review.

Tonight's Homework

Finish reading As I Lay Dying.

Write a one-page response paper to the text.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Wrap up yesterday's discussion

Creating a thesis (magic theis statement)

Work on thesis and comparisons

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 40-45

Today's Agenda

Wrap-up Discussion Topics from Monday

Re-read Addie's Monologue as a Class

Chapter 40-45 Discussion

Introduce As I Lay Dying Essay

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 46-51.

Continue with bullet-point summaries.

Brainstorm potential topics for your essay.

Monday, November 10, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 34-39

Today's Agenda

In-context vocabulary for section 2 of As I Lay Dying

Student-led discussion on section 2 of As I Lay Dying

(This covers up to and including chapter 39.)

Download copies of Oprah's Book Club discussion questions here.

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 40-45 of As I Lay Dying

Complete bullet point summaries

Friday, November 7, 2008

Word of the Day:

glower: (adj.) to look or stare with sullen annoyance or anger

SAT Preparation

Today's Agenda

Wrap-up As I Lay Dying presentations from yesterday

College Forum:

• Has anyone visited any good colleges lately?

SAT Preparation (25 min.)

• section 2 of practice test 1 from The Princeton Review: 11 Practice Tests for the SAT

Review SAT Packet

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 34-39 of As I Lay Dying

Write a bullet-point summary of each, focusing on what the chapter reveals about the narrator's character

Thursday, November 6, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 29-33

Today's Agenda

Journal: How do you employ sublimation in your life?

Activity: Divide into 5 groups, each representing a chapter from 29-33. Your group's goal is to rewrite the chapter from the the perspective of another character in the novel. This will illustrate how truth is subjective in Faulkner's novel, and perception relies heavily upon the narrator. When your groups presents, you should be prepared to (1) discuss your shift in perspective and (2) pose 2 or 3 interesting discussion questions about your chapter.

Discussion: Wrap-up Discussion Topics

• The Enigma that is Jewel
• Significance of Gestures and Glances
• Symbolism of Crossing the Bridge

Tonight's Homework (Due Monday)

Read chapters 34-39.

Complete bullet point summaries.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 20-28

Today's Agenda

Activity: Divide into 9 groups, each representing a chapter from 20-28. Your group's goal is to write and perform a monologue from the perspective of the narrator of your assigned chapter. The monologue should capture the essence of the narrator's voice (Darl would be cerebral and aware; Cash would be scientific and detached) and should retell the events of the chapter from the narrator's perspective. Groups will have 20 minutes to prepare their monologues, using the text and their homework notes as a reference; they will then present their monologues to the class.

Discussion: Some of Faulkner's characters exist purely in the mental world. Darl, for example, is very cerebral and is a character of thought rather than of action. Cash, on the other hand, exists most in the physical world, constantly focused on the coffin and little else. Which of Faulkner's characters inhabit the mental world? Which inhabit the physical world? Do any characters inhabit both? Who?

Journal or Discussion: Freud's theory of sublimation centers around the notion that we take negative energies/emotions and refocus them into something more positive and productive. How are Faulkner's characters employing sublimation? (Be particular.) How do you employ sublimation in your personal life?

Ticket out the Door: What is one way a character in the novel employs sublimation? What is one way you employ sublimation?

Tonight's Homework:

Read sections 29-33.

Continue with your bullet-point summaries in your notebook, focusing on an analysis of what the narration reveals about the narrator's character.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

No School - Election Day

Monday, November 3, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 13-19

Today's Agenda

Warm-up: In-context Vocabulary. Complete individually and review as a group. (10 minutes)

Student-led Discussion: Split class into 6 groups, each with a discussion leader. Each leader facilitates discussion for 5 minutes on their assigned discussion question. Groups then circulate in a round-robin style. (30 minutes)

Wrap-up Discussion: Wrap-up ideas on discussion topics for section 1 (chapters 1-19) of As I Lay Dying. (10 minutes)

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 20-28 of As I Lay Dying.

