Mister Ambrose
489 Winthrop St.
Medford, MA 02155
ph: 781.393.2345
dambrose
Final Exam Review Jeopardy Game
Return Books
Organize Portfolios
Homework
Prepare for exams
Student Teachers
Mikayla teaches period 2.
Marisa teaches period 6.
Distribute final exam review sheets.
Download final exam review sheet here.
Tonight's Homework
Final draft of short story (50 point essay grade).
Prepare forfinal exam (Monday, June 21)
Awaiting Orders
Read anddiscuss "Awaiting Orders," by Tobias Wolff
Download discussion questions here
Share and submit coming-of-age vignette assignments
Tonight's Homework
Prepare for final exam (Monday, June 21)
Work on "polishing" one of your 3 short stories (due Thursday, June 17)
A & P
Read and discuss "A & P"
Download discussion questions here
Coming-of-age vignette assignment
Tonight's Homework
Write your own coming-of-age vignette
On tap for tomorrow:
Awaiting Orders
Share Artifacts and ArtifactStories
ACT Preparation Lesson
Tonight's Homework
Complete HamletCharacter Analysis.
Please return Hamlet book on Monday.
Distribute and review Hamlet short essay prompt.
(Due Monday, along with returning the text.)
Everyday Use, by Alice Walker
"Everyday Use" Discussion
Artifact Exchange
Tonight's Homework
Write up the "story" of your artifact. Remember-the artifactdoes not necesarily have to be THEENTIREstory.
Everyday Use, by Alice Walker
Read and discuss thestory (Download story here.)
Be sure to use thisPowerPoint presentation as a visual aid to show what the quilts look like!
Mirrors and Windows Response Sheet
Tonight's Homework
Bring in a family "artifact" to share with the class tomorrow.
Finish reading the story and answer the discussion questions.
Girl,by Jamaica Kincaid
Download Mr. Ambrose's Lesson PlanHere.
Links for Songs:
Download Jamaica Kincaid biography here.
Tonight's Homework
Write your own version of "Girl."
Download Mr. Ambrose's sample assignment here.
Read and take notes on Alice Walker's "Everyday Use."
Hamlet Festival
Presentations of Hamlet video projects.
The best one wins a prize!
Read and discuss "Inferring Hamlet," the first chapter from Harold Bloom's Poem Unlimited
Homework
Finish reading "Inferring Hamlet"
Decide what character you would like to write about for your Hamlet essay.
Hamlet Test
SAT Subject Test (Literature) Preparation
Review format of test and complete practice questions
Tonight's Homework
Finalize Hamlet video! Presentations on Monday!
Distribute and review June Calendar
Final Hamlet Discussion
Clickhere to download a PowerPoint presentation (Qwizdom compatible)that features final discussion questions.
Tonight's Homework
Work on Hamlet video project.
Study for Hamlet objective test (tomorrow).
Hamlet 5.2
The final scene on video (Mel Gibson version)
Discussion
Group time: Work on Hamlet video project
Tonight's Homework
Work on Hamlet video project
Folger Lesson 19
Watch5.1on Video(Chapters 27-29)
Discuss the gravedigger's humor
BONUS: Alternate video interpretation of 5.1?
Group time: Work on Hamlet video project
Tonight's Homework
Read 5.2. Write in your logs (one last time)!
Folger Lessons 17 and 18
(Quick option: Watch all of Act 4 onvideo, then discuss all points. If timeonly allows for one version, watch Mel Gibson version.)
Watch clippage and discuss
Discussion (could potentially have students journal on these topics and then discuss, or just post them on the board to run through discussion)
More video clippage: Ophelia's Mad Scene
Discussion:
Distribute, review, and discussHamlet project rubric.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SUBMIT ACT 4 LOGS!
Tonight's Homework
Read 5.1. Write in your logs.
Mr. Powers presents on Hamlet
Tonight's Homework
Read 4.5-4.7. Write in your logs. Focus on Ophelia's madness, and whether you think it is feigned or legitimate.
Hamlet: Folger Lesson 15 and 16
Prepare physicalized speech presentations (15 minutes)
Physicalized speech presentations (10 minutes)
Preview 3.4: Discuss plot and characterization
View video clippage of 3.4
Discuss director's decisions (10 minutes)
Submit Act 3 logs for log check, as well as last night's homework (response to two different adaptations).
Homework
Read4.1-4.4. Write in your logs one time.
For Thursday, read 4.5-4.7, and write in your logs once more.
Hamlet: Folger Lesson 14
Wrap up student productions of The Mousetrapfrom yesterday's scene.
Watch two versions of "The Mousetrap" scene and compare
Comparison
Homework
Choose the production of the Mousetrap scene you liked best. In a brief response, discuss the interpretation the acting company is trying to convey. Then discuss the acting in this interpretation. Include such things as Hamlet's behavior toward Ophelia, the staging of the play within the play, Claudius and Gertrude's reactions, and the movement of the scene.
