Thursday, June 17, 2010

Final Exam Review Jeopardy Game

Return Books

Organize Portfolios

Homework

Prepare for exams

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

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)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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)

Monday, June 14, 2010

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

Friday, June 11, 2010

Share Artifacts and ArtifactStories

ACT Preparation Lesson

• Post ACT tips on board and review
  • What is the format?
  • How is it similar to the MCAS?
  • Should I guess or not?
  • Tips for "finding the coins" in reading!
• 2009-2010 Practice Test Section 3

Tonight's Homework

Complete HamletCharacter Analysis.

Please return Hamlet book on Monday.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Distribute and review Hamlet short essay prompt.

(Due Monday, along with returning the text.)

Everyday Use, by Alice Walker

"Everyday Use" Discussion

• Review and submit discussion questions
• Who is right about the quilt? Maggie or Dee? Why?

Artifact Exchange

Tonight's Homework

Write up the "story" of your artifact. Remember-the artifactdoes not necesarily have to be THEENTIREstory.

Download my examplehere.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

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

DownloadDiscussion Questions

Tonight's Homework

Bring in a family "artifact" to share with the class tomorrow.

Finish reading the story and answer the discussion questions.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Girl,by Jamaica Kincaid

Download Mr. Ambrose's Lesson PlanHere.

Links for Songs:

Just a Girl

Canary

Download song lyrics here.

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."

Monday, June 7, 2010

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.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Hamlet Test

SAT Subject Test (Literature) Preparation

Review format of test and complete practice questions

Tonight's Homework

Finalize Hamlet video! Presentations on Monday!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

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).

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

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

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

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)!

Friday, May 28, 2010

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

• Mel Gibson Hamlet, chapter 22
  • 1:26-1:31, 4.1-4.3
• Mel Gibson Hamlet, chapter 24
  • 1:37-1:38
  • Does not show the encounter with Fortinbras, but shows Hamlet's ultimate fate

Discussion (could potentially have students journal on these topics and then discuss, or just post them on the board to run through discussion)

• To wrap up a bit from Wednesday: Why wasn't the ghost visible to Gertrude? Was it really there, or in Hamlet's head? Is the ghost only CHOOSING to appear to Hamlet?
• What do you make of Hamlet's actions after the death of Polonius? Is he still ACTING crazy, or is he, at this point, actually BECOMING crazy?
• What do you make of the death of Polonius? Is he just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or he is somewhat culpable?
• Do you think Hamlet feels remorse after killing Polonius? Would he have felt remorse earlier in the play, but not now?
• How do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's ultimate end serve to demonstrate how they are foils to Hamlet (and particularly to his intellect)?

More video clippage: Ophelia's Mad Scene

• Contrast two versions
• Helena Bonham Carter:chapter 23 on video
• Kate Winslet:
  • part 1(5 min.)
  • part 2(5 min.)

Discussion:

• Is this madness real or feigned?
• Is Ophelia able to retain any awareness in her madness, as Hamlet is?
• Do you blame Hamlet for this?

Distribute, review, and discussHamlet project rubric.

PLEASE BE SURE TO SUBMIT ACT 4 LOGS!

Tonight's Homework

Read 5.1. Write in your logs.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

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.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Hamlet: Folger Lesson 15 and 16

Prepare physicalized speech presentations (15 minutes)

Physicalized speech presentations (10 minutes)

• Download physicalized speech presentations here

Preview 3.4: Discuss plot and characterization

View video clippage of 3.4

• Gibson version on DVD (chapters 19 and 21)
  • about 10 minutes long
• Tenant version on Youtube
  • about 10 minutes long

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.

Tuesday, May 25,2010

Hamlet: Folger Lesson 14

Wrap up student productions of The Mousetrapfrom yesterday's scene.

Watch two versions of "The Mousetrap" scene and compare

• Mel Gibson as Hamlet, Alan Bates as Claudius
  • on DVD, chapters 16-17 (approx. 10 min.)
• David Tennant as Hamlet, Patrick Stewart as Claudius
  • Link to part 1(approx. 10 min.)
  • Link to part 2(approx. 9 min.)