Write a brief summary of each chapter, focusing on what the chapter reveals about its narrator and the other characters.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Quarterly Exam

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Quarterly Exam Review

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 7-12

Today's Agenda

Review As I Lay Dying lectures 1 and 2

Small Group Discussion Questions

Large Group Wrap-up

Begin Reading Chapter 13

Tonight's Homework

Read Chapters 13-19

Write a brief synopsis of each

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

As I Lay Dying, Chapters 1-6

Today's Agenda

Read and discuss As I Lay Dying lectures 1 and 2

Distribute Oprah's Book Club book mark

Small Group Discussion Questions

Large Group Wrap-up

Begin Reading Chapter 7

Tonight's Homework

Read chapters 7-12

Write a brief synopsis of each

Monday, October 27, 2008

As I Lay Dying Introduction

Today's Agenda

As I Lay Dying Introductory PowerPoint

Small Groups: Perspective Exercise

• Divide class into groups of three.
• Have each group take one minute to brainstorm a variety of scenarios in our daily high school life: the morning announcements, lunch in the cafeteria, the football game, etc.
• Have each group member select a perspective from which to narrate the scene: a particular student, the lunch lady, Dr. Krueger, etc.
• For five minutes, have each student write their version of the scene from their particular perspective.
• After the five minute rewrite, students will share their accounts of the events, and discuss how the shifting perspectives add different layers to the stories.

Begin reading As I Lay Dying aloud with the class

• chapter 1: Darl
• chapter 2: Cora

Tonight's Homework

Read As I Lay Dying, chapters 1-6.

Write a brief commentary on each chapter, being sure to include what each chapter reveals about its narrator and the other characters.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Today's Agenda

Debunking SAT Essay Myths and Essay Prompt

Your Essay Writing Timetable

• First 2 or 3 minutes: Read the question, gather your thoughts, jot down a couple of ideas, and then number them.
• Next 18-20 minutes: Create an introductory paragraph with a strong thesis statement, write the body paragraphs, and come to a conclusion.
• Last 2 or 3 minutes: Reread your prose, correcting spelling and grammar.

25-minute practice essay

Compare your essay to an essay that earned a 6.

• How would you score your own work on a 6 points scale?
• What concrete things can you do to improve your SAT essay writing?

Tonight's Homework

Work on final Walden essay.

Deadline extended to Tuesday October 27!

I would be happy to look at a draft if you want to e-mail one to me.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

College Pride Day!

Today's Agenda

University of Massachusetts Presentation

Q & A with Mr. Ambrose re: college life

Explore colleges that will be at tonight's college fair, using resources such as www.collegeboard.com and www.petersons.com.

Complete my plan for the college fair worksheet on your laptop computer. Before you leave, print out your copy on the laptop cart printer and bring it with you tonight!

At some point during class today, be sure to register for the SAT Question of the Day at www.collegeboard.com.

Tonight's Homework

Go to the college fair. It starts at 6:30. Gather as much information as you can. Get excited! This is your future.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Today's Agenda

Student-facilitated round-robin discussion

• Download "Civil Disobedience" round-robin discusssion script by clicking here.

Wrap-up: Large Group Discussion

• How did this discussion format work?
• What idea were addressed in your discussions?

Tonight's Homework

Write at least 3 questions that you have about college for tomorrow's Q & A session for College Pride Day.

Bring in any college materials that you may have at home (i.e. brochures, pamphlets, college search books or magazines, list of schools that interest you, etc.)

Due Monday, 10/27: Final draft of Walden essay

Starting 10/27: As I Lay Dying by Wiliam Faulkner

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Quote of the Day

"I could sometimes eat a fried rat with a good relish."

- Henry David Thoreau

Today's Agenda

Problems of Morality

• In small groups, return to the moral problems you identified yesterday.
• Select the one which interests you the most.
• Write one paragraph stating what Thoreau's stance would be on this issue if he were alive today.
• Write one paragraph stating what your personal views are on this topic.
• Each group will present their findings to the class.