(If you want, you can check out other versions of the scene by searching on Youtube for "Hamlet Act 3 scene 2".)
Hamlet: FolgerLesson 13
Questions about scenes covered during my absence:
Students divide into four groups and prepare the Mousetrap scene in relay.
Submit Act 2 logs if you have not already
Homework
Read 3.3 and 3.4 and respond in your logs.
Hamlet: Folger Lessons 11 and 12
In small groups, reread "the nunnery scene"(3.1.99-175).
Write briefly about how the scene would be different if:
Submit this work to the substitute.
Tonight's Homework
Read Act 3.2. Write in your logs.
Hamlet:Folger Lesson 10
Students should get into groups and paraphrase the "To Be Or Not To Be Soliloquy" in their own words. Students should submit their paraphrase to the substitute.
Hamlet:Act 2
Watch Act 2 on video
Afterwards, discuss act 2 and/or wrap up close reading of Hamlet's soliloquy.
Tonight's Homework
Read Act 3.1. Write in your logs.
Hamlet: Folger Lessons 8 and 9
HamletAttacks Polonius (Perform 2.2.187-237)
Hamlet Attacks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (240-338)
Exploring Language
Close reading of Hamlet's O What a Rogue soliloquy
Tonight's Homework
Be sure yourAct 2 logs are in order.
Hamlet: Folger Lesson 7
Do Now: Determining Polonius's Values
Playing the Newly Mad Hamlet
Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Read 2.2. Write in your logs.
Hamlet: Act 1
Watch Act 1 on video
Discuss how the film compared to your expectations
Thematic questions about Act 1
Tonight's Homework
Read 2.1. Write in your log.
Hamlet: Folger Lesson 6
Be sure to submit outstanding assignments (1.3 bullet point summary, Hemingway essay)
Review 1.3 (Family dynamics)
Performing the ghost scene
Unfolding the tale
Whither wilt thou lead me?
Tonight's Homework
Complete all outstanding assignments.
Be sure logs for act 1 are complete. (You should have three entries: 1.1-1.2, 1.3, and 1.4-1.5.)
Hamlet: Folger Lesson 5
In small groups, create a bullet point summary of 1.3, focusing on the family dynamics of Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia
Begin reading Hamlet 1.4 and 1.5
Tonight's Homework
Finish reading 1.4 and 1.5. Write a log entry.
Complete final draft of Hemingway essay.
Hamlet: Folger Lessons 3 and 4
Review Questions about 1.1 and 1.2 from Last Night's Logs
Getting the Politics Right: Review Denmark v. Norway
Close Reading of Claudius's Opening Speech
Underlying Thoughts of Hamlet andClaudius
Analysisof Hamlet's1st Soliloquy (Download handout)
Tonight's Homework
Read Hamlet 1.3. Respond in your logs.
Hamlet: Folger Lessons 1 and 2
Distribute Books
Review Log Assignment (with sample of student work)
Read Around 1.1.1-80
Questions
Deciding How to Play the Ghost
Setting the Scene
Acting the Scene
Homework
Read 1.1 and 1.2.
You may use www.nofearshakespeare.com and/or the Hamlet comic book, but be sure to read the original text in its entirety.
Write in your log, following the format of theLog Assignmenthandout.
Wrap up college presentations
Read and discuss Hemingway's "A Way You'll Never Be"
Homework
Finish up outstanding work.
Hemingway: Wrestling with Life DVD
Homework
Work on Hemingway essay(rough draft due Friday)
Some links for Hemingway essayresearch:
Ernest Hemingway Online Resources
Hemingway: Wrestling with Life DVD
Homework
Work on Hemingway essay (rough draft dueFriday)
Distibute Hemingway Essay Assignment
College Presentations
Homework
Hemingway Essay Assignment Rough Draft due Friday
Distribute and Review May Calendar
College Presentations
College Presentations
Submit Ethan Frome Final Draft
Presentations
Homework
Good luck on teh SAT!
Sub Assignment: Grammar Parts of Speech Exercise
Homework
Finish Ethan Frome Essay Final Draft
Ilove college!
College Presentations
Dee Cedrone's College Seminar
Tonight's Homework
Work on Ethan Frome essay final draft (due Friday)
Period 2
Pre-prom Assembly
Period 6
College Presentations
Finish Parts of Speech Review
Tonight's Homework
Work on Ethan Frome Essay Final Draft (due Friday)
Grammar Review: Parts of Speech
Hand back Ethan Frome Essay Rough Drafts
Final Draft due Friday (please staple two drafts together)
Grammar Review: Parts of Speech PowerPoint
Guided Practice: Parts ofSpeech Handout
Review Handout
Tonight's Homework
Work on college project (presentations startTuesday in period 6 and Wednesday in period 2)
Work on Ethan Frome final draft (due Friday)
Do Now: Write in your journal any questions you have about last night's reading.