Comparison

• Discuss the two scenes. Which did you like better? Why? How did they compare to our interpretation?

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".)

Monday, May 24, 2010

Hamlet: FolgerLesson 13

Questions about scenes covered during my absence:

• The Play's the Thing
• To Be or Notto Be
• Hamlet and Ophelia

Students divide into four groups and prepare the Mousetrap scene in relay.

1. Before the play
2. The Dumb Show
3. The Mousetrap
4. Claudius's Reaction

Submit Act 2 logs if you have not already

Homework

Read 3.3 and 3.4 and respond in your logs.

Friday, May 21, 2010

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:

• Hamlet knows from the beginning of the scene that Polonius and Claudius are watching him.
• Hamlet does not know until later in the scene that he is being watched.
• Hamlet never knows he is being watched.

Submit this work to the substitute.

Tonight's Homework

Read Act 3.2. Write in your logs.

Thursday, May 20,2010

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.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

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.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Hamlet: Folger Lessons 8 and 9

HamletAttacks Polonius (Perform 2.2.187-237)

Hamlet Attacks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (240-338)

Exploring Language

• double entrendre
• puns
• other rhetoric (metaphor, simile, alliteration, anastrophe or reversals, parallel construction, etc.)
• allusion to Hecuba

Close reading of Hamlet's O What a Rogue soliloquy

• Download the handout here.

Tonight's Homework

Be sure yourAct 2 logs are in order.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Hamlet: Folger Lesson 7

Do Now: Determining Polonius's Values

• Download handout here.

Playing the Newly Mad Hamlet

• Students should get into groups to plan how to act out the scene with the newly mad Hamlet.
• Perform and discuss

Discussion

• What is Hamlet up to in this scene?
• Why is he treating Ophelia this way?
• Why Ophelia, of all people?
• Does Hamlet love Ophelia?
• If not, how does he show this?
• If yes, what possible reasons could he have for putting on this show for her?

Tonight's Homework

Read 2.2. Write in your logs.

Friday, May 14, 2010

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.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Hamlet: Folger Lesson 6

Be sure to submit outstanding assignments (1.3 bullet point summary, Hemingway essay)

Review 1.3 (Family dynamics)

• Similarities to Hamlet's family?
• Differences?
• Polonius's "advice"

Performing the ghost scene

• Select students to present 1.5.1-98 anddiscuss

Unfolding the tale

• List on the board information revealed by the Ghost and discuss its significance

Whither wilt thou lead me?

• Read around 1.5.99-212.
• Discuss Hamlet's language after he sees the ghost and during his conversation with Horatio and Marcellus
• "Antic disposition"
  • What is it?
  • What is Hamlet's plan?
  • Why?

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.)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

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.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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

• One student reads aloud
• Use of royal "we"
• Antithesis (i.e. "with mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage")
• Choice of words
• Order of ideas he presents (mourning for King Hamlet, justification formarrying Gertrude, dealing with Norway's impending invasion, response toLaertes's petition, addressing Prince Hamlet)

Underlying Thoughts of Hamlet andClaudius

Analysisof Hamlet's1st Soliloquy (Download handout)

Tonight's Homework

Read Hamlet 1.3. Respond in your logs.

Monday, May 10,2010

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.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Wrap up college presentations

Read and discuss Hemingway's "A Way You'll Never Be"

Homework

Finish up outstanding work.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Hemingway: Wrestling with Life DVD

Homework

Work on Hemingway essay(rough draft due Friday)

Some links for Hemingway essayresearch:

Ernest Hemingway Online Resources

Ernest Hemingway Criticism

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Hemingway: Wrestling with Life DVD

Homework

Work on Hemingway essay (rough draft dueFriday)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Distibute Hemingway Essay Assignment

College Presentations

Homework

Hemingway Essay Assignment Rough Draft due Friday

Monday, May 3, 2010

Distribute and Review May Calendar

College Presentations

Friday, April 30, 2010

College Presentations

Submit Ethan Frome Final Draft

Presentations

Homework

Good luck on teh SAT!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Sub Assignment: Grammar Parts of Speech Exercise

Homework

Finish Ethan Frome Essay Final Draft

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Ilove college!