Carousel Activity: Thoreau's Views vs. Yours

• Large sheets of paper with the following headings will be posted around the room:
  • Economy
  • Where I Live, and What I Live For
  • Reading
  • Solitude
  • Visitors
  • Higher Laws
  • Spring
  • Conclusion
• Each paper will have two columns:
  • Thoreau's views
  • My views
• Students will circulate around the room and write Thoreau's views and their personal views on the topics.

  Tonight's Homework

  Read "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau.

  Complete analysis questions.

  Thinking ahead...

  Wednesday - discussion on "Civil Disobedience"

  Thursday - college day; bring your questions about college and a list of schools that interest you

  Friday - SAT practice essay, review essay rubric, more college Q & A

  Monday - begin William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying

  Monday, October 20, 2008

  Quote of the Day

  "Everybody must believe in something. I'll believe I'll go canoeing."

  - Henry David Throreau

  Today's Agenda

  Journal/Discussion

  • How did you feel about the PSAT?
  • Did our preparation help?
  • How could our preparation have been improved?

  Thoreau Focus: Higher Laws

  • Journal: What are some of the "higher laws" by which you live?
  • Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?
  • Do you have any spiritual connection with nature?
  • If you had to create you own spritual code of conduct a la Throreau's "Higher Laws," what kinds of precepts would it include?
  • Discuss journal entries, integrating textual evidence from the "Higher Laws" chapter.

  Thoreau Focus: Morality

  • Write the definition of "moral" on the board, and have students copy it into their notebooks.
  • Discuss the nature of a "moral issue" as one causing individuals to view it as either right or wrong, with little room for discussion.
  • Journal: In your notebook, brainstorm a list of moral issues about which Thoreau has strong beliefs. (Focus particularly on the "Higher Laws" chapter.)
  • Create a master list for the class on the board.
  • Divide class into groups, each responsible for one of the moral issues.
  • Each small group is responsible for presenting Thoreau's view on the issue, as well as their own stance.
  • Small groups will present their discussions to the class tomorrow.

  Wrap-up

  • Discuss response papers and questions from last night's reading.

  Tonight's Homework

  Read "Spring" and "Conclusion" in Walden.

  Write a brief statement about your own personal views on the topics discussed by Thoreau.

  On Tap for Later This Week

  Be prepared tomorrow to review all of Throreau's major points of views, and your opinions on them.

  Civil Disobedience discussion on Wednesday.

  Brainstorm questions about college for College Pride Day on Thursday.

  Don't forget the College Fair on Thursday!

  Walden project due Monday, October 27.

  Friday, October 17, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Review Mr. Ambrose's PSAT Tips

  • Don't forget to bring the following:
    • pencils
    • calculator
    • ID
    • watch
    • snack
• Maintain your regular schedule as much as possible.
  • If you wake up at 6:00 AM and get to school at 7:25, do that.
• Eat a good breakfast.
  • Do you want to be that kid whose stomach is growling?
• Dress in layers, as the room could be very hot, or very cold.
• If you have no idea, LEAVE IT BLANK.
• If you can eliminate two or more options, GUESS.
• Look for context clues; they are ALWAYS there.
• use reading comp questions as a way to guide your reading.
• Remember subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronoun rules, neither/nor rules, etc.
• Don't get frustrated!
  • Like a quarterback or a waiter, have a short memory.
• Go to sleep early!
  • It doesn't mean you are lame.
  • Being a trombone-playing Star Trek fanatic might make you lame, however.

  PSAT Practice Test (2008) Section 3 (Reading Comp.)

  • Complete in 25-minute structured period
  • Review answers

  PSAT Practice Test (2008) Section 5 (Writing)

  • Complete questions 21-34 as a class

  Tonight's Homework

  Read the following chapters from Thoreau's Walden:

  • "The Village"
  • "Higher Laws"
  • "Former Inhabitants and Winter Visitors"

  Write a one-paragraph statement on each, declaring your own personal views in response to those of Thoreau.