"Hills Like White Elephants"
"A Day's Wait"
Tonight's Homework
Read "Indian Camp" (pp. 91-96)
Read "Ten Indians" (pp. 331-336)
Work on Ethan Fromeessay rough draft (due Friday)
Mirrors and Windows
Ethan Frome Final Discussion
Donwload handout, featuring final discussion questions as well as Mirrors and Windows activity here.
SAT Preparation
(Complete Practice Test 4, Section 3 along with students on the overhead projector. Share and model process of elimination and active reading strategies.)
Tonight's Homework
Finish reading Ethan Frome. Come in with ideas for final discussion tomorrow.
Third Quarter Exam
Ethan Frome chapters 7 and 8
Ethan Frome: Chapters 5-6
Vocabulary Review
Role Play: A conversation between E and M re: Zeena
Discussion: Chapters 4-6
Activity: Stream-of-consciousnessdialogue
Download a copy of today's lesson plan here.
Tonight's Homework
Read chapters 7 and 8.
Answer three of the followingquestions:
1. How does Zeena's news about hiring Mattie's replacement affect Ethan?
2. Why can chapter 7 be considered the climax of the novel?
3. In chapter 8, Ethan weighs his options. How is his decision to maintain status quo in keeping withhis personality?
4. Why does Ethan not consider his obligation to Mattie?What will his decision to remain with Zeena do to Mattie? Is this fair?
5.How do Wharton's descriptions mirror Ethan's state of mind and foreshadow the end?
Study for vocabulary quiz.
Ethan Frome: Chapter 4
Today's Vocabulary
Journal: Whyisn't the Fromemarriage working?
Role Play: The Frome's Courtship
Role Play/Discussion:E and Z with Dr. Phil
Discussion Points: Chapter 4
Download a copy of today's lesson plan here.
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapters 5 and6. Answer the following questions:
1. What basic difference between Mattie and Ethan is highlighted in this chapter? (Hint: It has to do with their feelings about Zeena.) Do you think this is significant? Who do you think is "right"?
2. How has the evening without Zeena altered Ethan's perception of his daily routine?
Bonus:Henry DavidThoreau EssayContest
Ethan Frome: Chapter 3
Vocabulary
RolePlay
Discussion
Close Reading: Quotes from Prologue-Chapter3
Download lesson plan and close reading handout here.
Homework:
ReadChapter 4 ofEthan Frome.
Answer the following questions:
Additionally, work on Henry David Throreau Essay Contest entry. Final draftneeds to be uploaded by Wednesday, March 31 at 11:59 PM.
Ethan Frome: Chapters 1 and 2
Wrap up and present collages from yesterday.
Vocabulary
Role Play
Discussion
Download today's lesson plan here.
Tonight's Homework
Instead of doing discussion questions, do the following:
Choose a character - Zeena, Mattie, or Ethan. Brainstorm for clues to this character's personality, using adjectives foudn in the text, as well as inferences. Introduce your character to the class in one of the following ways:
Please write a brief explanation to explain your choices.
Study
Ethan Frome: Prologue
Vocabulary
Discussion
Collage Activity
Download today's lesson plan here.
Tonight's Homework
Read chapters 1 and 2. Respond to any two of the following questions:
Ethan Frome
An Introduction to Five Themes in Ethan Frome
Download today's lesson plan here.
Tonight's Homework
Read the novel's prologue. (In some texts, the prologue ends on page 17, and, in others, it ends on page 23.)
Answer any two of the following questions:
Library Research for Crucible Witch Hunt Essay
Library Research for Crucible Witch HuntEssay
The Crucible Test
The Crucible
Wrap up Student Presentations
Introduce Essay Topics
Homework: Study for Crucible Test
Whatto study:
- Vocabulary (Acts 2 and 3)
- Internal vs. External Conflict
- Plot Questions/Characters
- Allegory for the Red Scare/Historical Context
- Miller's Biography
- Quote Explanation/Identification
Rainy Day
Peer Edits of Personal Narratives
Apples to Apples
SATPreparation
Pratice SAT 3, Sections 9 and 10
The Crucible
Student Presentations ontheallegorical nature of Arthur Miller's work
Introduce The Crucibleessay topics
Introduce The Crucible internal vs. external conflict visual representation project
Homework
Practice SATessay
The Crucible
The Crucible netTrekkerLesson - Day 2
Homework
Be prepared to present your mini-project tomorrow.
The Crucible
The Crucible netTrekker Lesson - Day 1
Homework
Work on mini-project. Be sure to use resources available at www.nettrekker.com.
The Crucible
Share and score The Crucible SAT-style esays
A Note on the Historical Accuracy of the Play
Act 4 Discussion
Danforth'sUse of Rhetoric
ABC Characterization Exercise
Homework
Finish ABC Characterization Exercise
SAT Preparation
SAT Practice Test 3, Section 7
SAT Review Session
Homework
Read Act 4 of The Crucible.