College Presentations

Dee Cedrone's College Seminar

Tonight's Homework

Work on Ethan Frome essay final draft (due Friday)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

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)

Monday, April 26, 2010

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)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

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)

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Mirrors and Windows

Ethan Frome Final Discussion

Donwload handout, featuring final discussion questions as well as Mirrors and Windows activity here.

Monday, April 5,2010

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.

Thursday,April 1, 2010

Third Quarter Exam

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Ethan Frome chapters 7 and 8

Donwload quarterly exam review here!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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.

Monday, March 29, 2010

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?

Friday, March 26, 2010

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:

• How are Zeena and Mattie contrasted (physically, psychologically, etc.)?
• How are Ethan's internal conflicts intensified?

Additionally, work on Henry David Throreau Essay Contest entry. Final draftneeds to be uploaded by Wednesday, March 31 at 11:59 PM.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

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:

• An outfit the character would dress in
• A book the character might read (or a film or TV program preference)
• Music the character might listen to
• A visual representation of what the character might look like

Please write a brief explanation to explain your choices.

Wednesday, March 22, 2010

Study

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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:

1. Since we know from the prologue that the novel involves a tragedy, what foreshadowing devices has the author used? How is the settingitself an example of foreshadowing?
2. How does Ethan reveal that he feels ambivalent?
3. What foreshadowing is used in this chapter?
4. How is Ethan'sconflict between his feelings for Mattie and those for Zeena voiced?
5. Why is themissing door key significant?
6. How are Mattie and Zeena contrasted, physically?

Monday, March 22, 2010

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:

1. What does the name Starkfield suggest about the setting?
2. What is the stereotype of an engineer? How is the narrator/engineer therefore atypical? Can the reader therefore trust what he tells us? Why did Wharton have the narrator say that he "...began to piece together this vision" (rather than "version") of Frome's story?
3. What is significant about the missing "L"-structure on the farm?
4. What places do Herman Gow and Mrs. Ned Hale occupy in the story?

Friday, March 19, 2010

Library Research for Crucible Witch Hunt Essay

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Library Research for Crucible Witch HuntEssay

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Crucible Test

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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

Monday, March 15, 2010

Rainy Day

Peer Edits of Personal Narratives

Apples to Apples

Friday, March 12,2010

SATPreparation

Pratice SAT 3, Sections 9 and 10

Thursday, March 11, 2010

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Crucible

The Crucible netTrekkerLesson - Day 2

Homework

Be prepared to present your mini-project tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Crucible

The Crucible netTrekker Lesson - Day 1

Homework

Work on mini-project. Be sure to use resources available at www.nettrekker.com.

Monday, March 8, 2010

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

Friday, March 5, 2010

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.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Crucible

Second Half of Act 3 on Video

Discussion of Act 3

Homework

TheCrucible Short Essay (SATstyle - 3 paragraphs)

Downloadessay prompt here.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

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.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

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?

Monday,March 1, 2010

TheCrucible

Finish reading act 2

Complete act 2 discussion questions

Tonight's Homework

Work onany outstanding writing assignments

Friday, February 26, 2010

SAT Practice

Practice Test 2, section 6 (writing section)

Tonight's Homework

Final draft of To Kill a Mockingbird analytical essay

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Crucible

Act 2 Discussion

• DownloadVocabulary and Dicussion Sheet here.

Act second half of Act 2

Tongiht's Homework

Rough draft of personal narrative

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Act 1 Highlights and Discussion

Homework

Read the first half of act 2. Write a brief response.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Crucible Day One Lesson

Tonight's Homework

Finish reading act one. Write a brief response.

Monday, February 22, 2010

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).