  Thursday, October 16, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Solitude

  • In small groups, students complete Solitude questions in their notebooks.
  • Students share Solitude response papers with their partners.

  Visitors

  The Bean Field

  Tonight's Homework

  Complete section 1 from last week's PSAT packet (from The Princeton Review 11 Practice Tests for the SAT & PSAT, 2007 Edition).

  Complete section 1 from the PSAT packet you received when you registered for the PSAT with Guidance.

  Wednesday, October 15, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  bumptious: (adj.) noisily self-assertive

  Kiss 108's morning DJ Matty in the Morning is rather bumptious, as he continuously reminds listeners who he is - oftentimes referring to himself in the third person.

  Today's Agenda

  Wrap up yesterday's discussion on Reading.

  Sounds

  • Read and discuss The Top 6 Signs that you may be a Trasnscendentalist.
  • Listen to "You Never Know" by Dave Matthews Band.
  • Discuss how the song might represent Transcendentalist ideals.

  Solitude

  • Distribute and introduce Solitude questions.

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 6 ("Visitors") and chapter 7 ("The Bean Field").

  Write a journal which details your own thoughts on the subjects addressed in these chapters.

  Tuesday, October 14, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Complete and dicuss My Personal Economy activity

  Complete and discuss Thoughts on Reading

  Review Walden Journal Assignment

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 4 ("Sounds") and chapter 5 ("Solitude") from Walden.

  Write your own account of your views on these topics.

  Friday, October 10, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Wrap up Walden quote activity from yesterday

  Review answers and strategies for PSAT Drill 4

  Begin PSAT Reading Comprehension packet

  • Strategies for Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary Questions

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 3 ("Reading") from Walden.

  Write a brief response paper that articulates your own thoughts on reading.

  Thursday, October 9, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Quote of the Day (Potential Journal Topic)

  • Men say they know many things;
  • But lo! they have taken wings, -
  • The arts and sciences,
  • And a thousand appliances;
  • The wind that blows
  • Is all that any body knows.

  
  

  Big Paper: Quote Carousel

  Tonight's Homework

  For tomorrow, complete Drill 4 from PSAT packet.

  For Tuesday, draft a record of your personal "economy."

  Read next two chapters of Walden.

  Wednesday, October 8, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Thoreau Power Point

  Survey and Discussion

  Five Things You Didn't Know About Thoreau

  Tonight's Homework

  Read "Economy" and "Where I Lived and What I Lived For" from Henry David Thoreau's Walden

  Write a one-page response paper explaining your own thoughts on these topics.

  Tuesday, October 7, 2008

  Word of the Day: incandescent

  Today's Agenda

  View and discuss The Great Gatsby film (day 2 of 2)

  Click here to download discussion questions.

  Tonight's Homework

  Finish Gatsby essay (3-5 pages in length)

  Monday, October 6, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  asperse: 1. to sprinkle, especially with holy water, 2. to attack with evil reports or false or injurious charges

  "For those in my opponent's camp who dare to asperse me," said the candidate, "I think my record speaks for itself."

  Today's Agenda

  View and discuss The Great Gatsby film

  Click here to download discussion questions.

  Tonight's Homework

  Work on Great Gatsby essay (due Wednesday).

  Friday, October 3, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  cognoscible: (adj.) capable of being heard or known

  ("cognoscere" = "to know")

  Today's Agenda

  Great Gatsby Test

  Peer Edit Thesis Statements

  Tonight's Homework

  Work on Great Gatsby essay (due Wednesday).

  Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Student-facilitated Socratic Discussion on Gatsby

  Revisit Peer Edits of Thesis Statements

  Tonight's Homework

  Prepare for tomorrow's test on The Great Gatsby.