Write a brief response paper detailing the internal conflict vs. the external conflict of one of the characters.
The Crucible
Second Half of Act 3 on Video
Discussion of Act 3
Homework
TheCrucible Short Essay (SATstyle - 3 paragraphs)
Downloadessay prompt here.
The Crucible
Wrap up Act2 on Video
Act 2 Vocabuary and Discussion Questions
Begin reading Act 3
Homework
Finish reading Act 3. Write a brief response paper.
The Crucible
Acts 1 and 2 on Video
Journal anddiscussion: How did the film depiction compare to your expectations based on what we had read in class?
TheCrucible
Finish reading act 2
Complete act 2 discussion questions
Tonight's Homework
Work onany outstanding writing assignments
SAT Practice
Practice Test 2, section 6 (writing section)
Tonight's Homework
Final draft of To Kill a Mockingbird analytical essay
The Crucible
Act 2 Discussion
Act second half of Act 2
Tongiht's Homework
Rough draft of personal narrative
Act 1 Highlights and Discussion
Homework
Read the first half of act 2. Write a brief response.
Crucible Day One Lesson
Tonight's Homework
Finish reading act one. Write a brief response.
Hand backTo Kill A Mockingbird rough drafts
Finaldraft due Friday
To Kill A Mockingbird Revisions PowerPoint
The Crucible Introductory Notes
Journal and Discussion
Distribute Books
Tonight's Homework
Read the first half of act one (through page 22).
To Kill A Mockingbird Test
To Kill AMockingbird
Compare closing argument from To Kill A Mockingbird to closing argument from A Time To Kill
Wrap up discussion
Discussion on essay topics
Tonight's Homework
Rough draft of Mockingbird essay
Prepare for tomorrow's test
To Kill A Mockingbird
Distribute critical essay writing prompts
Student-led discussion
Tonight's Homework
Work on draft ofcritical essay.
To Kill A Mockingbird
Review Allusion Worksheet (or wait until tomorrow)
Circle Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Finish reading the book. Write down three things that you would like to talk about it discussion tomorrow.
To Kill A Mockingbird
In-Context Vocabulary - ch. 15-18
Share and discuss RAFT homework
Further Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Reading Assignment (ch. 18-24)
Allusion Worksheet(extra credit)
To Kill A Mockingbird
Distributesectionone vocabulary list
Journal and discussion: In America, is justice truly blind?
Individually complete anticipation guide, and then discuss in small groups
Read chapter one
Homework
Read chapters 1-5. As your read, write definitions forvocabulary words.
State of the Union SAT Vocabulary Exercise
State of the Union SATReading Comprehension
Examine and discuss State of the Union Wordle
How does Obama utilize rhetoric in his speech?
What are your thoughts on the state of the union address?
Homework:
Your choice: Muck-raking article or your own state of the union.
The Jungle
Reciprocal Teaching:
History of the FDA PowerPoint presentations
Tonight's Homework
Write a brief response to President Obama's State of the Union address. Focus on the president's use of rhetoric and evidence to support his assertions.
LapTop Carts - The Jungle
Submit short essays on The Jungle
Research history of FDA and prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation for tomorrow.
Download rubric for the assignment here.
Tonight's Homework
Finish PowerPointpresentation on the FDA. Prepare to teach the class about your topic for 8-10 minutes tomorrow. This constitutes a 50-point project grade for third quarter.
The Jungle
Ethics in JournalismDebate
Each group has 10 minutes to present and debate its issue.
Tonight's Homework
Short essay on The Jungle due tomorrow.
The Jungle
Distribute and review Jungleessay prompt.
Ethics in Journalism Group Activity
DownloadEthics in Journalism handout here.
(Class will be split into five groups. Each group will be split into two sides - one to argue for the ethicsof the action and one to argue against.)
Homework
Researchthe history of your ethical dilemma, and write a one page response articulating and defending your assigned point of view on the issue.
Due Wednesday, 1/27: short essay on The Jungle
SATPreparation - section 7 from SAT Practice Session 1
No homework. Quarterly exam period.
Second Quarter Exam
Quarterly Exam Review
Post Format on Board
Download Jeopardyreview game here.
Homework
Study for quarterly exam.
SAT Preparation - Section 8 of SATPractice Test 1
Homework
SAT Essay (due Wednesday) - prompt 1 from SAT Practice Test 1
The Jungle
Chapter 22 Discussion
The Jungle
Continue to share and discuss articles from Monday night'shomework
Ch. 7 and 8 Discussion Questions
The Jungle
Journal: TheParadox of the American Dream
Discussion on Opener
Share and Discuss HW (contemporary articles about the housing crisis and unions, and how these themes link to the novel)
Chapter 7Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Read Chapter 8
The Jungle
Distribute and complete ERCA College Planning Profile
Journal: Who ismost culpable for the current housing crisis in our country?