Friday, February 12, 2010

To Kill A Mockingbird Test

Thursday, February 11, 2010

To Kill AMockingbird

Compare closing argument from To Kill A Mockingbird to closing argument from A Time To Kill

• Link to video of To Kill A Mockingbird
• Download handout with Mockingbird argument
• Link to video of A Time To Kill
• Download handout with A Time To Killargument

Wrap up discussion

Discussion on essay topics

Tonight's Homework

Rough draft of Mockingbird essay

Prepare for tomorrow's test

Wednesday, February10, 2010

To Kill A Mockingbird

Vocabulary - ch. 25-31

Distribute critical essay writing prompts

Student-led discussion

Tonight's Homework

Work on draft ofcritical essay.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

To Kill A Mockingbird

Vocabulary - ch. 18-24

Review Allusion Worksheet (or wait until tomorrow)

Circle Discussion

• Download discussion notes, featuring quotes to focus on from last night's reading, here.

Tonight's Homework

Finish reading the book. Write down three things that you would like to talk about it discussion tomorrow.

Monday, February 8, 2010

To Kill A Mockingbird

In-Context Vocabulary - ch. 15-18

Share and discuss RAFT homework

Around the Horn Discussion

Further Discussion

Tonight's Homework

Reading Assignment (ch. 18-24)

Allusion Worksheet(extra credit)

Monday, February 1, 2010

To Kill A Mockingbird

Distributesectionone vocabulary list

Journal and discussion: In America, is justice truly blind?

Introduction

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.

Friday, January 29, 2010

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?

• Discussion
• Submit homework

What are your thoughts on the state of the union address?

Homework:

Your choice: Muck-raking article or your own state of the union.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Jungle

Reciprocal Teaching:

History of the FDA PowerPoint presentations

• Student presentations.
• Each group has 8-10 minutes to teach the class on their topic.

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.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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.

Monday, January 25, 2010

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

Friday, January 22, 2010

SATPreparation - section 7 from SAT Practice Session 1

No homework. Quarterly exam period.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Second Quarter Exam

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Quarterly Exam Review

Post Format on Board

Download Jeopardyreview game here.

Homework

Study for quarterly exam.

Friday, January 15, 2010

SAT Preparation - Section 8 of SATPractice Test 1

Homework

SAT Essay (due Wednesday) - prompt 1 from SAT Practice Test 1

Thursday, January14, 2010

The Jungle

Chapter 22 Discussion

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Jungle

Continue to share and discuss articles from Monday night'shomework

Ch. 7 and 8 Discussion Questions

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Jungle

Journal: TheParadox of the American Dream

• How does capitalism make the American Dream possible but also paradoxically destroy the dream for Jurgis? Is this paradox still truetoday?

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

Monday, January 11, 2010

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.

Friday, January 8, 2010

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.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Review vocabulary (The Jungle, 11-20)

Discuss chapter 5 of The Jungle

Tonight's Homework

Study for Vocabulary Quiz

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

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.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Discuss chapters 2 and 3 of The Jungle

Tonight's Homework

Read chapter 4 of The Jungle. Write a brief response paper.

Monday, January 4, 2010

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.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

SAT Quiz

"It's Not Easy Being Santa"

Homework:Enjoyyour vacation!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Jungle

Opener: Journal (How doimmigrants define theAmerican Dream today?)

Chapter 1 and 2 Discussion

Distribute and review Vocabulary List 1

Homework: Study for tomorrow's SAT quiz

Monday, December 21, 2009

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:

• 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?

Distribute books and begin reading chapter 1.

Homework: Read chapters 1 and 2.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Share Sandburg-style poems

October 2009 PSAT Review (section 5)

Homework: Finish As I Lay Dying Essay

Thursday, December 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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

Homework: Finish your original poem.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Creating a Works Cited Page

Peer Edits: As I Lay Dying Essay

Review remainder of PSAT section3

Homework: Work onAs I Lay Dying Essay

Monday, December 14, 2009

Elements of Style

Peer Edits: Focus Tasks

Handling Quotations in Your Essay

Homework:Work on As I Lay Dying Essay

Friday, December 11, 2009

Review October 2009 PSAT, section 3 (Critical Reading)

Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Outside Reading Group Presentations

Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

As I Lay Dying test

Homework: Work on As I Lay Dying essay.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

No school - primary election day

Monday, December 7, 2009

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.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Review October 2009 PSAT, section 1 (Critical Reading)

Homework: Write an outline and introductory paragraph for your As I Lay Dying essay.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

As I Lay Dying discussion (ch. 40-59)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

As I Lay Dying discussion (ch. 46-52)

Introduce and discuss concept of CHIAMUS

Homework: Finish reading the book and answer analysis questions.