  Format:

  • Section 1, 50 points: Quotes IDs
    • Identify the speaker, context, and relevance of 5 quotes from the text.
    • 5 questions, 10 points each
    • Tip for success: Know the characters well! Obviously, you cannot memorize the entire book, but you can know the characters well enough to identify the types of things each might say.
• Section 2, 50 points: Vocabulary
  • CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF WORDS FEATURED ON THE TEST.
  • Select the correct vocabulary word to complete a sentence taken directly from the text.
  • 25 questions, 2 points each
  • Tip for success: Go to www.dictionary.com to define the challenging vocabulary for each chapter. Then make flashcards that feature the defintion of the word and context from the novel.

  Wednesday, October 1, 2008

  frugal: (adj.) 1. characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources

  The Frugal Gourmet teaches us to cook great-tasting meals on a tight budget.

  Today's Agenda

  Around the Horn Discussion Game

  Gatsby's General Resolves

  Essays: Peer Edit Thesis Statements

  • Does it say something interesting?
  • Does it say something original?
  • Is it a statement of opinion, not fact?
  • Is there sufficient textual evidence to mount an argument for it?
  • Can you mount an argument against it?
  • Is it written in the active voice?
  • Does it include the name of the work and the author?
  • Can it be supported by three tiers of evidence?
  • If you answer "no" to any of these questions, help your partner back at the drawing board.

  Tonight's Homework

  Prepare for tomorrow's Socratic Discussion on Gatsby by creating two questions in each of the following categories:

  1. Open-Ended Questions
  2. Closed-Ended Questions
  3. World Connection Questions
  4. Thematic/Core Questions

  Tuesday, September 30, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Journal: What does Jay Gatsby feel for Daisy? What does Daisy feel for Gatbsy? Is it really love? Why or why not? How do you know?

  When you are through with your journal, review your response paper and draw out themes/questions for class discussion.

  Chapter 7 & 8 Large Circle Discussion

  Introduce Essay Topics and Themes

  Would you like to watch the movie adaptation?

  • Trailer for the Robert Redford version
  • Trailer for the Paul Rudd version

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 9 (the final chapter) of The Great Gatsby

  Complete chapter 9 vocabulary

  Write a thesis and outline for your essay topic

  Upcoming Classes:

  Wednesday: "General Resolves," Edit thesis statements, and Around the Horn Discussion Game

  Thursday: student-facilitated Socratic Discussion

  Friday: Gatsby Test (5 Quotes, 10 points each and 25 Vocab, 2 points each)

  Monday and Tuesday: Gatsby Movie

  Monday, September 29, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  emissary: (noun) 1. one designated as the agent of another, 2. representative, 3. secret agent

  Because I am a big nerd, I remember the meaning of this word because "The Emissary" is one of my all-time favorite Star Trek episodes. In it, an alien named K'Ehleyr boards the Starship Enterprise to ACT AS A REPRESENTATIVE for the Klingon race.

  This is not to say we all need to be Trekkies, but consider this: many vocabulary words are all around us. In songs, movies, TV shows, we will hear SAT vocabulary. Be attentive to vocabulary all around you, and you'll build your vocabulary without even realizing it!

  (Need some examples? How about the song "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional? Or the TV show Felicity? Or the movie Serendipity? Vindicated, felicity, and serendipity have all appeared on the SAT in recent years. Look them up!)

  Today's Agenda

  Wrap up PSAT Presentation from Friday

  Student Presentations of Gatsby Facebook Project

  Today's Homework

  Read Chapter 8 of Gatsby

  Define Chapter 8 Vocabulary

  Write a one-page response paper.

  Friday, September 26, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  yaw: (verb) 1. to turn suddenly from a straight course; swerve, veer 2. to alternate

  Today's Agenda

  Review Sections 1 and 3 from PSAT Practice Test 2

  Identifying Sentence Errors and Improving Sentences

  Writing Drill 4: Practice Our Strategies

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby.

  Complete chapter 7 vocabulary.

  E-mail me your Facebook project by Monday morning.

  Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  conurbation: (noun) an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities.

  Today's Agenda

  Divide class into six groups of four for the Final Word Discussion.

  Final Word Discussion Questions, Chapters 5 and 6

  Large Group Discussion

  Gatsby Vocabulary Review

  Tonight's Homework

  Complete sections 1 and 3 (Reading Comprehension) of PSAT Practice Test 2.