Discussion: Housing crisis and Ch. 6 ofThe Jungle
Tonight's Homework:
Read chapter 7 ofThe Jungle
Find an article about the housing crisis or unions and write abrief response, tying the article's issues to themes inThe Jungle.
The Jungle Vocabulary Quiz 1
SAT Practice Session (Test 1, Section 5) - 25 min.
Review answers
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 6 of The Jungle
Write a brief response about the difficulties Jurgis encounters regarding his housing.
Review vocabulary (The Jungle, 11-20)
Discuss chapter 5 of The Jungle
Tonight's Homework
Study for Vocabulary Quiz
Review vocabulary (The Jungle, 1-10)
Discuss chapter 4 of The Jungle
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 5 of The Jungle. Write a brief response paper.
Discuss chapters 2 and 3 of The Jungle
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 4 of The Jungle. Write a brief response paper.
Hand back massive amounts of corrected papers.
Review chapter 1 of The Jungle
Read and discuss chapter 2 of The Jungle
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 3 of The Jungle. Complete chapter 2 and 3 discussion questions.
SAT Quiz
Homework:Enjoyyour vacation!
The Jungle
Opener: Journal (How doimmigrants define theAmerican Dream today?)
Distribute and review Vocabulary List 1
Homework: Study for tomorrow's SAT quiz
The Jungle
Introduction to Muck-Raking Power Point
Since Sinclair's intended focus involved the rights of immigrants, this is where we will begin...
In small groups, brainstorm the following:
Distribute books and begin reading chapter 1.
Homework: Read chapters 1 and 2.
Share Sandburg-style poems
October 2009 PSAT Review (section 5)
Homework: Finish As I Lay Dying Essay
Share homework
Read and discuss selected Chicago poems
Discussion quesstions for Chicago poems
Homework: Select one or more of the poems you enjoyed reading. Write an original poem based on the style, theme, and structure of the poem.
Journal: Examine photos of industrial Chicago
Carl Sandbergbackground
Write your own version of "Chicago," modeled after Sandberg's piece (perhaps "Medford" or "Boston")
Homework: Finish your original poem.
Peer Edits: As I Lay Dying Essay
Review remainder of PSAT section3
Homework: Work onAs I Lay Dying Essay
Handling Quotations in Your Essay
Homework:Work on As I Lay Dying Essay
Review October 2009 PSAT, section 3 (Critical Reading)
Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay.
Outside Reading Group Presentations
Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay.
As I Lay Dying test
Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay.
No school - primary election day
As I Lay Dying Jeopardy Test Review
Distribute and review Bill O'Reilly's words of the week
Distribute As I Lay Dying quote review sheet.
Workshop As I Lay Dying essay ideas
Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay and study for As I Lay Dying test.
Review October 2009 PSAT, section 1 (Critical Reading)
Homework: Write an outline and introductory paragraph for your As I Lay Dying essay.
Read Harold Bloom's essay on As I Lay Dying (from How to Read and Why)
Discuss what Bloom does well in this piece, a model of literary criticism
Wrap up As I Lay Dying discussion
Distribute another sample of literary criticism, an essay on etymology in As I Lay Dying
Homework: Bring in PSAT materials and outside reading book. Write a thesis statement for your As I Lay Dying essay.
As I Lay Dying discussion (ch. 40-59)
As I Lay Dying discussion (ch. 46-52)
Introduce and discuss concept of CHIAMUS
Homework: Finish reading the book and answer analysis questions.
As I Lay Dying discussion (ch. 41-45)
Homework: read ch. 46-52 in the book and write a brief response paper.
Student Survey
Organize Binders
Reflection on first quarter writing portfolio
No homework! Enjoy the break!
As I Lay Dying
In-context vocabulary exercise 2
Reread and discuss Addie's monologue
Review discussion questions, chapters 40
Tonight's Homework
Identify yourbest3 pieces of writing from first quarter to be included in your writing portfolio tomorrow.
As I Lay Dying
Submit outstanding book reviews
Small group discussion: review ch.20-39 questions
Largegroup discussion
Tonight's Homework
Read chapters40-45.Answer discussion questions.
SAT Preparation
Complete and review section 2 from practice test 1 in The Official SAT Study Guide for the New SAT.
Tonight's Homework
Read up to chapter 40. Answer discussion questions (chapters 20-39).
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Complete one-page book review on outside reading book.
Some Sample Book Reviews
As I Lay Dying
First Quarter Grade Conferences
Small Groups: Cerebral vs. Physical Characters
Freud's Use of Sublimation
As I Lay Dying Discussion
Tonight's Homework
Read next 5 chapters in AILD. Write a brief response paper.