Monday, November 30, 2009

As I Lay Dying discussion (ch. 41-45)

Homework: read ch. 46-52 in the book and write a brief response paper.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Student Survey

Organize Binders

Reflection on first quarter writing portfolio

No homework! Enjoy the break!

Tuesday, November24, 2009

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.

Monday, November23, 2009

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.

Friday, November 20, 2009

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).

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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

www.allreaders.com

www.nytimes.com/pages/books

www.reviewsofbooks.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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.

Monday, November 16, 2009

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).

Friday, November 13, 2009

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).

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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.

Wednesday,November 11, 2009

No School - Veterans' Day

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

As I Lay Dying

Begin reading book.

Discussion.

Tonight's Homework

Read up to chapter 6.

Answer discussion questions (ch. 1-6).

Monday, November 9, 2009

As I Lay Dying

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.

Tonight's Homework

Finish Gatsby essay.

Friday, November 6, 2009

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).

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Great Gatsby

Gatsby Quote Quiz

Writing Workshop: Gatsby Essays

Tonight's Homework

Work on Gatsby Essay (due Tuesday, 11/10)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

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.

Monday, November 2, 2009

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.

Friday, October 30, 2009

First Quarter Exam

No homework for the weekend, because of the quarterly exam period.

Due 11/10: Outside reading book review; Gatsby essay

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Review Gatsby essay prompts

Wrap up Gatsbydiscussion

QuarterlyExam review(See link onthe homepage.)

Tonight's Homework

Prepare for Quarterly Exam

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Great Gatsby

Around the Horn Discussion Game

Tonight's Homework

Complete quarterly exam review sheet

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The GreatGatsby

Chapter 8 Discussion

Begin reading chapter 9.

Tonight's Homework

Finish reading The Great Gatsby.

Write a brief response paper.

Work on Gatsby project for Thursday.

Monday, October 26, 2009

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?)

Chapter 7 Discussion

Begin reading chapter 8

Tonight's Homework

Read chapter 8. Write a brief responsepaper.

Friday, October 23, 2009

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.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Great Gatsby

The Last WordDicussion: Chapters 5 and 6

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The GreatGatsby

Do Now Journal: Does Gatsby represent the American Dream?(What is the AmericanDream?)Why or why not?

Discussion: chapter5

• Click here to download chapter5 discussion questions.

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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.

Monday, October 19, 2009

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).

Friday, October 16, 2009

Final PSAT Practice

• General Strategies
• Review PSAT Practice Test
• Additional 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?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

The Great Gatsby

Discussion on chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby.

Tonight's Homework

Complete PSAT Practice Test, sections 1, 3, and 5.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Great Gatsby

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, October 13, 2009

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:

• 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.

For Friday: Complete PSAT practice test. Correct your answers. Highlight items that you wish to review in class.

Friday, October 9, 2009

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.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

College Pride Day

Readings from How to Getinto College

• College Checklist for Junior Year
• NoMore "Safety" Schools
• Why I Rejected Harvard

UMass Amherst Presentation

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.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Transcendentalist Poets: Emerson

Read and discuss Ralph Waldo Emerson's biography

• pp. 216-217 in Elements of Literature text

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

• p. 225in Elements of Literature text
• Discuss "First Thoughts," "Shaping Interpretations," and "Connecting with the Text" on p. 228

Discuss role of utopian communities in the 19th century

• p. 226 in Elementsof Literature text

Critical Writing:SAT-style essay

• p. 229 in Elements of Literature text
• Writea one-page response to one of the following statements from Emerson:
  • "Envy is ignorance."
  • "Trust thyself: Every heart vibrates to that iron string."
  • "To be great is to be misunderstood."
  • "A foolish consisitency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
• Be sure tostate whether you agree or disagree.
• Support your assertions with examples from personal experience, history, literature, etc.

Tonight's Homework

Finish one-page response to Emerson's quote.

Bring in questions about college for College Pride Day.

Work on Walden essay.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

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.