  Hints: Use the tips we discussed in class on Wednesday as you do the sentence completion questions. Refer to the reading packet and other class handouts to see examples of strategies.

  Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  solon: (noun) 1. a wise and skillful lawgiver; 2. a member of a legislative body.

  The bill in question will likely look quite different by the time the solons in Congress are through with it.

  Today's Agenda

  Ticket into class: 5 original questions about Gatsby (chapters 1-5) written on slips of paper and dropped into the fishbowl

  PSAT: Tips for Sentence Completions

  Gatsby: Last Word Discussion, Chapters 1-5

  Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  contumacious: stubbornly disobedient; rebellious

  The teacher warned Leonard that he would be sent to the principal's office if he persisted with his contumacious behavior.

  Today's Agenda

  Student-directed discussion on The Great Gatsby

  • Each group has 6-7 minutes to facilitate.
  • Chapter 3
    • presentation of yesterday's Big Paper notes
  • Chapter 4
    • original questions from last night's homework

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby.

  Define chapter 5 vocabulary.

  Ticket into class tomorrow: Three interesting discussion questions to be thrown into the fishbowl.

  (Cut questions into individual slips of paper, and include a brief response with textual support.)

  Monday, September 22, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  politesse: formal politeness

  Presidential debates often begin as exercises in politesse, but quickly descend into mud-slinging matches.

  Today's Agenda

  Introduce Gatsby MySpace/Facebook Project

  Pair & Share: Share homework from the weekend.

  • Rewrite one scene from Gatsby from the perspective of another character.
  • Discuss with your partner the reason you interpretted that character and scene in this manner.

  Big Paper: Gatsby Chapter 3 Discussion Questions

  • Introduce students to the concept of the Big Paper activity.
  • In groups of 3, have students circulate around the room to respond to a series of questions about last night's reading.
  • Review how we will synthesize our big paper notes for homework tonight.

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter 4 of Gatsby.

  Complete chapter 4 vocabulary definitions.

  Prepare to lead tomorrow's class discussion for 6-7 minutes with your Big Paper group. You should be prepared to do the following:

  • Using our big paper notes from today, facilitate a discussion on your assigned chapter 3 topic.
  • Facilitate a discussion on 2-3 original topics derived from chapter 4.
  • Point out any points of interest from the reading.

  Friday, September 19, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Meet with a small group and confer on your answers to Practice Test 1. When there is a disputed answer, discuss your individual rationales, and arrive at one common group answer.

  Review Practice Test 1 (correct and explain)

  • Section 1
  • Section 3

  Score Practice Test 1 Reading Comprehension Section

  Sentence Completion Strategies

  • Cracking the PSAT, pp. 41-53

  PSAT Practice Test 2, Section 1

  • Complete and discuss sentence completion questions, employing recently reviewed strategies.

  Tonight's Homework

  Due Monday, September 22, 2008

  Read chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby.

  Define chapter 3 vocabulary words.

  Rewrite one scene from the novel from the perspective of another character.

  Due Friday, September 26, 2008

  Complete sections 1 and 3 from PSAT Practice Test 2.

  (Don't worry about section 5; we'll do that in class.)

  Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Today's Angenda

  Discussion on chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby.

  Tonight's Homework

  Be sure to have completed sections 1 and 3 from the PSAT Practice Test 1, which we began in class last Friday (September 12, 2008).

  If you need another copy, please see me by the end of the day on Thursday. Thanks!

  Remember, the more effort you put into your preparation, the better your score will be!

  Wednesday, September 17, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Review Chapter One Vocabulary

  Discussion on Chapter One of The Great Gatsby

  • Nick's narration
  • Daisy, Jordan, and Tom
  • The lore of the great Gatsby

  Historical Context

  • Harlem in the Jazz Age
  • Prohibition
  • Based on the first chapter of the novel, is Fitzgerald's depiction of the time period consistent with this information? Why or why not?