As I Lay Dying
In-Context Vocabulary Exercise 1
Small Group Preparation (Share HW)
Large Group Discussion: chapters 1-19
Tonight's Homework
Read the next 5 chapters of AILD. Write a brief response paper.
As I Lay Dying
Discuss chapters 7-12.
Begin reading chapter 13.
Tonight's Homework
Read up through chapter 19.
Answer discussion questions (ch. 1-19).
SAT Preparation
Review SAT essay rubric
Distribute and review anchor papers
Read and score student essays in small groups
Reading Groups: work on outside reading presentation
Tonight's Homework
Read AILD chapters 7-12.
Answer discussion questions (ch. 7-12).
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying discussion
Tonight's Homework
Take 25 minutes to respond to the essay prompt below.
SAT Essayto completeThursday night:
Think carefully about theissue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Some people believe that there is only one foolproof plan, perfect solution, or correct interpretation. Butnothing is ever that simple. For better or worse, for every so-called final answer there is another way of seeing things. There is always a "however."
Assignment:Is there always another explanation or another point of view? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
No School - Veterans' Day
As I Lay Dying
Begin reading book.
Discussion.
Tonight's Homework
Read up to chapter 6.
Answer discussion questions (ch. 1-6).
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying Introductory PowerPoint
Small Groups: Perspective Exercise
Tonight's Homework
Finish Gatsby essay.
SAT Preparation
Basics of the SAT essay
Debunking SAT myths and Practice Prompt
25-minute essay practice
Tonight's Homework
Work on Gatsby essay (due 11/10).
The Great Gatsby
Gatsby Quote Quiz
Writing Workshop: Gatsby Essays
Tonight's Homework
Work on Gatsby Essay (due Tuesday, 11/10)
The Great Gatsby
Day 2 of 2: Gatsby on Film
Tonight's Homework
Bring in a thesis/outline/rough draft of Gatsby essay.
Study for Gatsby quote quiz.
The Great Gatsby
Day 1 of 2: Gatsby on Film
Download guided viewing questions here.
No homework due Wednesday because ofquarterly exam period. Due 11/10: outside reading book review and Gatsby essay.
First Quarter Exam
No homework for the weekend, because of the quarterly exam period.
Due 11/10: Outside reading book review; Gatsby essay
Review Gatsby essay prompts
Wrap up Gatsbydiscussion
QuarterlyExam review(See link onthe homepage.)
Tonight's Homework
Prepare for Quarterly Exam
The Great Gatsby
Around the Horn Discussion Game
Tonight's Homework
Complete quarterly exam review sheet
The GreatGatsby
Begin reading chapter 9.
Tonight's Homework
Finish reading The Great Gatsby.
Write a brief response paper.
Work on Gatsby project for Thursday.
The Great Gatsby
ReviewGatsby vocabulary (chapters 1-7)
Journal: What does Gatsby really for Daisy? (Does he love her? Does he love the idea of her? Does he lust for her? Is he obsessed with her?)
Begin reading chapter 8
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 8. Write a brief responsepaper.
Literature Circles
Period 2: Meet in literature circles to discuss outside reading book.
Period 6: Spirit Assembly
Tonight's Homework (All Classes)
Read chapter 7 in Gatsby and write a brief response paper.
The Great Gatsby
The Last WordDicussion: Chapters 5 and 6
The GreatGatsby
Do Now Journal: Does Gatsby represent the American Dream?(What is the AmericanDream?)Why or why not?
Discussion: chapter5
Introduce "Last Word" discussion format.
Practice "Last Word" discussion format with these questions.
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 6. Write a brief response paper.
On tap for tomorrow...
"Last Word" Discussion
The Great Gatsby
Student-facilitated discussion (chapters 3 and 4)
Submit chapter 3 respones papers and rewrites
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 5. Write a brief response paper.
The Great Gatsby
Introduce Gatsby MySpace/Facebook Project
Introduce Gatsby vocabulary
Big PaperDiscussion
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 4. Write two original discussion questions.
Prepare a brief discussion on your assigned big paper question(s).
Final PSAT Practice
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby.
Write a brief response about your impressions of the character once we meet him. Particularly, how did he live up to your expectations?
The Great Gatsby
Discussion on chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby.
Tonight's Homework
Complete PSAT Practice Test, sections 1, 3, and 5.
The Great Gatsby
Review Chapter One Vocabulary
Discussion on Chapter One of The Great Gatsby
Historical Context
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:
Complete definitions for chapter two vocabulary in the vocabulary section of your notebook.
The Great Gatsby
Quote of the Day: "Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had."
F. Scott Fitzgerald's Biography
Read about Fitzgerald from The Secret Lives of Authors
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 chapter 1.
Tonight's Homework
Read chapter one of The Great Gatsby.
Write a one-page response paper to your reading that includes the following components:
Complete definitions for chapter one vocabulary in the vocabulary section of your notebook.