Monday, October 5, 2009

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

Friday, October 2, 2009

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.

Thursday,October 1, 2009

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

Wednesday, September30, 2009

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.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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.

Monday, September 28, 2009

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.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Vocabulary Quiz (Week 2 "Hit Parade," 10 questions)

PSAT Practice Session3

Literature Circles

Homework

For Monday:

• Read "Economy" from Walden
• Write a one-page reflection

For Wednesday:

• "Civil Disobedience" Essay due

Thursday, September 24, 2009

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:

• Complete PSAT Passage-Based Reading Packet
• Weekly Outside Reading Assignment

For Monday:

• Read "Economy" from Walden
• Write a one-page reflection

For Wednesday:

• "Civil Disobedience" Essay due

Wednesday, September23, 2009

Review PSAT Vocabulary "Hit Parade" Week2

Walden

Review Civil Disobedience Essay Assignment

Pair andShare:Workshop Thesis Statements

Survey and Discussion

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.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

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

• OverarchingFocus: How did Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" influence MLK's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"? Are theseideas stillrelevant today?
• Concentric Circle Model
• Hot Seat
• Flow of Questioning

Distribute and briefly reviewCivil Disobedience/Letter From Birmingham Jailessay assignment (due W 9.30.09)

Homework

Write a formalized thesis statementfor youressay assignment.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Civil Disobedience

Review PSAT Vocabulary Hit List, Week 2

3-2-1 Activity: "Civil Disobedience"

• In your journal (and using your homework as a reference), complete the 3-2-1 activity:
  • 3things you found interesting in the reading
  • 2 thingsyour learned from the reading
  • 1question you have about the reading
• Pair and Share responses
• LargeGroupcircle discussion on these topics

  IntroduceSocratic Seminar Line of Questioning

  Homework

  Read andhighlight the remainder of "Civil Disobedience."

  • Link for Part 2
  • Link for Part 3

  Prepare for tomorrow's seminar by writing 2 questions for each of the 4 categories ofSocratic questioning.

  Friday, September 18, 2009

  PSAT Preparation: Session 2

  PSAT Vocabulary Quiz (15 minute time limit)

  Passage-Based Critical Reading Strategies and Practice

  Literature Circles

  • Goal: Define a reading schedule for your literature circle group totake you through the close of the first quarter.

  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

  Thursday, September 17, 2009

  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.

  Wednesday, September 16, 2009

  Review PSATVocabulary "Hit Parade"

  • Week 1, "What's up Teach" and "When the Going Gets Tough"

  Rhetoric Review

  • pathos: emotional appeal
  • ethos: appeal to authority
  • logos: appeal to logic
  • opposition's arguments

  Journal: How does MLK effectively employ rhetorical devices in "Letter from Birmingham Jail"? Identify particular examples in the text.

  Discussion: MLK'sUse of Rhetoric

  • Usecolor-coded version of "Letter from Birgmingham Jail" to reinforce 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.

  Tuesday, September 15, 2009

  No School - Teachers' Professional Day

  Monday, September 14, 2009

  Distribute PSAT Vocabulary "Hit List"(Week One)

  • Review first 10 words
  • We will have a quiz on Friday, 9.18.09

  Debrief Birmingham simulation activity

  • Discussion
  • Read Press Releases
  • Submit homework

  Discuss "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

  • Use analysis questions found here.

  Listen to King read his letter here.

  • Pause speech as necessary to allow for discussion.

  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.

  Friday, September 11, 2009

  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."

  Thursday, September 10, 2009

  "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.

  Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  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:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Ralph Abernathy
  • Wyatt Walker
  • Fred Shuttlesworth

  Tuesday, September8, 2009

  Summer Reading In-class Essay

  Downloadessay rubric here.

  Thursday, September 3, 2009

  Explore www.misterambrose.com

  Share name history homework

  Icebreakers

  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.

  Wednesday, September 2, 2009

  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.

First Quarter

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

Second Quarter

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

Third Quarter

President Obama's State of the Union speech

To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee

The Crucible, Arthur Miller

Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton

SAT Preparation

Fourth Quarter

Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Hemingway Short Stories