  Tonight's Homework

  Read chapter two of The Great Gatsby.

  Write a one-page response paper which addresses topics which you would like to discuss in class on Thursday. If you're stuck on topics, consider the following:

  • character development
    • i.e. What new information do we discover about Gatsby? What does Nick learn about Tom at the end of the chapter?
  • symbolism
    • i.e. How do colors in the novel reinforce the characters' personality traits? What could the recurrent motif of eyes possibly represent?
  • conflict
    • i.e. What are some of the internal conflicts which Nick is experiencing? How about external?

  Complete definitions for chapter two vocabulary in the vocabulary section of your notebook.

  Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  No School Today!

  Teacher Professionional Development Day

  Don't watch too many episodes of Jerry Springer!

  Monday, September 15,2008

  voracity (noun): the quality or state of being of being ravenous or insatiable

  Today's Agenda

  Finish reviewing (and scoring) section 5 of PSAT Practice Test 1 (Friday's in-class activity).

  • What is the passive voice?
  • What is the active voice?

  F. Scott Fitzgerald's Biography

  Journal on the epigraph of The Great Gatsby, while listening to some music from the Jazz Age (Kind of Blue, Miles Davis). Discuss.

  Distribute The Great Gatsby, and begin reading.

  Tonight's Homework

  Due Wednesday, September 17, 2008

  No school Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Read chapter one of The Great Gatsby.

  Write a one-page response paper to your reading that includes the following components:

  • Who is Nick? Why is he telling the story?
  • What kind of person is he?
  • How does he react to the other characters in the story?
  • Why is he "confused and a little disgusted" at the end of chapter one?
  • 2-3 original discussion questions that you would like to pose in class on Wednesday

  Complete definitions for chapter one vocabulary in the vocabulary section of your notebook.

  Thursday, September 11, 2008

  Word of the Day:

  simpatico (adj.): agreeable

  It means the same as it does in Spanish, and is derived from the Latin word for sympathetic.

  Today's Agenda

  Student-Facilitated Socratic Seminar on John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath

  • As students enter the class, random partners will be assigned. Songs based on The Grapes of Wrath will play on the stereo.
  • All students should be familiar with the peer response questions, and should bring their copy to class.
  • Following the discussion, partners will exchange their feedback forms and have a brief dialogue that will guide tonight's self-reflection assignment.
  • If you are a moderator, check out your script.

  Tonight's Homework

  Write a one-page reflection on the Socratic seminar. Be sure to include your thoughts on the following:

  • How did the class do as a whole?
  • How did you participate as an individual?
  • How would you respond to your partner's observations of your performance?
  • What can you do next time to be better prepared?
  • How can we improve the format for next time?

  Wednesday, September 10, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Word of the day: neologism (n.) 1. a new word, usage, or expression. "Chillaxing" is an example of a neologism, as it combines "chill" and "relax." "Blog" and "iPod" are two other examples.

  Review format for Socratic seminar.

  • Concentric Circle Model
    • an outer ring of students will evaluate an inner ring of students as they pose original questions and discuss the text
  • Moderator
    • a student moderator will be charged with facilitating discussion (controlling interruptions, preventing individual students from dominating, etc.)
  • Hot Seat
    • at any time, a student from the outer ring may leap into the inner ring and sit in the hot seat to pose or respond to relevant, "hot" topics
  • Peer Evaluation
    • at the end of class, you will confer with your partner to discuss each individual's performance and ways to improve
  • Expectations
    • each student should speak 3-5 times, and should otherwise participate appropriately in discussion

  Review peer response sheet for Socratic seminar.

  How do I properly introduce a question? How do I transition from one topic to the next?

  Final small group preparation:
  Add introductions/transitions to your line of questioning.

  Listen to songs with direct allusions to The Grapes of Wrath. How do the themes of these songs reflect the themes of Steinbeck's work?