For Friday: Complete PSAT practice test. Correct your answers. Highlight items that you wish to review in class.
PSAT Preparation
How was the college fair?
Review PSAT Drill 4
Complete and review PSAT Drill 5
Literature Circles: Discuss your outside reading book and/or read and discuss "Why I Rejected Harvard"
Tonight's Homework
Complete Walden essay.
College Pride Day
Readings from How to Getinto College
Question and Answer Period with Mr.Ambrose
Tonight's Homework
Go to the College Fair.
Complete PSAT Drill 4 exercises.
Bring your outside reading book for tomorrow.
Transcendentalist Poets: Emerson
Read and discuss Ralph Waldo Emerson's biography
Quickwrite: Write down the associations you make with the word self-reliance: definitions, examples, and synonyms. How does self-reliance differ from selfishness or self-centeredness?
Read anddiscuss excerpt from Emerson's Self-Reliance
Discuss role of utopian communities in the 19th century
Critical Writing:SAT-style essay
Tonight's Homework
Finish one-page response to Emerson's quote.
Bring in questions about college for College Pride Day.
Work on Walden essay.
Transcendentalist Poets: Whitman
Read and Discuss "Communing with Thoreau at Walden Pond State Reservation" (Sunday, 10.2.09)
Read and Discuss short biography of Walt Whitman and background on Whitman's poems (Glencoe Literature Textbook)
Read and Discuss "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" and "I Hear America Singing"
Small Group Task: Write your own poem in the style of "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" (i.e. "When I Heard the Boring Science Teacher) or "I Hear America Singing" (i.e. "I Hear Medford Singing")
Tonight's Homework
Complete your group poem if you don't finish in class.
Work on Walden essay.
Quote of the Day: "Everyone should believe in something. I believe I'll go fishing."- Thoreau
Walden
PSATWeek 3Quiz (postponed from Friday, 10/2)
Distribute PSAT Drill 4 (due Friday,10/9)
Discuss"Higher Laws"(and submithomework)
Distribute/ReviewWalden essayassignment (due 10/12)
Read and discuss "Inspiration," a poem byThoreau
Tonight's Homework
Work onWaldenessay assignment
Coming attractions...
Tuesday: Emerson's poetry
Wednesday: Whitman's poetry
Thursday: College Pride Day
Friday: PSAT Practice
Monday:Submit Walden essay
PSAT Preparation
Student ID Photographs
Review PSAT packet (Practice Test 1, Section 5)
Tonight's Homework
E-mail me the final draft of your HDT/MLK essay by9PM tonight.
ReadHigher Laws from Walden. Write a brief response.
Walden
Review PSAT Vocabulary (Week 3)
5 SignsYou Might Be A Transcendentalist
Solitude Close Reading (Small Groups)
PeerEdits: HDT vs. MLK essay
Tonight's Homework
Work onHDT vs. MLK essay (Final draft due Friday, 9PM)
Study for Vocabulary Quiz
Complete PSAT Packet
Walden
Review PSATVocabulary (Week 3)
Do now: (Journal) Is there something intrinsically good about reading? If so, what is it?
Complete Discussion of Reading (see yesterday's discussion points)
Peer Edits:HDT vs. MLK essay
Tonight's Homework
Read Solitude. Write a one-page reflection paper.
For Friday: Study for vocabulary quiz. Work on Thoreau essay.
Walden
Complete and Review PSAT Vocabulary (Week 3)
Read around andactive reading:Reading
Discussion Points: Thoreau's Reading
Tonight's Homework
Finish reading "Reading" (chapter 3 from Walden)
Complete rough draft of Thoreau essay.
For Friday: Complete PSAT packet and study for vocabulary quiz. Final draft of essayis due.
Walden
Distribute and Review PSAT Vocabulary (Week 3)
Complete and discuss Personal Economy Handout
Discuss reflection on Economy and submit HW
Quote focus for chapters one and two
Tonight's Homework
No homework due tomorrow. (Yom Kippur)
For Wednesday: Rough draft of essay is due.
For Friday: Complete PSAT packet and study for vocabulary quiz. Final draft of essay is due.
Vocabulary Quiz (Week 2 "Hit Parade," 10 questions)
PSAT Practice Session3
Literature Circles
Homework
For Monday:
For Wednesday:
Review PSAT Vocabulary "Hit Parade" Week2
Walden
Thoreau PowerPoint and Free Write Activity
Five Things You Didn't Know About Thoreau
Discussion: "Where I Lived and What I Lived For"
Homework
For Friday:
For Monday:
For Wednesday:
Review PSAT Vocabulary "Hit Parade" Week2
Walden
Review Civil Disobedience Essay Assignment
Pair andShare:Workshop Thesis Statements
Homework
Read Where I Lived and What I Lived For
Write a one-page reflection articulating a response to Thoreau's views as well as expressing your own views.
Long Term
For Friday: Outside reading assignments; PSAT packet.