  • "The Ghost of Tom Joad," Bruce Springsteen and Rage Against the Machine
  • "The Ballad of Tom Joad," Woody Guthrie

  Tonight's Homework

  Final preparation for tomorrow's Socratic seminar. Be sure to have your questions, your notes, and a copy of your text. Review your material tonight to make sure you are ready to facilitate and participate in a truly academic discussion.

  Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Word of the day: quintessence (n.) 1. the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form, 2. the most typical example or representative.

  Large Group: On the board, several students will post their Socratic seminar questions, generated yesterday during class. As a class, we will critique the quality of the questions, asking...

  1. Are the specific?
  2. Do they ask "why"?
  3. Do they challenge?
  4. Would they make for interesting discussion?

  Small Groups: In small groups, students will share the responses to the questions they wrote last night for homework (while Mr. Ambrose checks the homework). Students will look to make sure their partners have provideded sufficient textual evidence in reponding to their questions. Students will then generate several more discussion questions. (Each group should have a total of 8-12, so we'll have more than enough for our discussion on Thursday.)

  Large Group: Clarify any questions regarding substantiating answers with textual evidence. Practice posing questions and responding using notes. Brainstorm a list of topics/themes that might come up in class discussion (i.e. historical context, biblical symbolism, racial identity, etc.) Post on board and have students record in notebooks.

  Tonight's Homework

  Write one-paragraph responses to 4 more of your group's questions. Use Post-it notes (or another means of organization) to mark parts of the text that address the themes/topics identified at the end of class.

  Check out a great example of this homework assignment from Leah Farrell! Nice work, Leah!

  Monday, September 8, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Word of the day: furtive (adj.) 1. done by stealth, 2. obtained underhandedly, stolen

  Introduce the basic format of a Socratic discussion.

  Review types of Socratic questions.

  In small groups, practice each type of question:

  1. world connection questions
  2. close-ended questions
  3. open-ended questions
  4. univesal theme/core questions

  Staying in small groups, develop 2 original questions pertaining to The Grapes of Wrath for each category.

  Return to large group to share examples of original questions, to further define what constitutes a question in each category.

  Tonight's Homework

  Write a detailed response for 4 of your goup's Socratic questions. Be sure to use particular textual evidence in support of your assertions. Bonus points for relevant quotes!

  Friday, September 5, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Summer Reading Essay

  This essay will be scored according to the in-class essay rubric (which is essentially the SAT essay rubric), and will constitute one test grade.

  Download Mr. Ambrose's tips for success on the essay.

  Tonight's Homework

  Bring in your notes on Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. if you no longer have your copy (perhaps you returned it to the Medford Public Library already), let me know, so I can get you a copy from the English book room.

  Thursday, September 4, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Students take turns going up to the blackboard and sharing their name histories, completed for homework last night.

  After each student shares his/her name history, he/she has to answer one icebreaker question, selected at random from a hat. (He/she can pass once, but then must answer the next question.)

  Tonight's Homework

  Prepare for tomorrow's in-class summer reading essay. This assignment will constitute one test grade. It will be graded according to the in-class essay rubric, which is essentially the SAT essay rubric.

  Download Mr. Ambrose's tips for success on the essay.

  Wednesday, September 3, 2008

  Today's Agenda

  Review course syllabus.

  Complete student survey.

  Set personal goals for the upcoming school year.

  Introduce name history assignment.

  Tonight's Homework

  Review the course syllabus with your family. Please have a parent or guardian complete the response form.

  Write a one-page narrative on the history of your name. What does your name mean? Why was it chosen for you? Does it have any special historical significance for your family? If you could, would you change your name?

  
  

Upcoming Events

SAT Reasoning Test

Saturday, 6.6.2009

SAT Subject Test

Saturday, 6.6.2009

For more info, click here.

ACT Test

Saturday, 6.13.2009

For more info, click here.

Fourth Quarter

Throughout the fourth quarter, we will complete the following units of study:

• Modern American Short Stories
• Anthem, by Ayn Rand
• The Crucible, by Arthur Miller
• Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton
• Self-selected Modernist novels
• SAT Preparation