For Wednesday, 9/30: Thoreau essay.
Civil Disobedience
Students should select a partner for Socratic Seminar as they enter the room. They will use the Socratic SeminarParticipant Review sheet to evaluate their partner's performance during the seminar.
Review of Socratic SeminarFormat
Distribute and briefly reviewCivil Disobedience/Letter From Birmingham Jailessay assignment (due W 9.30.09)
Homework
Write a formalized thesis statementfor youressay assignment.
Civil Disobedience
Review PSAT Vocabulary Hit List, Week 2
3-2-1 Activity: "Civil Disobedience"
IntroduceSocratic Seminar Line of Questioning
Homework
Read andhighlight the remainder of "Civil Disobedience."
Prepare for tomorrow's seminar by writing 2 questions for each of the 4 categories ofSocratic questioning.
PSAT Preparation: Session 2
PSAT Vocabulary Quiz (15 minute time limit)
Passage-Based Critical Reading Strategies and Practice
Literature Circles
Homework:
Finish reading "Civil Disobedience."
Highlight/underline and take notes throughout the text.
Select 3 quotes that interest youand write a 1-2 paragraph reflection on each.
On Tap for NextWeek:
3-2-1 Activity for "Civil Disobedience"
"Disobedience" and "Letter" rhetorical analysis essay
Read and discuss excerpts from Walden
PSAT WritingStrategies and Practice
Review PSAT Vocabulary "Hit Parade"
MLK Project Presentations
Discussion: The Concept of "Civil Disobedience"
Journal and Discussion: "TheGovernment WhichGoverns Least"
Distribute and Begin Reading "Civil Disobedience"
For a full copy of today's lesson plan, click here.
Homework: Study for tomorrow's PSAT Vocabulary Quiz.
Bring in a copy of your outside reading book.
For Monday, read "Civil Disobedience" in its entirety. Print out a copy to highlight and bring to class. Identify 3 quotes in the text that you find interesting and write a one to two paragraph reflection on each.
Review PSATVocabulary "Hit Parade"
Rhetoric Review
Journal: How does MLK effectively employ rhetorical devices in "Letter from Birmingham Jail"? Identify particular examples in the text.
Discussion: MLK'sUse of Rhetoric
Review expectationsfor culminating projects
Homework:Complete one of the finalculminating projects for the "Letter from Birmingham Jail" unit. Final draft should be one to two pages in length.
No School - Teachers' Professional Day
Distribute PSAT Vocabulary "Hit List"(Week One)
Debrief Birmingham simulation activity
Discuss "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Listen to King read his letter here.
Meet with partners to decide what outisde reading book you will study this quarter.
Homework
Study first 20 vocabulary words from the PSAT "Hit List."
Begin work on one of the culminating projects for the unit. Your challenge is to use as many "Hit List" words as is reasonable.
Did we all sign up for SAT Question of the Day?
PSAT Preparation: Session 1, Sentence Completions
Independent Sentence Completion Practice
Distribute and Discuss Outside Reading List
Homework
Complete role play sheet from Thursday.
Read and highlight/annotate "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" Unit, Day Two
Role Play and Discussion
Laptop Cart is availble for use at this time.
Homework
Wrap up role play analysis questions to submit tomorrow.
Sign up for SAT Question of the Day at www.collegeboard.com.
Hand back summer reading essays.
Discuss scoring rubric for essays.
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" Unit, Day One
Homework
Read,highlight, and annotate "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
Prepare for tomorrow's role play by researching thephilosophies of your assigned role:
Summer Reading In-class Essay
Explore www.misterambrose.com
Share name history homework
Essentials for aGood School Year
Homework
Prepare forTuesday's summer reading in-class essay. The essay will be scored according to this rubric, based on the SAT essay rubric. This will be the general writing rubric used for all of our essays throughout the year.
Welcome back, everyone!
Review course syllabus.
Complete student survey.
Set goals for the year.
Gather parent contact information (e-mail).
Introduce name history assignment.
Tonight's Homework
Write a brief (one or two paragraph) history of your name. Focus on what your name means and why you were given the name that you were given.
PSAT Preparation (Strategies and Vocabulary)
"Letter from Birmingham Jail," Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Civil Disobedience," Henry David Thoreau
Excerpts from Walden, Henry David Thoreau
Transcendentalist Poets (Thoreau, Whitman, Emerson)
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner
As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner
"Chicago" poems, Carl Sandberg
The Jungle, Upton Sinclair
PSAT Review (October 2009 Test Administration)
SAT Preparation
Outside Reading Presentations
President Obama's State of the Union speech
To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
The Crucible, Arthur Miller
Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton
SAT Preparation
Hamlet, William Shakespeare
Hemingway Short Stories
Mister Ambrose
489 Winthrop St.
Medford, MA 02155
ph: 781.393.2345
dambrose